srothstein wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:56 pm There have been some very interesting studies on what will deter a criminal. Visible signs of an alarm (especially the alarm junction box, but just a sign works) are high on the list, as are dogs. The funny thing is that what actually works best is something we all try to avoid - the nosy neighbor. One study I read showed that the odds of being burglarized drop significantly when the burglars see a neighbor watching them, and even more if the neighbor makes some sign they might intervene, like coming out and yelling.
A guy in the insurance business said in his career he never once had a burglary claim by a homeowner with BOTH a large dog and an alarm. Layered security works.