No single gadget makes a home secure. What reduces the chance of a burglary is a layered set of upgrades: stronger doors and windows that slow an intruder down, lighting and visibility that take away the cover a burglar relies on, detection that alerts someone, and small occupancy cues that make a house look lived in. The nine upgrades below follow that order. Each one depends on your doors, windows, tenancy, and installation constraints, so treat the list as a sequence to check against your own property rather than a shopping list.
The guidance here comes from three sources. Police.uk, the UK police website, covers door, window, and burglary-prevention advice. The College of Policing, which sets professional standards for UK police, summarises evidence on situational crime prevention. CISA, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, publishes physical and digital security guidance. Where a point is specific to the UK or the US, the article says so.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where to start: the entry points come first
Most burglaries are opportunistic, so the first job is to make the easiest routes in harder. That means external doors, then accessible windows, then everything that helps an intruder reach them. Upgrades that protect doors and windows add the most resistance, which is why they lead this list. Lighting, cameras, and alarms add value on top of that physical barrier, not in place of it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| # | Upgrade | Layer | Main fit check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main door lock, used correctly | Barrier | Door type (multi-locking or not) and lock profile; UK TS007 3-star euro cylinders apply only to compatible locks |
| 2 | Reinforced door assembly | Barrier | Door material, frame, hinges, and any sliding patio-door anti-lift protection, assessed together |
| 3 | Key-operated window locks | Barrier | Whether the window is accessible from outside and how it opens |
| 4 | Restrictors or sash stops | Barrier | Window style, ventilation needs, and safe emergency egress |
| 5 | Laminated glass or security film | Barrier | Accessible ground-floor glazing; film supplements secure frames and locks |
| 6 | Exterior lighting at doors and routes | Visibility | Mains or battery supply; fixtures kept unobstructed; neighbour impact |
| 7 | Plug-in lamp timer | Occupancy cue | Indoor lamp that can be seen from outside; schedule matched to your routine |
| 8 | Alarm sensors or monitored system | Detection | Coverage of upper floors and extensions; monitoring arrangement; power and network backup |
| 9 | Cameras and secured accounts | Detection and digital security | Blind-spot coverage, privacy and local rules, network and account settings |
Barrier upgrades: doors
1. Upgrade the main door lock and use it correctly
A stronger lock only helps if it is used properly. Police.uk advises that on applicable multi-locking doors, the handle should be lifted, the key turned, and the key removed. Many people skip the handle step, which leaves some of the locking points disengaged.
#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).
When you replace a euro-cylinder lock, Police.uk recommends a TS007 3-star cylinder. TS007 is a UK standard, so it applies to UK-compatible locks and doors, not to every country or door type. Check that a replacement cylinder fits the lock body and the door thickness before ordering. If the door is not compatible with the lock you want, a locksmith can advise on alternatives.
2. Reinforce the door assembly, not just the lock
A good lock in a weak frame is a common failure. Police.uk’s door security guidance asks you to assess the whole assembly: the door material, the frame, the hinges, the lock, and, on sliding patio doors, anti-lift protection that stops the door being lifted off its track. A strike plate can help, but it does not fix a weak door on its own.
If the door or frame is damaged or the hinges are loose, a locksmith or door specialist is the right first call. Reinforcement kits can be useful, but only when they are designed for your existing door and frame.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBarrier upgrades: windows
3. Add or repair key-operated window locks
Police.uk recommends key-operated locks on accessible windows, meaning those reachable from outside, such as ground-floor windows and those near a flat roof or a drainpipe. Locks are only effective when they are used. Police.uk also reminds residents to lock accessible windows before leaving the house or going to bed.
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 limit how far a window opens while still allowing ventilation. Sash stops stop a sliding sash window from opening far enough to climb through. Both are useful, but the choice depends on the window type and on how the room would be left in an emergency. Do not fit anything that would block a required escape route, and check that the window can still be opened quickly from inside.
5. Improve glazing resistance on exposed windows
Police.uk recommends laminated glass or security film for accessible ground-floor windows. Laminated glass is harder to break through quickly. Security film adds resistance to existing glass, but it works best when the frame and lock are already sound, because a broken frame or open lock still gives entry. Treat film as a supplement, not a replacement for secure frames and locks.
Visibility upgrades: lighting and an occupied look
6. Add exterior lighting at doors and access routes
CISA recommends that outdoor lighting around doors, parking areas, and walkways is maintained so it stays on and is not blocked. Police.uk advises clear illumination near access routes and trimming vegetation that blocks it. The aim is a clear view of approaches, not floodlighting that shines into neighbours’ windows.
Motion-sensing and dusk-to-dawn fixtures are common options. Their suitability depends on mains or battery supply, weatherproof rating for the location, and whether the fixture can be kept clear of branches and cobwebs. Their performance on your property is not established by any test here, so check the fixture’s own specifications for coverage and rating.
Rank #3
- One Unified Security System, Powered by 1st-Gen aosuBase: 32GB of local storage comes ready to use, holding about 120 days of loop recording. No subscription required. Connect up to 4 cameras to one base with a stable wireless connection and centralized local storage. Recordings saved to aosuBase are event-based, triggered by detected activity.
- Multi-Cam Live View for All-at-Once Monitoring: Watch up to four live camera feeds simultaneously in the aosu app and monitor multiple areas on one screen without opening each camera individually. Live View is available through the aosu app only; the base does not support HDMI or TV output.
- 360° Coverage with Pan, Tilt, and Smart Auto Tracking: Pan and tilt to see all around your property. When activity is detected, the camera automatically follows people and other movement to keep the action in view while recording, giving you a more complete view of what happens around your home.
- 2K (3MP) Clarity with Full-Color Night Vision: Capture clear details in 2K and zoom in up to 6x for a closer look. Built-in spotlights enable full-color night vision, helping you see important color details like clothing and vehicles after dark. For more discreet monitoring, switch to infrared mode for black-and-white night vision without visible lighting.
- Quick Setup with a Pre-Paired System: Connect aosuBase to your router's LAN port with the included Ethernet cable. Cameras connect wirelessly to aosuBase instead of your home Wi-Fi. The system comes pre-paired, so simply power on the cameras and complete setup in the app without pairing each camera one by one. The cameras are designed to work with the included aosuBase, and add-on cameras connect through the base as well.
7. Use a plug-in timer on an indoor lamp when you are away
Police.uk suggests an automatic plug-in timer for a lamp, so that a room appears used at set times. A timer on its own is a modest cue. It is more convincing when the lamp is visible from the street and the schedule resembles your normal evening routine, rather than running at the same times every night. Do not expect a timer alone to imitate a household convincingly.
Detection upgrades: alarms and cameras
8. Add detection with coverage that matches the house
Police.uk describes monitored and unmonitored alarm systems and advises extending sensor coverage to upper floors and extensions where relevant. Before buying, work out who will receive an alert and what will happen next. In a monitored system, a monitoring centre takes the signal; in an unmonitored one, the alert may go only to your phone or to neighbours. Police response practices differ between areas, and an alarm does not guarantee a police response.
Ask any installer or provider these questions before you commit:
Recommended Free Tools
- Who receives the trigger, and is there a monitoring subscription?
- Does the system need an internet connection, and does it keep working during a power or network outage?
- Does it have battery backup, and how is that battery checked and replaced?
- Which rooms, floors, and extensions are covered by sensors?
9. Cover entry points with cameras and secure the accounts behind them
CISA’s physical security guidance recommends placing cameras so that doors and windows are covered without blind spots. Camera choice is only half the job, because a camera that is hacked or left on a default login can expose your home rather than protect it.
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.
Before installing a camera, check local rules on recording public space, signage, and sharing footage. A camera cannot legally film every area, and rules vary by country and by whether the view includes neighbouring property. On the digital side, CISA’s guidance on connected devices recommends the following:
- Change the default username and password on your router and on each device, using unique credentials.
- Turn on multifactor authentication for device and camera accounts wherever it is offered.
- Install software and firmware updates when they are released.
- Review the permissions granted to each companion app and remove access that is not needed.
CISA’s connected-home guidance is dated 2019 and is still hosted by the agency. Use it for general hygiene, and check for newer CISA advice before relying on it for detailed device setup.
If you have a different weak point
The nine upgrades assume the usual weak points: a front or back door, accessible windows, and an entry route to the house. If your property has a side gate, a shed, or a garage with unlocked access, a ninth physical measure may matter more than a camera. CISA recommends maintaining fences and gates, and securing ladders and tools that could be used to reach upper windows or roofs. Locked side gates and secured garden storage fit that role.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What the evidence shows, and what it does not
The College of Policing’s summary of situational crime prevention research finds that window locks, external lights, and door locks each offer benefit on their own. It describes a four-part combination, known as WIDE: window locks, interior lights on timers, double door locks or deadbolts, and exterior lights on sensors. The combination is the reason this list pairs barrier upgrades with lighting and timers.
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.
The same summary also reports that some analyses found alarms on their own associated with higher burglary risk. Those analyses did not separate monitored from unmonitored systems, installation quality, local area factors, or alarms fitted after a burglary had already happened. The finding is an association in those studies, not proof that an alarm causes burglary, and it does not mean alarms should be avoided. It is a reason to treat detection as one layer alongside barriers.
No reliable effect size is established here for any individual upgrade. Figures circulating online for how much a combination reduces burglary could not be verified against the underlying study, so this article does not use them. Likewise, no hands-on product testing was carried out for this guide, so no brand or model is recommended.
Installation, landlords, and local rules
Product advice is not building-code, insurance, or legal advice. Before you start, check the following:
Quick Recap
- If you rent, get written permission from your landlord before drilling doors, frames, or walls, or fitting a camera to shared areas.
- Electrical work for outdoor lighting or hardwired alarms may need a qualified electrician, depending on your country and the work involved.
- Some insurers set requirements for locks or alarms. Check your policy before assuming a specific standard is accepted.
- Lock and window changes should keep emergency escape routes usable from inside. A restrictor or lock that blocks a required escape route is not an upgrade.
Where to start this week
- Walk the outside of the house and list every external door and every window that can be reached from the ground or a drainpipe.
- Confirm that each external door is locked with the key, and that the handle and multi-locking points engage on doors that have them.
- Lock every accessible window before you leave or go to bed, then fit key-operated locks where they are missing.
- Check the frame, hinges, and any patio door track. Book a locksmith or door specialist if anything is loose.
- Walk the approaches to the front and back doors at night and note any dark spots or obstructing vegetation.
- Set up one lamp timer, or add a lamp at the front room window, once the lighting is in place.
- If you add an alarm or camera, confirm the monitoring arrangement, the coverage, and the account security before you switch it on.
.
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.
