We aren’t living in the best of times! Crime is on an all time high especially, after the recent economic slowdown and the recession. For most businesses, it’s time to cut down on unwanted expenses. But it is also time to take the necessary steps to beef up the security at your home as well as business. While law enforcement agencies will do the best they can to help you, you can always take proactive steps yourself to protect your home and investments. 

Today, we take a look at 5 smart security devices that your business can do with. These are not devices that you will see on TV or read about in newspapers. Yet, they smart, effective and inexpesive.

5. The counterfeit Money Detector: Definitely a must have for any business! Counterfeiting is a billion dollar industry and it is next to impossible to spot a counterfeit currency note with your eyes.  The counterfeit money detector can help you detect a counterfeit note effortlessly. The best part is that it is extremely easy to use and works on US Dollars, Euros and Canadian Dollars. 

4. Security Scanners: High quality hand held scanners help you to scan each person who enters your commercial premise. Powerful long range coils and unique vibration capability allows the unit to be used without embarrassing or alarming patrons and suspects. With scanners of different sizes and functions available, it ranks at number 4 amongst our Best 5 security gadgets. 

3. Security Signs & Decals: One of the most inexpensive but effective security devices of all times, security signs & decals can help you prevent crime. Post the stickers or put up the signs where people can see them. Certainly helps scare away potential burglars and thieves. Inexpensive too.

2. Door/Window exit alarms: At number 2 in the list of smart security devices, we have door and window alarms. Door/window exit alarms help you monitor each and every person entering or leaving your commercial space. The alarm alerts you to any unauthorized exits/entries through emergency exit doors and rear doors. Completely customizable, you can control the alarm sound and alarm type. 

1. Dummy Security Cameras: Beating all the other gadgets, we have dummy security cameras at number 1. Nothing can scare away a potential criminal like the presence of a security camera. And this one doesn’t even cost you $25. Dummy security cameras are fake security cameras with the housing minus the electronics. They look exactly like a security camera and can help prevent petty thefts and crime. Definitely a must buy if you own a retail store.  

That’s it! In our next article, we will take a look at smart security devices that your home can do with! Till then, adios.

A lot of retail stores seemed to be armed with dummy cameras nowadays. After all, they are inexpensive versions of the much more effective but pricey CCTV cameras. And for a layman, they are pretty much the same. (In case you didn’t know, dummy cameras are fake security cameras that have the camera housing minus the actual electronics) They are designed to look like actual cameras but are not real. Dummy cameras when used in the right place can prove to be useful. 

But does installing 6 to 7 dummy cameras in a retail store really help prevent shoplifting? Or in a more serious situation, can they actually help you in gathering evidence or catching a criminal like real CCTV cameras do? The answer is NO. 

In order to better understand their effectiveness it is necessary to look into the implications and limitations of dummy cameras. 

PROS 

• Inexpensive. While a real security camera will cost you an arm and a leg, the dummy security camera hardly costs $10 to $20.
• Authentic looking. Dummy cameras look exactly like real CCTV cameras and it would take an expert to know that it isn’t real.
•  CAN help prevent crime. A dummy security camera can prove to be helpful in preventing crime as the sight of a camera is enough to deter criminals from attempting a crime.
• Can be used to strengthen your security network at minimal cost. Add it along with real CCTV cameras and your network suddenly looks much stronger.  

CONS 

• Cannot record real footage. There are people who feel that a dummy security camera is a cheap but working CCTV camera. No. It is what the name suggests, a DUMMY or a replica.
• A seasoned shoplifter will eventually find out that the camera is a fake when he/she is not caught after repeated offences.
• Some models have a red LED light on the front panel that shows that the camera is working. But very few original cameras have such LED lights and this light itself can be an indicator that the camera is a fake one.
• Can give a sense of implied security.  

The Final Verdict 

The usage of dummy security cameras should be determined by one’s personal preferences. Yes, at times they can prove to be ineffective but it is also true that when used at the right place, they can prove to be extremely effective in preventing crime. But the best way to use them would be to pair them up with other security gadgets like door/window alarms & motion sensors so that you always have a back up.

Tip1: Multilayered Security - The security setup at your home needs to be like an onion (multilayered) and not an egg (it’s a breeze to crack it). Most burglars prefer a quick and unobserved entry. Make it difficult for the burglar to bypass the security system and he will give up sooner than you expect. Use burglar alarms, electronic watchdogs, motion sensors, driveway alarms, CCTV cameras, dummy cameras and mirrors in your home.

Tip2: Be the Burglar - It takes a thief to spot one. So become a thief and take a walk around your home. How does it look? Does it look inviting? Does the window on the first floor give a perfect view of the expensive paintings that you bought yesterday? Is there an excellent place to hide?

Tip3: Identify the weak link - You might have left a weak link in your security setup. This might be an unlocked door, an unsecured window or an outdated dysfunctional lock. Identify it before a burglar does and rectify the mistake.

Tip4: The right and wrong of shrubbery - Shrubbery that prevents a clear view of your doors and walkways from across the streets, very wrong. Thorny Shrubbery (cactus, rosebushes) that makes it difficult for anyone to reach a window, very right. Learn the rights and wrongs of using shrubbery and landscaping around the home.

Tip5: Love thy Neighbor - The lord preached this ages ago and if you still are not practicing it, then this is the time to do it. Include your neighbors in the scheme of things and inform them about your daily schedule. Give them the permission to inform the law enforcement agencies in case they spot anything untoward (a stranger standing in your lawn acting suspicious). A neighborhood watch program is also one of the best ways to secure your neighborhood.

Tip6: Let there be light - Using low voltage lighting and combining it with motion sensors around the perimeter of your home is one of the best cost effective methods to discourage intruders. You can of course, combine the lights and integrate it into your burglar alarm as well.

Tip7: Close the invitation - If your window provides a clear view of expensive equipment inside, then it is like a showroom advertising the wares inside and also an invitation for any burglar walking down the street to come in and try his luck. Close the invitation. Get heavy drapes that hamper visibility from the outside. Heavy drapes mean less guaranteed results for the burglar and hence, lesser chances of him attempting a break in at your place.

Tip8: Create an illusion - At times, an illusion is even better than reality. So create an illusion that your home is well protected. Use timers on TV and lights when you are going away for a long time. Use a combination of security sign boards, decals and dummy cameras in the exterior. It is inexpensive and can well serve the purpose.

Tip9: Monitor it - Security systems that work on battery can frequently run out of juice. The last thing that you would want is an alarm that failed to go off because of a drained battery. So keep monitoring your system from time to time and replace old batteries when they need to be replaced.

Tip10: Use it when you have it - Never ever leave your home without switching on the security system. You might be going down the street for a 10 minute walk but you should always switch it on. A lot of people have been found guilty of not using a home security system. Always use it when you have it.

The key, the easiest pass way to your home. And how many copies of the key to your home do you posses now? And do you have an idea how many copies are actually missing or in circulation (handed over to neighbors, maid, cleaning service or a repair man)? It is surprisingly strange to find that one of the most important security measures is often neglected. I have visited homes where I have seen the key to the main door lying idle on the desk, near a drawer and even on the teapoy. And considering that it is fairly easy to duplicate keys, anyone who has access to your home can easily steal a copy, duplicate it and replace the original and you wouldn’t even know. So who’s got your keys? 

Preventing unauthorized access 

Key control as it is called is the assurance that none of the keys to your home can be duplicated without your knowledge. One of the best ways of gaining complete key control is to use patent protected keys. Patent protected locking systems have multiple levels of security and incorporate more than one locking mechanism. It may include a tumbler mechanism, a separate locking sidebar and more. These locks are multi cylinder locks that can only be opened by specialized keys that are designed exclusively by the manufacturer. Most burglars look to gain easy access and to do it fast. Patented locks and keys will provide them with a new challenge at every turn of the key. This is what makes patent protected locking systems the most secure. It is next to impossible for anyone to duplicate the keys and gain access to your home. 

So how do I get a duplicate copy?  

A patented locking system cannot be duplicated by an average Joe from the street. Only authorized dealers will duplicate the keys and that too with your permission and knowledge. This gives you complete key control. 

Bump Proof keys 

If you have been seeking information on locks, keys and home security then key bumping will not be a new term to you. But if you are hearing it for the first time, then it is technique that has become extremely popular and is used for opening a pin tumbler lock using a bump key. The advantage of using a bump key is that one bump key can be used to open all locks of the same type. In fact, lock bumping can very well make a mockery of your ordinary locks. And the worst part is that these keys are freely available on the internet. Just about anyone including you can buy a bump key off the internet. Besides there are several websites that have instructional videos on making your own bump keys. And these videos are so detailed, that even a child can buy a bump key and use it to break into your home. 

So, you have to replace those old locks with more advanced high security bump locks and keys. A simple replacement is all that is needed to protect your home and assets from techniques like lock bumping. A bump proof lock is the best way to stay protected but it is also an expensive measure. High quality bump proof locks cost well over $200 and that is not a sum that everyone can afford. However, there is a relatively inexpensive way for you to convert an ordinary lock into a bump proof lock. Even your local locksmith can help you with it and it won’t cost you more than a few dollars. 

So the next time you wonder about the security of your home and keys, then think about these points that I have mentioned above.

You might have the best security setup in the neighborhood but hey, you forgot to position the camera in the right direction. Sounds funny? It isn’t. It is one of the many situations that occur in homes that are burgled around the world and in the end, the only footage that the security team gets, is that of the leaves in the yard shaking in the wind or of the feet of the burglars. What good is a security camera if it is positioned in a place where the burglar is least likely to tread? Or what good is it if the view of the camera is partially obstructed by any object in the path? The key to deriving maximum benefits out of your security camera is to position it in such a way that it covers a larger area than normal and is difficult to reach and vandalize.

Inspect the view

A lot of people rely on the installer sent by the home security company. While most installers do a reasonable job, there are a few installations that prove to be challenging. The very make and construction (to be more precise) of the homes make it difficult to install the camera easily. And if the installation of the camera is time consuming, then the installer will look to install the camera in the easiest possible place. So, it’s up to you to ensure that the camera is positioned in the best possible place. How do you do that? It’s simple. You take a visual from that place. While your eyes do a much superior job, it can very well give you a great idea of what to expect if a camera were to be installed at that spot. And that’s all that you need.

The higher the better

• Always install one or more cameras near the roof. If the other cameras are vandalized or disarmed by the burglars, then you will always have these cameras that provide the best view and cover the largest area.
• Use hidden and concealed cameras in your security setup. And do not hide them in ordinary objects that can be easily detected. Use your imagination. The camera can easily be concealed in just about anything.
• Use the diagonal corners to get better coverage.

A camera positioned in the right way is worth three positioned in the wrong way. That’s not an old adage. That’s a quote by yours truly.

“Myths are a waste of time. They prevent progression.” - Barbara Streisand.

It’s easy to believe in something that you have only heard off. It’s difficult to confirm the authenticity of such claims. A lot of misconceptions and myths are floating around in our society about several things. There’s the ‘crocodiles in the sewer’ and Area 51 for the more adventurous types. There are hundreds of such misconceptions about items that we use around the home everyday. There are numerous such misconceptions about burglar alarms and security systems. In this article, we look to bust those myths and clear any doubts that you may have in your mind.

• Myth: Security systems and Burglar alarms are extremely expensive and hence, only meant for the rich.
• Reality: Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and the demand for home security systems has brought several new players into the market. The rising competition has reduced the prices of home security systems considerably. Today, even a middle class family can easily afford a high end video monitoring system. Also, some security companies have packages where they install the alarms and CCTV cameras free of cost in exchange for an annual monitoring contract. Isn’t that a win-win situation for all? 
• Myth: Burglar alarms are complicated and difficult to use.
• Reality: burglar alarms are extremely user friendly and even a child can configure, arm and disarm a burglar alarm easily. The days when burglar alarms consisted of complex control panels with lots of buttons are long gone. They have been replaced by sleek and customer friendly models that have one-touch solutions for most alarm functions. You can activate and control multiple security zones in and around your home, monitor CCTV cameras, activate lighting and motion sensors and even inform the law authorities from one central control panel. 
• Myth: Burglar alarms are an unnecessary investment and they give off frequent false alarms.
• Reality: Burglar alarms are extremely important to provide security and safety to your loved ones and your hard earned money. Crime is on an all time high and you have to ensure that your assets are protected. Besides, burglar alarms will only enhance the value of your home. It is a proven fact that homes that have burglar alarms installed fetch a much higher price in the market. As far as false alarms are concerned, the burglar alarms in the market today are so advanced and precision calibrated that they can easily differentiate between humans and animals, living things and non living things like moving curtains, wind etc. In fact the new security systems have virtually eliminated the chances of frequent false alarms. 
• Myth: Installing burglar alarm systems is going to be a pain.
• Reality: Installing burglar alarm systems is a cinch. If you want to avoid drilling and wiring, then you can always opt for a wireless home security system that has no wires whatsoever. But even a hardwired security system can be installed by a professional, with no wires visible.

I hope that clears a lot of doubts that might have crept up in your mind regarding burglar alarms.

If you are new to the home security market then chances are that you might be overwhelmed by the wide array of choices in the market. One term that you will hear frequently is a monitored home security system. It is termed as one of the most efficient forms of home security and hence costs higher than most ordinary systems. But are they worth the extra cost? Or is it just another marketing gimmick?

A monitored security alarm system is a system that is connected 24×7 to a remote monitoring service manned by security personnel. In case of an alarm, these security personnel will immediately contact the law enforcement agencies and they will be dispatched to your home. So how is it different from a normal alarm system and why the extra cost?

How it works

There are two scenarios that we can use to explain the obvious advantage of using a monitored security system over a more conventional one. Let’s look at each one of them.

1. An elderly couple stays alone at home and finds that the alarm has been triggered in the middle of the night. Almost immediately, panic sets in. Is it a false alarm? Or is someone trying to break in? Should I call the cops? Now where was that panic button on the keypad? It is easy to get confused. Also, in the unlikely event that the home is really being burgled, then there is very little reaction time for the person to call 911 and give his/her details. In such a scenario, a monitoring service can be a boon. A company representative will call the home immediately to check the status and the reason for the alarm being triggered and in case of an unsatisfactory response; will inform the law enforcement agencies instantly. If you have been trapped in a room in the house and are unable to get in touch with anyone, then the monitoring service can come to your aid.
2. In the second situation, let’s assume that you are not at home and the alarm is triggered. Almost immediately, security personnel from the monitoring company will be dispatched to your place. Or they will contact the police and a team of cops will be dispatched to your place to check. This can not only prevent a robbery and save your valuables and assets, but can also save the lives of your pets if you own them.

A monitoring service takes into account several factors before deciding on how to respond to an alarm. For example, an alarm that has been triggered at 3 am in the middle of the night is more likely to be set off by a burglar than an alarm that has been triggered in the evening at 5 pm when most people are at home. Also, the home owner can decide the immediate response that the monitoring company should undertake. Some families even give the monitoring company a list of friends or relatives that they can call in case of an alarm. It is also possible to get the monitoring company to activate the CCTV cameras when the alarm is triggered so that they can monitor the place remotely.

A reliable monitoring service can cost between $25 to $40 monthly and this extra cost may well be worth the extra features and comfort provided by this type of service. Some companies even offer a two to three year contract.

Until a few years back, people in the United States were the most overworked and under rested. However, recent reports indicate otherwise. Most people have started to take some time off from their busy work schedules to enjoy a much needed break. Vacations, they can be refreshing both on the body as well as the mind. Truly, each family deserves to be on a vacation at least once in a year and if you are a frequent globe trotter, then spare a moment for the security of your home. Do you prepare for the security of your home before you leave? Statistics reveal that most burglaries occur when the occupant of the home is away. Is your home waiting to be burgled? What if you are planning to go on a vacation for the first time? Do you know what and how to prepare for the security of your home?

Here are a few security tips and ideas that you can use to protect your valuable assets and your home while you are away on a vacation.

1. Inform only the closest of your relatives and friends about it. It’s exciting to go on a holiday and let as many people know about it. But refrain from doing this. And do not mention about your departure time while you are walking on the street or in a pub. Even a passerby can pick up vital information from seemingly ordinary conversations.
2. Stop the newspaper subscription. A pile of newspapers on the driveway. Now that is an attraction for most burglars. Inform the newspaper office a few days in advance and ensure that the subscription is stopped.
3. Inform the postal carrier: That’s similar to the newspaper subscription. Mail protruding from the mailbox is a strict no-no. And in case you forget, please ask your neighbor to collect the mail from your mailbox. Do not leave any impression that the occupants are away.
4. Inform your neighbor. Your neighbor is your best protection when you are away for a vacation. Inform him about your schedule and you can also leave an emergency phone number where he/she can get in touch with you.
5. Do not leave the hidden key around. There cannot be a worse time for you to leave the hidden key around. If you want to leave the key, then please leave it with a friend, a relative or your neighbor. Do not hide it anywhere outside the home.
6. Ensure that the garage door is locked. Just as you would lock your home, ensure that the garage door is also locked. A lot of people use their garage as a storage shed and it can contain potential tools that can be used to enter the home. It may even contain valuable items or expensive tools that need to be protected.
7. Ensure that you have back up battery for the alarm system. The last thing that you want is a security alarm system that ran out of juice at the most crucial time.
8. Use bright outdoor lighting. You can combine it with motion sensors to make it more effective. A home that is dark both outside as well as inside is definitely empty. Even a child in the first grade could gauge that.
9. Create an impression that there is someone at home. Have you watched Home Alone? Remember young Kevin using mannequins and the TV to create an impression that the family is at home? Well, you too can use a few simple tools like a timer and the shades on the windows to create an illusion that the home is occupied. A timer can be used to switch on the lights and switch them off at specific timings. For example, you can program it to switch on when it gets dark outside and switch off at the time that you usually go to bed.
10. Do not record a message in the answering machine that informs callers that you are away. If you use one that is. Keep the normal message as it is.
11. Walk through the home before you leave and check each door and window. Ensure that the locks are functional and each one is securely locked.
12. If there are ordinary locks, then you might consider replacing them with high quality tamper proof ones. Such locks are near impossible to pick and even the key cannot be duplicated.
13. Arrange for the lawn to be mowed. If you are planning to go away for a month or more, then an untrimmed lawn is a sure indicator of this fact. A child in the neighborhood will be more than willing to oblige for some quick cash.
14. Do not store any valuables in the home. Despite taking all the above mentioned precautions, you still don’t want to take any chances. Any valuable jewelry or items of sentimental value should be moved to a safe deposit vault.
15. Inform law enforcement agencies. While this is not really necessary, most people still prefer to do it. It helps the law to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in or around your home.

Most of these tips are recommended by the home security council. Use them and you should find your home safe and sound when you are back from the vacation.

Is it easy to think like a criminal? No, it isn’t. Most of them are lunatics or people with serious psychological complications. It is near impossible to find any logic in their actions. But, if you can come even remotely close to thinking like one, then chances are that you will be able to do a much better job at protecting your home, family and assets than most. Let’s not try to think like the most dangerous people you might have seen on ‘America’s most wanted’. Try and think like the ordinary burglar walking down the street instead. What will he think when he looks at your home? Does it give the impression of a sitting duck? Which are the potential entry and exit points that he might use? How easy is it to enter the home? Get the gist? So are you all set to turn into a burglar to prevent being burgled by one?

Conduct a recee: A recee stands for reconnaissance. It’s like a survey. Get a notebook and a pen and take a walk down the street. Now closely examine your home from the street.

• Is there shrubbery growing in front of the home? For you it might be a wonderful aesthetic addition. But for a burglar, it is an ideal place to sneak into before making a break-in. Jot it down in the notebook. That’s a place that you have to think about.
• Make a note of all the windows that do not have any security locks. These are easy entry points for a burglar. Glass doors are other easy entry points. A glass break detector was an ideal solution to stop such break-ins. But nowadays, no criminal will break the glass. There are glass cutters available for less than $10 and it makes the job even easier.
• If you haven’t put up security signs and decals then this is the best time to do it. Look for ideal locations for the signs and decals. They should be easily visible from the street. Now walk a little closer to your home. Stand near the driveway.
• You can identify spots that can be used to install outdoor lighting for your home. Outdoor lighting is an intrinsic part of security. For this one time, do not think about the savings that you are making on your energy bills.
• Is the garage door locked at all times? Does it have an electronic alarm door? If yes, then it’s probably safe. If no, then does it have tools in it? These are additional tools for the burglar which he can very well use to pry your door open.

Solutions

Now that you have successfully conducted the recee, it’s time to act on the information.

• Just because there hasn’t been a case of burglary in your neighborhood for a long time doesn’t mean that your house cannot be targeted. In fact, such neighborhoods are ideal places for new burglaries because the security system is usually lax.
• Do you support the NRA? Show it. For a burglar it means that there are good chances of being shot at. And no burglar would want that.
• Ensure that you also cover the backside of the home. Several homeowners have been found guilty of completely avoiding the backside of the home and burglars make an easy entry.
• The trick is to create an impression that the home is hard target and not an easy one. And this impression can make a huge difference to the reputation of your home in the neighborhood.

Be smart and be innovative. It won’t take a lot of time or involve a lot of work. But the results can be rewarding.

You have seen it on TV and you have seen advertisements and fliers all over newspapers. The ad shows a completely wireless security system that triggers a CCTV camera into action the moment it detects movement in the yard. This camera footage is then relayed directly to constant monitoring companies who record it and inform law enforcement agencies about the break in. Within minutes, the police swoop down and arrest the intruder red handed. The occupants of the house are safe and do not even have to lift a finger to protect their assets. The security system is the most advanced one and works by itself. Many people wonder and wish that they too could buy such advanced security systems for their home. But not everyone can do that. For security systems can be expensive and if you plan to hire the services of a constant monitoring company, then the cost goes even higher.

Does that mean that you cannot protect your home?

Not really. A little bit of smart thinking and a much smaller investment can give you some level of protection and a feeling of contentment that your home is now safe from potential intruders and burglars alike. There are several ways of doing this on a budget. Let us look at some of them.

An Illusion of protection

‘Illusions are the mirages of Hope’ - Old Adage.

This old adage speaks for itself. An illusion or an impression that your home is protected by the latest security gadgetry is all that you need to keep a potential burglar away. How can you do that? And what will it cost? It’s pretty simple and its not gonna cost you more than a hundred dollars. Any burglar walking down the street will think twice before even attempting to walk close to your home.

• Fake signs and decals - Budget < $20: There are superbly designed and authentic looking signs and decals for sale. These signs feature the logo of a well known security company followed by a message that warns intruders about the presence of a security system or CCTV camera. ‘This home is protected by Security 2020‘. And the mere presence of these signs can cause jitters in the minds of most burglars or robbers. You can buy them for less than $20 and hang them or mount them at prominent locations around your home.
• Dummy Security Cameras - Budget < $20: A dummy security camera is a complete camera housing with a motion detector installed. It moves when it detects motion and even has a red LED light that gives the sense of authenticity. You can mount one or more of these cameras at places which can be easily spotted by burglars. It can scare them away easily. Dummy cameras are available in different shapes and sizes. Some advanced models even have a fake camera lens that can be seen if closely examined. You can also combine them with fake signs and decals to enhance the impression of protection.
• Involve the neighbors - Budget = $0: This is not going to cost you a penny but it can be a priceless addition to your list of security features on a budget. Take the time and introduce yourself to your neighbors. A smart and alert neighbor can be as good as a high end security system. Inform them about your job patterns and the time that you are usually away from home. They should also be allowed to call law enforcement agencies in case they find anything suspicious. Neighborhood watch programs where one neighbor watches out for the other is also a wonderful way to look out for each other in the neighborhood.
• Electronic watchdogs - Budget < $100: An electronic watchdog is an efficient and hassle free replacement for an actual watchdog. It is a motion sensor device that works on Passive Infrared technology. It detects heat from body temperature and movement and sounds an alarm that sounds like the bark of a full grown German shepherd. You can buy one under $100 and it offers several features like increasing volume for the growls (the growl turns into an angry snarl as the person comes closer), detection of up to 4 zones and different tunes for the alarm.
• Dog warning signs - Budget < $50: An ideal addition for the electronic watchdog is a signboard that says ‘Beware of dog’ or ‘I have a dog and he may bite’. Burglars do not like the feel of a set of large jaws against their ankles or hand. And here’s how you can make it even more authentic. You can buy a couple of large dog bowls and a heavy chain and leave it right where it is seen. The total cost will be about $50 and you have a great illusion of being protected by a ferocious watchdog.
• Motion Sensors and lighting - Budget < $100: A motion sensor device can track movement and then relay a signal to an alarm system or even activate a set of lights. This makes them an ideal and cost effective solution for outdoor security. A few lights and a motion detector system is all that you need. If a burglar walks in to your home in the dark and suddenly, the lights come on and he sees the fake security signs, he will vanish into thin air as soon as he arrived.

These are some of the most innovative but effective ways to protect your homes when you are on a budget. But always remember that most of these systems are designed to give an impression that your home is guarded and not actually guard it.