Bought My First Home...Seeking Some Security Ideas

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: Chuck1986
I recently bought my first home and I've fallen in love with it exponentially more than I did with my first car. Pretty crazy huh? It's in a very nice neighborhood but there are still occasional break-ins cuz thieves know this is an affluent community with lots of valuables in the homes. I'd appreciate some ideas on how to keep out unwanted guests. Here are all the portals of entry:
1 entry door (with an extra security door in front of it, as pictured here)
2 sliding glass doors
4 sliding glass windows

Here's what I already have in my security arsenal:
Ruger LC9 - most important feature haha
Wooden dowels on sliding door/window tracks to keep them from opening
Brinks security decals - I don't actually have the alarm system but I figure this is a nice deterrent
Locks on every door/window, with a deadbolt on entry door
Extra barrel bolt lock on entry door - only problem with this is it can't be locked from outside

Here's what I don't want to get:
Guard dog - as much as I want a pitbull the home owner's association outlaws them.
Security system - costs too much $ each month and it doesn't actually prevent entry.

Any advice appreciated! I'm sure some people here have experience with home break-ins, it would be great to hear your tips. It's better to be proactive now rather than later.


Don't have many valuable at home. Keep jewelry and important documents in a safe deposit box at your local bank.

 

[volvos_rock]

Most of the burglaries that occur in my jurisdiction are smashed/unlocked windows/doors. I suggest motion lights on all sides/corners of home, good quality locks and deadbolts, dont leave ladders around, window bars on basement windows and above all else a good quality security system, from a company with good reviews and response time, prefferably local to your area (think not ADT, etc). A dog unless overtly vicious and visible from the outside is useless. Guns are great, if your there. Knowing what I know I would NOT leave my home unattended/my wife and children home w/out me, without a monitored security system. Think $1000.00 for basuc install, doors/windows/glass break where applicable. Monitoring should be around $25 a month.

 

[MonumentOiler]

Replace all the screws in your lock strike plates with deep screws (3") that reach the studs. A lot of door locks are installed with pitiful 1/2" screws that only reach into the trim.

Something like this is the best.

STRIKEMASTER II PRO : Guaranteed to Stop Door Kick-Ins

For your rear sliders the dowel is OK. A square/rectangular piece cut to fit snugly in the track is much better. Drill a hole in the top and pin the top together as well.

Pin Lock Set for Sliding Doors and Windows

Will work on all your sliding windows too. Securing them top and bottom keeps them from rocking them or getting a bar inside the frame.

Get in the habit of locking the door between the garage and house. Secure it like an exterior door.

An active interactive dog like a border Collie makes a great dog with the added bonus of being unlikely to kill you or a family member. They may not eat the intruder but they will alert you and the neighbors to anyone in the area.

 

[morris]

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