The Best Creative Security Systems for a House

Protecting one's home is incredibly important. From the possessions to the people that we leave there, it is necessary to ensure the safety of one's dwelling. The home security industry is huge around the world, including everything from locks and keys to Brinks and ADT security systems. We all realize the necessity of keeping a home safe.

Having just moved into a questionable neighborhood with my brother, we have already met several neighbors who have had their homes broken into in the recent past. With this in mind, I began looking at potential security systems.

The most common security systems end up costing anywhere from $30-$75/month. This is not an amount of money that I am capable of spending at this point, as after a couple of months the cost of the security system would be more than the value of all of my worldly possessions. Therefore, I began looking into alternative security systems that are less expensive and still have the ability to deter potential burglars.

Here are some of the alternative security systems that I have discovered.

After discussing the topic with several people, I discovered that most home security systems that notify the police are of little use. The burglar is nearly always out of the house by the time that the police actually arrive. Therefore, why spend $500 a year on something that doesn't really give you that much protection.

As alternatives, consider the following security measures.

Get a Dog

This is a very popular method of security. Although it can end up costing a bit to own a dog, the companionship, along with the security he provides, is very beneficial. The bark of a strange dog can intimidate even the most animal-friendly individual. Most people will consider passing by a home that has evidence of a dog.

Adding to the intimidation: Besides for having a dog, putting up a sign, placing the food and water dishes in a visible place, and hanging a leash by a door can add to the overall effect. The more someone peers through windows, the more they are sold on the idea that this house may be worth passing up.

Pretend to Have a Dog

Some people simply put up a "Beware of Dog" sign, set a few food dishes around, and bank on the fact that people will not want to risk a break in where a dog is present.

Others take it even further and purchase a motion detector that starts barking when someone approaches. These fake barks can scare off burglars who are not dedicated on breaking in - perfect for someone who lives somewhere where people may simply stop by in the middle of the day to see how easy it would be to break in (areas such as where I currently live).

Use a Fake TV Light

These Fake TV lights are genius in the sense that they flash through a variety of colors, giving the appearance that someone is inside watching TV. By placing one of these around the corner, people peering in a window or observing from the street will assume that someone is home.

Team this up with a unit that automates when the late will come on (schedule it to come on during the night) and you are set for a bit of quality protection!

Install a Fake Security Camera

These fake security cameras will even have a little blinking light, making it very visible to everyone walking by that they are indeed on camera. Although these may not fool the brightest, the average neighborhood kid or curious stranger will be deterred.

Use Anti-Climb Paint

This new concept is amazing! It is a paint that prevents anyone from climbing whatever it is that is painted. The key is that it is oil based and never fully dries. Therefore, anyone who tries to climb this object will slip and leave with a greasy hand. This paint is a great addition to any fences, pipes leading to a second floor, etc.

Use Alarms that Do Not Call the Police

While the big security systems charge an annual fee, there are many simple alarm devices that will make an incredibly loud noise throughout the neighborhood and chase off intruders. Because the burglar is often gone by the time the police arrive anyway, these alarms, which may cost around $50-$100 (as opposed to $50/month) provide a great alternative.

• A burglary occurs approximately every 15 seconds in the United States.
• The average burglary costs the owner $1,600.
• 62% of burglaries occur during the day.
• 45% of all US burglaries occur in the South, as opposed to 11% in the Northeast, 20% in the Midwest, and 25% in the West.
• 70% of all burglars arrested are while, and 86% are male.
• Only 30% of homes have security systems. Those without security systems are 2-3 times more likely to be broken into.

The secret to keeping your home safe is creating an element of doubt in the potential thieves mind. Most thieves have no desire to draw attention to themselves and will avoid any risk of being seen or caught. By setting up a house to have the appearance of risk for anyone who would enter uninvited, a homeowner can be confident that the average thief will not attempt to break in.

The goal of a security system is to safe you money. This means that using a security system that will cost you more than the value of your possessions is not a good idea. Don't prevent being robbed by getting robbed by the security companies - consider potential alternatives that may save you more money in the long run.

Disclaimer: As with most aspects of life, when determining how to protect your house, it is important to consider the risk involved. For someone with not much to lose, the simpler security systems, as mentioned about, will likely work fine. However, for someone who has significant valuables in their home, it is probably a good idea to consult with a security specialist before making a purchase.