Many people would love to have the peace of mind knowing that when they're away or asleep that they have a set of eyes and ears watching over their family.
Now thanks to wireless technology, it's easy to set up an effective home security system that won't break the bank.
Retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Randy Sutton gives tips on how not to make your home a target for a thief.
Home security cameras can catch a burglary in progress. Nephi Sanchez has seen the videos and after being robbed in broad daylight, he decided to install a home security system as part of his home remodel.
What were some of things he learned as he researched systems?
"First of all, finding something that was wireless cause I thought everything was wired," Sanchez said. "Just the fact that it was wireless and very modular was cool to me."
His system is all tied to a smartphone app.
"It's all on my phone and I can check-in for a status," Sanchez said. "Arm it or disarm it from my phone too."
He started outside with high fences and hard-wired Ethernet cameras, which he says can't be hacked and provide a power source so there are no batteries to worry about charging.
Sutton said it also provides an immediate deterrent.
"They see that and they don't want any part of it unless they are really truly committed to doing something," he said. "... By him placing the cameras where they are, not only is he covering the interior of his property, but he's catching them on the way in. It's really an excellent system."
Sanchez's security system also includes a motion sensor and a glass break detector, which provide an extra layer of protection.
"All the entrance points to the home are vulnerable. Your windows and your doors," Sutton said. "So by his choosing to put the glass break sensors on each of the windows, he's protected each of those areas and he's got sensors."
Sanchez is also planning interior cameras and because he's building his system as he remodels his home, he's adding a safe room.
As far as the cost, consumers can probably find a pretty comprehensive system for under $500. Some systems require contracts, while some don't, so it all comes down to the level of security you want.
