Inexpensive options to consider 

• Outdoor dusk to dawn light control sockets (photocell): Outdoor light bulbs screw into this socket; the light will automatically turn on when dark, and off when light is present
• Fake/decoy cameras: These can be purchased at most home improvement stores or online and serve as a cheap psychological deterrent
• Fake/decoy security system stickers and signs made to place around your property. This serves as another psychological deterrent. These are also available in local home improvement stores or online
• Three-inch wood decking screws: This is to upgrade from standard ¾ inch screws that go into the strike plates of your exterior door frames. This supports the overall strength of your locking mechanism, hinges, and doors.
• Routine maintenance: Keep your landscape groomed by not allowing trees/shrubs to create concealment near your windows, doors, porch etc. Ultimately, you want to allow visibility from the street or alleyway for neighbors and/or police to see. Avoid creating an environment that’s attractive to criminals where they feel comfortable and no one will see them. Also, pay attention to your lighting. Often bugs, dirt etc. will take away from the brightness of your outdoor lights or they no longer work and don’t have light.
• Window security system kits: Battery operated to alert you and your neighbors by creating noise when windows/doors are opened or tampered with
• Leave radios/televisions/lights on to create noise/light within your home while you are away or out of town.
• Be cognizant of what you share on social media (vacation pics, check-ins, etc.) when you’re away from home. You never know who sees this and will take advantage of you.
• Don’t leave things open/unlocked: Garage doors, windows, sheds, doors etc. Updated 3-12-20
• Report suspicious activity immediately to police (vehicle descriptions, people, direction of travel, etc.). Make it known that the neighborhood and police are watching. Details shared with the police can still help with the investigation.
• Start a Neighborhood Watch group to get up to date crime prevention information, get to know your neighbors, create trusting relationships, and instill a larger watch than cameras can provide.

Expensive options to consider 

• Alarm systems
• Surveillance camera system serves as a great psychological deterrent but also assists Police with investigations for identification purposes etc.
• Doorbell cameras to include motion activated smart phone alerts and live time views • Cylinder dead bolt locks for exterior doors, be sure to use them! (You truly get what you pay for here)
• Solid storm doors (wrought iron, laminate/impact glass) with a deadbolt(s) for exterior doors can serve as a great physical and psychological deterrent on your exterior doors
• Window protection film/laminated glass films: This helps reinforce the overall strength of safety or tempered glass on your windows around your home
• Window wrought iron protection to further strengthen your protection from intruders
• Lighting. Adding extra lights to include LED motion lights, light timers, solar lights, around your property. Using LED lights could save you money and are much brighter
• Wireless motion alert systems: These can alert you by noise, or even by smart phone of motion occurring inside or outside of your residence
• Guard dog(s). Dogs help create noise and serve as a possible physical and psychological deterrent to criminals

The idea behind these psychological and physical options listed above are to create an environment overwhelming for the criminal(s) and to influence their behavior and decision making. We want to send that signal to them directly from the curb or alleyway with as many of these layers in place. It takes some self-initiative and a proactive mindset to disrupt the opportunities available for criminals. If you begin with your home and neighborhood, together as a community we can improve the overall quality of life and have a lasting impact on crime together!