Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you are asking how to protect your home from burglary, the upgrades that pay off first are the ones that make doors and windows harder to force, then the ones that remove hiding places and make the property look occupied, and finally the alarms and cameras that tell you when something is wrong. No single device makes a home safe. Official guidance from UK police and US federal agencies consistently points to layering these measures, and the right version of each depends on your doors, windows, tenancy, and how your building is put together.
The nine upgrades below follow that layered order. Each one includes what it does, where it fits, and where it falls short.
Check fit before you buy anything
Most failed upgrades fail on fit, not on quality. Before you buy, work through these questions for each door and window:
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Construction and profile: What is the door made of, and is it a multi-locking door or a single lock? Is the window a sash, casement, or sliding unit? Which way does it open?
- Location: Is the opening reachable from the ground, a flat roof, a neighbouring extension, or a fire escape route? Ground-floor and easily reached openings deserve the first attention.
- Installation: Can you fit it yourself, or does it need a locksmith or accredited installer? Does it involve electrical work, drilling into masonry, or changes to a shared door?
- Permission: If you rent, does the landlord or managing agent need to approve changes to locks, glazing, or fixed lighting?
- Monitoring and connectivity: Who receives an alert? Does the device need a subscription or an internet connection? What happens during a power or network outage?
- Privacy: For cameras and any device that records, what does the view cover, and do local rules or your neighbours’ privacy limit where it can point?
- Maintenance: Batteries, software updates, lock operation, sensor coverage, and vegetation that blocks lights or camera views all need regular checks.
Layer one: doors and windows
Physical barriers come first because a camera or alarm only records or reports an entry that a barrier has not stopped. The guidance from Police.uk on door and window security covers the first five upgrades.
#1 Best Overall
- Outdoor 4 is our most affordable wireless smart security camera yet, offering up to two-year battery life for around-the-clock peace of mind. Local storage not included with Sync Module Core.
- See and speak from the Blink app — Experience 1080p HD live view, infrared night vision, and crisp two-way audio.
- Two-year battery life — Set up in minutes and get up to two years of power with the included AA Energizer lithium batteries and a Blink Sync Module Core.
- Enhanced motion detection — Be alerted to motion faster from your smartphone with dual-zone, enhanced motion detection.
- Person detection — Get alerts when a person is detected with embedded computer vision (CV) as part of an optional Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately).
1. Upgrade the main door lock and use it correctly
Start with the lock you use every day. Where a door has multi-locking points, Police.uk advises that the handle be lifted, the key turned, and the key removed, so the lock is used the way it was designed to be used. Leaving a multi-locking door on a latch alone is a common gap.
If you replace a euro-cylinder lock, Police.uk recommends a cylinder certified to TS007 three-star. This is a UK standard, so check the marking on any product you consider and confirm that it suits your door’s cylinder size and lock body. Outside the UK, the equivalent standard and marking will differ, so check what your local market uses. A deadbolt is another option the College of Policing evidence summary names as a double-lock or deadbolt measure, and it works best on a door whose frame can take it.
2. Reinforce the whole door assembly
A strong lock in a weak door is still a weak door. Police.uk’s door security guidance asks you to assess the door material, the frame, the hinges, and the lock together. A timber door in a frame that splits under pressure can fail well before its lock does, and a single strike plate or reinforcement plate will not fix a poor assembly on its own. For sliding patio doors, Police.uk specifically advises anti-lift protection, which stops the door being lifted off its track.
For a proper assessment, Police.uk points readers to qualified locksmith advice. Ask whether the recommended reinforcement is matched to your existing door rather than a generic kit.
3. Add or repair key-operated window locks
Police.uk recommends key-operated locks on accessible windows where they suit the window type. Two habits matter as much as the hardware. First, check that every accessible window actually locks, including the ones you rarely open. Second, lock them before you leave the house or go to bed, because an unlocked window is an open invitation whatever else you have installed.
Rank #2
- 【2K Ultra HD & Full Color Night Vision - 4 Cam Kit】Upgrade your home security with this 4 pack security cameras wireless outdoor system. Delivering 2K 3MP ultra-clear live video, these cameras for home security feature advanced color night vision and infrared modes, ensuring vivid details even in pitch black. Equipped with a 3.3mm focal length lens, this porch camera set provides a wide-angle view for your front door, backyard, garage, or driveway. See every detail in full color and protect your property with the ultimate outdoor camera wireless solution. (*Not support 5GHz WiFi)
- 【Wire-Free Battery Powered & Easy 3-Minute Setup】Experience a truly wireless security system with no messy cables. This rechargeable battery operated camera features an exceptional battery life, providing 1-6 months of standby time for home security system. and supporting up to 3,000+ motion triggers on a single charge. With a quick charging time of 6-8 hours, it ensures long-term performance for indoor pet/baby monitoring or outdoor garden farm security. Portable and easy to install, this WiFi camera can be moved anywhere, from your apartment hallway to a remote warehouse, providing wireless monitoring.(*Only work with 2.4GHz WiFi)
- 【Smart AI PIR Motion Detection & Instant Mobile Alerts】 Never miss a moment with smart PIR motion detection and AI cloud analysis. This IP camera accurately triggers instant alerts to your cell phone when movement is sensed, acting as a reliable motion sensor camera. Customize your motion alerts to monitor specific zones like your patio, office, or store. As a top-rated surveillance camera, it ensures real-time notifications are pushed via the remote smartphone app, keeping you connected to your home security no matter where you are.
- 【Two-Way Talk & Intelligent Siren Alarm System】This WiFi camera features a high-fidelity built-in microphone and speaker for seamless two-way audio. Use the remote access app to speak with delivery drivers or warn off intruders directly from your phone. For active deterrence, the intelligent alarm triggers flashing white lights and a siren to drive away unwanted visitors. Whether it's a house camera for greeting guests or a security camera outdoor for catching package thieves, the real-time intercom and live view provide peace of mind.
- 【IP65 Weatherproof & Flexible Dual Storage Modes】Secure your footage with dual storage options: insert memory card for free local storage, or opt for our encrypted cloud service. New users receive a 7-day free trial of advanced AI features and cloud storage. This IP65 waterproof wireless camera is a rugged weatherproof camera designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme heat, making it the perfect outside camera for house security. Protect your yard, deck, or pool area even chicken coop with this durable battery camera that keeps your home security intact year-round.(*Only 2.4GHz WiFi supported)
4. Fit restrictors or sash stops where the window style calls for them
Restrictors let a window open for ventilation while limiting how far it can swing, which is useful for ground-floor and upper-floor windows you want to leave slightly open. Sash stops help stop a sash window from being raised far enough for someone to climb through. Choose the one that matches your window: a restrictor designed for a casement may not suit a sliding sash, and a sash stop does nothing for a hinged window.
Do not let security measures block escape. Any restrictor or lock on a bedroom or fire escape window must still allow the window to be opened quickly in an emergency. If a key-operated lock is used on a window that is part of an escape route, consider how quickly someone could open it without searching for a key.
Recommended Free Tools
5. Improve glazing resistance on exposed windows
For accessible ground-floor windows, Police.uk recommends laminated glass or security film. Laminated glass is harder to break through quickly, and film can hold broken glass together in its frame. Treat film as a supplement to secure frames and locks, not a replacement, because a window that is held shut by film but has an unlocked catch still opens. Film also changes the look and light of a window, so check that it is appropriate for your property.
Layer two: make the outside visible
Burglars prefer cover. Lighting and clear sightlines reduce the cover available at doors and routes into the property. CISA’s guidance for personal security, written for critical infrastructure workers in June 2024, applies these general principles to any home: keep outdoor lighting maintained around doors, parking areas, and walkways.
6. Add exterior lighting at doors and routes
Use clear illumination on the access areas: the front and rear doors, the path to them, and any parking spot. Keep fixtures unobstructed, because a lamp hidden behind a shrub or a hedge gives little light where it is needed. Aim lights so they cover the approach without shining into neighbours’ windows, since nuisance complaints are one way lighting goes wrong. Police.uk also recommends trimming vegetation that blocks lighting or hides access routes.
Rank #3
- No Subscription Required with aosuBase: All recordings will be encrypted and stored in aosuBase without subscription or hidden cost. 32GB of local storage provides up to 4 months of video loop recording. Even if the cameras are damaged or lost, the data remains safe.aosuBase also provides instant notifications and stable live streaming.
- New Experience From AOSU: 1. Cross-Camera Tracking* Automatically relate videos of same period events for easy reviews. 2. Watch live streams in 4 areas at the same time on one screen to implement a wireless security camera system. 3. Control the working status of multiple outdoor security cameras with one click, not just turning them on or off.
- Solar Powered, Once Install and Works Forever: Built-in solar panel keeps the battery charged, 3 hours of sunlight daily keeps it running, even on rainy and cloud days. Install in any location just drill 3 holes, 5 minutes.
- 360° Coverage & Auto Motion Tracking: Pan & Tilt outdoor camera wireless provides all-around security. No blind spots. Activities within the target area will be automatically tracked and recorded by the camera.
- 2K Resolution, Day and Night Clarity: Capture every event that occurs around your home in 3MP resolution. More than just daytime, 4 LED lights increase the light source by 100% compared to 2 LED lights, allowing more to be seen for excellent color night vision.
Motion-activated and dusk-to-dawn fixtures are the usual choices for this job. The guidance here does not compare or test specific fixtures, so judge them on coverage, fit, and whether they can be maintained on a schedule you will actually keep.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Layer three: make the house look occupied
A house that appears empty is a more attractive target. Police.uk suggests simple occupancy cues you can set up without much cost.
7. Use an automatic plug-in timer on an indoor lamp when away
A plug-in timer can switch a lamp on and off at preset times while you are out, so a room appears used in the evening. One timer on one lamp is a modest cue. Varying the times and using timers in more than one room make the pattern less predictable, but a timer alone does not reliably imitate a real household, particularly when the lights are always on the same schedule and the rest of the house is dark. Think of it as one small part of the picture.
Layer four: detection
Detection adds a second layer that tells you, or someone else, when a barrier has been tested. It does not replace the barriers above.
8. Add an alarm with the right sensor coverage
Police.uk describes both monitored and unmonitored alarm systems. A monitored system sends alerts to a monitoring centre that can contact you or the emergency services under agreed procedures. An unmonitored system typically sounds locally or notifies you directly, so its value depends on someone being able to hear or respond to it. Check who receives the alert, what they are expected to do, and whether that matches your situation. Local police response practices differ, and a system is not a guarantee of a police response.
Rank #4
- Our second-generation Video Doorbell and fourth-generation Outdoor 4 cameras offer up to two years of battery life and improved security features for more peace of mind, no matter where you are.
- Last longer with two-year battery life — Experience up to two years of smart security coverage on both devices with included AA Energizer lithium batteries and a Blink Sync Module (included with Outdoor 4).
- See and speak from the Blink app — Experience head-to-toe HD viewing from Video Doorbell and 1080p HD live view from Outdoor 4 as well as infrared night vision and crisp two-way audio.
- See more at your door with Blink Video Doorbell — Greet guests and watch packages get delivered, day and night, with head-to-toe HD view and infrared night vision. Use two-way talk to hear and speak through the Blink app.
- Enhanced motion detection with Outdoor 4 — With Outdoor 4, enjoy a wider field of view and be alerted to motion faster with dual-zone, enhanced motion detection.
Coverage matters as much as the type. Police.uk advises extending sensor coverage to upper floors and to extensions where these form part of the home’s access. A ground-floor sensor on the front door does nothing for a bathroom window in an extension, and a home office on the first floor with an open window may be the weakest point in the house.
Layer five: cameras and the accounts behind them
Cameras record and can help you identify what happened. Their value depends on where they point and how well the connected accounts are protected.
9. Cover entry points with cameras and secure the accounts
CISA recommends positioning cameras so they cover doors and windows without blind spots, so that the places someone would try first are actually visible. Choose the view deliberately, and do not point a camera at a neighbour’s windows or a shared path where it could capture private activity. Whether a camera may record a particular area, and whether you must display signage, depends on your location and local rules, so check them before installation.
A camera that others can access over the internet is only as secure as its account. CISA’s 2019 guidance on protecting your digital home, which the agency still hosts, recommends the following steps. Check for newer CISA advice if you need a more detailed cybersecurity plan.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Log into your router’s admin page, using the address and default login printed on the device or in its manual, and replace the default administrator password with a unique one.
- Turn on multifactor authentication for camera, alarm, and smart-home accounts wherever the service offers it.
- Install firmware and app updates for the router, cameras, and hubs, and enable automatic updates where the device allows them.
- Open each connected app’s permission settings and remove access to contacts, location, or microphones that the device does not need.
- Use a separate, unique password for each account, stored in a password manager or a secure written record kept away from the device.
If your home has a gap outside the building
If the house itself is reasonably secure but the garden, side access, or outbuildings are not, a ninth upgrade could go there instead of into cameras. CISA’s guidance points to these areas:
Best Value
- 100% Wireless Solar & Battery Powered: Enjoy true wireless installation with no outlets or messy cables. The detachable solar panel keeps your outdoor camera charged daily, 2 hours of daily sunlight to maintain 24/7 operation. while the built-in backup battery ensures reliable protection during cloudy days or bad weather.
- 2K Color Night Vision with Smart Spotlight: Capture clear details day and night with crisp 2K resolution. The built-in spotlight enables full-color night vision when motion is detected, helping you clearly see people, packages, and activity even in low-light conditions.
- 360° Pan-Tilt Coverage & IP65 Weatherproof: Remotely pan, tilt, and zoom through the app to monitor every corner of your property. Built with an IP65 waterproof rating, this wireless outdoor camera performs reliably in rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures year-round.
- Smart Human Detection & Real-Time Two-Way Talk: Advanced PIR + AI human detection accurately identifies people—not just motion—reducing false alerts from animals or moving objects. Receive instant notifications and speak directly through two-way audio to greet visitors or deter unwanted activity from anywhere.
- Flexible Storage Options & Alexa Compatible: Choose local 15x11x1mm MicroSD card recording (card not included) or optional cloud storage with no forced subscription. Easily view live feeds or play back recordings using Alexa voice commands for hands-free home monitoring.
- A locked side gate, with a lock that is fitted and used every time.
- Garden and side-access visibility, kept clear of overgrown planting that hides approaches.
- A secured shed or garage, with its own lock and no spare key left in an obvious place.
- Ladders and tools that could help someone reach an upper window or door stored out of sight and locked away, rather than left against the wall.
What the evidence does and does not show
The College of Policing summary of situational crime-prevention evidence reports that window locks, external lights, and door locks have the greatest reported benefit when used as individual features. It also describes a four-part combination it calls WIDE: window locks; interior lights on timers; double door locks or deadbolts; and exterior lights on sensors.
Two cautions apply. First, Police.uk material has cited a figure of 49 times for WIDE. We could not confirm the underlying study behind that figure, so this guide does not use it. Second, the College summary notes that analyses found alarms on their own associated with increased burglary risk. Those analyses did not distinguish monitored from unmonitored systems, installation quality, geography, or whether an alarm was fitted after a burglary had already happened. An association of this kind does not show that alarms cause burglary, so do not read it that way. It is a reason to install alarms as part of a wider set of measures, not as the only one.
Limits, legal checks, and what this guide is based on
This is product and practical advice, not building-code, insurance, or legal advice. Insurers may set their own conditions on locks or alarms, and building rules or your tenancy agreement may restrict work on doors, windows, or external fixtures. Before fitting cameras that record outside your property or sharing footage, check the rules for your location.
The guidance on which this article relies is listed below. Two of the sources are UK-specific, and one is a US federal guide aimed at critical infrastructure workers, so its general principles are applied here rather than its specific recommendations.
- CISA, “Personal Security Considerations Action Guide: Critical Infrastructure Workers,” June 2024.
- CISA, “5 Steps to Protecting Your Digital Home,” a document dated 2019 and still hosted by CISA.
- Police.uk, “Window security.”
- Police.uk, “Keep burglars out of your property.”
- Police.uk, “Door and window lock advice,” where the TS007 advice is UK-specific and not universal across countries or door types.
- Police.uk, “Door security.”
- College of Policing, “Interventions for situational crime prevention.”
None of the products described here were tested by us in hands-on conditions, and this article does not recommend specific brands.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
