Keeping Your Family Safe on a Budget

Everybody worries about the security of their homes and families. The question is: how can you make your home safe without turning it into Fort Knox? The sad fact is that, if someone is resolute to get into your house, they can and will. Ten years ago, my home was ‘safe’, but I was conned into opening the door and I let my attackers in. No home security system can safeguard against circumstances like that.

Burglars look for homes that look vulnerable. Most criminals are opportunistic. In other words, if they see an open door or window or if it is obvious that no one is at home and if there is no obvious security, then it is worth them attempting to get in. Open gates are also an incitement. So are valuable possessions put on show in windows.

It only takes minutes to steal something, you would be astonished. I let two armed robbers into my house and they timed 15 minutes to take everything of value in my house and then a car stopped outside to pick them up. It was night time and I was tied up. It could have been a taxi, which would not have aroused my neighbours’ suspicion.

It is imperative to show people (opportunistic thieves) that you have a home security set-up of some type. If you cannot afford a good, working alarm system, get a dummy siren box with a flashing light. It is not as good as a proper system, but it would take a brave or desolate burglar to find out, which means that you cannot tell anyone at all, in case it gets out.

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