• Originally published November 3, 2009 at midnight, updated November 4, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

It's true that our home is where we feel most secure and comfortable, but that feeling of security may not be the best indicator of whether your home really is secure.

In fact, about of all the crime in the U.S. is property crime, according to the Uniform Crime Reporting Web site maintained by the FBI.

Sadly, there is even a "crime clock" that ticks away second-by-second statistics on auto theft, assault, burglary and other criminal behavior in the United States.

But if you're a homeowner, burglary is the crime you're most likely to experience.

Burglary is defined as unlawful entry for the purpose of a felony or theft. It's further divided into three main classifications that include forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.

But whether someone walked in your house when the door was unlocked and took your wallet or used a rock to break a window, the feeling of violation is the same.

Fortunately, some burglars don't want to see you. That's because about 60 percent of burglaries are committed during work hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

These burglars most likely choose to work when the house is unoccupied because the residents are at their jobs.

It can happen anywhere. Regardless if your neighborhood is relatively crime-free or if it has more criminal activity, it probably doesn't matter because crime can occur anywhere.

A few months ago, we had teenagers stop by our house and ask to take photos of themselves in our backyard. It struck me as peculiar, but as I walked away to look at potential vantage points out the back window, the teen boy was half-way up our stairs when he was told to get back down and they were asked to leave.

Were these kids really there to take pictures or make a record of what we had, such as TVs, stereos or points of entry? I don't know, but I do know that I had an odd feeling about it (and another young man lurking in the car outside) and was grateful we had a security system.

Security can be simple

In a Pennsylvania crime study, more than 80 percent of burglaries were committed by gaining entry on the first floor, making this your most likely point for theft.

Another study in Connecticut revealed 12 percent of burglaries happened from an unlocked door. It also showed 41 percent of homes with a security security that was not armed, were burglarized.

So, now that you're sufficiently concerned about being more vigilant about locking your front door, what else can you do to enhance your security and peace of mind?

A security system could be your answer. Rusty Calvez, residential security sales manager for VCS Security Systems in Victoria, says that business has been steady at VCS.

"For most people, the economy has been a factor in their decision to get a security system," Calvez noted when I spoke to him recently. He was quick to point out that security systems can be as simple or elaborate as the homeowner's desires.

VCS offers an entry-level security package that comes with three door sensors for $99 and has $35 monthly monitoring fee.

"A good starting point for a homeowner with no alarm would be to have a system that would monitor all the first-floor doors," he said. "This is a low-cost option, but alarm systems can run upward of $2,000, too, and although they're becoming more high-tech, they're becoming more technologically-responsive."

Security from your cell phone?

Because of the move away from telephone land lines, security systems are now paired with cell lines. "If you have a smart phone, like a Blackberry or iPhone, you can monitor, arm or disarm your home security system from a security keypad on your phone." And, if homeowners are away a lot, alarm systems have advancements that will enable the homeowner to monitor their home from their work computer, Calvez explained.

Calvez said although cell phones are the principal security line in home security, not all phone lines are created equal. Many digital and computer-based phone lines interfere with security systems, so Calvez recommends making certain your phone lines are compatible with your security system - something that VCS and other security services will advise you on.

New advances

Besides intrusion, security systems can also help homeowners detect carbon monoxide and fire in addition to glass breakage or entry through doors or windows.

"Video surveillance is the new security measure we're increasingly seeing, and the new systems will allow you to view your home remotely from your computer wherever you are."

The systems are connected to a DVR inside the home and can be programmed to hold up to two weeks of video, he explained. Now, you'll have a way to know if the package you were waiting on really was delivered. "It's especially helpful for people who are away from home a lot and still want to keep an eye on their house."

Security can be enhanced by simple measures, such as locking and checking doors and windows every day. But if you'd feel more secure and safer with an alarm system, you can find a system that's as flexible as you need and in an affordable price range for most homeowners.

Security tips

Sometimes home is home away from home, making safety and security at a hotel an important consideration. The obvious, simple steps to increase your security are to always use the swing-arm security latch, never prop your door open to make a quick trip with the ice bucket, and avoid being placed in a room at the end of a long hallway - particularly if you are a woman.

Other security tips include never leaving your airline tickets, credit cards, passport or other identifying items out in your room, as these could be used for identity theft.

Kathryn Weber is a home and decorating columnist and publishes the Red Lotus Letter feng shui ezine. For more information or questions, email katie@redlotusletter.com or write to her at P.O. Box 531, Cuero, TX 77954. Please include your e-mail address or a SASE for a reply.

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