Maximizing the value of your property with adequate security measures in place

As we all know, the housing market is facing tough times. Fortunately, now is a good time to make some useful additions to your property in an effort to boost its value.

There are many tricks and techniques that have proven to be enormously beneficial in improving property valuations. For instance, many property owners have worked on home staging as an appropriate tool by itself to ensure that their property gets a sound valuation. Prospective buyers, when they find a property which is in very well order, with fittings and furnishings in place and landscaping done to taste, are often willing to pay a significant premium over other properties which may even be otherwise bigger and perhaps better but have not been staged in any way and are otherwise pretty much in disarray.

It has to be said that installation of appropriate security measures truly works wonders when it comes to improving valuations of properties. Buyers are more than willing to pay a significant premium for properties which have sufficient security provisions already in place. This is especially true for larger cities like Houston which have seen crime rise rapidly in recent times.

Accordingly, if you are hoping to see your Houston property with as premium a price tag as possible when it goes on sale, one of the most ways you could obtain an appreciation of valuation is through the provision of security measures on the concerned property. The setup need not be very complicated or expensive; all you need is an inexpensive yet visible line of defense.

For instance, you could easily take a look at the various Honeywell security system measures that are on offer; you need to make sure that all visitors to the property get a feeling that Houston home security has been adequately provided for, on the property.

As long as you do so, you should certainly see a significant rise in valuation of your property.

When the door latch at home simply proves inadequate

Many of us live with the belief that a latch on the door would prove sufficient to keep ourselves safe and secure…unfortunately, how wrong we are! With criminals developing their techniques in all sorts of ways, you can't really rely on the basic security measures to ensure protection. There is an active requirement to provide for additional security measures.

Thankfully, in large cities like Houston, there is really no lack of sufficient security providers. Further, thanks to evolutions in technology, it is possible to keep our homes safe and secure in a number of ways.

Take for instance advanced home security measures in the form of burglar alarms; any form of intrusion into your home can easily be detected by these alarms, ensuring that you can stop them and quickly report them. Further, companies like Honeywell have come out with their own proprietary Honeywell security system which works hard to ensure that your home and hearth remain safe and secure.

From the cost perspective, installing these security measures really does not cost as much as it is usually made out to be; even an investment of a few hundred dollars should be enough to pass you by for a long, long time in terms of keeping you and your loved ones at home completely safe and secure. Essentially, you need to realize the importance of installing these security measures; once you do so, you will probably not even look at the cost aspect, considering it more as an investment than anything else.

The wide variety of home security systems on offer also deem that you determine your actual costs of obtaining security for your home, on the basis of the actual system that you finally go in for. For instance, a basic CCTV based security system is quite likely to cost you a whole lot less than a much more comprehensive system with multiple monitoring and alarm mechanisms.

As far as installation of these security systems is concerned, that should actually not be much of a concern for you, given the fact that Houston home security companies actually look into the entire installation and setup procedure with complete accuracy and integrity.

Ultimately, it is all about your decision to have such an alarm monitoring Houston system set up at home; as long as you are willing and able to do so, you can leave the rest to the professionals!

Just remember that the latch on your door is INDEED inadequate…

Home Security in Houston ... What Features Do You Really Need continued?

Home security can be a difficult topic to be rational about, sometimes. When you are laying in bed at night, wondering what a strange noise outside your window is and deciding on the quickest way to rescue your children should their be a break-in, it can be easy to simply resolve to do everything possible to keep ill-doers away from your family! However, home security systems are just like any other sort of product - emotional purchasing can lead to quite a lot of wasted cash. Today we continue our look at which security features, from Houston burglar alarms to plain old fences, are really necessary for you.

Fences and gates

Fences and gates can be both a blessing and a curse in terms of Houston home security. They do make it more difficult for people to get into your property from certain angles. However, unless you consider every possible point of entry, and have access to your neighbors sides of the fences as well, they may not actually hinder entrance that much, and instead act mostly as a visual cover for burglars. If you choose to use fences and gates as home security items, plant thorny bushes behind them and make sure that there are no weak links in the fence 'chain'.

Houston home alarms

Home alarms are almost always an excellent investment in your home's security. They alert either you, or a qualified security professional as soon as somebody tries to enter your property, are highly tamper-proof and very likely to save your property from damage as well as help catch an intruder, to stop them striking again. The only time we wouldn’t consider one is where you live in an apartment block with inbuilt security, and have excellent perimeter locks and no additional entry points.

Home security cameras

If you have a multitude of very valuable items in your home, that you would definitely want recovered (rather than replaced by insurance) in the event of a burglary, we would recommend home security cameras. They are certainly not a necessity in a standard home, though.

Door and window protection

Items like deadbolts, chains, shatter-proof window films etc can be useful in some circumstances. However, if you already have alarm system monitoring on your home, they really aren’t required.

When do you need any of the below items

Home Security in Houston ... What Features Do You Really Need?

Home security can sometimes be a difficult purchasing decision to judge in a rational and logical way. It certainly falls into the 'need' category of household items ... far more so than new clothes, upgraded curtains, toys or games do! However, just as it is possible to overcapitalize on your home's value, it is also possible to 'over-secure' your home in some situations. Today we look at Houston security systems, techniques and tools, and decide which are useful in which home situations.

Outdoor lighting/sensor lighting

We feel this security item is good for people in many situations. If you’re renting, sensor lights can usually be run on extension cords to the outside and removed when you leave the property. They are cheap reliable, low maintenance and long lasting security items that also double as conveniences for the family. Always recommended!

Community security

This refers to the practice of getting to know your neighbors, and mutually looking out for each other's home security. Considering that it is free, and results in a better community spirit, one would think that it would always be recommended ... however you do need to be careful which of your neighbors you choose to be your security system buddy, and how much you tell them. Never reveal your alarm code or leave them with a spare key for example.

Watchdogs

Watchdogs can be a useful security addition in some situations. However, if you wouldn’t have purchased a dog anyway, we would never recommend getting one just for security purposes. They are certainly not 100% reliable (animals also have 'deep-sleep' periods, like us), and will need far more interaction than just feeding.

Safes for valuables

A fireproof safe is almost always a good addition to home security, unless you maintain a bank safe deposit box which keeps all of your irreplaceable valuables and important documents. Of course, you should still maintain perimeter-type security systems. If an intruder does get into your house while you or your kids are home, there is far more at stake than a few items of jewelry or share papers ... you're taking your life into your hands.

Steps to Take to Protect Your Houston Home

There are a number of different ways to protect your home, your family and your possessions. The most important thing you need to remember when searching for the perfect home security system is that you work with a dependable and reliable security company. Living in Houston you will find a ton of different home security systems, some reliable and some not so reliable. Remember your home alarm is designed to frighten a burglar but most importantly it is wired to notify a trained individual as well as the appropriate law enforcement. If you do not have a reliable and trained individual responding to your security system then your home security company is not doing their job and putting you, your family, your home and your possessions at high risk.

Houston home security means a peaceful night’s sleep, a vacation away from home without the worry of vandalism and protecting your privacy and valuables. Let’s face it without a home security system your home is just a sitting duck waiting to be invaded and your privacy lost. When you have a home alarm system installed in your home or business you are basically putting up an invisible wall of protection for the outside world. Security alarms have saved millions of homes in the Houston area from invasion of criminal minds and allowed millions a special sense of security at night and while away on vacation. You can become one of those millions by simply logging on to your computer and checking the local Houston security systems.

You no longer have to be a victim of circumstance living in Houston or among those unfortunate individuals whose privacy has been invaded. Rather you have an exciting alarm system in your home that you are not happy with or you want to have one installed you can find exactly what you are looking for with specials and a listing of all equipment as well as their functions online. Protecting your family and your home is your responsibility. Don’t fall short of taking every possible action to ensure the safety of your possessions and your privacy. You have access to wonderful home security systems in the Houston area and dependable people to assist you with all your alarm needs. Installation is a breeze and not only are you taking steps to protect your home but in most cases you will find your home insurance discounted for your alarm system.

Houston Burglar Alarms

Imagine yourself packing the kids in the car, loading up your bags, locking the door and setting off for a family vacation. While you’re locking your doors you have no clue that someone is sitting in a car across the street or down the road from you home watching you load your luggage and kids into the car. The thought never crosses your mind that when you get home all your personal belongings will have been sifted through by a complete stranger who has also taken mental notes of the pictures of your children hanging on the walls throughout your home. Your security and privacy have just been violated one of the worse possible ways; your home has been burglarized. Now, imagine someone breaking into your home to be welcomed by the top of the line Honeywell security system the minute they attempt to open your door or window. Your privacy, family belongings and personal information has just been saved and all thanks to you taking the time to have a Houston home security system installed in your home.

Houston home security systems offer discounted prices for new installation of burglar alarms as well as replacing your existing service with a more detailed security system, simply logon and surf the web for the best deals possble. With the assistane of your home computer you can view the many options you have when it comes to securing your home and your personal belongings. Alarm system monitoring is done on a twenty four hour basis by professionals who make it their most important job in life when it comes to protecting your home and your family. Compare prices on line to other local Houston companies and you will be amazing at the saving you will take advantage of even when it comes to your home insurance company and the discounts they offer for installing a home security system in your home.

Leave your home with a secure feeling that comes with knowing every movement on your property is being monitored and the professionals that you will come to know working with Houston’s top home security company are on constant watch. Your home is where your heart is and your security, keep that from being invaded or violated and log on today to choose the perfect home security monitoring system for your Houston home. Keep your private moments private and the thieves of Houston away from your possessions rather you’re on vacation or laying putting your children to bed for the night. Install a top of the line Houston burglar alarm in your home today and rest easy tonight.

Never Sacrifice Safety Again

There have been a lot of cutbacks on the family over the past couple of years. With the rise in prices, some families have to tighten the belt on spending. Maybe grocery trips are not done as often or family vacations were not as lavish. The point is, families sacrifice for their own and are still managing to survive today. Unfortunately, the rise in cost has not stopped the rise in crime. We cannot even step foot outside of our homes without witnessing some act of injustice. News television shows always have something new to report when it comes to the latest crime. It may be good for television ratings, but it is robbing the family of their feeling of safety. There are companies you can trust when you decide to do something about your home security.

First, look for a locally owned business dedicated to protecting your family. Your family can sleep peacefully at night knowing that a company with a long history has everything under control. A good security company grows and adapts to improved technology and crime deterrence, and isn't afraid to look into the most state-of-the-art components available to help protect your family. It's important that security systems are up to date and equipped to protect you and your loved ones. Security systems can gain a bad reputation if they are not careful. They may be accused of sloppiness, laziness, or even unpreparedness. Every second counts in the case of an emergency. That is the kind of protection and concern that your family deserves.

Sadly, we all know that crime and disasters will unfortunately happen. Fires, medical emergencies, and burglaries are just too common to go unprotected from. Since we have the knowledge of these unfortunate emergencies the only smart choice to make is to have a security system installed. Nothing is more important than the family, unless it is taking care of and protecting that family. Do careful research into home protection, and then protect your family today with a Houston home security system.

Protect your Houston Home

Home security and the safety of your family and your belongings are on everyone’s mind at some time or another. Safeguarding your home rather you’re on vacation or turning in for the night is as important as knowing your local police departments phone number. When it comes to the safety of your home, your family and your valuables settling for less than the best is a huge mistake on your part and can prove to be costly. Why take the chance and avoid safeguarding your Houston home when you can do so at an affordable price and easy installation rather you have a current alarm system or are purchasing one for the first time. Make sure your family and your home are protected when you take vacations, run errands around the city and lay down at night. Put an end to sleepless nights due to burglaries in your neighborhood or local convenience stores.

Purchase the perfect Houston home security system today. Representatives are eager to assist you in all your home security system needs from purchasing simple home security alarm systems to finding the perfect video monitoring system for your home or office. Protecting yourself, your family and your possessions is a serious obligation and not one that will be taken lightly when you entrust your home security needs to the professionals who have been monitoring Houston homes for years now. You will find affordable prices whether you are having your alarm system installed in your home for the very first time or you are switching from one service to Safeguard Home Security of Houston. The easy steps toward installation and the friendly customer service will give you the comfort you are longing for when it comes to purchasing an alarm system for your home.

Leave the feeling of insecurity behind and enjoy the comforts that will come with installing a Honeywell security system in your home. The economy is affecting the larger cities in horrible ways, so protect yourself today from becoming the next “breaking news” or headline in the Houston Chronicle due to a home burglary. Install your Houston burglar alarm now and take advantage of the discounted specials for new or existing installation and twenty four hour monitoring you know you can count on. Today is the day to put your fears behind you and start enjoying your Houston life with the home protections of your personal alarm system.

Houston Home Security

Living in a big city offers fun, excitement and a constant opportunity to go sight-seeing, shopping or just taking in all the entertainment. However, living in a big city also brings a higher crime rate and extra needed home security for the days, nights maybe even weeks you are away from home enjoying the big city life. Houston is among a long list of big cities with a ton of excitement but a ton of crime as well. Now there is an alarm company that can increase the safety of your home and your personal belongings no matter how big the city is you live in or how long you are away from home. Installing your state of the art home burglar system not only will increase the safety of your home but will give you a peace of mind while you are away enjoy all that a big city such as Houston has to offer.

Perhaps you have experience the feeling of an invasion of privacy that you feel after your home has been burglarized and now you have problems leaving your home or even laying your head down on your pillow at night. When you have a security system installed through Houston Home Security you can rest assured that your home is safer now than ever before and you can enjoy your social life or dream world with a peace of mind and a sense of security. Houston Home Security installs only state of the art security systems from your simple alarm pad to the home monitoring system you choose. Whether you go all-out and include a video monitoring system with your home security system or you go with the popular home burglar system, you can rest assured that you are installing only the best equipment that is accompanied by 24-hour monitoring by trained professionals.

If someone other than yourself or your family has been on your property you can rest assured their presence did not go unnoticed. Start enjoying your life away from home when you have the added security of a professionally installed home security system that is monitored by trained professionals who are as concerned about your safety and the safety of your home as you are. Vacations can take on a whole new meaning when you know that while you are away, no matter how long, your home and the contents of your home are under constant monitoring.

Safeguard your Home and Loved Ones

The home security for you and your family is your top priority and on your mind every day. Making sure that your children, pets and belongings are safe when you are gone or while you are at home is very important. It’s a comforting feeling when you can lock the door behind you as you leave for work or on a vacation and know that your belongings are safe and secure within your home. Perhaps one of your biggest fears is going to sleep at night to be awakened by someone breaking into your home. What if I told you there is a way you can take vacations, leave for the day and go to sleep stress free? There is a solution to your worries when it comes to safeguarding you home. Online you will find a dependable security company who can ensure the safety of your home when you are traveling or simply heading out for a day of shopping.

Houston Home Security offers you a professional security system that offers twenty four hour monitoring, free professional installation, low monitoring rates, extended warranty program and free Safeguard Security System. For a small price you can ensure the safety of your home and know when you lay your head down at night that your home is under constant surveillance. Even if you already have a security system in your home and are unhappy with the performance you can contact Houston Home Security and have your security service switched in no time.

Working with a professional security company provides you with state of the art security monitoring equipment from alarm systems to start of the art security cameras as well as professional staff members to install your security system as well as assist you with any questions or concerns you may have upon instillation and years after. When only seconds mean the difference between life as you know it and life as it could be when someone invades your privacy you can take comfort in know that your choice in a monitoring company is highly trained and protecting you twenty four hours a day. Why risk your children’s safety or your own when you have access to the state of the art security system for your home at affordable prices installed and monthly. Contact Houston Home Security today and safeguard your home against the evil minds that dwell among us daily.

Six Myths about Houston Home Security

Are you thinking about a home security system for your residence? Chances are you've heard some of the myths about monitored systems, so let's bust a few of them so that you can make a decision based on the facts. Here are some of the top misconceptions as well as the reality about alarm system monitoringthat can offers you and yours round-the-clock peace of mind.

1) Home security systems are too pricy.

Safeguarding your home can cost less than a dollar a day. Furthermore, a professionally installed, monitored home security system can reduce your home insurance policy by as much as 20%, so the overall cost is even less. Also consider that even if your insurance covers financial losses, dealing with the aftermath of a burglary is burdensome, and there are often emotional costs. Finally, dealing with a locally owned and operated firm can offer even more savings.

2) My home is not a likely target.

With the economy slow to recover, more homeowners are concerned about a potential rise in break-ins. When you install home security system with burglar alarm monitoring, you make your home less inviting to would-be intruders. In roughly 85% of burglaries, intruders gained access through areas not protected by surveillance systems, with 31% marching right in through the front door!

While many of us would like to think that we are protected by good locks, attentive neighbors, and vigilant police patrols, there is nothing as reliable as a good home monitored alarm system for 24:7 protection. With such a system, you can run to the mall or take that 2-week holiday cruise without a second thought about your home security.

3) The alarm controls are too complicated.

If you know how to use a DVD player or PC, you can manage an alarm system. A benefit from professional installation is that the technician will personally demonstrate the simple steps and answer your questions. We’ve seen how school-age children quickly pick up video games and other electronics; they too can learn to arm and disarm the system.

4) My pets will trigger the system.

You may have heard stories about dogs or cats triggering false alarms in the past, but the new sensor technologies have solved that problem for good! Your pets can roam freely at night or while you are out, no problem!

5) Monitoring systems are unreliable.

Again, older systems had reliability issues which have been resolved by the new advancements in technology. Now that unique radio signals are used for wireless systems, they no longer suffer from interference from other sources. The response to a monitored system

6) Installation is complicated and messy.

Nothing could be further from the truth. A hardwire system, ecommended for most one-story homes and businesses, can be installed quickly and neatly by trained professionals. When there is no attic accessibility for running wiring, wireless systems simplify installation for two-story homes . Wireless and traditional hardwire systems are equally effective.

Home Safe Home

Having a home security system does a lot more than protect you and your family from would be criminals; it also can alarm you as well as emergency services when it detects smoke or carbon monoxide. It can protect your family from people trying to break in but it can also alert you if somebody is trying to get out.

This was just what happened in my home when my little boy was just two years old. I had gotten in the habit of turning on the alarm during the day when I was home alone with my children. On this particular day I was busy doing housework while my son was taking a nap. Suddenly I heard the alarm go off and when I went to check I noticed my son going out the door. Had I not had a home security system I might not have known he was outside for quite a while. I hate to think about what could have happened had the alarm not sounded.

The system we have in our home has a 24/7 alarm system monitoring team that is very quick to respond should our alarm be triggered. It is the perfect solution for elderly people who live alone as some of the systems also come with an emergency response button that can be carried on your person in case of a fall inside your home.

The Honeywell security system we had installed in our home detects break-ins, smoke, carbon monoxide, and has the panic button for emergencies. When we go to bed at night I feel very secure knowing my home and family is being watched over by trusting individuals who really seem to care about the job they do. I wouldn’t ever own a home without have a security system that is active and monitored at all times.

So, you're convinced about the benefits of having a safe as part of your home security catalogue, in addition to sensible home design, alarm monitoring etc. How do you choose the safe that is right for you? We've got six top tips to help you protect your valuables properly.

1. Decide in advance what you will be storing in the safe. If you'll mostly be keeping documents in the safe, you'll need a different fire rating than if you were storing disks with information on them, jewelry, furs, etc.
2. Look for products that are UL listed, not just 'tested to UL standards'. Note that the second sentence doesn’t actually say that the product passed the test … if it had, it would be on the UL list. UL stands for Underwriter's Laboratories.
3. Check that your floor will support the weight of the safe. If you have wooden floors, are planning to put the safe on the second story of your home, or even install it in a wall, it will need to be light enough not to crash through or cause any damage.
4. Do you really, really need a 3-hour fire safe? In most cases, the 1-hour safe is more than adequate. A house fire usually burns at around 800 F for about 20 minutes. The lowest rating of fireproof safes protects documents for an hour at 1,700 F. Unless you know something about your house that we don't … there's often no need to spend the money.
5. Do you need accessories? If you have a lot of things in the safe you want to keep organized, you'll need to price shelves or drawers for the inside of your safe separately.
6. Will a standard combination lock do? Unless you have items that would be valuable to international espionage teams in your safe, the ordinary house burglar will not be able to get past a simple safe combination lock. There are no easy tricks for cracking the code, as television makes you think. And if you have an alarm monitoring system in place as well as your safe, having biometric locks on a safe is usually overkill.

The 6 Worst Dog Breeds for Home Security

Guard dogs are an excellent addition to your home security system. While they can only go so far (they aren’t machines, after all, and you should never train them to attack as this can backfire on you), they are a valuable part of a Houston home security system. We all have a rough idea of what a good guard dog should look like - fairly big, strong jaw, etc. Rottweilers and pitbulls are generally thought of as good guard dogs. However, some of the breeds on the 'worst' list might surprise you! If you've been thinking about getting a guard dog for home security purposes, read this first.

Worst Breed #1: Bloodhound

Bloodhounds might be hunters, but they are extremely affectionate towards humans and notoriously unresponsive when someone comes into the house. They are very shy dogs -- not the type that will want to stand up to an intruder.

Worst Breed #2: Newfoundland

These dogs are almost as unresponsive as bloodhounds to intruders -- they often don't even bother barking. They are intelligent and readily trained, but just don't have a protective instinct.

Worst Breed #3: Saint Bernard

They're lovers, not fighters, these dogs. Unless your burglar has a drool-phobia, a Saint Bernard is not a crucial part of a home security system.

Worst Breed #4: Bulldog

Despite looking a little like they have been in plenty of pub fights in their life, bulldogs are not the ideal security breed. They are more lapdogs, and their floppy ears may inhibit their hearing.

Worst Breed #5: English Sheepdog

English sheepdogs may try to herd people, but they generally do not try to attack or scare them away. Again, the heavy fur may inhibit their hearing, making them less useful as home security.

Worst Breed #6: Basset Hound

Basset hounds are a small dog -- which doesn’t immediately preclude them from being good guard dogs -- but in this case, they really are terrible! They are gentle and non-confrontational, so while they are good hunters, they certainly are not home protectors. A monitored alarm system would stand you in much better stead.

Home Security Reality Check -- December Property Crime Rundown in Texas

When you live in your house for a few years, and don't hear so much as the rustle of a leaf after you go to bed, it can be a little too easy to get complacent about home security. There are many safe neighborhoods in Texas -- but there are also bad things happening to good people all the time! Today we take a quick look at a segment of what's been happening on the crime front in Houston, and why Houston home security companies are urging people to be more cautious than ever.

Man suspected of sexually assaulting and robbing two women inside their homes

These two Houston cases have brought home the awful fact that sometimes a burglary doesn't just mean insurance paperwork to fill out and a fee … sometimes it means very real danger to your person. Two similar attacks have occurred in southwest Houston in November and December.

Several businesses hit by burglar

In the Rivers-Oaks area, police detained a suspect that had broken into around 6 businesses, it was believed. The businesses included a shoe repair shop, restaurants and a car service company. The alleged offender was found walking with a laptop it was believed was taken from one of the businesses the same morning -- police were alerted to the crime spree by security system alarms going off in the area.

Children's Toys Stolen

The Children's Center in Galveston was burgled early in December. Thieves took six sacks of toys from the premises which was not fitted with a burglar alarm. The toys were destined for 35 foster children, and it is thought to be someone who wanted the toys for their own children that stole them. Police replaced the toys.

Multiple house and apartment burglaries

Spotcrime.com lists an enormous number of break-ins and burglaries to houses and apartments in Houston over the December period, well into the hundreds. Security systems could have prevented many of these crimes, helping either catch serial offenders, or simply deterring burglars from going any further.

What Macaulay Culkin Taught Us About Security Systems

It may not be the most realistic film available today (but then again, what Hollywood movie has more than a passing resemblance to reality?) … but Home Alone certainly taught us that having burglars in your house can be hilarious. We aren’t advocating the actual use of any of these home security techniques … hopefully your common sense will prevent you entertaining the idea! It does provide a very entertaining, child's-eye view of home security, however.

1. Tar on the stairs, ornaments on the floor

After pouring adhesive tar all over the stairs, Kevin in "Home Alone" places broken Christmas ornaments all over the floor -- yeowch! Unless you wear a tinfoil hat, this method probably doesn’t appeal to you … but maybe you should keep a bucket of tar by the stairs just in case!

2. Heated door knobs

In the film, Macaulay Culkin heats the doorknobs from the inside, so that the Wet Bandits can't open them from the outside. This burns the emblem from the door knob into Daniel Stern's hand, provoking some hilarious screams that would probably be less funny if they were your own!

3. Paint cans on ropes

From the top of the stairs, in a gag with a very Nintendo sort of feel, Kevin drops paint cans which swing into the perfectly aligned faces of the Wet Bandits. Unfortunately this home security tactic, less messy or potentially dangerous to yourself than the others above, is also least likely to work! You'd anticipate the cans missing at least 90% of the time.

4. Irons on ropes

Again, this only worked in the movie because good old Daniel Stern stood still and looked up. The iron imprint was very, very funny … pity it would be a fire hazard in real life!

Obviously, home security is much funnier in the movies than in real life. You are probably as likely to hurt a member of your household as any unwelcome intruder with these tricks … monitored alarm systems I think will remain the gold standard, even for the comedy lovers. They'll have to get their kicks watching Robin Williams for a while yet!