Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some inexpensive, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries & invasions. (15)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Reinforce the strike plate. The strike plate is the metal plate in the door jamb into which the bolt slides. Strike plates, typically held in place by two half-inch wood screws, pull easily from the jamb, especially in older homes. Replace yours with a heavy-duty brass strike plate ($3 and up) that accepts up to six screws. Use 3-inch screws that screw into the door frame. “Now you can kick on the door and your foot will fall off before it gives in,” Sgt. Ryan says. Reinforce all doors leading outside, including the door between the garage and house; 
Get a better door. Replace your hollow-core door (easily kicked in) with a solid wood (around $300 on up) or metal-clad (starting at around $35) door.  A new steel door (roughly $1,172) brought a return of $1,470, on average — a 129% return on the investment, according to Remodeling Magazine cost vs. Value report.