a minor upgrade to slow down home invasions..

[KD5NRH]

Security Laminates like they sell at http://www.usace.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If it's applied to an existing window, there won't be anything attaching it to the frame other than the glass itself. That should do a lovely job of holding the exposed glass together so they can roll it up and set it aside, and not have to worry about cutting themselves.

[jbirds1210]

The door brace that dewayneward shared is a good one.

In the past these devices could be easliy defeated with softer blows to the door that would vibrate the brace enough to fall.

This particular one, made by Master takes a full blow from me and over one minute to defeat. A minute is an eternity in terms of unwelcome folks visiting you in the middle of the night.

I really think they are great insurace and compact enough to take along to a hotel/motel.

Jason

[bubba1876]

bubba1876,

Your observation regarding doors and windows in residential houses is one I've often considered as the weak link in house security or insecurity as it were...

Frankly, without monstrous expense to security/retrofit all house openings, I'm at a loss if anything truly significant can really be done to prevent a determined criminal from coming into your house. I have many windows at floor level that could be crashed in allowing entry and I suspect most peoples homes are pretty much the same.

Many years ago I was burglarized at another house. The burglars simply knocked out one window pane to unlock the window and voila' they were in.

Do whatever you can within reason to slow them down, but I wouldn't go to any extraordinary measures unless it includes the entire house.

I have lockable storm doors, deadbolt locks and allow no bushes to block a burglar from being seen from the outside coming in or hiding. Our neighbors keep an eye on things too as we do for them. We also have plenty of security lighting and a few other measures..., but nothing hideously expensive.

Make certain you have replacement insurance too.

It's scary that my job is too think like a criminal, but I'm am passionate about trying to keep people safe in there homes.

Just short of bricking up your 1st floor windows, there's not much that will keep an intruder out.

A few suggestions: An alarm system with window sensors. Double sided deadbolts on all doors with glass. 3" screws in all door jamb strike plates. Lock your garage entry door (because it is possible to lift a garage door overhead that's attached to an opener). Big dog. 12 guage. And lock the door to your bedroom when sleeping. If you have kids in other rooms, lock a door that leads to both their room and the master bedroom. This is to try to confine the area an intruder may breach.

When setting up my home, I start outside. And I actually TRY to break in to my home (without the damage, but you can simulate). Once I'm sure that there's not a stealthy way to get in (without waking myself), I'm satisfied.

Common sense will do you good.

[Venus Pax]

Have you considered going from double doors in the front to a single, wide door with framed windows on either side?

[Target1911]

Or just get a good dog

This is the BEST advise yet. I have a Pit/healer mix. She sounds off at any sound that doesnt seem right. Do we get false alarms from her? Yes we do but I would rather have that than nothing at all. Not to mention, when I am gone to out for the day, or sleeping, and that criminal comes knocking on my door to see if anyone is home, they will choose another house to invade.

BTW....I do have the extra long screws in my door too and also have an alarm system but my Lucy gives me piece of mind and a feeling of security far greater than the rest.

[Rockrz]

Security Laminates like they sell at http://www.usace.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If it's applied to an existing window, there won't be anything attaching it to the frame other than the glass itself. That should do a lovely job of holding the exposed glass together so they can roll it up and set it aside, and not have to worry about cutting themselves.

Obviously you are clueless about this product and didn't even
take the time to research this technology before commenting!

[KD5NRH]

Obviously you are clueless about this product and didn't even
take the time to research this technology before commenting!

Marketing doesn't overrule physics. If it isn't attached to the frame, then it's not going to do anything to keep the glass from being broken out of the frame.

[gregthehand]

Planting thorny bushes outside your bottom floor windows will help to. I don't know the name but I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. Can they be overcome? Sure. But then again I think most of the time I burglar is just going to move onto to the next house.

[Liberty]

Planting thorny bushes outside your bottom floor windows will help to. I don't know the name but I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. Can they be overcome? Sure. But then again I think most of the time I burglar is just going to move onto to the next house.

Roses?

[gregthehand]

Actually with a little searching I found this article.

Many home security solutions are on the market today that are designed to protect your home from intrusion, monitor for emergency events, and give you the peace of mind that someone is watching over your family. An often overlooked area of home security is the landscaping of our homes.

Planting a bush or shrub near windows that are possible entry points can be a big deterrent for potential intruders. There are many potential thorny shrubs or bushes that can be used for your landscaping. Three of these are Berberis, Rosa Rugosa, and Pyracantha.

A berberis bush is also known as a Pepperidge bush or barberry. There are over 400 species of this shrub which all have thorny shoots making it perfect choice for secure landscaping. Berberis plants have leaves that vary from 1 - 10 centimeters long with thorns. Some species have leaves that will turn color and fall while others remain green all year long. Different species will produce either flowers or berries. Both forms of this plant are a beautiful addition to any home landscaping. Consider the color of the flower or berry to determine whether it will be a good fit for your home landscaping.

Rosa rugosa is also known as Japanese Rose, Ramanas Rose, or Rugas Rose. This plant is from eastern Asia and is a common ornamental plant in North America. Rosa rugosa grows very dense with tall stems and straight thorns. It will grow to 1 - 1.5 meters tall. It has large leaves and produces flowers that range from white to dark pink in color. This shrub will bloom in later summer or autumn with a sweet scent. Other common names for this plant are saltspray rose and beach rose.

Pyracantha, also known as Firethorn, is a very common plant used in gardens and landscaping. It is originally from Asia but many hybrid varieties have been developed since its introduction to North America. This evergreen shrub grows very tall with thorny leaves. A white flower typically is produced by firethorn accompanied with berries in varied tones of yellow, orange or red.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kelly" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[KD5NRH]

Actually with a little searching I found this article.

What, no bullnettle? It has really pretty flowers, and makes burglars self-alerting.

[Target1911]

Actually with a little searching I found this article.

What, no bullnettle? It has really pretty flowers, and makes burglars self-alerting.

Yes indeed...............

It has been quite some time since I have even seen any these painful plants.