When people think of protecting their homes, they often think of fancy expensive security systems with lots of bells and whistles. That is certainly an option, but there are measures you can take that will not break the bank, too. Also, depending on your home and neighborhood, you may not need the most expensive system.

Home security is not just about your own home, either. A lot of determining whether or not you are at significant risk involves taking stock of your neighborhood including public safety facilities like police and fire stations. Though incidents can happen to anyone, some neighborhoods are certainly more at risk than others. Installing a burglar alarm can certainly help make you less of a target, but the best strategy may be to start a neighborhood watch.

Home security is also about you and your habits. If you have a large family where someone is almost always home, you may be less at risk than someone who lives alone and is frequently away on business trips. The value of your home and your possessions is also a factor, although thieves can also be tempted by less valuable items if they believe they will be easy to fence.