Home Security: What would Michael Westen Do?

For the first twenty years or so of my life, burglary was not something that I thought much about. I locked the front door when I left home or went to bed, and that was the extent of my home security. Then during my senior year of college, the house I shared with four other guys was broken into; twice. Once through a back window left unlatched for ventilation, once by picking the deadbolt on the front door. That experience, combined with the added responsibility of my own home and family have caused me to give home security some more serious thought.

These are a few of the simple measures I've taken to protect my own home. I'm convinced that if my roommates and I had adopted even a few of them we'd be at least one entertainment system and two iPods richer. Although I actually learned most of these tricks from friends and family, and not USA's 'Burn Notice', I'm convinced they would make ex-spy Michael Westen proud.

Note that following these tips will not turn your house into an impregnable fortress. Unless you're willing to fork out some serious cash for a high end security system, it will be possible for a determined criminal to break into your house. For most people, though, an impregnable fortress is not necessary. The real goal is to make it hard enough to break into your house that any would-be burglars will decide the house next door looks more inviting and move on.

Most home security strategies can be divided into three main categories.

Deter burglars from attempting a break-in. 

The best case scenario is for burglars to decide just by looking at your house that it isn't worth their time.

Start by installing home security yard signs and window stickers. Just because you can't afford to install and subscribe to a commercial security system doesn't mean the whole world needs to know that. Stickers and signs can be purchased very inexpensively online.

Also important is good lighting inside and out. Keep your yard well lit. To save energy you can use motion detectors to automatically turn the lights on, although be aware that savvy criminals can bypass them by sticking close to walls or walking slowly. Turning interior lights on and off using timers can also convince the casual observer that you're home when you're not.

Last but not least, get a dog. One that barks. Or growls. Not exactly inexpensive, and clearly not for everyone, but probably the single most effective thing you can do to keep burglars at bay.

Keep burglars from getting in.

The most common way a burglar enters a home? The same way anyone else would: through a door.

To secure a door, start with a keyed deadbolt. Make sure it extends at least an inch into the jam, and that the plate is screwed in with long (at least 3") screws that extend through the jam and into the frame of the house behind it.

If your door has a window and local fire codes allow, use a double keyed deadbolt so a burglar can't break the glass and flip the lock back. Remember to keep the key out of reach, not hanging from the lock or hook within reach.

Although deadbolts are a good first step, they won't stop anyone that knows how to use a lock pick (seriously, check YouTube, it isn't hard). For the next level of security use an interior latch, like the "Door Blocker Entry Doorstop." Don't bother with a chain; they are very easily cut with bolt cutters.

The other common way burglars gain entry is through a window. Although they may simply break the glass, that is noisy and introduces the risk of getting cut and leaving blood at the scene. Far more common they will simply force the latch.

The simplest way to reinforce a double hung window is to stick a broom stick, or other small board (2x4's sliced into 3 pieces and cut to length work well) above the sliding portion of the window, keeping it from opening.

Another more discrete method is to drill a small hole at the top of the bottom window and into the top window and slide a nail into the hole. You can also open the window about 4" and drill another hole so you can leave your windows open at night but keep them locked.

For the most protection, buy bars for your windows. Unless you live in a high crime area, bars are probably overkill, but they are available for as little as $50 per window and even come in decorative designs.

Defend yourself if they do get in.

Keep electronics and jewelry out of sight or in locked cabinets. iPod's, laptops, and game consoles are all commonly stolen items because they are easy to sell and easier to carry. Many thieves are in a hurry and won't bother to search closed cabinets if it isn't obvious what's inside.

Keep a baseball bat or heavy flashlight, like a Maglight, near your bed.

Most burglars will try to avoid actually confronting you, but hey, who doesn't feel better investigating weird noises with a good club in their hands. There's also the option of a gun. The pro's and con's of guns for home defense have been debated far too often already, but in my opinion the complications of lockers and separate storage for ammo make firearms rather impractical for home defense in a standard break-in. That being said, even an unloaded shot gun can be pretty convincing.

I hope a few of these tips were helpful. If you have a few tricks of your own be sure to share them in the comments.