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Upgrade your home security for less than $40


A decoy camera may be an effective way to deter would-be thieves. (KATU Photo)
A decoy camera may be an effective way to deter would-be thieves. (KATU Photo)
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When people think of home security, they may think of a pricey video surveillance system or a full-fledged burglar alarm. While those things can go a long way in deterring a burglar, there are cheaper alternatives to upgrade your home security. KATU News went to the Ace Hardware on Northeast Broadway in Portland to see how much it would cost to upgrade a home's security. It's surprisingly affordable.

The cheapest items were two, three-inch screws at 50 cents apiece. Longer screws can replace shorter ones near door latches and deadbolts. They add strength to a door that might otherwise be forced open with a few kicks.

For $5.99, we bought a 36-inch wooden dowel. Any piece of wood, cut to size, could be used as a second lock on a sliding door or window.

Also costing $5.99 was a pack of security stickers and decals. Such stickers signal to burglars that your home is protected by an alarm system. Even if there's no actual alarm system to back up the claim, the simple threat of one might be enough to deter a would-be thief.

We also bought some aftermarket window locks for $7.99; though, different kinds come at different prices. These are a more sophisticated option for increased window security, and they're easily installed.

The most expensive item, a decoy security camera, came in at $16.99. We found one kind of video surveillance system that cost more than $150. A decoy camera is much, much cheaper and can easily fool a thief. Even though it doesn't work, a burglar likely wouldn't know it at first glance. The mere sight of a camera can be enough to send that burglar to another, easier target.

KATU News spent a total of $37.96. The items we purchased may not be enough to stop a determined thief. But most thieves like to take the path of least resistance. A rudimentary security upgrade, costing less than $40, might be enough to convince a thief that your house is more trouble than it's worth.

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