Nearly one of six homeowners will experience a burglary or worse a home invasion this year. So how do we stop this from happening and prevent home invasions? It seems obvious to me that you want to make your home an "uninviting" target by putting out the "UNWELCOME" mat. Advertise to everyone this house is not going to be a pushover. "Mr. Burglar, you are in for a hard time if you pick on us." DON'T MAKE IT EASY

---Get out your "UNWELCOME" signs. Start with Neighborhood watch signs. www.usaonwatch.com Then have some signs that announce obstacles "beware of guard dog", "these premises protected by?" etc. And my favorite, an NRA sticker on your window or someplace conspicuous. You get the idea. Advertise that your home is not a good idea for burglary or home invasion.

---Signs For an Alarm Company Burglars do their homework. When they break into a place it is usually with some degree of planning. If they see a sign in a yard that the property is protected by an alarm system EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE they are much less likely to target the home.

--- Non lethal self defense weapons Make sure you have some pepper sprays and stun guns located in a few places around the house. Even some audible alarms will help.

---Make sure your home always looks like someone's there and not vacated. Little things like leave your curtains open but don't have valuables like TV's etc. in plain sight. Stop the newspaper, have someone mow the lawn, stop deliveries if you are away. Leave lights on. Don't be so obvious that no one is at home.

---Always secure your house. If you have a burglar alarm set it. Lock windows and doors-even upper level windows. Lock the garage and make sure your tools are locked in a secure place and any ladders are secured as well. Many homes have been broken into with tools and ladders from the garage.

---Let your neighbors and police know if you're gone The value of neighborhood watch groups is enormous. Ask them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Your neighbors will appreciate it when you return the favor for them. If police have knowledge of your absence it doesn't mean they will patrol, but at least they are aware.

Many police departments as a public service will offer advice on how to make your home more secure. Call for availability in your area.

When any self respecting burglar does his job he is looking for several elements when he "cases" prospective targets. The "look" of your house is very important to a burglar too. If you take steps to make the residence "unattractive" to a burglar chances are pretty good he will pass your residence and choose someone more vulnerable. Follow the tips we've offered and you will be miles ahead of the game.

To find out more about some effective home security devices check out the links below.

Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.