Some of the best solutions for preventing break-ins in your home can also be the simplest and cheapest. You don’t always need professionals to provide quotes of over-priced devices and services when you can sometimes do it yourself for a fraction of the cost. It just takes a little know-how. The following security ideas require a small investment and a little DIY that most of us can manage with simple tools and less than an hour of work. Check out these cheap and easy DIY alternatives to secure your home.
1 Install motion detector lighting
You can place motion detection lighting wherever you like. These are a proven crime deterrent and are cost-effective, with prices running from just $15. Often referred to as “scare lights” because they do just that. A solar-powered model will make it easier to install a motion light in areas where running wires are either difficult or impossible. Solar-powered options are more expensive but would save on the cost of running electrical wires. More information on motion-based scare lighting options.
2 Use simple window locks
A burglar can easily bypass most double-hung windows with a crowbar but pin locks are a simple, cost-effective solution. You only need to drill a hole in order to install one. Drill a second hole if you wish to lock the window partially open. Pin locks can be purchased at your local hardware store or online. These locks work well with sliding patio doors.
3 Secure sheds with unfamiliar screws
Although your locked shed may seem secure, an experienced thief could bypass it by using a screwdriver. This can be used to remove hinges or other hardware that has exposed screw heads. You can foil would-be thieves using Allen, Torx or hex-head screws in place of standard Phillips head screws. There are also Tamper-proof security screws that can be ordered and which require special tools that are unlikely to be used by an opportunistic criminal. Of course, the tool/bit you need will also have to be purchased.
4 An alternative way to secure door hinges
Shed doors swing out so that the hinges can be accessed from outside. A thief only needs to pop out the pins and take the door apart. You can stop this by purchasing a security hinge at a home-center with tamper proof pins and locking tab. Retrofitting an existing hinge can be done by removing both the center screws and inserting a finish nail through one side. This will allow it to protrude approximately 1/4 inch. You can drill a small hole in the receiving hole so that the finish screw head is inserted into the hinge when it is closed. This will ensure that the door cannot be removed even if the hinge pin has been removed.
5 Install simple standalone window and door alarms on the cheap
The best line of defense is to keep doors and windows locked. But wireless alarms can be an effective 2nd line of defense. A professionally monitored and installed alarm system is the best option by far. However, there are standalone wireless devices that can be effective and economical in deterring burglars. These devices are triggered when a door or window opens (but not glass breaking).
6 Install door reinforcement hardware
For your front door that is burglar-proof, you can spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy deadbolt. You’d be foolish to think this will stop all burglars. Most people don’t know how lock pickers work. With one well-placed kick, they gain entry as the doorjamb fails. Then they just walk in. You can stop burglars from getting in by strengthening your door and jamb by adding reinforcing hardware. You will need to purchase a door and jamb reinforcing plate and have simple tools handy- a drill bit set, Drill/driver and tape measure.
7 Defeat bolt cutters
Most people don’t realise just how successful a determined thief can be. With an angle grinder and patience, a burglar can break through most padlocks. But time is key if you’re in the burglary business, which is why most thieves will use bolt cutters instead. That’s why the strength and exposure of a lock’s shackle is crucial. The stronger the shackle and the less exposed it is, the more frustrated and unsuccessful the thief will be. If you are using padlocks for any security, consider either Master Lock’s Magnum keyed padlock and ProSeries combination lock.
8 Pick-proofing your dead bolt
Even amateur thieves can pick locks. That’s why you may want to consider installing a simple device to protect your deadbolts. It basically prevents the deadbolt from turning. It’s installed on the inside around the deadbolt lock. A cover slides over the deadbolt handle and prevents it from moving.
9 Reinforce your entry door strike plate
Most modern door jambs in the past 10 years are reinforced. But, if yours isn’t you might want to consider replacing it with one that is. The jamb reinforced the door at it’s weakest point. You can remove the strike plate to check. It should be stainless steel and at least 3″ think. If it isn’t you can purchase a plate-reinforcing hardware kit.
10 Secure patio doors
Sliding Patio Doors are beautiful and functional but their locks are notoriously easy to pick. A simple way to prevent access is to place a stick in the track. That prevents the door from sliding. BUT, it’s inconvenient to place it in and out every time. An alternative is to purchase and install the Foot Lock device from Anderson Corp which attaches to the bottom of the door. The Foot Lock has a bolt that fits into the grommet to secure the door. There are other models from different manufacturers like the Door Guardian, which is a similar lock that attaches to the top of your door. Both these solutions allow the door to open 3 in. without compromising security. These are easy to install in 10 minutes. The bracket holding the pin ins installed onto the door and then holes are drilled in the track and grommets inserted for the pin to slide into.
11 Add a security anchor
Keeping stuff secure like a bike or portable generator can be accomplished using secure anchors and chains. The Kryptonite Anchor is designed for bike locks but could be repurposed for other items too. It’s a tamper resistant system and only requires three holes to be drilled for the bolts to be fastened to. The hook and bolts are covered by a dome for protection and to make the device less obtrusive. The installation would ideally be done in cement. However, you could attach the anchor to truck beds, or other surfaces with the fasteners. The Kryptonite Anchor is covered by a lifetime warranty, has clear instructions, and is a simple design.
12 Install a small safe
To protect our valuables, many people don’t require a large, heavy, or expensive safe, although they are probably a better solution for secure document storage. So a small safe may be more than sufficient. A burglar=rated safe can be purchased for $100. Safes go up in price for options such as fire protection and digital or biometric (fingerprint-reading) opening systems. Select a suitable location. Make sure to bolt the wall safe or to the floor and/or wall. Most safes have holes in the interior for this purpose. You can hide it in a corner of a closet, inconspicuous place, or mount it inside a wall.
13 Keep spare keys in a lockbox
It is dangerous to hide a house key, especially as most people do- under the doormat, or in a pot next to the door. Clever (or lucky) burglars sometimes find hidden keys. Plus, insurance companies might refuse to pay for your losses if there isn’t evidence of forced entry. Instead, consider using a diversion-safe or a combination lockbox. The diversion safe, often disguised as a rock, for example, can be camouflaged in plain sight. The combination lockbox can be installed and screwed down in a non-conspicuous spot.
14 DIY home security camera kits
There are several options for wireless security camera systems that you can easily install yourself. I have been very happy with Arlo. But there other good options like Blink, Reolink, and Nest. These systems typically have motion-activated sensors that trigger the camera. Most will have low-light capability too, and some like Arlo, have AI-assisted triggers that will detect people, animals, packages or general motion to help filter non-emergency incidents. Typically once triggered, the camera sends a notification to your phone and/or email. Usually, a recording is made of the incident and either stored online in the cloud or on a local device on your WiFi network. Installation requires only the most basic of skills to mount cameras and then enroll them. The devices can even be linked to other internet devices in your home for automation. The batteries can last a long time and there are also SOLAR-CHARGING options for outdoors too.
15 Knock Knock. Who’s There?
If you don’t know who is on the other side of a door, you won’t want to open it. The wireless cameras can help with this. But a lower-tech, always-on option is to install a peephole! A peephole allows you to see who’s behind the door. The majority of entry doors do not come with peepholes these days, and many peepholes are too small to clearly show who’s outside. Strangers may hide from view or appear distorted, making it difficult to identify them. Instead, install a wide-angle viewer to avoid confusion.
16 Don’t keep your garage door opener in your locked car
If you keep your garage door remote in your car, your garage and its contents are at risk. And if access is available to your home via your garage then it too may be at risk. If a burglar breaks into your car, they can get your garage door remote. It’s not just an issue if the car is parked in the driveway because a simple registration card kept in the glove box can provide your address. Instead, get a key-chain remote for your garage. You can do a google search based on the brand of your garage door opener. That way the remote goes with you!
17 Lock the overhead door
When they are on vacation, some people “lock” their overhead garage doors by unplugging them. Even better: padlock the latch or disable the door by putting a bolt through one of the holes in the garage door track. This will prevent someone from coming in through the overhead door while you’re away.
18 Have your electronic butler close the open garage door
A lot of folks will leave the garage door open. Maybe because they are in and out, taking in groceries, working in the yard. But, if the garage door is left open too long without monitoring it’s a welcome sign for any burglar willing to take a chance, especially if it’s left open in the evening or overnight. And it also exposes all your contents to prying eyes. That’s why installing an electronic door closer can eliminate the risk. You choose the duration that passes before the door closes, or you can override it if you want the door to remain open. You can use third party smart services to accomplish this as well. Web services like MyQ, IFTTT and Zapier work together to set schedules for opening and closing your garage door based on certain triggers, like this guy has done.
19 Be smart with social media
Social media is an amazing tool that allows you to stay in touch with your friends and share travel experiences, even after your trip is over. But be careful what you post and when. Remember, social media is public. So don’t go posting your travel plans on social media. Or photos of you while you are on vacation. It’s like announcing to the world that your home is probably empty! Criminals can use simple search tools to find hot phrases like “trip” or “vacation” and then see where you are vacationing and even determine where you live. So, instead, wait to post those pics when you your back home. If you use social media, HERE are some more tips that can help protect your home while you’re away on business or vacation.
The Final Score
There are many affordable ways to enhance your home security that take just a little know-how, a few minutes of your time, and some simple tools and equipment. If you have time this weekend, enhance your home security by working on one of the ideas listed above. Stay Safe!