I was told back in the late 60's by an ex-con friend of a neighbor that my small dog scared burglers worse than anything. They hear everything and don't mind telling you at all hours of the night and day....and most apt to be house dogs. Large dogs are usually outside dogs and they can take care of them for the price of a steak.

A baseball bat is a great persuader too. 15 yrs ago, I was told by a deputy sheriff that I'd go to prison if I shot someone thru my front door but I could beat their heads to a bloody pulp with a baseball bat if they crawled in a window. (if they live thru it, they can sue and usually win for some strange reason) Never have had to test that theory and I can now use a gun here in FL to protect me and mine. It's a crazy world out there.

Now I'm thinking an NRA sticker in the window might be helpful. LOL

Think about ways to make someone pick another house, in addition to "arming" yourself (in any number of ways) in case your deterrents don't work. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure!

When we got our system the sales person told us his neighborhood had lots of break ins . None of the houses with the security signs and security window decals got broke into only the houses without. Security systems such as ADT are a good idea and they do notify police right away. Hope you find a good one.

I saw this sign posted at a business....
"This Property is guarded by a man with a shot gun three days a week. You guess which three"

I'd like to buy that sign!!!!

I live in an apt and feel fairly safe. A few weeks ago I was on the phone talking with one of my daughters and expecting another daughter to come over at any moment.....heard a knock at the door and answered without checking "peephole".....standing there on a HOT and Humid August evening was a dude with a black hoodie and a hat on.....when I opened the door he said something....I told my daughter on the phone that I didn't know who it was but to call the police ! The guy took off running.....later heard that a former tenant in that apt used to sell "stuff".....I've since changed apts and hopefully this one is drug safe !

Yesterday, 10/8, I had an incident with my bank account that is worth noting. I went to grocer and debit card was denied...wow that is not a good feeling. After several tries it was still denied. Left groceries there and raced home to computer....yep, showed I had money in my account. Called bank and learned that their "Fraud" dept had pretty much shut down all transactions on my account because of a couple of "suspicious" charges....like a SIXTY NINE CENT charge in Brazil and a $33 charge from TN....all on the same day. Since I live in GA it was most unlikely that I had been to Brazil AND TN on the same day ! Went to bank, got a replacement Debit card and am able to access funds. Was looking at statement on line later in the day, once my heart settled down, and saw another charge that should be disputed also, will do that on Tuesday when the banks open after the holiday.

You just can't be too careful......sad to say.

Overall vigilance is a good way to look at home security. Stop locks for windows that prevent them from being opened more than a couple of inches, motion-sensor lights (I even have a motion sensor hooked up to a light in an extra 2nd floor bedroom), keeping doors locked, not keeping valuables in plain view. Police will tell you that thieves look for an easy target; don't make it easy for them, and they will move on.

I use my home security system all the time plus have the CWP and carry a gun that I'm not afraid to use.

We live part time in rural Wisconsin. We have three "spy phones". They have a sensor on them and if someone walks past it, it will call you or the number you put into the memory. A speaker stays on for 30 to 60 seconds so that you can hear what is going on.

Last month we got a call and could hear footsteps. We called the sheriff's office and they sent 3 squads out only to discover our neighbors (who have a key) removing a downed tree. Our neighbors forgot to call us and tell us that they would be working in the yard.

At least we know it works. Very cheap. Phones are about $60.00.

Wasp spray. Just read about it. Keep by door and by bed. Sprayed in the eyes is a real deterrent.