My house has been burglarized three times in two years, how can I stop this?
Obviously, burglars are attracted your home either because of its isolated location, your lifestyle, or the way you secure the home. Simply stated, your home has burglar curb appeal and appears to be an easy target on your block. You can change this by fortifying doors and windows, installing an alarm system and use it, and examine your lifestyle. For example, if you are gone a lot you should set up a relationship with neighbors to watch over your home, and pick up newspapers. If you are gone at night, install light timers to turn on interior lights or the television to simulate occupancy. Don't leave windows, doors, or garage doors open while away and lock side gates. Use alarm signs and beware of dog signs.

Do home alarm systems prevent break-ins?
In a word, yes. Basic home alarm systems are designed to detect unauthorized entry and evidence of fire and report it...that's it. It's the fear of detection and reporting that prevents burglaries. Reporting consists of a loud bell or siren that sends most burglars running or the option of having the signal monitored by an external alarm company that will notify whomever you request. To keep burglars out, you need to warn them first of the existence of your alarm system by using a lawn sign and window decals of the alarm company. Of course, for all this to work the homeowner needs to incorporate the use of the alarm system into their everyday routine and actually use it.

What features should I look for in a home alarm system?
Alarms systems vary dramatically with add-on options much like buying a new car. For most people the basic alarm package is good enough. The basic system provides door and window alarm contacts on openings, one or more infra-red motion sensor inside, an audible horn or siren, and a control panel with a digital dialer and keypad. Beyond the basic alarm system you can add smoke and heat detectors, glass break detectors, ultra-sonic and infra-red motion sensors, temperature sensors, shock sensors, control panel tamper sensors, battery back-up, and cell phone or internet signal reporting technology.

Do iron grills or bars on windows stop burglars?
Besides being ugly and a radical security measure, window grills definitely work to prevent entry through accessible windows. To be effective, the grills need to be made of substantial material and fastened with non-removable screws that cut deeply into the window frame. Be aware that the US Fire Code prohibits putting bars on windows in sleeping rooms unless there is a proper release mechanism inside or two points of escape.

Will metal security screen doors prevent forced entry into my home?
Metal screen doors with a deadbolt lock definitely add another layer of protection to the home. They are installed on top of the door frame and swing outward making it more difficult to force entry. These screen doors are good for homeowners who routinely leave their front door open for ventilation. These doors should not be relied upon for high security because the screen can be easily compromised and expose the deadbolt latch.

Can automatic garage door opener signals be read by criminals with scanners?
This is largely an urban myth, although it is technically possible. Automatic garage door openers use remote controls that send out radio frequencies (RF) to activate the garage door opener. It is possible for a burglar to read this RF code as you enter your driveway and push the transmitter button. The crook would have to be in very close proximity (right behind you) to capture this signal with the right equipment and knowledge how to use it to open your garage door in your absence. A criminal with this much talent could probably find a real job somewhere. Fortunately, most quality garage door openers now have a RF signal scrambler feature that uses a random RF signal for each opening and thereby defeats the risk of code copying and use.