Can't afford a home security system? Try these low-tech hacks

Not ready to purchase a home security system? Here are some simple alternatives to consider that can help you protect your home.

If you have time and energy to take care of a family dog, you can also think of him or her as an added security measure.

• Dogs can be trained to bark when they hear noises or sense movement outside or inside the house, and large dogs can also scare off intruders.
• A loud bark can mean a vicious bite and most potential intruders won't want to risk the chance of getting attacked.

If you're going away on vacation or leaving your home for a period of time, it might be a good idea to hire a house sitter.

• Having a sitter stay at your home means there is a lower chance of a break-in or damage to your home.
• Make sure to interview different candidates to ensure that you find the most trustworthy person to take care of your home while you're away.

If your area has a neighbourhood watch program, that can be a helpful way to ensure your house stays safe. If you don't already have one, you can talk to your neighbours about starting one up.

• Neighbourhood watch programs connect the people in your neighbourhood together so that everyone is keeping an eye on each others houses and any suspicious activity in the area.

Just because you don't have a home security system doesn't mean you can't make people think you do.

• You can find home security stickers and signs at most home improvement stores.
• Display a security sticker in your front window to make people think you have one installed and help deter them from coming near your house.

You can also purchase dummy cameras and alarm boxes that don't have to be hooked up. Sometimes even having equipment that looks like a security measure means that your home stands less of a chance of attracting intruders.