It’s all about making your place look like more trouble than it’s worth, right?
I get the logic, but I’m not totally sold on the “fake it till you make it” approach with signs and dummy cameras. If someone’s casing houses, they might spot the fakes pretty quick. Personally, I’d rather put a little cash into real motion lights or even a cheap WiFi cam—actual deterrents, not just bluffs. The longer screws in the strike plate though? That’s a legit upgrade most folks overlook.
Yeah, I hear you on the dummy cameras—most of them look pretty fake up close. Real motion lights are a solid move, and those cheap WiFi cams have come a long way. I put one up by my back door and it’s already caught a raccoon trying to break into my compost bin... not exactly high-stakes crime, but still. And totally agree about the strike plate screws—such a small thing, but it actually makes a difference. Sometimes it’s the little upgrades that matter most.
IF YOU HAD TO RIG UP YOUR OWN HOME SECURITY ON A TIGHT BUDGET, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I’ve seen a lot of folks go all-in on dummy cameras, but honestly, I think you’re right—they’re usually pretty easy to spot if someone’s actually casing the place. I’d rather put my money into a couple of real cameras, even if they’re the budget WiFi kind. The newer ones are surprisingly decent for the price, and you can get notifications straight to your phone. Plus, you get the bonus wildlife footage—raccoons seem to be the most persistent “intruders” in my neighborhood too.
Motion lights are underrated. I always recommend them, especially for side yards and back doors where people think they won’t be seen. The trick is placement—too high and you miss faces, too low and you just blind yourself every time you take out the trash. I usually suggest mounting them at about 8 feet up and angling them slightly downward.
You mentioned strike plate screws—couldn’t agree more there. Swapping out those tiny screws for 3-inch ones is one of those five-minute jobs that actually makes a door way harder to kick in. Same goes for window locks; most builders use the cheapest hardware by default, so upgrading those can make a real difference.
One thing I don’t see talked about much is landscaping. Thorny bushes under windows aren’t exactly high-tech, but they do make it less appealing for someone to hang around or try to pry open a window. Not sure if that’s everyone’s style, but it’s cheap and effective.
If I had to pick just three things on a tight budget: longer strike plate screws, motion lights in key spots, and at least one real camera covering the main entry points. After that, maybe some window security film—it’s not expensive and it slows down anyone trying to smash their way in.
Curious if anyone’s tried those DIY alarm kits? I’ve heard mixed things about reliability, but haven’t installed one myself yet...