You don’t need a full monitored system to meaningfully reduce your risk of a break-in. Here are ten upgrades, roughly ordered from free to a couple hundred dollars, that make a real difference.
1. Lock Every Window, Not Just Doors (Free)
Ground-floor windows are one of the most common overlooked entry points. Check every latch, not just the ones you use.
2. Reinforce Your Strike Plate ($15–$75)
A longer-screw strike plate upgrade is one of the cheapest ways to make a door far more kick-resistant. DIY kits run $15–30; having a locksmith do it properly runs closer to $75.
3. Upgrade to a Grade 1 Deadbolt ($40–$90 plus install)
See our best deadbolts for California homes guide for specific picks.
4. Add a Video Doorbell ($60–$200)
Visible cameras are one of the strongest deterrents burglars report avoiding.
5. Motion-Sensor Lighting ($20–$50 per fixture)
Install at every entry point, especially side and back doors that aren’t visible from the street.
6. Timer Smart Plugs for Lights ($15–$25)
Useful when traveling, makes an empty home look occupied without leaving lights on 24/7, which itself is a giveaway.
7. Trim Landscaping Near Entry Points (Free–$50)
Overgrown hedges near windows and doors give intruders cover. Keep sightlines open from the street.
8. A Dog, or Even Just a Sign (Varies)
Even a “beware of dog” sign changes the calculation for someone casing a property.
9. Join a Nextdoor or Neighborhood Watch Group (Free)
Early awareness of suspicious activity nearby is one of the most underrated, zero-cost security tools available.
10. Rekey After Every Move-In or Breakup (~$60–$100)
The single highest-leverage security fix most people skip. See our rekey vs. replace guide.
We serve Glendale (91201, 91208), Burbank (91502, 91505), Pasadena (91101, 91107), and Montrose (91020) with straightforward, honestly-priced upgrades, no upsell to a system you don’t need. Call 818-249-5128.