I thought I'd start a home security thread. I doubt that there is already an existing one, because I don't remember seeing it.

Anyway I wanted to beef up the security in my home to make it harder to break into. So far, I've nailed a back door shut that's never going to be used, and will someday be replaced with a wall. It's at the bottom of an outdoor stairwell that's just a place for storm water to enter the house during severe weather conditions.

Also ordered a Schlage Primus lock for the front door that takes a key to lock/unlock from both sides. It's supposed to be pick and bump proof. But, it looks like ways have been discovered recently to pick and bump them open.

Here's some door armor that I've also found that I might order soon. Costs about $100 per door. Makes the door virtually kick proof.

http://www.kickproofdoor.com/armor.html

I don't see much reason to install a camera system. Thieves would just smile and wave at the camera as they are making away with your stuff. You wouldn't know who they were and police probably wouldn't know who they were, so why bother.

The only way I can see that a camera system would be useful would be if it could alert you to a break-in via your smart phone and allow you to actually view someone in your home so you know it's not a false alarm.

don't you have guard cats in your house?

Hi Cat,

With ISPs delving into the security business now, pricing for 'connected' systems is starting to get competitive.

I'm not an expert as I'm not directly involved but I know that my company's system includes all the usual stuff, (door & window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, etc) all of which can send notifications to smartphones or any internet device. Also, you can live view your cameras at home via your smartphone or other device as well. It also provides remote control of your heating/cooling systems, lights or other appliances, if you wish. Your camera feeds are backed up via a secure tunnel to our data center so the crooks can't simply smash your PC, VCR etc. to destroy the footage.

If you shop around, you should be able to find competitive prices in the market right now. At least until the competitive pressure from ISPs trying hard to get into the market balances out and things begin to level out again.

--
Trying to figure out your door that requires a key for both sides though. Why do you want that and what happens if there is a fire or do you have a keypouch sewn into your pajamas?

EDIT:
or a proximity card sewn into his pajamas......
I'm currently laughing hysterically picturing a panicked Brian doing pelvic thrusts to his door trying to get the proximity sensor to unlock his door for his escape.

Murph, we have a deadbolt that works the same way. The idea is that someone can't smash the window in a front door and just reach in and turn the deadbolt.

Because of the same concerns (fire, etc) we just leave the key in it all the time. Kind of defeats the purpose, huh?

Thanks Mark.
I guess I grasped the concept of why, just not the practicality of it.

In your case, you just need to train Buddy to race down and grab the inner key on command.

You will probably want to train Buddy to do that fairly soon as I told Charles that you were secretly related to Regina Spektor and that she would be staying with you on vacation next week.

We have 3 Guard Cats plus a minimal (3 zone), monitored ($30/month) ADT Security System. Our house is a bit unique in that there is only 1 entrance in the front in full view of the street. Anyone coming in through a back, ground level window to get upstairs would have to pass through the front foyer where the motion detector is located. The 110Db horn there would take out their ear drums.

Not the greatest protection but it seems to have worked for over a decade. Perhaps it is the ADT 'yard signs' & 'window decals' that deter the amateur cretins...

TAM

I'm having second thoughts on having the inside part of door lock keyed. It just seemed like a good idea at the time. If someone broke in some other way, window, etc. they wouldn't be able to just open the door and make out with the stuff. That's my reasoning. There's no window in the door that would allow them to break and reach in to unlock it. I would have a key hidden somewhere nearby that I could access in case of an emergency. Or just throw a chair through the main living room window, or just open a window for that matter, and crawl out.

Or walk across the room and exit through the sliding doors.
Or kick a hole in the wall, and just exit through the wall. (Hoping there's no nails driven in through the outside that's now inline with my foot.)

Guard cats have a difficult time mustering up courage.

As tech outpaces our ability to control it I would not install a camera...Unless it was not connected to a telephone, cable or wireless system.
The idea that someone halfway around the world could watch me ruined it for me.
Our system got tested on the weekend. They called the house 3 minutes after the alarm, my cell 5 minutes after the alarm and the RCMP called 5 minutes after I confirmed the false alarm.
I was hoping the response time would have been better.
The wife is home alone (with the kids) alot.

One of my Guard Cats - my favourite, brilliant white queen feline with a blue & a green eye - has no problem mustering courage when she feels threatened. Frightening actually & quite a formidable animal when provoked! I'm always careful not to pi$$ her off, ha!

To her detriment, she doesn't back down from anything. Unfortunately, that may be her downfall some day. Must be the 'Siamese' lineage in her...

TAM

TAM

Becoming good friends with your neighbors -- if you aren't already -- should be at or near the top of your list. There's no substitute for concerned human eyes.

I just installed Simplisafe in or home based on the fact that we had someone attempt entry in a rear window when were away. The all wireless system is very easy to install, has great reviews, and with packages from 14.99 to 24.99 with dispatch service, text and smart phone app, makes it a great deal. Also, comes with smoke, freeze, and water detectors. Also uses mobile network so thief can cut the phone line and it won't matter, sherrif already in route to taz the mofo.

Despite the presence of alarm systems and measures taken to strengthen means of entry, criminals do enter homes even when the occupants are present. Ability to use deadly force if necessary to protect ones self or ones family should be given full consideration.

I agree. Nobody that knows me enters my home without ample notice.

Its interesting, a rep for our security system happened to stop by this evening.
We're gonna get some new stickers.

Is that legal advice, John ?

Thou shalt not kill, unless someone's about to make off with your material possessions and you done tol' them once not to.

Nobody said anything about killing...

We'll let the moment determine the severity of their error.

You would be surprised what concerned neighbours might miss. My ex's parents missed a break in next door while watching TV in their living room. The thieves went through the front door with a sledge hammer and nobody heard or saw a thing.

My neighbors would be sorely disappointed in my ability to spot a thief. Blackout curtains drawn. Movie playing at a loudish volume.

Ah the memories...
It wasn't that long ago I got in shit from a relative who came over banged and kicked on the door(outside insulated door swings out and locks) and nobody heard her.
My front door is on the back wall of my livingroom.
She was soooo mad when it happened the second and 3rd time.
Now she calls first.

I just want a camera at my entrance so I can know whether I want to open the door or not when someone knocks.

Activated by a doorbell button (no door bell).
I like that idea.

Charles, you'll need to post a chart inside the door so you can quickly judge the "cuteness factor".

Agreed.

How about a wood carving that looks like a gun?

Or a machete?

A battery powered electric chain saw?

A squirt gun full of acid?

A box of large tarantulas to let loose.

Pepper spray.

Forget the tasers. I've had one. Total waste of time. I used to taser myself after a couple, just for fun. Hurts like hell though. Would have to get close and lucky with it to do any good. Otherwise you'd just pi$$ the other person off.

Just keep playing Netflix movies. That'll be sure to keep everyone away.

Seriously, Peter's suggestion is probably the best...your neighbours.