The Break In

I became passionate about the topic of home security after my San Francisco home was broken into while my family was sleeping upstairs. The outcome could have been much worse than it was, and I took the event as a wake-up call to shore up my security strategy.

My goal was to make my home a fortress.

First, I boarded up the windows to my garage door from the inside. Was it somewhat dark and miserable in there as a result? Sure, but this was where the intruder first broke in, and I wasn’t taking any chances.

Then, I got on the phone and called a security gate installation company to come out and give me a quote. Installing and fabricating a front gate took a couple weeks and it was not cheap, but if burglars could punch out the glass to my garage door, my all original glass-paned front door didn’t stand a chance.

Next, I installed motion sensor lights inside and outside the garage. I thought about buying a fake home security sign and hanging it in the window, but I read mixed advice about that online.

I put timers on the lights in my living and dining rooms and scheduled them to turn on and off at random intervals throughout the night. The neighbors across the street probably thought I was doing lots of drugs.

I was starting to wonder if I was going a little bit overboard, but I kept going because I still didn’t feel safe.

My next step, of course, was to research the best home security system money can buy. But I found the process overwhelming and somewhat inconclusive.

I felt cameras were useless for my application because they don’t prevent crime — they just record it. Spare me the memories.

I was interested in the classic sensor-type of burglar alarm that calls the police if you don’t turn off the system in time. But what if the police didn’t show? This is not unheard of in SF...

Then I wondered about basic but effective options like the equivalent of a really loud car alarm for my house. Who knew if they even made those anymore!

I had so many questions and I found myself wishing for a “home security broker,” like the way you shop for a mortgage. I wanted the facts on each company and system, and someone to walk me through the options without trying to sell me on one particular model. But I found that service didn’t exist for residential applications.

Thus, this website was born. Whether you’ve already had your home broken into (I’m so sorry), or you’re worried about what you’re seeing in the news, your fear is valid. I hope that by sharing my research I can help you regain your sense of safety and security. Take a look around the site for ideas you can put into action today.

Yours in safety,

B