If you think you are safe behind your locked doorknob…think again.

The latest trend in criminal activity is “lock bumping,” and it is something that very few people are aware of. It works like this: A would-be intruder has some modifications (a series of special cuts) made to a regular key, then inserts that key into a lock and taps the key with a solid object like a piece of wood, screwdriver handle, or small hammer. It forces the lock to “unlock” so the key can be turned and the door unbolted, allowing the intruder into your home in only a matter of minutes.

It is believed this method of entry works on 90% of locks–the locks we are using to secure our homes and families. Law Enforcement hasn’t shared a lot regarding their knowledge of this dangerous trend, but it is important that the public be informed. Read the rest of this entry »

How To Choose the Right Home Security System

By: Julia Yang

Choosing the right home security system has gotten a lot easier. With advancement in technology, operating a home security system is not comparable to rocket science anymore. Even so, choosing the right home security system still requires some consideration on your part. Follow the tips below to help you choose the right home security system.

Basic Requirements
A home security system should include the following components: a control panel, a keypad, motion detectors, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals. Only consider an alarm system that comes with all these basic components.

Wired or wireless?
With advancement in transmission technology, transmission of information no longer requires physical connection. Wireless alarm system is the latest technology and is easier to install compared to a hard-wired alarm system. A wireless alarm system can often be installed with a few basic tools. While wireless home security systems tend to be more expensive, installing it yourself can make it comparable or even cheaper than a hard-wired system. Read the rest of this entry »

Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said the NFL talks to players about firearm safety and identity theft each season, “but they haven’t really gotten into the household (security). I’m sure they’ll add that.” Security experts told The Wall Street Journal last month that with businesses beefing up security, criminals have shifted focus to private homes of the more-often, security-deficient homes of the rich. Read the entire article: http://www.miamiherald.com/615/story/346697.html

Recent events at the homes of athletes and multi-millionaires have really pointed out the fact that we are all vulnerable to home invasion. It’s not only the rich and famous who are in peril–their tragedies simply get more attention because of their notoriety. Regular people all across the country are experiencing home invasions, theft, or physical violence from intruders.

The important thing to understand is that you don’t want your home or family to be “soft targets,” meaning easily-accessed for criminal activity. The paparazzi may not be hiding out in your bushes, but that doesn’t mean your family or home isn’t being watched. Everybody needs to feel safe in their home, and it is not difficult to secure the safety of your possessions and family. Below are some tips:
Read the rest of this entry »

By Matthew Keegan

Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can bring to you the sort of troubles you do not want to experience while on the road namely: robbery, rape, or murder. Tourists often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a trip. Let’s examine some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:

1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.

2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.

3. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.

4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.

5. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries certain prescription medicines are forbidden.

6. Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.

7. If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.

8. Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.

9. Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time everyday.

10. Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stop under it. Read the rest of this entry »

By Jack Krohn

Home ownership is at an all time high. That is a good thing for them and the economy. Home ownership is not for everyone though. Many people for a variety of reasons choose not to live in a home but rather an apartment or duplex.

For those who do live in an apartment, they may end up with a serious false sense of security. Don’t fall victim to that feeling. The advice for apartment dwellers as it relates to home security is slightly different than for homeowners. There are no shrubs to hide behind.

It is no less important just different. Here are some tips for apartment dwellers to follow to allow you to sleep a little better at night and make your living environment more secure.
Read the rest of this entry »

It is said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Home Security Guidance is that ounce of prevention: a free, online resource offering home security tips, as well as articles and product information to help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

You may live in a safe neighborhood, but in an instant your home could be robbed, or your life threatened if you don’t think two steps ahead of the bad guys. Threats to your family can be in the form of a fire, flood, or other natural disaster–do you have what you need on hand to survive? Do you have a plan? Maybe you’re just hoping “it won’t happen to me.”

Home Security Guidance can offer you some peace of mind by outlining ways to protect your valuable belongings such as passports, money, wallets, mobile phones and laptop computers. We also provide tips to protect yourself and your family.

Here’s your first free tip: Never pull into your garage and leave the garage door up while you unload the car and go back and forth into the house. This allows anybody access to your garage, which means access to your home.

We look forward to providing you with informative content and the latest information in Home Security.

Harlan (Hucky) Austin