Easy and Affordable Burglar Deterrent Gadgets
A dark home with no visible security or a home with cameras, sensors, alarms, and more: which one would you target? When it comes to keeping your home or business protected, few things are better than a security camera. In fact, 80% of surveyed burglars said they first check for a security system before a break-in, and 60% of them move on to the next house if they find one. But that’s not to suggest cameras are the only thing that works. There’s no shortage of burglar deterrent gadgets that protect your property. Most are readily available and affordable.
What to Look for in Burglar Deterrent Gadgets
Home protection devices should serve at least one of two purposes (ideally both):
- Make your property look well-protected against intrusion and/or occupied
- Increase the burglar’s risk of detection
Security cameras check those boxes. Other devices can help.
Burglars want it dark and quiet for obvious reasons. They want to slip in and out of an empty property unseen and unnoticed. These burglar deterrent gadgets make it difficult to do so.
Exterior Lighting
A well-lit exterior is a solid burglar deterrent. Even lights that are turned on at dusk and off at dawn eliminate the cover of darkness that burglars rely on.
But an even better option is installing outdoor security floodlights with motion sensors. Not only does this throw a spotlight on anyone trying to sneak up on your property, but it can also alert you and your neighbors to their presence. A light turning on in the middle of the night gets attention.
A motion-activated wedge light is a good option. It installs virtually anywhere, costs less than $50, and its integrated solar panel keeps it charged and ready to go.
Motion Sensors
A good security system will include this technology, but you can pick up some inexpensive portable sensors to go along with whatever system you have.
These are generally not much bigger than a deck of cards and can notify you via a mobile app whenever they detect movement within or without your property. Some can even link to a smart thermostat to turn your heat down when no one is home, saving you money. Win-win.
Put one in your garage, backyard shed, by the stairs, sliding doors, or anywhere else you want extra security.
Smart Interior Lights
Would-be burglars are looking for empty properties, so anything you can do to at least give the appearance that someone is home will make your place a less appealing target.
Smart light bulbs work with a mobile app or home hub. They can be turned on remotely, or by a set schedule. Even when you’re away for the night or longer, these lights can make it seem as though someone is there.
The BeON LED bulbs take that a step further. In addition to the features already mentioned, these bulbs have an embedded microphone that can turn on when they hear the doorbell.
As many burglars like to knock or ring the bell to confirm a property is empty, this can be a fantastic deterrent that sends thieves scurrying away.
Door Wedges
Burglar deterrent devices don’t have to be fancy. Case in point: door wedges.
These little gadgets are cheap, portable, and easy to use. Turn it on, slide it under a door you want to monitor, and an alarm of 120dB or more goes off if anyone tries to open it. Simple, but effective.
Use them at home, on the road, in your son or daughter’s dorm room, or on vacation. The $15-20 you’ll spend on it buys plenty of peace of mind.
Television Simulator
Some deterrent gadgets are so elegant and simple, you can’t help but wonder why you didn’t think of them first.
Ever notice the flickering colors in the windows of someone watching television at night? It’s instantly recognizable. You could just leave your actual television on when you head out, but that can shorten its lifespan and increase your electricity bill.
Instead, grab a television simulator light. It’ll flicker, fade, swell, and change colors just like a real television, but only uses the same amount of power as a typical night light. Most include a timer function as well and come in at well under $40.
Because nothing says someone is home like the television on at night.
Door and Window Alarms
Here’s what the data tells us:
- 34% of burglars enter through the front door
- 23% enter through a first-floor window
- 22% choose a more secluded back or deck door
Door and window alarms install quickly—most via adhesive tape—and use magnets to detect when something is opened.
You place the sensor and magnet strip within a half-inch or so of each other when the door or window is closed. If someone opens them, separating the sensor and magnet, an alarm starts blaring.
These work on regular doors, sliding doors, windows that slide open, windows that push open, and more.
You can get a pack of 6 at a store or online for roughly $30. Covering your ground-floor windows and doors won’t cost a fortune.
Neighborhood Watch Groups
These aren’t exactly burglar deterrent devices, per se. But they deter crime nevertheless.
Starting a Neighborhood Watch group is a powerful way to leverage your community. When neighbors come together to look out for each other, everyone benefits. The costs, if any, are minimal. You might have to put in some effort organizing meetings and establishing lines of communication, but your neighbors might also help out by sharing this labor. A well-organized Neighborhood Watch group might not prevent a daring criminal from striking your home, but it will certainly make your subdivision a less appealing target.
Dummy Devices (Not Recommended)
You’ll sometimes see suggestions to get a fake camera or a sign that says “This house is protected by Acme Security” (or insert whatever company name you choose).
While a visible security camera is definitely a deterrent—as is a sign when you have a security system in place—fake ones accomplish very little. Should a burglar ignore them and break in anyway, you’ll have no footage to share with police and no alarm to notify neighbors, you, or your family.
The Ultimate Burglar Deterrent Gadgets
There’s no harm in trying a few of these low-cost gadgets to prevent burglars from breaking into your home. (Extra security is always better.) That said, security cameras with integrated lighting and/or motion sensors are your best bet for protecting your property and those you love. An investment to increase your safety and your peace of mind is money well spent.
And for more crime-preventing measures, crime prevention through environmental design is a philosophy that encourages deliberate design elements to eliminate or reduce criminal behavior before it happens.
You don’t have to make your home a fortified castle. You just need to make it look like you did.
Need a Solution that Prevents Crime?
Deep Sentinel is the only security technology that delivers the experience of a personal guard on every customer’s home and business. Visit deepsentinel.com/business or call 833-983-6006