Like many homeowners I'm sure that you want to feel secure in your home but you don’t want to feel imprisoned. And chances are you will or have been solicited by security companies who want to sell you hardened locks, and alarm and surveillance systems. You may or may not need these things. How do you know? Go to your local police department and ask them what kinds of crime occur in your neighborhood or block, and how often. Then talk to a security company about installing a system that protects against the most common crimes. In addition, overprotection can make it difficult to exit your home in a fire or other emergency.