Whether you reside in a house or apartment, having an alarm system in your dwelling is a must nowadays. Liberal cities such as San Francisco and Berkeley in the politically correct state of California treat home burglaries as "victimless crimes." Naturally, these criminal sanctuaries are soft on crime and low on conviction rates. So, burglars at these locations are actually emboldened to continually ply their expertise with little fear of being caught by law enforcement. First of all, how can a criminal act be victimless, no matter how "trivial" it might be? It involves a loss, to a degree, of a person's life, liberty, and/or property.

Several home protection products are currently in the market that are effective, affordable, and clever. They offer an alternative solution to the often pricey wired and wireless home alarm systems by well known security companies such as ADT and Brinks without monthly monitoring fees of at least $30.

The TeleSpy Intruder Alert, which retails for about $76, is an all-in-one functioning telephone, motion detector, and microphone. To activate the device, you enter any phone number that you desire and switch the motion sensor on. When the phone detects motion, it will automatically dial the number that you entered so that the person on the receiving end can listen in via the amplified microphone for approximately 30 seconds. Then, the TeleSpy disconnects and rearms to detect motion again, repeating the process. All it requires is a phone line. With this set up, false alarms are practically eliminated compared to conventional systems.

The Auto Dialer Security & Safety Alarm, on the other hand, is a passive infrared system which monitors motion in a strategic area ideally 5 to 6 feet above the floor. Once movement is detected when the unit is armed, it will emit a 105dB alarm and call up to 5 preselected phone numbers. The Auto Dialer can also be configured to chime mode. It needs a 9 volt battery and comes with an AC adapter and telephone line; it retails for about $40.

Another similar but more sophisticated device is called the MACE Wireless Home Security System. It comprises of a base unit with an AC adaptor, 1 window/door sensor with a remote transmission of up to 250 feet, 1 motion detector with a range of about 8 yards, and 1 keychain remote control with panic feature for arming and disarming. The complete system costs around $140. When either a sensor or motion detector is triggered, it activates an alarm and transmits a signal to the base unit. The unit then dials the 1st or 5 telephone numbers from your programmed list. The person receiving the call will hear a prerecorded alert message. That individual will have the option to listen in, broadcast his/her voice from the base unit, or disarm the system. If there is no answer and/or the system is not disarmed, the base unit will dial (tone dialing only) the next number on the list. This particular home security system can be expanded by adding extra window/door sensors, for about $40 each, and motion sensors, for about $37 each.

All 3 models have the advantage of being portable, transportable, and easy to install with no monthly monitoring fees. FBI studies on crime prevention indicate that by just merely putting stickers on doors and windows claiming the existence of a home alarm system without actually having one can enhance security. Additionally, Bottom Line reports on home burglary prevention state that generic stickers are more effective, instead of naming specific alarm brands, to keep criminals guessing on what kind of security system is used, if there is one at all.