Install deadbolts on all your exterior doors. Deadbolt locks offer the best protection for the smallest amount amount of money. Everyday spring-operated locks can be overcome with a credit card. Trespassers can't slip a deadbolt lock because it has a rock-hard metal bar that fits into the door jamb. To be effective, a deadbolt lock ought to have at least a one-inch throw (meaning the metal bolt expands at a minimum of an inch past the edge of the door).

Doors with glass panes present a particular security problem because a thief can smash the pane, reach inside and unlock the door. If state or local laws permit, the solution is a double-cylinder lock-one that must be opened with a key from inside as well as out. Read carefully about keeping a key close by. But don't beat the purpose by getting into the routine of leaving the key in the lock on the inside. It is easy to do but not a good ideal. To exit quickly in case of a fire outbreaks, keep the key next to the door but in an area that can't be reached from outside. You might want to hang it on a nail near the door where you can find it easily.

Don't cut corners, buy a quality door. Door security starts not with a high-quality lock but with the door itself and the frame it fits into. We have all heard of home invasion where the doors are kicked in. Well, weak door assemblies can be kicked in with a single kick or even removed from the wall. Sturdy exterior doors have solid, not hollow, cores. Doors that are covered in metal are even better.

When trying to protect your home, don't forget the windows. All sliding doors, such as patio doors and windows should be secured. Look for the specially made window locks. You also can use this low tech method to secure a sliding glass patio door with a broomstick or piece of 1" x 2" lumber laid in the door track when the door is closed. It ain't pretty, but it really works.

Thieves love the darkness so make sure you leave some lights on. Exterior flood lights reduce your threat of being burglarized by illuminating the exterior of your home at night. You can choose from lights that stay on all night (uses more electricity) or motion-sensitive lights that come on only when someone come nears your home. Motion-sensitive lights save energy and could catch a would-be thief by surprise. The sudden light coming on has been known to have the would be thief high tailing it away.

This is my wife's favorite was giving impression someone is home plus not having a dark house to come home to. Timers on the inside gives the impression that someone is home. If you're on vacation, out to dinner or visiting the neighbors they are perfect to use.