Pragmatic home security
Harden your home before you have to.
Layered defense, defensive landscaping, and honest reviews of the gear that actually works — written for the homeowner who wants to be a harder target than the next house on the block, not a survivalist.
What we cover
Eight pillars, all approached the same way: what works, what doesn't, what it actually costs.
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Home Hardening
Strike plates, deadbolts, the five layers of defense.
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Tactical Foliage
Defensive landscaping by USDA zone — the differentiator.
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Cameras
Wired vs. wireless vs. battery. Real-world tradeoffs.
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Locks & Doors
ANSI grades, smart locks, what the marketing won't tell you.
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Windows
Security film, glass-break detectors, sliding-door fixes.
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Garage
The #2 entry point — and what to do about it.
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Smart Home
HomeKit, Matter, local-first. Privacy-aware integrations.
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Vacation Prep
Pre-departure checklists, presence simulation, package management.
Latest articles
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Reviews
My Home Security Stack: What I Actually Use (And What I Returned)
What I run at the house in Tarzana, in 2026. The cameras, locks, sensors, and plants that earned their spot — plus the gear that didn't.
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Home Hardening
Why Burglars Avoid Some Homes (And Walk Right Past Yours): A 12-Factor Tour
What convicted burglars say about how they pick targets, what stops them from picking yours, and the 12 factors — drawn from criminology research and offender interviews — that actually move the needle.
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Garage
Garage Security: The Most-Forgotten Door in Your House
The garage is one of the most common entry points in residential burglaries — and the least-hardened part of most homes. The five fixes that close the gap, in priority order.