The average financial cost of a burglary is $1,350. The psychological costs are more difficult to measure. Burglars will not usually use force or violence unless they feel compelled to do so. An intruder who is surprised in a home or challenged by a homeowner may resort to violence so keeping them out is the best way of ensuring your personal safety. A home security system can prevent a break-in or alert you to the presence of an intruder and can be as simple or complex as required. A sophisticated trigger system can be wired directly to the emergency services but often something as easy to install as a light timer could be enough to persuade a burglar not to risk an attempt on your home. You can insure against the financial cost of a burglary but the psychological impact is immeasurable. Can you afford not to fit a home security system?