Reddit reviews Window/Door Alarm Kit - 4 Pack

Here! You just stick them onto a door or window frame and they go off if the two magnetic parts are separated. They're seriously SUPER loud.

If you're looking for a low-cost but decent setup, you could look into IP cams. They're network based so you can monitor them from pretty much anywhere. Some packages also come with cloud storage which will record for a few days then start overwriting old storage if you choose to have it that way.

As for security in your home, there are non-destructive security methods people can use for apartments. I personally used these alarms:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B007RUGANC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uYzmzbD77N9AC

They just use a sticky surface to stick on your door and door frame. When the connection is broken, a loud alarm goes off (and believe me, it is mind numbingly loud). You can use it for windows as well.

I live alone, isolated, next to a high traffic area of belligerent drunk people. I wanted to share my safety tips!

• If you buy pepper spray or bear mace, check out if it's legal in your state! I've gotten mine taken away from me in bars, concerts, and (because I was dumb) airports. If you keep it with you all the time, you may lose it!
  
• Place a pair of grungy boots by the door. Like big ones that a large scary guy would wear. It can give the illusion that you're not alone.
  
• There are window alarms that stick onto windows/doors, so they are safe for renters. When contact between the faces is broken, an alarm goes off. http://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC
  
• If you don't already, install curtains to hide valuables from street view. If this break in frequency isn't happening to everyone on your street, then they are targeting you! Make it harder to see your stuff! If you're worried about renting, just pushpin a sheet over the window. Pinholes are small and easier to fill!

Yes! I got one for windows too after someone tried to break into my apt. Just make sure they’re super secure (tape them on the window). There’s an off switch if you need to open the window.

Both these and the door alarm are pretty cheap and made me feel so much safer

link

A quick note- "MIL, it seems you've forgotten that we don't feel comfortable with you dropping by unannounced. Right now DH and I are both incredibly busy and haven't had time to mention it.

I know you meant it to be a sweet gesture but it feels invasive, like I'm not an adult with my own home. I pay rent, and would appreciate it if you only used your landlord's key like a landlord- you know, give us 24 hours notice if you're coming over to take care of something on the property, and otherwise call and ask permission to come and visit like my parents do. You agreed to this before and it is kind of upsetting that you have forgotten what you agreed to.

It feels disrespectful when you don't call ahead like everyone else in our lives. And, like I mentioned, invasive and as if you don't respect us as adults. Neither of us have time for this right now, but I wanted to remind you of our request and your agreement.

Since you seem to have a problem remembering this, I can get a keypad lock for the house. It will increase the value of the home, and when you call or text to come over I can create or unlock a code for you on my cell phone. They are rather nice and I have a friend who swears by them for their rental properties (I'm your friend here, I swear by Schlange keyless locks).

Thanks."

Is there another way out of the house than the front door? Perhaps getting a rubber stopper like this and putting it on the front door will help.

Or you can get something like a really loud door alarm. https://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1496664917&sr=1-6&keywords=loud+door+alarm

These go off every time it's opened, but you can get one where you or DH have a remote and it turns it off. If she's short, you can put it at the TOP of the door frame so that if she comes in, she can't turn off the shrieking alarm. That's perfectly legal for you to put on your rental units, by the way, it just sticks on.

That way she's up for a loud. unpleasant surprise the next time she drops in uninvited. :D

Oh let her come over. Just be ready for her. They sell stick on door alarms cheap at Wal-Mart. If you open the door more than a few inches it sets off a piercing siren. See of you can't rig your dresser drawers with them by attaching them inside the front of your drawer. I don't know what kind of dresser you habe but there has to be a way you can anchor the little piece to the dresser itself and the bigger piece to the drawer (or vice versa) so they can be moved away from each other when opened. Put them on the inside of your closet too. Then the second she tries to snoop the entire house will know and you can ask her "whatcha think your doing there in my panty drawer ?"

These are what I am talking about.
https://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1523177454&sr=8-4&keywords=Door+alarms

You can buy alarms like these so if she leaves you can hear her.

Window/Door Alarm Kit - 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RUGANC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Qqr8ybNC2WZZP

In addition to those, you could get these. My MIL lives alone and has them in her condo, and they work well.

https://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC#customerReviews

So, the camera is a good start. I have a "Ring Video Doorbell" which would also help with this as it can trigger off of motion and saves videos to the cloud so even if it were destroyed you'd still have the person on video. But keep in mind simply seeing the person dosn't help identify or find them. I'd also get simple door alarms to go off if the door (or windows) ever actually gets opened forcibly. That will at least wake you up to defend yourself with some kind of weapon, or scare away the perpetrator.

But the first thing I'd do is call the police and let them know; ask if they can station an officer in a plain car outside your door and go after anyone that comes to your door at this hour if it's predictable.

I'd be even tempted to swap the old lock back and wait by the door. Then when the person opens the door trigger a strobe light to blind him then clobber the fuck out of him with a bat, mace, tazer, etc then... But, this is probably a really really bad idea since he could be armed himself... Plus it would cost you sleep.

Either way I'd make sure the police know and take measures that first try to catch the perpetrator. Taking him off the street will do everyone a favor and give you some peace of mind he's not coming back. And if the police can help you do this that's a lot better.

https://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC