Burglar-Proof Your Home With These Safe Home Tips

Feb. 25, 2009 — -- An economic recession affects everyone, even robbers. When money is short, more people turn to crime and those already involved tend to get more desperate.

According to a new survey by the Police Executive Research Forum, nearly half of police departments have reported an increase in certain crimes they say can be attributed to the economic crisis -- including home burglaries.

With more houses sitting empty due to foreclosures, once safe neighborhoods are becoming more tempting to looters.

But there are ways to keep your home safe from even the most dogged burglars without breaking the bank.

"Good Morning America" housing contributor and Wall Street Journal editor Wendy Bounds knows a thing or two about home security and compiled some tips, with the help of Consumer Report's Shop Smart, for burglar-proofing your home on the cheap.

Check out her tips below and then click here for more information on home security.

Before Robbers Decide on Your House: Make It Unappealing to Them

"You make it as difficult and frustrating as possible for thieves to break in, so you create multiple layers that a thief must get through in order to gain access to your home," Bounds said. "You want your house to be the least appealing to thieves on the block. And you can do that by dissuading them from even coming up your driveway."