We'll assume 1)you're renting and 2) you're a tight-ass.
Thank you,
The currently not intruder-proof JJB
Edit: I would appreciate if we could stay on topic please, hence the unpublished comments. Cheers :)
How to Make Your Place Intruder-Proof?
[Deactivated] on 12/07/2016 - 16:01
Last edited 13/07/2016 - 09:52
Last edited 13/07/2016 - 09:52
Comments
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Whistle 'Corey, Trevor! Come here boys!'
what type of windows do u have?
if its the slding ones, measure ur window legth, then minus around 10-15 cm, go to bunnings to buy a rod that length
u can also get another rod for how wide u want ur windows openu can place one rod to keep the window open (if you want to) and aother rod goes inside the top part of the sliding window, so that you cant remove the window even though its open (u cant lift it out without getting the rod out, which is shorter and they cant reach)
means they have to break windows
fake alarms? fake cameras
stickers warning of attack dog
stickers warning of alarmThanks:)
I never realised how easy it is to remove sliding door until my house got broken into. Even when it's not open, as long as you can lift it up, you can easily remove the window
yeah was taught this by a lock smith
I've got double glazed doors…they weigh over 100kg each.
Usually newer ones have a black plastic insert to stop the door from being lifted out, although your builder probably didn't install it correctly
Or install it at all
what type of security doors do you have.
Do you think you can slash through them and flick the lock with your finger?No. Security door is welded, not mesh.
so was our security door. the intruder still managed to slash through it.
hence base plates were installed to stop it from happening.
@Jar Jar Binks:
Hey Jar Jar,You should hook up the metal door to an electric box.
Each time the robber goes to break in, they get a nice jolt, and piss their pants.
Make sure you have rubber gloves in your car's glove box for your entrance only.This tactic deters Jehovas Witness and Mormons too xD
Most security screen locks have two modes, flicking the lock with your finger is basically a privacy lock. Locking with the key will lock it properly and the only way to unlock is with the key again. We always lock with a key and keep the key somewhere nearby - but not within reach of the door.
I use programmable timers (cost: $10~15 dollars each via Bunnings) to randomly switching lights on or off during a certain time period.
Use an inexpensive dowel in the windows or the sliding glass door. By blocking the sliding tracks, you can't open any doors from the outside. The only way they can get in is via destructive methods — breaking the glass and/or using some tools to break the lock.
Install curtains and window shades, and close them when you're away. Don't let people peep into your home and figure out that it's empty.
Leave 'cheap' and bulky items for the thieves to steal. The desktop computer in my living room is a relatively low-end "crapbox" with Pentium (although it is a Skylake one, it's under $250 to build). The thief might choose to steal the desktop. If so, he's got his hands full already, and can't really steal anything else. If he decides to go upstairs, he might see my gaming rig, but that's considerably harder to steal because there's a locked door. Passports, and other sensitive documents should be stowed away in a safe, or at least, under lock and key.
Never assume that you can't get burglars in the daytime. Most burglaries actually happen in the daytime as opposed in the nightime. As such, never leave your main door / garage door open, even if you feel that you are close to your home.
Leave a (small cheap to run) radio running as well.
Where would you suggest keeping important documents?
Fire/flood proof safety box.
"Most burglaries actually happen in the daytime as opposed in the night time." - Totally agree with this statement, having been burgled in that way.
- Get one of those fake toy dogs that bark every now and then.
- Most (smart) intruders plan before taking action eg. spying on you, seeing when you leave the house, study the best time to do it. Using this, you could
a) confuse them, have no routine and randomly enter and exit the house.
b) exit the house dressed as a scary bikie or in a Hazmat suit. - Make the exterior of your house look like a bums house, giving the impression that the most expensive thing inside is probably a ceramic bowl.
fake toy dogs that bark every now and then.
We only have squeaky ones at my place. Are they a real thing and why would you want one for your pet? o.O
It's not for your pet. Its basically an electronic annoying and normally useless house novelty. Like ones where you press the bears stomach and it growls or something.
I've got an Australian version of this which I bought from Jaycar many years ago…it's brilliant!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Safety-Technology-International-Rex-…I have a dog and a cat. This thing would drive them nuts.
@Jar Jar Binks: Only if they cross its "path". I had it pointing down the drive and a guy walked up heard the dog and then did a 180 and walked away.
Most (smart) intruders plan before taking action
I suspect the vast majority of intruders will be drug addicts who will simply attack the easiest looking property.
The new owner of our old house told us they were once burgled by an intruder. For days/weeks, the mother found a bunch of cigarettes in the backyard near the back fence every day (huge back yard, can fit two 4 bedroom houses easily). She thought it was her son/daughter sneaking out to smoke. Some time later, while everyone was out, a neighbour spotted a white man coming out of the house (that belonged to an Asian family) with a some expensive electronics. It was obvious he did not live there nor was he part of the family. Later he was caught by the police and found that the cigarettes at the back actually belonged to this guy.
Its true, most robbery is unplanned.
But u should be scared of the one that is planned.
@Ughhh: unplanned robbery perhaps only steal one or two item that can be easily grabbed.
Planned robbery can rob the entire house, car, and can even include rape and murder.
Make the exterior of your house look like a bums house, giving the impression that the most expensive thing inside is probably a ceramic bowl.
Around Christmas time in 2014, we had someone jump over the fence/gate into the backyard. I felt that we were targeted because none of us had bothered to mowing the front yard and just let the grass/weeds grow like crazy.
Luckily I was home at that time and heard some weird noise. I went outside my backyard and checked, and there was someone on the other side of the gate with the wheelie bin right next to it (which was used as a pedestal). I confronted him and asked what was he doing. He gave me a gibberish response and I told him to leave.
We always left the front screen door unlocked but locked the main timber door.
One night I thought I heard an intruder outside the door but I couldn't see anyone when I looked. But the next morning the front screen door was locked and there was a perfect hole cut in the fly screen near the handle.
So apparently the stupid intruder didn't even try just opening the door, and used their hi-tech lock pick to lock the door, rather than to unlock the door. Guess they gave up and left lol.
If renting and a tight arse then:
- Sliding doors = patio bolt at the top and bottom. Plus an expensive brand latch (eg. hard to pick lock, has dead lock feature, double hooks).
- Standard doors = install a dead lock. For the rear door consider reinforcing or jamming the door (eg. prop against the door, chair, door bolt, door stop, backpacker/travel lock).
- Sliding windows = drill a hole and insert screw or nail. Next best is buying a rod/broom stick but this doesn't stop lifting.
- Put security stickers everywhere (Eg. protected by Lockwood, dog, security company, etc).
- If you decide to own a dog choose a Doberman Pinscher, pay to train it. Dobermans are intelligent and fast guard dogs. The only proviso is to remove any slippery floors from your property as dogs need a lot of traction.
This is really cool, how much is it?
I wonder what happen if the bluetooth or the wireless tech failed… I guess not even a locksmith can open the door?
Also I think it needs door that has pretty huge gap…
Looks like it will be about US$219. It would fit my external swinging doors easily. There's a battery life monitor as well. It looks pretty sweet with the added bonus that it's way stronger than the door jamb so that kicking in the door is just not going to work…you'd have to destroy the door and make a lot of noise.
I don't get it… if renting, how can you install patio bolts and dead locks, drill a hole, have a dog?
Lot's of renters have animals, not so much in apartment buildings, but not much can be legally down to prevent animals living in rentals. As for upgrading security, most landlords are happy once you give them a spare key after discussions.
Are you not living in your own place that your friend pays you rent for?
So mentally ill Liv Tyler lookalike is leaving you alone, but mentally ill Emma Watson lookalike is intruding?and now I've found Jesus, or rather a photo of Jesus as I was getting off the train. I'm positive it wasn't there when I sat down. Can life get any weirder?
Edit: yes it can
Have good neighbours.. Seriously..
My neighbour spotted someone in my carport from his bedroom about 2am last weekend. He ran outside to his side of the fence and yelled at him saying something along the lines of what the f are you doing! Person took off fast.
Nice work but. I wonder if calling police may have been safer. Robbery is one thing, robbery armed is another, robbery under drugs well f***.
In a past work having a Owen sub machine gun shoved in stomach is not a soul building event.
What is happening in QLD that you fear for your safety if you see somebody acting suspect in a neighbours yard?
Hopefully your past work was as a WWII soldier!No 2 man bank agency teller. They were caught. Jailed. One found God the other became a hitman and died in prison after being caught and jailed for at least one murder.
Thanks mskeggs. Prudent action is what I was suggesting. Reporting to crime watch for their guidance may help also warning neighbour if can helps. Turning on lights is also effective.
Haveing good insurance is a must.
@Kevan2:
Crikey, that is more action than I'm sure you want as a bank teller.
At least one found God so we can hope will be less inclined to be doing robberies.
And the other sounds like he isn't doing any these days either.
Give that neighbour a six pack at least!!
Aren't you a sith lord? Use the force Jar Jar
The force is what gets me into trouble;)
When you say intruder, are you concerned with a opportunistic burglar, or somebody targeting you specifically?
For the first, I'd say good insurance is the best answer as it doesn't result in you living in a fear state that seeps into your consciousness as you do things day after day that remind you there are bad people in the world.
Not long after we had kids we moved to a low crime area, and we tend to eschew things like locks and alarms besides the very minimum. It pleases me greatly to be able to say to a friend dropping off a parcel that the back door is unlocked or the key is under the mat, and I like the idea that my kids haven't had a ritual of security measures as we try and raise them that 99% of people are good people and can be trusted.
If it is raining, our postie pops parcels inside the door if we are out.
When I grew up people didn't lock their cars in their drive way, and only locked the door if they were away for a lengthier time. Then neighbourhood watch and cheap heroin made people wary of house break-ins. I liked it better before, and the risk of paying my insurance excess and the hassle of a burglary is much lower than the benefit of not worrying about it.In any case, we haven't really got much that would get a result at cash converters, so why over do the security?
If is the second case, however, and it is somebody after you, perhaps having less drama in your life?Just be careful that your insurance covers you if the house isn't locked. I know that in Queensland it's illegal to leave your car unlocked when you are more than X metres from it. That law is presumably a result of pressure from insurance companies.
That is a bit rough. I should check our car insurance policy. I lock the car always when away from home, from long habit, but my partner usually doesn't bother. Mind you, if you drive an 18yro car the rewards for a thief are modest at best.
At home we usually lock the door if we are planning to be gone more than an hour or so, but not if we are just popping out to get the kids or milk etc.
And our steep drive way dissuades all but the most determined Jehovah's Witness and no doubt at least a few crims.Indeed check car insurance details. Ie a young Trade had his car stolen from home by intruders who broke into house stole car keys ….! Guess what car insurance did not pay up. Car was not secured as the theif used keys. Car was burnt out 100% loss. He is still paying off the loan for the car and now driving a bomb. Happened 18 months ago.
@Kevan2: oh that's not good. Can insurance companies do that? Is that what home and contents insurance is for??
Even if it costs 500 bucks to replace a bomb, you are still 500 out.
@cowiie:
Here is the challenge. The anus of proof is on the purchaser of the insurance policy thus you have to read the PDS. There may be an out of reasonable person test but what one of us earn in a year is close to one hour of real income for many insurance companies. You may win in court but pay costs. Not sure a Queens council now cost per hour but I would imagine 3 days cost = a small Merv. ???. So what to do record questions to ins reps, read PDs and amendments, and Google feedback on choice reviews. Nothing is easy. Grandpa was right .. read the small print and Grandma also was right .. it is all small print.
Here is the challenge. The anus of proof is on the purchaser
Challenge accepted.
Someone broke into our place last night. She didn't steal anything.
perhaps having less drama in your life?
Our friends call Wiki and I the weirdo-magnets. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I barely go out. I mostly keep to myself and yet crazy sh1t is still happening to me, around me. The intruder used to be our babysitter when the kids were toddlers. She's got it into her head that she's in love with my wife and that I'm trying to get in her way O.O
I've seen that movie.
Not sure it ended well though!
AVO would be my next move.It's complicated. She broke into my flatmate's house (I'm staying in his guest bedroom) because she saw Wiki's car, which I am driving in her absence, parked in the driveway.So technically, I was not the intended prey. She's after Wiki; not me. It's a case of mistaken identity. Wiki could have applied for a protection order but she doesn't need one since she's miles away, safe on her paradise Island.
@Jar Jar Binks:
Never know when you are serious, but regardless of the intention of the person, an AVO would be a reasonable precaution. If this person is targeting you or a family member, regardless of where that family member is right now or for a while, an AVO would clarify to all concerned where the boundaries lie.@Jar Jar Binks: My guess is the intruder has a copy of each of the keys you gave her when she was a baby sitter. She knows where you guys hide spare keys (eg. flower pot, doormat, above the door, etc)
Its that or you guys are going to sleep with a window open. Most stalkers are not professional lock pickers or carry burglar tools.
Try to back track and work out how she entered the flat.
If the property has tall windows but she is a short person then look under windows for objects she is climbing on (crates, buckets, outdoor furniture).
If she is a professional lock picker then examine the door locks for metal filings and damage.
If she is a stalker then examine possible stakeout/observation spots. (eg. shielded spots behind trees and bushes, look for cigarette butts and rubbish)Try to break into the property yourself. For some reason a many owners purposely leave one way to break into their own home in case they lose the keys. If this is the case then you have no chance. Secure the place with good locks and give a spare key to trusted relatives, friends, neighbours, etc.
@Mumbles: She doesn't have keys. Never did. She got through the pet door opening in our laundry door. She kind of half wiggled in, grabbed a mop and unlocked the door.
She's petite but busty. It would have been funny if she had gotten stuck in the pet door.Edit: pet door is lockable but is never locked. Laundry door has a security door which is almost always left propped open.It was on that night:(
@Jar Jar Binks: Hahahaha. That's so cool. It means you only get skinny sexy burglars. In a few years time she will probably get fatter.
I'm a little weird. I think its great that you don't have a large, scary professional burglar. That you know where she is getting in. Means you can conduct your own experiments. You could gradually keep shrinking the pet door eg. keep adding thicker protective rubber strips, nailing planks of wood.
You could make it more unpleasant like placing the rubbish or kitty liter tray next to the door. Even better is spill stuff near the door.
There are creative ways to booby trap a pet door. eg. a pressure sensitive door mat that's calibrated for pets. When she sets off the alarm system you wake up, start filming with your mobile phone and upload it to YouTube. Voila! Evidence for Police + OzBargainers. If you don't want authorities involved then excellent blackmail material to scare her into never bothering you again. If its not her then an accidental bop to the head with a baseball bat, chair, body slam with an elbow should fix your problem.
Unfortunately, I don't have any interesting intruders or stalkers. Hope you have lots of fun!
@pointscrazy: True but his comment still made me laugh :)
@mumbles, the problem with "skinny sexy" female intruders, is that it's a lot easier for them to turn the tables on you. When we caught her, thanks to our cat who tripped her and my dog who then came to get me (he wasn't happy that the cat tripped his new old friend), she started stripping so we couldn't kick her out.
We locked her in the house, called the cops and went to wait outside. We just thought it was safer. If we had stayed, she could have come up with some SOB story about how we tried to take advantage of her. She was in the house by herself for close to 25 mins.
Edit: and no : legally, you're not allowed to detain someone while waiting for the police to arrive. She agreed not to press charges if we don't either. So we didn't.
@Jar Jar Binks: Hee hee. Random visits from sexy stripping females … You need less security not more!
The fun is endless. Invite OzBargainers for couch sleep overs. When asked by Police to explain who were your mates, its your Cameraman and Director friends from Babysitters Gone Wild productions.
Invite her to stay and watch a marathon of your favourite horror movies. Put it your American Psycho DVD, max your Hifi volume with loud Rock'n'Roll then pull out handcuffs, sledgehammer, chainsaw, plastic furniture wrapping. Mwhahahaha.
If you want to turn the tables install an audioless security camera or nanny cam. It will be consent (not unlawfully detaining someone) until she grosses out at the rock'n'roll + handcuffs + sledge hammer where she removes consent.
@Mumbles: Did I mention that I have a wife? In case she's reading this, I would like to add that I'm a happily married man ;)
You'd either be
A - ULTRA rich from owning the world's best security system
B - So broke that no one wants to break into your place
Well we have CCTV set up, but we also have a little Pomeranian with a big bark, she sounds like a killer.
We also have motion sensors and door/ window magnetized alarms but they aren't set up at the momentJust have nothing of value at your place
Not all intruders are robbers.
That is the worse bit. Wife always worries. Things are replaceable (and we only have a few small items of real value).
so you have some stalker who cant find your wife? just move away and change names if you arent gonna do something actively about it. Even if you secure your place would you want someone to keep trying to get in? and hang around outside
to quote bash.org
<cristobal> why don't you put ice on the stairs
<cristobal> and heat up the door knob
<cristobal> and swing paint buckets down from your two story foyer
<cristobal> then a few years later, fade from the public eye…..Have an upvote just for quoting from bash.org
Not enough people know about that place.
Those windows alarms that stick on can be had cheap on special and security stickers also those solar sensor lights
If you have a small safe bolt it down
Personally I have large locked toolboxes with so much weight in it I cant move it without unpacking first
Be pro-active, it's the people that are slack that get hit first
If it looks like your taking measures, they will go somewhere easier
If your truly serious a cross- eyed blue healer so they can't tell where he's lookingShould've known there'd be more to this soap-opera than the innocuous looking question implied…sigh.
this thread = how to break in 101
Just don't do anything that might injure the intruder as they'll sue you. (using a lawyer paid for by the tax payer).
Also, if they break into your house when you're in and attack you, make sure you only defend yourself with an equivalent weapon to what they have, else you'll be locked up for excessive force.
If you are made aware your burglar alarm is going off (automated call or neighbour tells you) make sure you don't speed back to your house as the police will fine you.
Oh, in the unlikely event the burglar gets caught by the police, you can be sure they'll receive a good slap on the wrist (except if they're under 18, then they'll be let off).
Go to the local Aussie Disposals and buy the biggest set of gumboots you can order and leave them on the front porch with a note…"just popped out to buy more ammo"
Best idea yet! . With ur username, were you thinking along the lines of Wolf Creek?
Ask nintendo to set your place up as a poke-stop ~ Free security 24/7
Or even more intruders trying to break into my place to get
jiggyjigglypuffs o.OCan't trust the trainers - can't trust team rocket. Lose Lose situation
Have a sign saying "Warning - This property is protected by Smith & Wesson"
Booby traps!
Dig holes around the garden and cover them with leaves
spikes at your boundary
chuck some rakes around the place.
electric fence
swinging improvised spikes rigged up to the door vc style.I've got a 1m wide walkway down the side of the house.
Been pondering setting up solenoid driven water jets (irrigation) at each end pointing towards each other about face height with a sensor trigger about midway down the path. A webcam might be involved as well ;)Pls do and put on youtube for the lol
Haven't seen it mentioned here yet, but in Melbourne at least there has been a huge increase in break ins\thefts via remote control garage doors. Main target has been cars, and gaining access inside to swipe the car keys. Garage doors are fairly easy to get open.
Keep any doors from your garage to inside LOCKED. Don't park your car in your driveway or on the street if it's worth stealing. Keep it out of sight in your garage. Check your garage door to see if it has a secondary means of locking\securing it (mine does)
Buy sensor flood lights from Bunnings and install them over your front, back and garage doors.
Garage roller/tilt/sectional doors are apparently very easy to force open.
Whenever we go away for a period of time I use a few screwdrivers and put them through the existing holes in the guide rail that the door travels up. The holes were already there and are positioned just above each roller and hold the door firmly in place, even when you manually disengage the door to try and open it. If you don't have the holes you can simply get out a drill and add a few. I also turn off the power to the door in case I forget the screwdrivers are there and try opening it with the remote.
The other very weak point is most of these doors have a metal panel across the top between the top of the door and the brickwork, which can easily be pushed out in most cases or they simply damage it enough to reach in and disengage the door manually.
This is easy, I have several ideas:
Be seen walking around naked,
Stick a goat's head on your front door,
Hang a car's engine from your front tree,
Turn your front yard into a rubbish tip,
Play church music loud,
Have a big dog in your yard, have 2 big dogs, have half a big dog,
He is a renter.
So am I :-)))
Yeah and get evicted within months for not maintaining the property to standard.
Picture or it never happened.
@Adhoc: i guess I lost your sense of humour when you replied:
So am I
Calling a dork someone in private message and telling them to stop replying isn't too far you think. Now you stop sending me private messge and replying to me back or I will report you to mod for harrasment.
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Hire a $5/hr hobo to run security?