The photo of a kicked-in door, with a locked dead bolt, shows how apartment burglars get around door locks by breaking the frame if the dead bolt isn't properly installed. Another photo shows how a garage door left up only a few inches, for a cat or dog to enter, is an open invitation to a burglar. The authors state most illegal home entries are through garages. But this book isn't just about home crimes and how to prevent them. It is also about personal safety, such as preventing home fires.
Heavy emphasis is placed on checklists for making home-risk assessments.
Some risks are worth accepting, the authors explain, especially if you have adequate homeowner's insurance. Other risks have a low cost of prevention, which makes risk avoidance worthwhile and virtually mandatory. When it comes to home security systems, the authors suggest setting a budget and avoiding spending more than necessary. Simple suggestions, such as installing infrared sensors set off by body heat, rather than traditional motion detectors that can be tripped by your cat, show how to avoid security mistakes and false alarms that can be costly and troublesome. Although this book explains all the home-security dangers and how to prevent or at least minimize them, there is also heavy emphasis on personal security at home and away.