Home Security

[Husker_Fan]

First, I'm not sure where to put this thread, but since we have two discussions going on home burglaries in this area it may as well go here.

Some may not want to discuss the specifics of their situation (loose lips and all that) but I think it would be good to have a discussion about what people here have for home security. The idea is to get some ideas going around so we can learn from the misfortune of our fellow members.

I do not have a security system, that is being rectified. I do have 200lbs of dog that are loud as all get out whenever someone comes near the door. They have the run of the house all day. I also have a retiree across the street who keeps a close eye on just about everything on the street.

Guns and important documents are in a Remington branded safe. Really, it's just a dressed up Liberty RSC, but it's bolted to a concrete slab with poured concrete walls to the back and one side and shelves built around the top and other side. There is some jewelry, electronics, and tools in the house/garage, and those are the most susceptible to theft. All doors have (and we use) deadbolts.

So, what do other folks do to secure their homes? While I'm at it, I'll take suggestions on a security system.

[Chris C]

Dogs are great.  Security system stickers and signs in the yard are good too even if you don't have one.  3 or 4'' screws in the exterior doors will make it a real PITA to kick in but the windows are always an easier target.       

You can get a real nice camera setup online for $1500-2k that includes cameras, wire, and DVR or computer software.  I would suggest vandal proof dome cameras and get the ones with the best night vision and range (40‘ minimum).  The systems locally in stores at Sams, Costco, and the Mart are all junk compared to the ones you can get online. 

Edit:  I know someone who has a older system to this one and it works great.  Can record up to a month before recording over it'self or a few weeks.  Just depends on how sensitive you have the cameras.  http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-2199-hs08cspro1-complete-professional-8-camera-surveillance-system-w-h264-dvr-plus-hdmi.aspx

[Husker_Fan]

Any recommendations for DIY home security systems?

[thirtydaZe]

DIY

i can't vouch for it but Glenn Beck, well all those talk radio folks on the Patriot channel talk about SimpliSafe.

http://simplisafe.com/

DIY, no drilling, no home phone required.  Besides looking it up a time or 2 there isn't much more i know about it.

[Mudinyeri]

My company does security screenings and sells and installs surveillance systems.

The dog is a good start.  We also have "Beware of Dog" signs on our fence in a couple places.  Real or real-looking alarm/monitoring company decals on the windows are a good second step.  Good relationships with watchful neighbors are an excellent third step.  Don't advertise valuables on the Internet or at the curb, e.g. no computer or big screen TV boxes on trash day.  Follow good personal and operational security discipline.  An actual alarm won't hurt.  A surveillance system is absolutely the best way to help the police find the bad guys if they decide to break into your house.  Exterior cameras should cover the driveway and points of ingress.  Interior cameras should cover rooms with valuables.  Be sure to get a system that has on-demand recording and notification, Web access and make sure the video is recorded off-site.

[Chris C]

Looking on the home security stores website I saw a gadget on there to prevent someone using a "bump key".  I had no idea something like this was out there.  Asked a LEO friend and he took a class where they taught them how to do it.  He said it was pretty easy.  Supposedly you can have a locksmith modify your current locks adding pins or buy a bump proof lock. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_bumping

[AWick]

I'm not sure how I feel just now after seeing those videos. I pretty much just lost all confidence in my deadbolt...

[unfy]

Raking with a pick or using a bump key are really quite ancient tricks of the trade...  Even locksmiths use the technique to get into a door. Hell, they'll even use a soft metal key jiggle in the cam to see where the tumblers scratch.

As far as home security.. there is something to be said for "how much deterrence do you want" or "how much time do you want to buy".  Because in all honesty, a saws all goes through most house exterior WALLS.... especially new construction.

A lot of the big huge heavy safes can be jimmied open with some 3-6 foot crowbars in about 15-20min. 

As far as watchful neighbors, the guy across from me is usually out on his porch keeping an eye on the neighborhood - but not recently (too darn cold heh).  So there's limitations in that.

"200lbs of puppy" is prolly a great deterrent and keeps prolly all but the most persistent folks away.