Different Types of Burglars to Watch out for
The Crime Doctor site has a lot of great information on home security. In particular, they've got an article called "Home Invasion" that has a section called the Criminal Profile. It gives a bit of insight into what thieves are looking for when they target a home, and details that there are two different kinds of burglars: "residential burglars" and "home invasion robbers."
The residential burglars "work mostly during the day and when a residence is more likely to be unoccupied. Most burglars work alone and tend to probe a neighborhood looking for the right residence and the right opportunity. Alarm signs and decals, bars on windows, strong locks and doors, big dogs, and alert neighbors can sometimes deter burglars. Also, burglars will avoid a confrontation and will usually flee when approached."
On the other hand, the home invasion robbers "Home invasion robbers, in contrast, work more often at nights and on weekends when residences are more likely to be occupied. The home invaders will sometimes target the resident as well as the residence... Many home robbers have been in your home before as a delivery person, installer or repair vendor. Home robbers rarely work alone and rely on an overwhelming physical confrontation to gain control and instill fear in their victims. The greatest violence usually occurs during the initial confrontation and home invaders often come prepared with handcuffs, rope, duct tape, and firearms."
Home Security Monitoring--How Much Does It Cost?
Monitored home security systems are popular since an alarm alone might not be enough to scare away a burglar in time. With monitored systems, when the alarm goes off, it will alert your security company and they'll (depending on what you sign up for) send a car or alert the police. According to Beefing up Your Home's Security, an article up at Bankrate.com, the monthly cost for the services of a security monitoring company run $20-$30/mo. You have to consider the cost of the installation as well, but many companies offer low cost installation as long as you agree to term of X years or months with them. Bank rate also has an article on Home Security System Basics.
Wireless Security Systems for Apartments
Wireless security systems are a good way to go in apartments where you don't want to start drilling into walls or otherwise leaving marks that the landlord won't appreciate. Alarm Systems for Your Apartment is a short article offered by about.com that explains various options such as motion sensors for doors and windows, panic buttons (remotes that call for help when the alarm is triggered), and wireless home automation such as timers to turn on lamps at specific times of the day or night.
Dorm Security on Campus
Dorm security may not always be as tight as students and parents would like to think. Let's face it, college students are often strapped for cash so the temptation of making off with someone's CD collection might rear its ugly head. If you're concerned about dorm security, what can you do? I highly recommend visiting Security On Campus , a non-profit site with a plethora of useful information.
If you're just looking for a small security system suitable for a single room setting, portable alarms (often popular with travelers and apartment/condo owners) may do the trick. You could also look into door and/or window sensors.
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