Famous television icon MacGyver was the master of complicated security techniques that could deter any bad guy.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the skill or know-how to disable a bomb with an empty soda bottle or capture a burglar with a pencil and a slice of cheese.
Instead, we need to rely on technology we can buy that is inexpensive, effective, and simple to use. Here are a few of the best home security gadgets available on the market today:
Table of Contents
1. Door Stop Wedge Alarm
This little device is under $10, and has a lot of use. You put it on the floor near any door (as long as the door opens inwards) and wait.
When someone tries to enter the room, it physically blocks the door from opening, and sounds a 125 dB alarm which will definitely scare away intruders. This gadget is often used by travelers in hotel rooms, too.
2. Motion Sensor Devices
These come in every size, shape and price range. Home security experts recommend motion sensor lighting outside homes to surprise burglars who might try to break in undetected.
You can also buy motion sensors that trigger realistic dog barking sounds, inside lights, and other things that will deter a criminal.
3. Driveway Alarms
These are small sensors that alert you if someone is walking or driving up your driveway. They are also useful for your deck, the walkway around your house, or other areas where strangers shouldn’t be walking.
When triggered, you’ll hear an alert or alarm inside your home, giving you time to check if it is a friend or foe, and call the police if necessary.
4. Biometric Fingerprint Locks
These high tech locks are the future of security. Biometric fingerprint locks for your home mean that you won’t need a key, and they can’t be easily broken in to by burglars.
If you take a lot of walks, or have forgetful teenagers, you can keep your home secure and never worry about who has found your lost key. You can also get biometric safes and gun trigger locks.
5. Video Surveillance
There are many systems on the market today, and they can be as simple or complex as you need. Most use a trigger of some kind, like an open/close or motion sensor.
Some video-only setups, like the ones from Lorex or Zmodo, come with DVRs to record video. The other option is a complete security system with video, from companies like LifeShield, which combine a full security system with video.
The video cameras record for a specific amount of time every time the trigger is set off, and you can go back and review the video at a later date.
6. GPS Tracking and Data Protection Services
Ok, this one isn’t a gadget per se, but it can protect you if a burglar does strike. There are smartphone & computer apps and services you can pay for which can
(A) Backup your data in case your device is stolen,
(B) Use the GPS or Internet IP address to track down the location when the burglar turns it on, and
(C) Lock and disable the device rendering it useless until you get it back.
The best part is that they apps can lead the police directly to your burglar and help you get back your stolen property. A few popular apps offering this service include Find my iPhone, Lookout, and LoJack for Laptops.
In 2010, there were more than 2 million burglars in the US. To put that into perspective, one burglary occurred every 15 seconds. According to FBI crime reports, burglars stole more than $4 billion, and only 289,769 burglars went to prison that year.
Today the average burglar steals over $2000 worth of stuff from a single break-in. Unless your name is MacGyver, or you have plenty of money to throw away, pick up a few of these gadgets and keep the bad guys away!
Rodney is a life-long technology and gadget geek, having been an early adopter of the internet back in the early 90s. These days, he works as a freelance journalist writing for numerous technology publications, with a particular focus on consumer technology. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.