No one likes a home invader – a burglar – an intruder. As a matter of fact, so common and universal is our dislike for them and so common and universal are their basic tactics that even the Bible uses burglars and their tactics as illustrations in its teaching (1 Thess. 5:2).

You have heard it said that, "a man’s home is his castle." Well, we can learn something about protecting our home by thinking about the defense of a castle. There are three perimeters of defense.

Perimeter #1 – Outside the Home
The first defense is to keep the potential intruder from ever trying to invade in the first place. Homeowners can make possible burglars think twice about ever attempting to break in by making your home look uninviting.

* Signs of a "real" security system. Window stickers and yard signs indicating
that a security system is in place are effective. Homes with such security
systems are three times less likely to be burglarized. How are the thieves going
to know that security system is there if you don’t tell them?

* Being at home – or at least looking like you are. Some burglars will and do
break in to homes even when they know someone is at home. But it’s less
likely for them to do so. House lights on timer switches and fake television sets
are a couple of ways to give an appearance that someone is home.

* No place to hide. A well-lit exterior and well-trimmed bushes and landscaping
do not provide good hiding spots for individuals trying to gain entrance into
your home.

* "Natural" alarm. An outside dog will have some effect on keeping intruders
away in the first place.

Perimeter #2 – Home Entry Points
Making points of entry into the castle a greater challenge is classic. Think moats and draw bridges. Here are a few considerations for deterrents at the points of entry into your castle.

* Well-lit doors. Porch lights or other outside lighting can be helpful. Don’t
provide dark lurking places for would-be intruders.

* "Painful" landscaping. Planting pain inflicting plants (with stickers) under
windows (such as from the barberry or holly families of plants) make it a place
intruders won’t want to go.

* Covers. Bars or cages over windows and doors are a common, visible deterrent.

* Alarms. Door alarms are a last resort. That is, these sound only after an
intrusion is attempted. But, better for them to quit at that point than to come on
in.

Perimeter #3 – Inside the Home
So what if the intruder invades the castle? Well, it’s not time to give up or give in. Why not make the things he is after (your valuables) difficult to find. Of course, you can’t hide everything, but there are definitely some things you will want to keep hidden; jewelry, stashed cash, guns, important documents, etc.

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