How to Secure Your Home without Buying a Security System

(Click on the image for the Washington Consumers' Checkbook report)

"Do you have good deadbolts on all your doors? Strong latches on your windows? Do you always lock your doors and windows? Have a barky dog?
If you can answer “yes” to the first three questions, you’re way ahead when it comes to home security (and get extra credit for the dog). Because most burglars enter homes by simply opening unlocked doors or windows—or pushing and kicking locked ones until they open—even the most basic measures of protection will improve your security.
While it doesn’t take a genius to get at your stuff, the good news is that the incidence of burglaries is fairly slim: Only about one in 50 U.S. homes get broken into each year. Over time, however, the odds turn against you. And given the financial, physical, and psychological damage that can result from a burglary, it makes sense to do what you can to become more secure."