Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (24)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Have a telephone extension in your bedroom or your cell phone by your bed. This will allow you to quickly and quietly dial Police to report suspicious activities, ie. Prowlers, unusual behavior etc or for any life-threatening emergency.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (23)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Many people spend thousands of dollars buying, leasing and installing electronic alarms, and then they sign contracts requiring them to shell out thousands more to a company that monitors the alarm. Don’t, Sgt. Dan says. He says the most effective part of these systems is the warning sticker on your window or the sign in your yard. Otherwise, except for elderly residents and second homes with absent owners, there’s no need for expensive monitoring. A 30-second alarm blast should scare away intruders. Also, newer alarms can be programmed to do what monitoring companies do first anyway: phone you (or text you) when the alarm has been tripped.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (22)

Michael Petruccelli says; Alarms: What alarm is best? The one that makes the worst, most god-awful noise, Ryan says. (Renters can buy portable wireless alarm systems to take along when they move.)

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (21)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Eliminate hiding spots: Trim the trees and shrubs. A pruned and maintained landscape robs intruders of hiding places. It also signals to outsiders that your home is cared for and probably more secure. Put sensor-triggered lights all around the perimeter of your home.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (20)

Michael Petruccelli says; Erect a fence. Even a 3-foot fence helps create a psychological boundary that helps in deterring intruders, says Sgt. Dan.  “It says, ‘This is my house, my property.’ People are going to be reluctant to step over that fence.” Higher fences may be appropriate in high-threat neighborhoods. Before building a fence, check with your city or county planning office. Most require a permit and many restrict the height and even building materials.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (19)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Outdoor lights. Replacing porch lights and other outdoor lights with motion-sensor lights is cheap ($50 and up) and easy. “They don’t know for sure if you’re home or (if it’s) a sensor light,” Sgt.Dan says. “Burglars are all about taking the easiest path of resistance,” so most will flee. Program it to turn off in 30 seconds. Put sensor-triggered lights all around the perimeter of your home.