Home Security News

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Worried about identity theft? Here are a few tips to keep you from becoming a victim:

Shred all documents containing your personal information before you throw them away.
Get a copy of your credit report every year and inspect it thoroughly.

Never leave your credit cards in your car or other unsecured places.

Don't put your Social Security Number on your checks.

Every month, review your credit card statements. If there are any suspicious purchases, call the issuing bank.

For more information on identity theft check out these helpful resources:

Identity Theft Prevention and Survival
Identity Theft Information

What is a Car Immobilizer?

Car immobilizers are relatively new types of car theft deterrents. The basic idea is the device immobilizes the car's engine, transmission, fuel supply, or some other critical moving part. This keeps a feature from being able to move or start the car. Car immobilizers range in sophistication and can cost from between $100 to around $600. This usually includes the purchase price and installation.

Read more about car immobilizer systems.

Short article "Remote car alarm with built-in immobilizer relay"

Neighborhood Watch Programs Lower Crime

Statistics prove that an active Neighborhood Watch program can lower crime in an area. They can be effective in both rural and urban communities. A Carson City article details how crime was lessened: "Crime lowered by neighborhood watch programs".

How to Turn Your PC into a Video Surveillance System

Many home owners are interested in adding video surveillance systems to their home security systems, but they worry about pricey equipment. New software makes it possible to use your existing PC (with webcam--much cheaper than full blown security cameras) as an indoor video surveillance system. You can set a timer to start/top recording or equip a motion detector.

Read more: "Turn Your PC into an Affordable Video Surveillance System "

Enhancements to Video Surveillance Equipment

Lots of overseas competition in the video surveillance market may mean good things for consumers. In order to stay competitve US manufacturers are working at creating innovative new technology. This means new toys for us with more features and possibly lower prices.

For more information, read: Technological Advances Enhance Video Surveillance Equipment Progress

Or browse Wireless Home Security X10 Wireless Accessories a shop that sells gear like this "high end video surveillance camera with ultimate zoom " or this cheaper "Tiny Wireless Camera, See & Record Everything".

Low Cost Home Security Improvements

Concerned about home security? Not sure you can afford a fancy alarm system? An article in the Wichita Eagle offers some suggestions for simple home security steps you can take to beef up your security without breaking the bank. For instance, replacing regular locks with deadbolts will cost you less than $15. Creating a reinforced door is a simple matter of buying a box of 2 1/2"-3" screws and replacing the smaller ones in your door jambs.

For more tips, read "Boost home security without spending a lot"

Also check out:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security

Fight car stereo thefts with new car alarms

Traditional car alarms might not be enough to thwart skilled thieves. According to a Des Moines news report, there are newer systems on the market, though. They suggest the Viper Alarm system. With pager, it costs about $450.

Read Car Stereo Thefts Up, New Technology Can Help

Home Security You Can Afford

Want to keep your home safe but have a limited budget? A wilmington news report explores home security systems you can buy and install that won't put you into more debt than a pack of burglars could.

Home security on a budget

Spy-Cye Home-Surveillance Robot

Through a wireless digital camera, Spy-Cye, a roving home surveillance robot, allows you to remotely monitor your home via a PC left connected to the Web. The robot allows you to both see and hear what's going on in your house when you're gone.

At this point, Spy-Cye is more of a toy than a legitimate security system, but these home surveillance robots hint of the future where home security may be more efficient, or at least more automated, allowing us more options in more ways to thwart would-be burglars.

Spy-Cye Homepage
Spy-Cye Home Surveillance Robot Review

Trim Those Shrubs!

Heavy foliage near your house can provide nooks for burglars to hide in. Tree branches near second story windows can provide ladders for thieves to climb up. Dark yards without outdoor lighting provide ample shadows for intruders.

This press release from Yahoo News offers a number of tips on making your home safer through a little bit of simple yard work.

Going on Vacation? Is Your Home Secure?

It's hard to rest easy when you're on vacation if you're not sure your house is secure. The Decatur Daily published a helpful article on preparing your home for a vacation, offering numerous tips on keeping your house safe from burglars while you're gone.

Read

The Elvis Presley Password?

An article in London reported that the name Elvis Presley was the most commonly used password and home security systems. They posted a list of the top 10 and found numerous celebrities in there. An interesting tidbit, but also a warning. Don't pick something obvious when choosing your passwords. You don't want a would-be burglar guessing the password to your alarm system!

Read full article

Buying a Home Security System? Here Are A Few Tips

The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association has posted a list of 10 tips you should consider when hiring a burglar alarm/fire alarm installation company. The NBFAA site is an excellent resource to peruse before beginning any sort of home security plan.

Why Create a Home Security Blog?

Whether you rent or own, home security should be important to you and your family. When I was looking for information on the topic, I found a whole lot of sites ready to sell me stuff. I had a harder time just finding some basic information. So, the purpose of this blog is to ferret out information on home security, fire prevention, homeowners insurance, and home surveillance systems. I will provide tips and point you to relevant news on the topic. I don't pretend to be an expert, so I will be documenting my sources. Hopefully, this blog will be of some service to you if you are looking for advice on how to make your home more secure.