How to Protect a Country House from Burglars

Experts warn that no device can offer a 100% guarantee of security. The best option is to design a multi-level defense system and place as many «traps» as possible for unwelcome guests.

Ilya Menzhunov, Expert, Director of the Country Real Estate Department at «Metrium Group»

Fence

The fence should be strong, tall, and preferably opaque to shield your yard from prying eyes. A concrete foundation will eliminate the possibility of digging a trench, and recessed locks on gates are more reliable than surface-mounted ones.

Additional protective methods can also be considered. For example, plant roses near the fence: it's unlikely that a burglar will want to jump from a height of three meters into thorny bushes.

Lock

The ideal solution is a combination of a standard mechanism and a hidden lock inside the door, which closes with a radio remote, like an automotive door.

Of course, electronic locks are not a panacea and can also be picked. But having such a device is likely to surprise a criminal, causing them to retreat to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Door

Another trick is installing two doors at the entrance. A burglar will spend considerable time opening the first door, but then will face a more secure second one.

Windows

According to statistics, more than half of burglars enter homes through window frames. For first-floor windows, security grilles can be installed — criminals will think twice before cutting them down. First, it's not fast; second, it's noisy.

Alternative option — roller shutters. The guides for moving the shutter panels must be embedded into the window frame walls. Bolts for mounting the mechanism should not be used — they can be easily cut.

Angry Dog

A furry guard will definitely make burglars think twice about targeting your property. However, this method of protection is not very effective if the owner is away for long periods.

If burglars observe your house and realize that all that stands between them and their desired loot is a furry guard, the dog may become an easy target for them.

Alarm System

If you want to be sure that your property is under surveillance, consider installing a real alarm system that alerts the mobile phone or police. But do not forget that even this protection is imperfect.

Installing an alarm system works effectively only if the guard post or police station is close to your plot and the rapid response team can arrive within minutes. In addition, alarm systems operate on electricity, and experienced burglars know this.

If the wiring is cut and you wait two or three days, the device's battery will fully discharge, making it useless. Therefore, it is important that the homeowner receives alerts not only for suspicious movements in the house or on the property, but also for power outages.

Psychological Deterrents

If you watched the movie «One House», you’ll remember how a little boy easily outsmarted burglars by placing human figures near windows and playing loud music. The idea of creating the illusion that the owner is present in the house is great. You can implement this with programmable power outlets.

Periodically turning on the radio, TV, and lawn watering systems creates the impression that the owner is at home. Additionally, a timer guard can control lighting: it will randomly turn on lights inside the house at low brightness.

Chemical Traps

Devices that mark the body and clothes of a burglar with hard-to-wash paint are usually disguised as wallets, jewelry cases, bottles of expensive alcohol, or money bundles in bank tape. If a burglar opens such an item, he will instantly be «marked».

Chemical traps may force a thief to abandon their intentions, but for greater effect, they should be used together with tools that allow quick detection of illegal entry into the house. Police dogs trained specially can track the burglar’s trail.

Budget-Friendly Options

Sometimes it’s enough to place mock security cameras and stickers with the message «Object under surveillance» on the property to discourage a burglar. It’s best to equip these devices with blinking LEDs and small batteries.

A good psychological deterrent is a siren. It’s best to connect it with a motion sensor hidden near the entrance. For additional effect, activate the house lights together with the siren — then burglars definitely won’t want to linger at the crime scene.

A dog bark simulator can be a good alternative to a regular siren if motion sensors are placed around the perimeter of the property.

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