Inexpensive Ways to Protect Your Home

It was one of the most brutal home invasions ever caught on tape. A thug broke down the back door of this house in Millburn, New Jersey, and savagely beat a young mother. He stole her wedding ring and then threw her down the steps to the basement, all in front of her daughter sitting on the couch.

Home invasions like these are on the rise. So, what can you do to keep from becoming the next victim?
    
You won't believe some of the clever and inexpensive products INSIDE EDITION found to help keep you and your home safe.

INSIDE EDITION hooked up with Kathleen Baty a.k.a. The Safety Chick, who showed us how smart products can turn your home into a virtual fortress.

Watch the Full Segment on this Story

An electronic door wedge screams out 120 decibels of noise if the door is opened.

Baty said they are “Great for apartments, dorms, you know, anywhere.”

INSIDE EDITION’s Victoria Recaño asked, “Even a hotel?”

“Even a hotel,” replied Baty.

Another item is a security camera that is actually a fake and velcroed to the house.

    
Recaño asked, “This camera actually detects motion but it doesn't record?”

Baty replied, “Exactly. Burglars don't want to be recorded. They don't know if this is real or not because of the red light and if you see the motion, the red light comes on.”
    
Another device you put on your floor is an electronic watchdog with a threatening bark.

Baty said, “Keep it by your front window and it detects motion.”
    
To give the illusion of a busy household even when nobody is home, try a flashing light that looks as if your TV is on.

Recaño said, “So, it makes people believe the TV is on even though you are I are just sitting here in the room with it off.”
    
With an app for your phone or iPad, you can turn on the lights inside your living room no matter where you are. The Safety Chick says you should make sure the outside of your house is well lit.

    
Recaño asked, “Are light sensors really good?”

Baty said, “Really good because burglars like to do their work in the dark.”

Good and inexpensive advice so you don't become the next victim of a cold-blooded criminal.

Here is a list of some cheap security tricks that experts say may help keep your home safe:

•    Dummy Security Camera: Install a fake security camera outside of your home to give the impression you have a video surveillance system. (Outdoor Fake / Dummy Security Camera w/ Blinking Light by Loftek - $9.00)

•    Barking Dog Alarm: Keep this gadget inside your home to give the impression you have a large angry German Shepherd inside. The closer the intruder gets, the more ferocious the dog alarm sounds. (Home Safe EWD-1 Electronic Watchdog - $80.00)

•    Automation Switch + Motion Sensor: This device works with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch by sending alerts to your Apple product if motion is detected at your home. It can also be used to remotely control the lights inside your home. (Belkin WeMo Home Automation Switch + Motion Sensor bundle - $75.00)

•    Smart Home Doorstop: Pressure on the doorstop activates an alarm. (GE 50246 Smart Home Door Stop Alarm - $12.00)

•    iSentry: This app turns your webcam into a motion-sensing security system.  (iSentry Motion Detection App - No Cost)

•    Alarm Company Sign: This sign gives the impression that your home has an active alarm system – (Home Burglar Alarm Security sign - $3.00)

•    Fake TV Lights: This small device makes it look like someone is watching a TV in your home. (Fake FTV-10 Burglar Deterrent - $30.00).

•    Car Keys: Take your car remote control to bed with you.  If you hear a suspicious noise, press the panic button on the keys to set off your car alarm. (No Cost)