Comment List of Security Recommendations (Score 2) 508
Prioritize at will:
DOORS & LOCKS
Many a crowbar has popped open front doors that are protected by a thin piece of wood (door jamb). A cheap upgrade would be adding a high security box strike with long screws. Look for MAG 747 High Security Box Strike model 747-C and stagger your screw pattern.
Install a perforated metal screen security door (a good one, not the cheap/thin aluminum kind). Titan Security doors.
Install a Don-Jo classic wrap around door reinforcer which fits on the door under the deadbolt and door knob to stop the door from splitting.
Secure your patio door with a pin-type lock, a key lock, or a steel rod inserted into the door channel.
Get high security locks for your doors from mfgs such as Sargent, ASSA, Medeco, Schlage Everest Primus. Ignore the Schlage/Kwikset stuff you find at hardware stores. You find good locks at a locksmith shop.
WINDOWS
Make sure all windows have a lock and a dowel rod.
Install security window film such as 3M Scotchshield Safety and Security Films or ShatterGARD. You may also qualify for a tax credit if you do so. Films are pricey ($9.50-$13.25/sq ft) but protect you from the smash & grab methods. Also gives you more time to protect yourself should you be home.
ALARM
Installing a do-it-yourself alarm system can be a great (and taxing) experience for first timers. Ademco (Honeywell) Vista 20P is a popular starting point. You can also get fancy with smartphone control of your alarm system over the internet, although I wouldn't recommend it. Check out www.homesecuritystore.com
You want EVERY door and window alarmed, even upstairs. Glass break sensors and motion sensors are good adds, although glass break detection is less effective if you install security film. You can also find a 3rd party security monitoring central station for much cheaper than ADT/Brinks. Look up Alarm Relay and make sure you install and subscribe to cellular backup. They also let you use cellular as the primary (and only) outbound service. Expect to pay $21/month for that (paid annually).
Wireless alarm systems are susceptible to wireless jamming and keyfob frequency theft (savvy thieves). Run wires if you can.
VIDEO CAMERAS
Cameras are cool and also serve a purpose, but you do have to define what you are after. If you merely want situational awareness over a large area, a low res system works fine (NTSC resolution, 640x480, etc.). If you plan on zooming in and cleaning up like the moves, prepare to be disappointed. If you want to identify faces and the camera is far away from your subject, you will need a megapixel generally. The problem is with megapixel cameras from places like Axis that cost $500+. Who wants to stick that expensive of a camera on the outside of a house?
Ubiquiti Networks just released their AirCam series which is a 720p 30 FPS fixed lens camera. The great thing is they are $90-$100 each which allows you to add a lot more video coverage for the money. The monitor software is free also and so far I'm liking it better than more pro pages (LuxRiot). AirCams will send an RTSP stream in various resolutions of your choosing, so you can play it with VLC, or embed into a web server.
Beware of low light expectations. Most cheap IP cameras will disappoint in low light (including AirCam). External lighting (halogen motion flood lights) serve a dual purpose to giving the camera enough light to pick up an image. Otherwise, you're looking at an IR-sensitive camera with a larger sensor (1/2" vs 1/4" CCD on the cheaper ones) and a mechanical IR-cut filter ($500-800 again).
SAFE
Your safe was stolen. I'm guessing it a) wasn't bolted down, b) wasn't heavy, c) wasn't really a true safe, but a small metal box with some fireproofing (which you can take an axe to). Check out Sturdy Safe which does 7 gauge and thicker all around the box. Get a dial lock so it isn't subject to power outages. Lots of upgrades available (4 gauge on the sides, etc.) A big safe (700+ lbs) will be much more difficult for a causal thief to take. It should STILL be bolted down to the floor using concrete bolts.
For the handgun, you may want it more readily accessible when home, but still secure if not on your person (say while sleeping). GunVault MultiVault Standard (GV 2000S) is a good choice.
Get a real safe with thick steel on ALL SIDES. A lot of popular safes have a thick front, but the sides, top, back, and bottom are made from thin 10 gauge steel.
MISC
Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so that they can't be heard outside. A thief may call you to see if you are home and if the phones rings no answer, you're toast.
Photos, videos, serial numbers of valuables STORED OFFSITE along with other important digital data. Scan papers (Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500) into PDFs and shred the paper so you don't have a bunch of loose tax returns with your social security # all over them (too late now).
SELF-DEFENSE
Be aware of your surroundings.
Don't feel safe because, "you're in a safe neighboorhood." That's why the thieves are there in the first place.
Get Sabre Home Defense Pepper Spray Fogger Model #: FHP-01. Mount it in an accessible spot in the bedroom. If you can stop an attack with pepper spray it is much less traumatic than a gunfight which may have legal (and moral depending on who you are) consequences. But remember to not use pepper spray to a gun fight.
Always have a high-powered tactical flashlight within reach in the bedroom. These are considered class 2 LED's and will cause eye damage. The strobing also causes disorientation. If you hear a bump in the night, it's nice to be able to light up the whole house brightly with a single flashlight. Streamlight Stinger DS LED HP is rechargable, reliable, and bright.
Place alarm yard signs, even if you don't have an alarm. Also add stickers to the windows.
Padlock your circuit breaker outside of your house so it can't be shutoff before entry.
Send all your mail to a PO Box or UPS Store. Don't take mail at your residence
Remove all personal identifying information out of the car (registration, insurance) and keep them in your wallet/purse
Have fun!
