PART 1: Presented by Calvary Alarm

This is why you need a burglar alarm....because not all burglars are this dumb. Here's a video list of some of the dumbest burglars caught on tape.

#4: Burglar attempts to break into the front door of a computer store

#3: Burglars break into a spy store with 17 cameras

#2: Bumbling burglar breaking into a liquor store

#1: Burglar on his birthday answers the phone!

Houston burglar alarms and home security systems provided by Calvary Alarm.
Calvary Alarm provides free in-home security consultation 24 Hours a day. Just call 1-800-411-4356 to talk to one of our representatives.

It makes sense to "mark" important items with some permanent identifying mark. There are a variety of simple tools you can rent that will engrave serial numbers, a driver's license number or some other unique marking into your valuables.

Remember most burglars "fence" stolen items in order to get cash, usually for illegal drugs. You'll greatly reduce the chances of someone walking off with your TV, VCR or other valuables if it has a conspicuous ID number that can't be removed, simply because it will greatly reduce its street value and make it too much work to get rid of, and of course it is a lot easier to trace and return the property to the rightful owner.

Today, many people have a video camera. Sweep each room and record the contents from several different prospectives. Next, take close-ups of really important items. To tie-in, have a family member pose with the valuables. In a clear voice identify each item, the date of purchase, price paid and model and serial numbers. Remember to update the tape every time you purchase something new.

If you don't have a video camera, a regular camera also works well. Make a companion audio tape to go along with it. It very important that the tapes or pictures be kept off the property or they may be stolen or damaged. Keep them in a safety deposit box. Now set aside a hour or so and complete the security check list on the following page. Correct weak points as soon as possible and your home and belongings will be more secure.

by Wayne McGruff. How To Advice

Home Security Providers

If you are interested in a home security system, call the name that Houston homeowners trust, call Calvary Alarms today at

1-800-411-4356

or visit them online at

www.calvaryalarm.com

Many local law enforcement agencies will provide a free "walk through" of your property. The purpose is to identify all potential trouble spots and determine what steps can be implemented to improve the overall security of your property. You can probably organize a "block party" and have the police "sweep" your entire block. Because of cost-cutting many local law enforcement agencies are stretched to the limit and there may be a long waiting list. Sometimes off-duty police officers will do this kind of work for a nominal fee.

Once a survey is done, you should contact a home security system installation & monitoring company to see how they can help.

You've probably head it several times and it's true! A dog is one of the best deterrents. Not because it's vicious, it need not even be seen, but it has to be heard. A dog with a menacing bark will scare away a lot of would-be burglars, not only because they don't know what kind of dog you have and what risk it would be to them if try tried to break in, but more likely because a noisy dog will create a disturbance and get attention - the last thing a burglar wants!

If you don't have a dog there's nothing stopping you from pretending. A Beware of Dog sign on your fence, a dog house in the back yard, even a loose dog chain or bowl can drive away a potential burglar. Don't be fooled by companies that provide cheap electronic "dogs" who bark none stop if a intruder trips a relay or otherwise signals his presence. Most experienced prowlers are familiar with these devices and won't be fooled or scared off.

Electronic devices that are effective besides the typical whole house alarm systems for windows and doors are infrared or motion detectors that sense movement or the heat given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually hightail it out of there for fear of being discovered.

To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned off or broken.

by Wayne McGruff. How To Advice

Home Security Providers
If you are interested in a home security system, call the name that Houston homeowners trust, call Calvary Alarms today at 1-800-411-4356 or visit them online at www.calvaryalarm.com .

In recent years, home security systems have become a focal point of realtors when trying to sell a home. Why you ask? Generally speaking, home security systems and the sense of security they provide are nearly priceless to homebuyers. The systems vary in nature offering flexible responses ranging from those that notify a security company to those that simply sound alarms at the residence itself. In any event, homes that utilize home security systems are much less likely to be the victims of a burglary.

Like every large urban area, Houston has a challenge when it comes to crime-in particular when it comes to home invasions. The startling fact is that a burglar enters a home in the United States every 15 seconds. For responsible Houston homeowners, this statistic is simply unacceptable; and many local residents are interested in finding out how to keep their property and family safe. Home security systems provide some measure of protection against home invasions, and installing one of these systems is one important step in the right direction. How do you know which Houston home security systems company is right for you?

One thing every homeowner should do at least twice a year is take a walk around and through your property with a close friend or neighbor who is not too familiar with your house. Start outside and ask yourself "how would I best break in? The purpose of not doing it alone is your pal may spot things you'll overlook. Return the favor and complete a survey for your friend.

Besides the obvious "lived-in" look, don't get into a habit of only doing certain things only when you're not home. Chances are good you can tell when your neighbor isn't home. Remember it's a burglar's job to know the same things. Most professional criminals can tell nobody's home at least four or five houses away.

Several dead giveaways are always closing the drapes ONLY when you're not home. Having no garbage cans out collection day, or an empty can sitting at the curb, are tip-offs you're not home. So are closing up the house as tight as a drum in the hot summer months without the air-conditioner running. Turning on a certain light or two and every other room is in total darkness. Ditto for picking up all the kid's toys, taking in the dog, shutting the garage door if you frequently leave it open, and turning off the lawn sprinkler.