Concerned that what happened to the It Takes a Thief homeowners could happen to you — except with real burglars? Check out Matt and Jon's tips from the show below.

Additional tips: House: Alarms | House: Locks | House: Windows & Doors | Garage | Yard | Valuables | Vacation | Miscellaneous |

YOUR HOUSE: ALARMS

* Homes without a home-security/alarm system have a significantly higher break-in rate, so invest in an alarm system to protect your home ... and use it. Most of us ignore the sirens of car and house alarms because they go off regularly, so make sure your house alarm is connected to the police and a central station to ensure someone will respond.

And, when you connect your alarm system to a monitoring station, make sure you have a back-up cellular connection in case your phone service is disrupted.

* Moving into a house with an old alarm system? Contact the provider to inquire about an upgrade.

* Consider a security system equipped with ultrasonic sensors that can detect movement inside your home, not just breaches of your doors and windows. Certain alarm systems allow your home to have separate zones so specific areas can always stay armed. Also, a panic button can be hooked up to your alarm system's central server for added protection inside your home.

* Less expensive security options include motion sensors, sound detectors and photocells, all of which can be used to turn on lights when triggered. Especially if you live in a hidden or dark area, motion sensors on outdoor lights are an easy and inexpensive deterrent for any possible intruders on your property at night.

* Individual window alarms, which are activated by vibration, can also discourage thieves. If you have an alarm system, make sure all your windows either have contacts on them or you have glass-break sensors in the rooms.

* A thief may try to dismantle your alarm system, so make sure the system's central panel is in a secure spot. In addition, since construction or wildlife can disrupt outside wiring, have your system tested annually.

* A barking dog — even a small one — will deter most burglars. The noise draws attention, which is the last thing burglars want. However, dogs are never a proper deterrent. They only become scared like humans if strangers become threatening. It's not fair to your pup to rely on its canine bravado.

* Reflective numbers outside on the front of your home will make it easy for police and ambulances to find your house in case of emergency.