An Inexpensive DYI Home Security System and Theft Deterrent

After a rash of home break ins and burglaries in our city, residents began making substantial investments in home security and protection systems. These systems ranged from the installation of security fences and alarm systems to the hiring of professional security forces to patrol the more affluent neighborhoods. A recent article in the News-Record estimated that some of the more elaborate security systems cost well over $100,000.

AS one who does not live in one of the more affluent neighborhoods and who by no means can afford a $100,000 security system I too am concerned about security and protecting my home and family from potential break-ins and burglaries.

I investigated several of the much publicized home security systems and while confident these could add substantially to the security of my home I quite honestly could not afford to pay the hefty installation fee and the substantial (for me) monthly payment for continuing service. As a result I decided that these services were not a viable option for me.

There was still a home security option available for my home, and that would be the home security system I would develop and install at a cost I could afford.

My DIY security system began with the purchase of six motion activated floodlights at a cost of $12.00 each.

I installed one in place of the light fixtures at each of our two outside door entrances, and used remaining four to replace existing floodlights on each corner of the house. Each of these corner mounted lights, when activated by motion, would provide sufficient light to cover one of the four sides (and ground floor windows) of our house.

As I considered the two doorways the most likely spots for forced entry I decided to beef up security here by installing two video surveillance cameras. As I could not afford functioning surveillance cameras I found two used (an inoperable) video cameras offered for sale as "parts" on ebay for $4.00 each. The body and outside appearance of these camera looked like new and when mounted ten feet above and sighted on each doorway, (complete with a phony electoral cord running to the motion detector) looked very much like a professional installation of surveillance equipment.

To complete the image of operational surveillance cameras I mounted one small night light fixture inside each camera and installed a red bulb. This light fixture is wired to the motion detector. When motion was sensed the floodlight comes own, and the red light in the camera is activated feigning active video operation.

To secure ground floor windows I used an electric drill to drill a 3/8" hole through the upper right corner in each window frame/sash. This hole was drilled through both the lower and upper window sash. A ten penny nail was inserted through the holes in both sashes, locking the two sashes together and preventing any attempt force either window open.

A third investment of $36.00 provided three random time light activation switches. These unique timers offer the advantage of turning lights on and off at random times throughout the day and night. I use these whenever we are away overnight to simulate family activity while we are away. I use one each for lights in one room downstairs and one room upstairs. The third timer is used to turn on the television set or a radio at random.

To complete the image of secure home I used my computer and graphics to create a professional looking warning label, similar to those posted by home security firms. I spent much time in trial and error to select just the right combination of fonts and colors which best resembled a professional service label and logo. My warning label reads as follows:

Warning

This Home is Protected by North American Security, Inc.

In the event of alarm sounding please call:

toll free 800-662-4949

A reward will be paid for information leading to arrest and conviction of intruders

These colored 3" X 5" stickers are posted in each ground floor window.

My DIY security system to date has costs the following:

6 motion detecting floodlights - $72.00

3 random time light switches - $36.00

2 non-operable video cameras - $4.00

Total system - $112.00

Time will tell, but to date (18 months) my DIY security system has out performed three of the more elaborate systems across town.