ᐅ Security key at the front door: yes or no?

If someone wants to get in, they will.

Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

We were sitting with friends having coffee when, in the neighboring house just 6 meters (20 feet) away in the garden, a window was smashed.
The thieves got into the house and ransacked it.
We even saw the light on in one of the rooms that we had a direct view of, but of course, we didn’t think much of it.

Tolentino schrieb:

Yes, my question was basically whether it is worth spending a lot of money on security if you don’t actually plan to keep valuable items in the house. So #4 summarizes it quite well.

It’s never financially worthwhile because the financial damages can be covered by insurance for little money.
It’s solely about the individual sense of security before and after a related incident.

I also don’t understand why someone would install a €1500 (about $1600) video doorbell system in a single-family home. In the area where that kind of thing is necessary, I wouldn’t want to live anyway. And I definitely wouldn’t want to live with that kind of fear — something is wrong, in my opinion.

Tolentino schrieb:

Hehe. No, I usually keep no more than about 50 EUR cash in the apartment when I’m not home. On me, I might carry around 200 EUR sometimes, but that’s rather unusual. Expensive watches, costly jewelry, and high-end women's handbags aren’t really my thing (nor my fiancée’s). The rings are just worn normally.

If I were to entertain the thought experiment, I’d only break into high-end homes. But I would first acquire the necessary knowledge—alarm systems, safes, etc. Most likely, though, I’d learn how to hack into private computers of corrupt business moguls instead, to blackmail them and then expose their bribe payments to the media.

Ah, I see... That’s exactly why you clearly weren’t cut out to be a burglar. You’ve been exposed.

Tolentino schrieb:

That’s true, but my question is whether it’s worth installing a security locking system that costs several thousand euros when it would have to be replaced anyway after a break-in, considering I only have a few hundred euros’ worth of portable valuables in the house. So anyone who wants to get in will get in, probably sees that there’s nothing valuable, and then leaves. Just buy a new lock for about 50 euros and that’s it.

The uncomfortable feeling that a stranger with bad intentions has been in your home is, in my opinion, a valid reason to invest. The feeling of security regarding your own privacy is priceless. But if the burglars get in anyway, that feeling disappears and isn’t restored by replacing the expensive lock any more than it would be with a cheap one.

That’s more like it, but a security lock at home won’t help much if I get mugged while I’m out. And if I get robbed at home, probably not either, because the door is likely open if the robber pretends to be a DHL or Hermes package delivery person.

In general, I believe way too much money is spent hoping for increased security, and since business can be made by exploiting (sometimes deliberately heightened) fear, that market thrives. Common sense—especially your own—is often the best guide.

Tolentino schrieb:

Yes, my question was basically whether it's worth spending a lot of money on security if you don’t actually plan to keep valuable items at home. So #4 sums it up pretty well.

Or just keep the TV on loud. Haha.

Your question misses the point of whether "it’s worth spending more money." The real question is: what is your situation on site, your justified or even unjustified fears, and what do you want to protect (a Porsche, garden gnomes, or privacy…?). Depending on that, security measures will vary. A burglar doesn’t know or care if you hide something under your pillow (did I just reveal a secret?). If you only keep €50 at home or the financial loss is small, but at 3 a.m. someone stands by your bed and threatens you with a trident to your knee, the damage is much greater… and those €50 are gone. As €ypg already mentioned, it makes sense to secure hard-to-see side doors/windows and the patio area (which owners naturally design to be less visible) better, and there are often cheap, non-electronic options for that. It’s about making access more difficult. If someone comes with a tank, you can’t really stop it anyway.