A retired police officer with 23 years of experience has outlined several low-cost items that individuals can use to improve their home security and personal safety. Michael Arterburn, who previously served as a domestic violence detective, shared his recommendations in a recent Instagram Reels video.
Arterburn suggests placing worn men's work boots outside the home to create the impression that a man resides there, potentially deterring criminals. He also advises homeowners to retrieve the boots periodically. "Ain't nobody messing with [a guy who wears workboots]," he stated.
For added security against break-ins, Arterburn recommends door braces, particularly those equipped with alarms. He also noted that a simple dowel rod, cut to fit the length of a sliding glass door, can prevent unauthorized entry. The goal, he explained, is to make forced entry more difficult and noisy for potential intruders.
A door wedge alarm is another item on his list of essential safety products. In addition to home entry deterrents, Arterburn emphasized the importance of personal safety measures, especially for women living alone. He advised purchasing various types of pepper spray, recommending home defense pepper gel that can project up to 20 feet and does not create a cloud. For those who engage in outdoor activities like running or walking, he suggested carrying a smaller pepper gel along with a personal alarm.
"Personal alarms can be heard up to three football fields away," Arterburn said. "It sounds stupid until somebody has their hands around your throat, and you can't yell out."
For properties with driveways, Arterburn recommended installing motion detectors and solar-powered lights. "Bad guys don't like light," he noted.
His final recommendation is a Faraday Bag, a pouch designed to block all electromagnetic signals. This is particularly relevant for individuals with keyless-entry vehicles, as car thieves can use replicator devices to capture signals from car keys. Arterburn advised keeping car keys near the bedside to easily activate the vehicle's alarm if necessary. "They can't hurt you if you're not there," he added.