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Deterring burglars the cheap way

Posted May 20 2008, 02:18 PM by Karen Datko
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A rash of break-ins at Andy's apartment complex prompted him to think about improving security. He found that the cost of a monitored security system would run about $1,200 for the year, including $500 for installation. Yikes.

He came up with some low- and no-cost alternatives and lists them in a post at Saving to Invest. For instance, what would it cost you to turn down your phone ringer before you leave home?

Some of these are obvious: patio-door bars (about $20), deadbolts (about $15 and up), motion-sensor lights ($75 to $100). A timer on an indoor lamp can make it look like you're home when you're not.

Here's a bright idea: Don't leave tools and ladders outside. "This just helps burglars by giving them the means and incentive to get into your house," Andy writes. He now puts his away. "Cost = $0."

Install window locks, and close and lock windows when you're not home. If you're getting a new apartment, make sure the landlord changes the locks at his cost before you move in. Who knows who has a key.

Mix up your routine, and go home for lunch if possible. Stop mail and newspaper delivery if you're leaving on vacation. If you live in a condo, tip a trusted groundskeeper to keep an eye on your place.

Among his other tips: Keep your homeowners insurance up-to-date, and photograph any new purchases for your inventory.

Reader Bitsy offered a few interesting ideas: window alarms, fake security or "beware of dog" signs, and a dog doorbell that sounds like a bark.

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Comments

 

Thanks alot for picking up this post and providing your comments!

Andy (Posted 05.20.08 2:46 PM)

Simple ideas, but they help.  Most car theft could be prevented if people would lock the car and take their keys with them.

Sting (Posted 05.20.08 9:52 PM)

Good ideas.  But rather than stopping mail and newspaper delivery while you're out of town (I've heard of postal and newspaper employees using this info to rob people that they know will be out of town), have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail and paper.

Brenna (Posted 05.21.08 9:00 AM)

A friend of mine was burglarized while on vacation last year. He then decided to leave his news papers and other signs of no one being home around his home. Two days later he caught three young teens breaking into his home. They later stated that they had been burglarizing the locals since they were 10 years old. Why did the local police not advise use of this problem in our area?

Bill Hill (Posted 05.21.08 6:23 PM)

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