Creative DIY Home Security Tips

Creative DIY Home Security Tips

Hard economic times have left many Americans unable to make ends meet. More unemployed or underemployed people are resorting to crime to provide for themselves and their families. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, there were 2.2 million burglaries committed in 2011 – that’s roughly one every 15 seconds.

While the rough economic climate is out of your control, the protection of your home is not. Obviously, your first priority should be to invest in a professionally monitored home security system. Many residential security companies, such as ADT, offer reasonably priced comprehensive protection packages. Check out http://www.wirelessalarmsystems.com/ if you’re looking for more information.

But even if you don’t have the wiggle room in your budget to invest in a high-tech alarm system, you can still bolster you home security in other creative, less expensive ways. In fact, the appearance of home security is oftentimes enough to deter theft. After all, perception is reality, isn’t it?

Creating the illusion of home security

Remember, burglars generally don’t target homes at random. Instead, they tend to choose the ones they perceive to be easy to break in, take what they want and bolt out of there without being noticed or causing a ruckus. If you make it look like your home is protected by high-tech security equipment – even if it’s not – you will make intruders think twice about breaking in. Listed below are some tips and tricks to help you do just that:

• Install dummy surveillance cameras around your home. These imitation devices, which look shockingly close to the real thing, can be purchased for as little as $5 in some online marketplaces.
• Strategically place security yard signs and window stickers around your home.
• If you don’t already have a guard dog, you can fake that too. Post a “Beware of Dog” sign(s) in visible locations or invest in an electronic watchdog alarm.

Burglars also target homes that appear to be empty. After all, a disgruntled homeowner is the last thing they would want to encounter during a break in. For that reason, it’s helpful to make your home appear occupied at all times. Consider the following:

• Purchase an electronic light timer. These little gizmos randomly turn electronic appliances on and off to make it look like someone is always home. You can find them for around $20-$30 in most online stores.
• Invest in the FakeTV, manufactured by the Hydreon Corporation. It simulates the scene changes, color changes and on-screen motion of a real television. Additionally, the FakeTV features a timer and a built-in light sensor, which switches it on at nighttime and off during the day.
• Maintain your yard. Nothing screams “out of town!” like an unkempt front lawn. Additionally, you should keep your property well lit and trim any hedges or trees that a burglar could use as cover.