Dear Lifehacker, I want to set up some security cameras to deter would be thieves but they cost an arm and a leg. I've checked out some dummy ones, and must say they look extremely convincing. My question is, if I install fake security cameras and get robbed, would it give my insurance company an excuse not to pay me?

Nobody knows what deters burglars more than burglars. Here's what former thieves recommend you do to safeguard your home from break-ins.

Home burglaries increase around the holidays for obvious reasons: You're gone, and your house is empty and vulnerable. While you're away, you want to make sure your home is as secure as possible, and part of this means making it look like someone is actually there even when you're not.

Video: If you ever feel the need to make your own salvaged part trip wire alarm, it turns out it's a pretty easy process. Over on YouTube, Node walks you through it.

The Raspberry Pi is a surprisingly useful tool to test the strength of your network. To add another tool to your network testing kit, Warberry Pi is a self-contained set of scripts that run automatically when you plug your Raspberry Pi into a ethernet port.

Every now or then we keep hearing about the reports of burglary around our city or neighbourhood. More than 90-percent of the time, the robbery cases occur in the absence of homeowners. Either amateur crooks looking for opportunities or skilled burglars are behind such house break-ins. We have some tips on how to beef up the security for your home.

Whether you own a property or just rent it, the thought of a home invasion remains equally terrifying. According to government statistics, approximately one out of every 40 Australian houses will be burgled this year. That's pretty goddamn sobering. Thankfully, there are various measures you can take to vastly decrease the odds of your home being broken into. This infographic includes a breakdown of Australian burglary statistics and the most effective techniques to ward against invasion.

This method lets you open the door from anywhere -- whether you're home or not, and watch a live feed from your garage on your phone. It's perfect for letting the kids in when they get home, or just checking to see if everything is ok.