Home Security On A Shoestring

Perhaps the most effective way to deter burglars is by installing an alarm system, but if you cannot afford to do so, there are a number of less expensive steps that you can take to improve the security of your home.

Don’t allow burglars any hiding places on your property. Make sure that any hedges, bushes, shrubberies or trees that are near windows and doors are kept trimmed, so that the potential burglar, upon seeing the lack of places to hide, is less likely to choose your property as the scene of their next crime.

By installing deadbolts, you can give your doors the best possible protection against breaking and entering. If you have deadbolts, burglars will literally have to smash in your doors or windows to gain access to your property, both of which noisy occurrences are likely to attract the attention of your neighbours.

Motion detectors, which turn on your driveway lights whenever anyone goes past your home in the dark, can be a highly effective deterrent to burglars and badly behaved children alike, and hint at the presence of a more expensive alarm system.

Few burglars will risk trying to gain access to a property that has a guard dog, but actually owning a dog can be a very expensive business, what with all the vet bills and expensive tins of jellied meat that a dog owner has to pay out for nowadays. If you cannot afford to keep a dog, or do not want the hassle, simply faking the presence of a four legged friend can be an effective deterrent to burglars. Leave some obvious canine accoutrements, such as a dog bowl, collar, or leash outside the front of your house, and most burglars will move along.

If you are a woman living alone, then it might be a good idea to try to give the impression that a big, burly man also lives there. Leave a massive pair of work boots and gloves out on your front doorstep, and it might make burglars think twice about trying your front door.

Timer switches can be bought very cheaply, and can really help to create the impression that a property is occupied when it is not. Get a few, and make sure that at least one light on each side of the house is on during the evening. Setting one up to turn on a radio for spells while you are out can also be a highly effective deterrent.

Do not forget to lock all of your doors and windows when you leave the house, as this is the most effective way of all to deter burglars. Most burglars do not want to run the risk of smashing windows and alerting the neighbours, and will jump at the chance of nipping into an unlocked door while someone is out at the shops. They may be keeping an eye on the whole street, waiting for somebody to leave their home unlocked for just a minute.

By: Foster Carr

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