Home security strategies can be broadly classified into three categories, often referred to as the three "Ds" of home security. These are eterrence, denial and detection.

The First "D" — Deterrence

Burglars are basically lazy and will usually take the "path of least resistance." You can make your home look too risky to a burglar by using some of these techniques.

  • Place inside lights, and even a TV and stereo, on a timer when you are away from home.
  • Don't stop your mail, water, newspaper or other deliveries when you are away. Have a neighbor pick these items up for you.
  • If you have a home security system, make sure you post signs and window decals warning potential intruders that your home is protected.

The Second "D"—Denial

Two-thirds of all burglars break in through doors. The remaining one-third get in through a window. Denial involves making these points-of-entry as impenetrable as possible by taking the following kinds of precautions:

  • After moving into a new home, immediately replace all of the locks.
  • Use interconnecting deadbolt locks. And make sure your deadbolts require a key on both sides of the door for access. (For fire safety purposes, leave the key inside the lock on the interior to facilitate an escape.)
  • Sliding glass doors are especially vulnerable. Make sure they are secure by pinning them, which will take care of both horizontal and vertical movement.
  • Look for especially vulnerable points-of-entry and fix them. Chances are good others know about them, too.
  • Put security film over glass panes.

The Third "D"—Detection

No matter how well you incorporate the first two "Ds" in your home defense strategy, a criminal may still decide to violate your home. Here are some techniques to help ensure that he is detected and apprehended if he does:

  • Professional burglars will tell you that it is often concerned neighbors looking out for one another who detect them committing their crimes and call the police.
  • Install a quality home security system that is monitored on a continuous, 24-hour a day basis by a professional security company. Studies show that homes with a security system are 2.2 times less likely to be burglarized than homes without a system.
  • A survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police also showed that more than 90% of Police Chiefs believe in the value of a monitored home security system.