TexasCHLforum.com

solid core doors
dead bolt throw of at least 1.5"
2.5" - 3" screws in the strike plate
backup window locks (can be as simple as a hole with a nail in it on moving windows
trim bushes around the house to prevent hiding spaces
make sure there is adequate lighting
video cameras are great for actually seeing who is at the front door


i do commercial and residential crime prevention security surveys and am certified through TCLEOSE as a CP inspector for the homeowner's insurance discounts, and CPTED certified. not to mention, i've worked on hundreds and hundreds of burglaries.

you need to look at your house in relation to those around you. thieves are opportunists. they're not going to break in if they know someone is at home. they don't know that the only person there is 14. ever see home alone? as ridiculous as it sounds, that's exactly the mentality of burglars. they don't want confrontation. the random crazed crackhead is few and far between.