Sorry, this is going to be a bit of a read but I have some experience in this area. So here we go.
There are five major points when it comes to security. The first and vastly most important is deterrence. This one thing alone will eliminate the majority of the issue. Place signs on every window and door that clearly states there is a security system. Next, post up a very clearly visible sign that states the premises are monitored by camera. By visible, I mean it is the first thing you notice when walking up to your home. This will take care of 99% of anyone scoping out your house. Your house doesn't need to be burglar proof, just more burglar proof than your neighbors. Criminals are notoriously lazy. They will always pick the easy target.
The second is to get an audible alarm. It doesn't have to be a monitored system either. It just needs a panel and some sensors. Talk to any police officer and ask how many times they've heard of a burglar that continues into the house with an alarm going off. Chances are, they will say none. That's because burglars HATE noise.
The third is light. My house is lit 24/7, both inside and out. It seems overly simple, but it works. Plus, with LED technology getting super cheap, it's not that expensive. This plays into the other major issue that criminals have. They hate being seen. This also goes back to the first thing, more specifically cameras. Keep the place lit at night and make sure they know they're on camera.
The fourth is to make sure you're not inadvertently making yourself look like a juicy target. Most burglars will scope a place out before breaking in (which is why the first point is so effective). They almost never choose their victims at random. Sometimes it's the pizza guy peeking around the door while you sign a receipt. Sometimes it's the magazine sales person that notices you don't have an alarm installed. Sometimes, it's even a friend's acquaintance you had over that one time. Regardless of who it is though, they will make their choice based on perceived reward vs the risk of getting caught. So don't look like a payday.
This also means no signs that indicate you have a gun in your house. Guns are a really easy paycheck for criminals. If you're home, that sign will work. But they wouldn't be breaking in anyway if you are at home. If you're away though, that sign means there's an easy few hundred dollars at a pawn shop. That's because there are four main things that are an immediate payout for a burglar, laptops, jewelry, tools, and guns. Everything else is chump change. This trumps the previous three rules. If the burglar knows there is a few thousand dollars worth of these items, the first three things won't necessarily work.
The fifth is to get either renters insurance or make sure your homeowner policy covers burglary. When I was renting, it was $10 a month and had a $500 deductible. Hopefully, you're never need to use it. If you do though, it can be a lifesaver.
There many other points, but they're fairly simple things. Make sure you lock the deadbolt
every time (the latch is basically useless). Make sure you don't have any hiding spots, like high bushes around windows and doors or any secluded access points that can't be readily seen from a neighbor's house or the street. Don't leave windows open while you're away. Don't let mail build up. Don't leave your blinds open where criminals can see inside the house (and see your valuables), etc.
The biggest problem is that you will never see the need for this stuff until something happens. Then you will wish that you had invested in these things. If you do invest before something happens, you will always see it as an unnecessary expense. ... because you're not getting broken into. If something does happen though, the biggest casualty isn't your stolen stuff. That sucks for sure.
The biggest loss is your sense of security while you are at home. That's the part that takes the longest to get back. That sense of unease is also what security companies thrive on. They will try to sell you some really unreasonable things because they know people will go to extreme lengths to get that feeling of security back. My best advice, is to make a solid plan for securing your home and budget it out.
I hope this helps.
TLDR:
- Place signs for cameras and alarm systems (you don't actually need the systems for this to work).
- Get an alarm with a keypad (doesn't need to be monitored to work, just need that alarm to go off).
- Make sure you're well lit at night both in and out.
- Don't allow people to scope out your stuff.
- Get renter's insurance.
