home security?

Question

We live in Australia. You arent allowed to keep guns for protection. recently we had in our suburb a home invasion with a machete and sawn off shotgun. they havent caught the people. We have an alarm system but cant use it because of the cats. I get a bit scared sometimes because I feel we don't have enough security if someone came with a gun. We are thinking of installing a sensor light but are there any other suggestions to make your home safer?

Answer 1

Motion sensor lighting is a good start. Why can't you use your alarm system with the cats? If it is a motion reason, motion sensors can be programmed to ignore movement up to a certain size (my security system ignores my two 35 lbs dogs).

A dog would help as well. Also, make your home uninviting to robbers, including planting spiney bushes right under your windows, don't advertise your home to robbers by leaving curtains open or valuables out, remove spare keys if left outside the house (under a mat, in a fake rock).

A creative idea would to glue a fake Sydney Funnel Web to each window. That should make them think twice about going in that way.

Answer 2

Use a broomstick in the bottom channel of sliding glass doors or windows to keep them from moving. There are poles you can get that attach to the door and floor that cannot be forced open. Sensor lights are excellent, front and back. Take stock of your home, are windows easily accessed? Is your doorway well lit and visible from the street? There are websites available with all kinds of ideas also. search for do it yourself security.