Break-In Experience - Need Advice on Improving Home Security

A few days ago, someone broke into my home wearing a mask and held me at gunpoint to steal some money. Fortunately, we don’t keep much cash at home, so the loss was minimal.

I have security cameras installed, and after reviewing the footage, I saw the intruder broke in through a backyard window in about 2 minutes. However, I had turned off all motion sensor notifications in the camera app due to frequent false alarms.

Has anyone experienced something similar? I’m seeking advice on how to enhance my home security. Are there tools or systems that can better filter footage to detect critical events and trigger alarms only when there’s a genuine threat? I’d appreciate any recommendations.

door handle alarms, mini hidden cameras everywhere in the house, ring doorbell, door protective bar to prevent the door being busted in, personal attack siren that is on your body that you have to pull the pin out or press button and siren goes off, defensive weapons- baseball bat/pepper spray etc, alarms on all windows, get all windows have window privacy film on them- mirror effect so you see out but they can’t see in.

For cameras get poe not wifi have weapons ready

I second the PoE. I had wifi cameras drop out at the worst time and lost a recording of someone threatening revenge and to kill my dog. And get a concealed carry license and train and carry.

So someone basically walked thru a rear window - but - your concern is making sure to get a good picture of him to help solve your murder in absentia - correct?

how about thinking along the more practical approach and beef up those weak azz entry points?

Yes, I understand, but the issue is that I wouldn’t be aware of the intrusion until they break in and point a gun at me

A dog, if practical. Doesn’t have to be huge. Noise makers are good too.

Totally agree, we are considering adopt a dog after this incident

I agree. A dog is both a warning and can be a deterrent.

Fix the notifications on your cameras or get better security cameras!

what kind of camera and brand you recommend

Anything with recognition capabilities. I use ubiquiti and it’s decent enough. You could hack stuff together via open-source, but it’ll only be a good as you can set it up to be.

First, upgrade the physical security. Window bars and/or security film on all the windows and sliding glass doors. Replace the screws holding the locks into the various doors and door frames with much longer surface hardened screws. Doors and door frames themselves can be replaced and upgraded with high security models.

Get motion activated lights for your backyard. Having them randomly go off is probably going to be less of an issue than getting constant false positives sent to your phone.

The more sensitive a system is the more false alerts you’re going to get. Consider ditching motion alarms for glass break sensors and other sensors that require physical tampering.

Consider planting something unpleasant under the windows. Blackberry bushes, wild roses with giant thorns, etc. are good options. See what plants are native to your area first and work from there.

Also, buy a fucking gun.