Fake Security Measures
Depending on the crime rate in your area, your security measures may
not have to bust your wallet. The illusion of having security measures
in place is, in many ways, superior to actually having them, especially
if you’re in the economic doldrums. When money is tight,
it’s hard to justify spending any more than is absolutely
necessary on your home security.
Security
Companies
Many security companies-the folks who install your alarms systems,
motion detectors and what have you-will often give free inspections of
your home and this will give you the opportunity to cage free stickers
and signs from their representatives. Stickers for the windows of your
home, and signs for your yard or driveway can give the impression that
you have a security system installed. The same goes for locksmiths as
well.
Dog
Warnings
‘Beware of Dog’ signs in conjunction with
‘dog in a can’ noise makers can replicate the
effect of a good guard dog on the prowl, without the extra expense of
veterinarian bills, food bills and such for a real animal. Also, a dog
you can’t see is infinitely more worrisome than one you can,
especially if you’re intending to jump a fence into its
territory. The criminal’s mind is free to imagine all of the
horrible possibilities of the monster waiting on him or her.
Need
More
However, you cannot simply rely on these measures to protect your home
from predators. Some thieves will not be dissuaded by signs and
stickers or noises, no matter how frightening. They’ll be
stubborn or desperate enough to try to get in, regardless of the threat
of an alarm going off or the presence of a dog.
Thus, combine these signs with real, if basic security measures, such
as deadbolts and reinforced doors and windows. Reinforcing weak points
is usually simply a matter of going to your local hardware store and
picking up the right supplies for the project. For just a bit of money,
you can have doors resistant to brute force, locks resistant to being
picked, and windows that are shatterproof. Any one of these measures is
usually enough to stifle a criminal’s ambitions on your
household goods, and in conjunction with signs for security firms or
dogs can send a thief packing.
Perception
and Implementation
Someone once said that home security is two parts perception, one part
implementation. If a thief perceives your home to be well warded
against his entrance, he’ll likely look for an easier target.
The x factor in this is exactly what it will take to dissuade a
particular thief. For some it’s security systems, for others,
guard dogs, for some a good stout lock is all that’s needed.
By throwing in a little of everything into the mix, you can protect
your home for pennies. But you’ll still need some form of
security measure in place for the thief for whom your measures are less
than awe inspiring. Heavy locks and bolts will discourage most of
these, and the signs and stickers will do for the rest.
.