Site Content
Introduction
If you suspect a break-in, please call 9-1-1.
The BMS Watch is not responsible for your security decisions and is not liable for any crimes that happen.
These tips are not exhaustive. Security is like insurance. You only see the value when something bad happens. There are so many things that anyone could do, but this is just a primer to get you started on some quick and inexpensive things to improve your home's overall security.
If someone really wants to break in, then they will get in. The goal of security tips like these is to make it take longer to break in, not as easy to break in, and lower the response time for police.
Each homeowner will have to make their own risk decisions on what the right approach is for their budget.
home security systems
https://www.cnet.com/home/security/
Smart locks are a great investment as they have an auto-lock function and can notify you on your smartphone if you leave the door open.
Starting around $100 plus a monthly subscription, most security "systems" rely on door/window sensors and motion detection sensors. If any door or window is opened, it will set off the alarm. If movement is detected it will set off the alarm. Motion detection sensors can be tuned or angled to be less sensitive to pets. When an alarm goes off, you have a period of time to respond to disable the alarm. If you do not respond, then a 24/7 monitoring service will make attempts to contact you via phone/text. If you cannot be reached, then they dispatch police to investigate your home.
Installing a home security system with a 24/7 monitoring service can sometimes get you discounts on your home insurance.
home security cameras
https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-cameras/
Home security cameras used to average $250 per camera and were very difficult to install. Now the average person can self-install cameras indoors or outdoors.
The same quality (or better) are now as low as $30 for a color Wi-Fi camera with 2-way audio, sirens, motion detection, and recording. Cloud recording and longer recording times are generally available for a small monthly fee per camera.
Battery operated outdoor cameras cost a little more. You can find solar panels to extend how long the battery lasts.
Look carefully at the specifications such as picture quality, night time viewing, power requirements, and weatherproof rating.
Cameras are best placed at the corners of the home, under the eaves of the roof. If you can afford several, you should put two cameras at each corner in opposing directions. This reduces blind spots and ensure that each camera can always see another camera, so you can catch anyone attempting to mess with the cameras.
Depending on your needs, you may still need one or more high end professional cameras. The inexpensive "smart" cameras are usually lower resolution and only work well when someone gets close. Other features you may want to augment your home with include PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom), especially optical Zoom, so that you can very clearly identify intruders.
Richland PD - Voluntary Camera Partnership
Signing up does not give 24/7 direct access to your cameras. You are simply providing your contact information and a sample of what your cameras can see. If there is a crime in our neighborhood near your home, then police will know how to contact you to request a copy of the footage to help with their investigation
Physical security
There are many forms of physical security. Gates, fences, walls, dogs, etc.
Make it difficult to see into your home not just for privacy, but so criminals scouting for targets cannot see your expensive assets.
Make it difficult to get into your home by setting up a perimeter. A strong perimeter will have multiple layers, not just a border fence. The more effort that a criminal has to go to in order to break in, the less likely they will. Most thieves look for unprotected homes first.
- Add static cling privacy film, blinds, or curtains to windows
- Install locks on your gates
- Control vegetation to reduce hiding spots near your home
Exterior doors
Exterior doors should be solid-core and suggest investing in a Smart Doorbell Camera. These cameras are generally easy to self-install using existing wiring from traditional doorbells. For a minimal fee, you can subscribe to professional features such as monitoring, alerts, and recording. Some companies even allow you to share your video feed with neighbors that have the same device.
Locks are not unbreakable. They simply delay or deter a would-be intruder. Many are simply bypassed through forceful entry. However, a strong lock being forced open or bypassed is more likely to be heard or seen by watchful neighbors.
For additional protection, consult with a local locksmith for stronger deadbolts or additional reinforcement.
Garage
Many people store expensive tools and other equipment in their garage. Garage Door openers left in unlocked cars on a driveway provide easy access to unsophisticated burglars. If you regularly park your vehicle in the driveway, it's best not to keep a garage door opener in the vehicle.
Newer "smart" garage door openers rely on your Internet or Wi-Fi to open the door. This is much more secure than traditional garage door openers. As traditional garage door openers are basic and unencrypted Radio Frequencies.
Upgrade the door between the garage and home to a deadbolt. If someone breaks into your garage, make it more difficult to get into the home itself.
Porch Pirates
Late at night, especially during holidays, the BMS Watch has seen recordings of people slowly driving through the neighborhood to steal packages. We have even seen people steal packages in broad daylight.
If you purchase a lot of stuff from places like Amazon, there are several options that you can do to protect your shipments.
- Change your delivery to go to a package shipping destination such as UPS
- Get Amazon Key to allow the delivery company to securely open your door www.amazon.com/key
- Purchase a lockable storage cabinet and provide the access code on the delivery instructions
Cyber security
More information coming soon. Here are some helpful tips from the top two organizations responsible for Cyber Security in the US:
https://www.cisa.gov/publication/cisa-cybersecurity-awareness-program-toolkit
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
For kids:
local businesses
additional resources
More content will be added over time