10 Easy & Inexpensive Hacks to Burglar-Proof Your Home 

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Quick summary 1 - Place locks on windows 2 - Reinforce your doors 3 - Door stops, jams, barricades 4 - Home security system 5 - Secure sliding glass doors 6 - Door and window alarms 7 - Lock the garage door, secure the locking cable, and keep the clicker 8 - Solar motion lights 9 - Lock your electrical box 10 - Keep a home safe

I’ve done a ‘deal’ with a neighbour. My security cameras are linked through their WiFi, and their cameras run through mine. That way, if someone tries to break into one house, and cuts the power, they won’t know the system is still recording, just through next door. Sneaky.

As an almost 20 year police officer: this is GREAT info from City Prepping.

I like using infant monitors in my vehicles and sheds. Low cost, wireless, very sensitive to even the slightest sound a baby could make. So I hear the testing/tampering of door and window locks. Being able to react before major damage is done has already more then paid for the monitors.

Just as a hint from my Indian dad, he put two brackets with a steel pipe in the middle across the door. Pick the lock? Can't get in, kick down the door? Still hard. Not incredible, but it's good for those with a budget.

I see all the mentions of the door plate and lock being strengthened. Once you’ve done that, your hinges are the weak point. Replace at least one screw in each hinge with a 3 or 4 inch screw. If you have an outward swinging door, like many back doors are, replace the center hinge with a security hinge that is immune to being tapped out. Anything you can do to slow someone down is good.

*the best hack of all: be such a super weirdo nobody will want to go anywhere near you.*

Excellent video. One idea I would like to add is window film.

I was shocked to see electrical boxes on the outside of homes when I moved to CA. One of the MOST stupid regulations we have.

A medium to large well trained dog is an excellent deterrent to thieves as well as an armed citizen.

Talking about garage door openers, always remember to remove your garage door opener from your vehicle when taking it in for service or parking in longtermed storage at the airport or valeting at a restaurant. Someone can easily clone it and then put it make and you'll never know someone now has access to your house. Likewise, remove your house keys from the keyring when giving your car keys to anyone.

Door chimes(like wind chimes on your door). Don't have to worry about the power going out, wiring, and they are pretty cheap.

I have a pitbull who doesn't bark when someone comes to the door but he's always waiting quietly by the door when someone knocks / rings the doorbell. Also, I'm always armed whether I'm home or not. Anyone who breaks in will end up having a really bad day.

The longer strike plate kit and 3” screws makes a world of difference on all doors and costs about $20 per door. Low windows with security film and kid safety wedges work well. A simple pad lock through both rails of your garage door prevents the door from going up. Lights, lights and more lights erase shadows to hide and get a gun and dog. If you have to call the police tell them it is a home invasion in progress and they will move much quicker, hopefully. Always lock everything at night or when away. Thats about as safe as you can be short of bars on doors and windows. My house has all this minus the bars, wife wasnt into that lol. Great tips City Prepping!

I often hear the recommendation for a safe. But they work best as a decoy. First place a burglar goes is the main bedroom. The typical place for the safe is the bedroom closet. They’ll rip the bolts right out of the floor and carry out the safe. And no they won’t carry it down the street, it will go into a vehicle. Buy a small safe, put it in the closet but don’t bolt it down. Put some money in it but only what you’re willing to lose and some inexpensive jewelry. Then find better hiding spots for your actual stuff. Burglar thinks that he’s gotten everything, doesn’t get mad and seek revenge, and you’re not out that much. While you’re at it, buy Medico locks for your doors.

outstanding tip to put on a lock/padlock in your circuit breaker box. !!!!

Something worth knowing is that if you have a safe and live in a prosperous neighborhood and it gets discovered by a burglar you may be targeted by home invaders next. Thieves are usually specialists and sell intel to others in other fields.

Increasing the length of the screws for your doors and locks, cheap, effective

Pro tip that wasn't mentioned. Most homes the screws used to hang your exterior door and install your deadbolt are only 3/4 inch screws. You should get 3 1/2 inch or 4 inch screws that will secure your deadbolt and hinges into the studs framing your door. These are fairly cheap and just requires a drill to install.

I have a 10 camera security system and four of the yappiest small dogs you’ll ever find on the planet! Nobody sneaking up on me.

Definitely thinking about a lock upgrade now. I'm seeing visible signs of how lawlessness is increasing out there. I wouldn't trust people not to get ruthless. All my windows will be boarded up.

Good intel. I'm covered, I have 3 attack cats and a dog. Unless the invader has treats at the ready. Lol.

Thanks for that security film tip from your last vid. I didn't know about security film. I live in Texas near the coast and wind is a problem. So much so insurance for it is expensive. But after I told them I put that on my house I got 5% off my payment.

I took a note out of my grandma’s book and stacked easily moveable but bulky barricades (clothes basket, kitchen chair) as well as have a heavy bat across the back door to deter / delay entry as well as make noise

I learned my lesson, left home while neighbors watched, came back to my flat screen stolen. Later learned another neighbor talked to this "watching neighbor" about how easy it was to climb in windows. Mine was unlocked, never even knew it was unlocked. Police never even showed up.

Quick note about alarm systems: some cities require residents to register alarm systems with the authorities, if you don’t register the alarm they won’t dispatch police.

Three large dogs ranging from 75 lbs. to 90 lbs. Been putting together my own security system with cameras and alarm. Also several firearms within arm's reach. I can do without corporate surveillance. Kinda out in a rural area, the dogs hear everything from a squirrel fart to unknown vehicles approaching, or ne'er-do-wells trying to steal my stuff. If I was gonna rob me and heard those heathens barking and snarling I'd quickly move along LOL.

Great tips. We check all the doors and windows each night. We also have a dowel in the sliding door track. We will be doing more in the weeks ahead.

I have had simply safe for almost 2 years. It makes me feel safe and secure in my home when I am there and when I am not. Good hacks. Thanks

On the wood gates on either side of my house I have hung cowbells from, that way if someone rattles or opens a gate they make a noise that might deter them and/or alert me.

Great video. Quick, simple fixes are inexpensive if you plan before you upgrade. A longer strike plate behind a dead bolt with 3” screws in the face plate and hinges. People often forget the hinges. Add just 1 longer screw per hinge significantly strengthens the door as the screws go into the frame. Double pane fold out for cleaning windows can also be an entry point. Always have the pop out blocking tabs out unless you are opening the windows. Any dog is a deterrent. Know your neighbors. The best protection is looking out for one another. A stranger at your property should alert neighbors and attention is the one thing bad guys hate. Solar motion lights, as mentioned are also a great deterrent. Clear or trim any tall bushes near entry points. Regarding garage door openers, do not leave them visible in your vehicle. Even if not taken, thieves can quickly open them, get your “code”, follow you home, and open later with a different opener. Buy an opener with rolling codes. Always lock the entry door from the garage to the house. Pay attention to what the “normal” sounds are in your neighborhood or apartment building. Where I live, we even notice vehicles that do not belong by sound. Have even met several neighbors outside at night when a strange vehicle came down the road and parked for a few minutes. And be aware when you get home. Home invasions can happen when you first get home. Prudence not paranoia. Put down your dumb phone and pay attention. If you have kids, educate them about awareness also. Teach them at the age appropriate level. A 4 year old knows a stranger. A teenager pulling in the driveway can scan for someone lurking.

A additional note to the windows, do not have foliage covering the window or creating blind spots of your property

Reminds me of an old saying, locks only keep out the honest thieves.

I live in a decent neighborhood, sad part it’s not criminal I have to worry about, it’s my neighbors who have been giving me the most trouble since I’ve lived their.

*Darn good video, coming from a LEO. Very Important info. Love and Light to you ALL. HOOAH*

thank you so much for your vigilance and service towards public awareness and safety!

Security of your home does not start at your doorstep. Think farther out. Think unconventional. There is this age old idea of not much being done until your “bad guy” reaches a point of entry. Denial- post a no trespassing sign up. This does multiple things. You are verbally letting anyone know your intent. There are also legal repercussions if they are caught with a sign in place as well. Delay- Fences, Gates, barriers and obstruction that delays their advance onto your property and your home. Deter- This is where your hardware comes in. Door locks, window locks, patio locks, etc, etc, etc. Defend- You do what you have to do to neutralize the threat by force. Caveat: Become friendly with your neighbors. They are invaluable. Invite them over to your next cookout. You will be surprised what you learn.

I have 8 cameras - alarm sensor on every window and door Back up battery on alarm system- monitoring company 2 Dogs and a nine millimeter. on garage door i un plug every nite. During the day while not home i have a tiny remote clicker on my key chain and it actually controls the power outlet that the garage door is plugged into so you have to use this clicker to turn the power on then the regular garage door clicker to open door.

I had church friends who would never ever ever ever lock their doors. I remember one Halloween night I went to their house unannounced and opened their front door. Their eyes bulged w terror and they looked completely petrified for a second but quickly realized it was only me. I no longer go over their house but I doubt that incident convinced them to start locking their door. The Holy Spirit is truly w them.

I think that another really cheap device to have would be one of those loud sirens that people have at ball games---loud, piercing blasts of unexpected noise might be an excellent deterrent

Thanks for all great advice

Great video ! I live in a small 2nd storey apartment I was going to make the small front verandah look realy nice but then I thought if it shows money outside then what's inside ? So I have decided to keep the inside absolutely beautiful and the front completely blank so as a burglar you might get halfway up the stairs take one look think nothing to see here and hopefully go next door ! The perfect camouflage by taking away not adding.

This subject can always be perfected, it can get frustrating. Most doors at their hinges have small screws and should be replaced properly

Yap yap dogs, some video cameras and a few hand guns. It also helps to be retired and home all the time.

I love the simple door wedge idea

Make sure security lighting is up high enough that the bulbs can't be removed or *loosened*, giving the appearance that they are in place but will not make electrical contact and thus not illuminate when triggered. Speaking from experience! If they are low enough to be handled then some sort of cage or grate around them is better than nothing as long as it required tools to remove it e.g. torx screws fastening it.

Absolutely terrific. Thanks

Window alarms are great. l bought an 8 pack for $50. Also, they have red flashing lights when activated.

I would also advise everyone to get life protect mobile. It's just a little button, you can press a button, when/if an emergency arises. Help will come.

This is great information I live in the country but I still find this very helpful thanks for the video

Thank you very good information to securing your home. Keep it coming!

I have also used quality tension rods in sliding doors. Great video especially with everything going on in the world today.

Thank you.

My main home security system is two well trained pitbulls. They're friendly dogs, but they do serve as a great warning/ alarm system. They pretty much bark ferociously only when outsiders are near the property.

A good home defense has 4 layers or levels of priority: 1). Visually deter criminals with things design to encourage them to move to next home 2). Physical barriers or locks etc that harden your home to unwanted entry 3). Warning/alerting systems that give you time to prepare for #4. (Alarms, barking dogs) 4). The means to defend yourself/family if first 3 aren’t enough (think “Pew Pew Pew)

Another method for breaking into garages: many garage doors have a pull string that is used to detach the garage door from the garage door opener making it so the garage is free to be movable. So what the criminal does is shim in a coat hanger or something thin to pull the release string and BOOM they have acess. There are several actions you can take to defeat this

Thank you for this...so many people do not know these things..

I have reinforced the door hinges and strike plates. Put several additional locks on back door. Dog does not like strangers. There is a peep hole on the front door. I have two separate alarm systems with battery backup. I would make a phone call for someone but not open the door for a stranger. I also have extra locks on the front door. Be safe my friends.

Replacing your deadbolts with double cylinder deadbolts (keyed on both sides) ensures that if someone breaks into your home through a window they won't be able to exit through your doors without first breaking them down. They will likely be forced to crawl back out through the window or way they broke in.

A neighbour who loved to garden had poison plants outside large windows. These plants were easily bruised and broken and the liquid that would be released would cause skin to blister and itch immediately, even on gloves it would transfer. It would be a horrible thing for anyone to walk into, far worse than any spray in a can.

You mentioned something so important! That lock on your electrical box! Yes people...lock it!

I just purchased a super big megaphone w/siren for hubby and myself and 4 smaller ones for the immediate neighbors...when things are more obviously going south (most in these parts are living in lalaland)...then I can give it to them to use if they need to scare off someone...or alert everyone of danger...or maybe fire...etc. We live in the country and houses are not right next to each other ...but close enough they should be able to hear the megaphone/siren. I would appreciate any thoughts on this...good/bad...but, please not ugly : ). I thought maybe work out some system so we could tell what was the issue.

This is a great video. Good info

Very helpful, thank you for putting this up.

interesting video, thank you

Reinforced striker on front door with 3" screws on striker and hinges. Installed bar barricade across door at knob/striker level. Upgraded deadbolts. Replaced window latches with lockable latches and security film on window. Metal security door on outside of backdoor. To confuse and frustrate any burglar that did gain entry there are non-operable doorknobs on various doors around house which, when locked, can only be opened with a key in the deadbolt. Solar/battery operated motion activated alarms aimed at all windows and doors. If the SHTF we have 1/4" hardware cloth that we plan to screw over our windows. It won't stop a bullet but it will stop a rock or a hammer and it will make it very hard for anyone to get in.

thanks great information

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Have you heard of putting screws in the track above sliding patio doors to prevent them being lifted off the track from outside? Can you look into that and then demonstrate that? Like specifically what screws to use? Please and thank you...

Hinge looking style flip locks are VERY easy to push open. I recommend the rod style used on most hotel doors.

From where Im at its extremely common to find homes whose every window (at least for ground floor windows) has metal bars/grills. That in itself is already a really good and solid first layer of defense, heck there are even older homes who only has that along with a sheet of metal screen to keep mosquitos and other insects out.

Thank you Sir❤️

Yes, lots of alarm signs and lights around the house.

Your channel is loaded with helpful information about prepping

THKS

Thank you

I already did half of the things you mentioned CP. One thing I like to add is park my second car in the driveway to make it look like I am home when I am away. I also make sure to not have any mail be dropped off at my door step for long periods of time. This indicates to others that I am not home. So I would normally have any mail be sent to my brothers house when I am gone for extended periods of time. Last is you can install timer porch lights. These things are awesome. You can set a time to automatically come one when dusk hits and turn off a little past dawn. Edit: Also forgot I like to put fake security signs and dog signs up at my windows as well as making sure no bushes or hiding spots are around possible entry ways to my home.

Can you make a video for apartment dwellers? Thank you

Kevin cline home alone has the best tips . You need

I replaced the tiny screws in the deadbolt latch, door knob latch and the screws holding the plates with 3” wood screws, heck I put 3” screws in all the hardware on my doors. That makes it harder to kick door in. For windows if ur on a budget just cut some wood or use dowels to keep the windows from being raised. If u live in a mobile home and it’s possible to be so, park ur car close enough to ur house so u can hit the alarm button on ur keys from inside the house to alert neighbors or scare away would be burglars. Having a few good dogs that are antisocial helps a lot too. I never go outside after dark for any reason without my gun and most of the time during daylight too. I like in the country so my neighbors are used to seeing me carry a rifle around. 😁 stay safe everyone. 🙏

Thanks!

thank you

recently purchased SimpliSafe and feel much more secure. Note - my less than 15# cats set off the motion detectors. There is a sensitivity setting on the motion detectors - I have set them to low. Hopefully that helps. I have a 50# dog - and by setting the motion detectors upside down (per instructions) this solves that problem as well. Thanks for the comment about the electrical panel. I checked and mine had no padlock. Taking care of that now!

thank you soo much

I use Simplisafe since about a year ago. It was the cheapest yet quality full solution I found.

Not that I'm surprised or anything, but the city prepper was right about this a long time ago that this would be coming

My security tips are the following: 1) maintain your property. cut your grass and pick up the trash. If it looks like nobody is living there, chances are you will be burglarized. 2) Secure your garage. Reset the remote garage door signal and tether the garage door opener to your remote. If there was another remote controlling the garage door will be removed from the garage door receiver. All garage door has a manual latch that will switch. This latch can be activated on the outside of the garage door by sticking a long stick in the gap between the garage door when it's in the closed position and to the top portion of the garage door opening. 3) Most contractors will use the inexpensive 1-inch screw to attach the deadbolt to the door or to attach the strike plate to the door molding. Take out the 1-inch screws and put in some 3-inch screws.

Thank your so much 😊very good recommendations. Just subscribed

I also have the fliplocks. I have them in various doors.

Wow, would have liked to have this 5 days age. Just today showed up in my subscription videos.

2x4 in any sliding entry works very well

Plugging in a smart electrical outlet in your garage is a good way to shut power off on garage door when your away.

if you have and kinda wired items outside cover it with a metal pipe so it can’t be cut like a wired alarm system ect

Lights. Burglars don't like bright lights, they prefer to work under the cover of darkness. Also, get the loudest alarm you can legally set up on your property.

Thanks for this video Chris ,I will go to our local key shop shop see what reasonable price things he has for my window and doors ,as I do Nd to start getting extra security ,I HV got other preps to get gradually to I just hope I get it all done in time as I kn the crime rate is about to go up soon worst luck ,once people can't get much food with delays ect more homes will be targeted scary ,I like Ur videos as u are very practical person thank u ,u HV been a great help it won't even be safe to take shopping home so I will use a rack sack or maybe I ought to learn to do home deliverys am Dyslexia so I'm not sure if I would manage ,I watched Ur programme in bug out bag and I'm nearly there just Nd a gas ring and bottle now thank u

Excellent video! New sub. 👍

One thing i do is if you have a sliding glass patio door, take a ax handle or a wooden dowel cut to fit in the door. the space that the door travels when you open it. Make it an inch slammer so its easy to get in an out. Put it in there when you want aren't using the door.Also buy some cheap christmas bells and hang it on the door handles. Also we can veggies. So a case of glass jars infront of side or back door with some jars stacked on the box. I've forgoten its there and made a loud mess coming inside.

Thank u 🙏🏽 sir

If you have a small safe place in your pantry as most thieves don't look there unlike bedrooms. Find a food box like canned pea ect. and cut the back and bottom out so it can be slipped over the small safe making look like just food stored in pantry just like the other food boxes.