Bolted Secure

A door with a simple latch and door chain is just not enough.

Get yourself a deadbolt lock, which costs anywhere from Rs.1000 to Rs.3000. These locks often come with special keys that cannot be made by a locksmith. They have computerised angular dimples made of a material known as nickel silver, which does not bend.

Get at least five spare keys when you purchase the lock. If you misplace it, a locksmith will not be able to make a copy.

Electronic locking systems are relatively new but easy to operate. They do not have a keyhole, which makes picking the lock impossible. Plus it is battery operated and wireless.

Double Protection

The regular sliding metal grill is one option to secure the main door. But if opening and closing the grill is too painful, try a double door.

Here, the door has a window grill so that you can see the visitor.

You could also have a small window attached to the main door.

Safe Keeping

Both electronic as well as non-electronic safes are available in the market.

The non-electronic safes have either a simple lock and key system or a combination lock. These start at about Rs.5000 each. They have a keypad-based lock with two password levels.

Most of these safes also have an auto freeze feature, which prevents opening the safe by trial and error.

If you prefer something more sophisticated, try a safe that operates with a swipe card.

Make sure that the safe is fireproof to protect fixed deposits, insurance papers and other inflammable things.

You could also invest in cash boxes or coffers. They are ideal for storing jewellery and cash. What's more, they can fit easily in the corner of your cupboard.

Customisation

You could hire security agencies to help you customise security features for your home.

For instance, wireless equipment attached to the cupboard will monitor any movement that takes place in the area. If broken into, an alarm will go off and you will receive intimation on your mobile phone.

You could also install cameras in the cupboard or at a central location that will take pictures of the thief.

(With inputs from Godrej & Boyce and Rohit Chabria, Director, Cebex Security Systems)