Household security

Have you ever thought about how secure your house is? I was watching a 'police action' type programme yesterday, and these days, car theft is commonly done by breaking into the victim's house and stealing the keys. So in effect, the car is more secure than the house!
Anyway, a common entry point is the patio door, which can have a poor lock, and in some cases may even be lifted out of the runner completely from the outside - probably using a spade obtained from your unsecured garden shed!
But in one case, the thieves had somehow removed the lock barrel from the patio door, thus gaining access to the house. Looked like a very neat and quiet job, because the home owners were asleep upstairs, and didn't hear a thing.

So this prompted me to immediately look at improving the security of my premises. After all, it's best to be prepared. Well we've now got a dog with a very loud bark, which could act as a deterrent to any would-be thieves.

Do you take any special measures to protect your house? I've thought about an intruder alarm, but really, are they worth it?

Btw, our dog is no guard dog, but sounds fierce

 

I think it's more the violation of your private home. The fact that some scumbag has broken in, and had free reign to rummage through your personal belongings. I just got to thinking like an opportunist thief. They want easy, quiet access to your home. I don't think you can prevent someone who is determined to get in, but you can sure put some stumbling blocks and deterrents in place for them.
As I said though, as soon as an intruder got access to our place, the dog would bark like hell, and I'm sure that would be enough to make them leave.