Home security systems with cameras (not necessary but helps) are a good deterent. Thieves do not like noisemakers. They don't want attention drawn to them. If people are watching, they prefer to go elsewhere. if you have signs in front that advertise security systems, they will typically move on also. Really important is to not advertise what you have in your home to people you really don't know well. Don't let just anyone into your home. They may not break in, but they may have told others what you have and that person may decide they want your stuff. Heavy equipment that is hard to get out when alarms are sounding also will styme thieves. Also, what I have done and recommend is that you have your local Police or Sheriff come by to do an inspection of your home and security. They will give you great insite on what to do to better protect your stuff, family, home. Such as better locks, better windows, motion detector lights high up and all around your home. Eliminate doors with windows where thieves can simply break a plane of glass and open the lock. Eliminate dark hidden spaces on the sides, back or front of your home where a potential thief can sit for hours and no one would see him/her work. Motion detector lights help here. Heavy external doors and good strong locks with long bolts into heavy constructed frames discourage the quick thief. But, again, don't advertise your stuff.
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