For many, the major threat to our homes is burglary, which the Australian Institute of Criminology estimates costs us $2.4 billion a year. Research by insurer AAMI shows almost four in 10 Australians have experienced a break-in. Within my own small family, it’s at least 10 times!

Making your home more secure can involve something as simple and relatively inexpensive as wiring up some movement-sensing exterior lights costing around $100 each (plus electrician’s fee), to buying a pooch and a “Beware of the dog” sign, to investing in a full back-to-base alarm system.

First make sure your doors, windows and gates are strong and secure. Fort Lox Security of Brookvale, NSW, has hinged security doors starting from around $315 each, or from around $370 with a more secure three-point lock.

Cast aluminium security doors start at about $450, welded aluminium security doors cost from around $500 to $700, stainless steel mesh doors cost from about $820, while steel (wrought iron) doors that can be tailor-made to almost any size or pattern usually cost from around $1000 to $1100 (all prices include installation and GST).

As for windows, to install burglar-proof stainless steel security mesh — see-through and almost invisible — can cost around $450 for larger bedroom or lounge room glass. Sydney’s Barrenjoey Locksmiths, Alarms and Security sells door deadlocks from around $195 to $225 installed, or around $150 DIY. Alarm systems are around $1500 to $2500 installed for the average house.

Back-to-base monitoring costs around $35 a month. You can monitor the alarm system yourself if you prefer.

For more articles about financing property and money see ninemsn Money