Home Security & Safety Surveillance Strategies

Layered Security

• One of the best home security strategies is to have a home like an onion instead of an egg. An "onion" home has multiple layers of security rather than a single system, or "egg." An intruder could easily find a way around one security system, but layers would impede or even deter him or her, and even alert the homeowner or neighbors to an attempted break in. An example of a simple, layered security strategy is to plant rosebushes outside a locked, barred and safety-coated window.

Put Yourself in a Burglar's Shoes

• Identifying areas around the house that are vulnerable to forced entry or tempting to criminals can help to enhance security. There may be blind spots from where an occupant is unable to see someone lurking outside, plants that make good hiding places or block the neighbor's view. Thinking as an intruder helps to pinpoint potential entry points like improperly hung sliding doors, or lures like valuable items displayed within view of a window.

Motion Detectors

• A burglar alarm notifies a homeowner if a person tries to break into the home, whereas a motion detector can deter potential intruders. Spotlights that illuminate the driveway are not much use, as criminals tend to stick to areas that make their presence difficult to detect. Lights installed along the side or back of the house which can light up the entire property, and whose illumination is visible to occupants make it hard to hide, and will alert the homeowner or neighbors to an outsider's presence when they come on.

Night Vision Surveillance

• Night vision allows detection and recording of an intruder even without spotlights. Night vision cameras use infrared light to capture images. Surveillance like this differs from infrared surveillance strategies based on the wavelength of light used for illumination. A homeowner's budget and the property size determine the scope of such surveillance strategies. Aside from the cost, positioning is important--cameras should be in an area where trespassers may encroach on the property and where no blind spot exists.

Overt Surveillance Systems

• As well as recording any criminal activity, overt surveillance systems can be a deterrent because they are plainly visible. A system may actually comprise fake "cameras" to deter burglars, but isn't helpful in the event of an actual break-in. An overt system reduces the chance of a break-in, as a potential intruder would not want his or her image recorded. Naysayers argue that it can indicate there is something of great value in a home, but a criminal would also weigh the chances of being recorded against the potentially large payoff.