This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Hollywood movies have been the source for an incredible number of popular myths. Did you know that silencers don’t turn handguns into stealthy spy weapons? Did you know that shooting the gas tank on a car may not make a huge explosion? Did you know that Piranhas will not always attack a human that invades their aquatic space? Here are a few of the security-related myths that were tested by Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel.

Disclaimer: These myths and techniques are shared only to help you better understand the vulnerabilities of your security equipment (and because some of them are pretty amazing!). These video clips are of trained professionals, and you should never attempt to try any of these experiments at home!

Is it Possible to Outsmart a Motion Sensor?

In movies featuring a heist, the thieves often are able to bypass the motion sensors with sophisticated technology. How much tech would it take to really be able to beat a motion sensor?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Answer: In this situation, it was possible to beat the motion sensor simply by holding up a white sheet when walking past the sensor. Also, the motion sensor was able to be beaten simply by moving extremely slowly through the detection range of the sensor. It’s possible (though not tested in the video) that a higher quality motion sensor would be able to pick up a slow-moving person, or someone hiding behind a sheet. The “scatter” suit (a furry suit  made of a cut-up rug) wasn’t able to beat the motion sensor!

Can You Really Beat a Fingerprint Lock?

In Hollywood, a fingerprint lock can easily be beaten by gluing fake fingerprints to a hand. With today’s sophisticated fingerprint locks, what would it really take to be able to fool the lock into opening for you?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Answer: Yes, apparently you can beat a fingerprint lock with a ballistics gel “finger”. A latex impression of a fingerprint glued to a finger is also able to foil the lock. In addition to this, the lock seems to be able to be beaten with a simple photocopy of a fingerprint! However, in order for the photocopy to work, the original print needed to be “fixed” (the fingerprint lines filled in with marker) and the paper needed to be licked before being applied to the fingerprint lock.

Can You Shoot off a Padlock?

In many popular movies, a hero (or villain)  is able to easily shoot off a padlock with a handgun. Is this really possible?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Answer: Yes, you can shoot a padlock off of a door. However, something as small as a handgun isn’t able to damage the lock enough so that it can be removed. In this experiment, it took the power of a shotgun (or a high-powered rifle) to break the padlock. Since this is an extremely noisy way to beat a padlock, it wouldn’t be practical for a thief to use while attempting to beat a lock.

Can You “Freeze” Locks with Liquid Nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen has made for some interesting (and very explosive!) scenes in popular movies. Can you really freeze a lock off of a door?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Answer: Freezing a lock with liquid nitrogen does make the lock easier to break through with brute force. The reason for this is that the particles in metal are constantly in motion. When you simply use brute force to break a lock, you’re essentially “malforming” the metal, and moving around the particles. However, when exposed to liquid nitrogen, the particles in the metal freeze in place, and move much slower. This makes the metal brittle, and makes it much easier to break through the lock by using brute force. The metal doesn’t “shatter” into pieces (like in some popular movies), but it does become vulnerable at certain points.

Can You Blow the Door off a Safe by Filling it with Water?

A glass relocking safe implements additional locks if the delicate glass behind the door is broken. In one e popular movie, a glass relocker safe was beaten by filling it with water and detonating an explosive. Is this possible?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Answer: Yes, filling a safe with water does allow you to blow the door off. The reason that this works, is because the water does not compress when the explosive inside the safe detonates. When the explosion occurs, this creates dynamic energy that pushes evenly on all walls of the safe. Since the door of the safe represents the point where the safe would have the greatest structural weakness, this causes the door to be blown off. If you detonated an explosive inside of a safe without water, the air would simply compress, and there wouldn’t be enough pressure buildup to blow the door off the safe. However, for this to work, the safe has to be completely water-tight, and an explosive has to be lowered into the safe through the top. Also, the force of the explosion usually causes the contents of the safe to suffer extreme damage, making it not the best option for a heist.

Can You Climb An Air Duct With Magnets?

In some movies (such as “Firetrap”) the hero is able to stealthily climb up an air duct vent with magnets, granting access to an otherwise secure building. Is this really possible?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Answer: Yes, it’s possible to climb up a vent using magnets. However, it’s so incredibly noisy, that it wouldn’t be practical for any would-be thief to attempt. If someone heard that much clanging coming from their air duct, the intruders would be in cuffs before they were able to reach their destination!

Top photo source: http://www.pitchengine.com/brands/timewarnercableofthenortheast/images/100732/mythbusters2.jpg

All video content is copyright and the property of the Discovery Channel.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Every time there’s a significant natural disaster, many people express renewed interest in getting their family prepared. Some people purchase bottled water, dehydrated food and medical supplies. Other people focus on securing their home with better locks, a home security system and enhanced surveillance. With all of this interest in getting your family prepared, what have you considered? If you were the victim of a natural disaster, what do you think would be most valuable to you?

This is just one of the questions that’s interesting to think about, either from a humorous or a serious point of view. If given the option to grab a few possessions, what would you take with you? Some might say survival supplies, while others might be more interested in entertainment, the safety of their pets, or securing supplies to rebuild civilization.

Have you ever been curious as to what some other people find valuable? After a poll of several users on Facebook and Twitter, here are a few of the things that some people would bring with them to an underground bomb shelter.

• “I’d bring a week’s supply of food, heirloom seeds and a water purification device. And a gigantic box of Mars candy bars!” - Emily J. via Facebook
• “Assuming food, water, and soap are a given, a volume of Vergil, two decks of playing cards, and a box of #2 pencils.” - Steven K. (@elvestinkle) via Twitter
• “Notebooks, pencils, books, and a knife. Oh, and probably some food too.” - J.D.Robinson (@Sachula) via Twitter
• “Rad Away, Nuka Cola, Bottlecaps, Rad-X, and a PipBoy.” - @GeeksNGamers via Twitter
• “I’d take my laptop so I can write songs and look at a picture to remind me of someone I love.” - Jonathan L. via Facebook
• “My Pip-Boy” - Adam P. via Facebook
• “Peanut Butter.” - Patrick M. via Facebook
• “The downloadable version of the current wikipedia database on my jailbroken iphone. From there I can rebuild society in my image!” - Jimmy C. via Facebook
• “A generator. I’d bring the new portable game unit, use the other guy’s laptop to draw and eat Pat’s peanut butter to survive! Maybe someone could bring jelly and some crackers? I’m a scavenger.” - Bianca H. via Facebook
• “Food and my goram firefly/serenity DVD collection.” - Marcelo L. via Facebook
• “A box of Twikies.” - John R. via Facebook
• “I would have to bring my entire music collection. Music has always been my biggest inspiration, motivation, and has shaped me into the person I am today. Without music, I am nothing.” - Aaron W. via Facebook
• “I’d bring my family. As long as we’re together, we can overcome anything!” - Cassie M. via Facebook

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Attack geese? Guard Llamas? You may not realize it, but there are many animals that are used as alternative options to owning a guard dog. However, one animal that people often overlook for fighting crime is the cat. Cats aren’t usually very aggressive, and don’t normally have a prominent territorial instinct to protect their owners. However, like with any animal, they’re always full of surprises.

Douglas Beamish was a Canadian man, who committed a crime in 1994. He was convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to fifteen years in prison. However, there was something very unique about his trial. Beamish was the first ever murderer that was convicted using the identification of animal DNA. Beamish’s victim had a fluffy white pet cat, which was named Snowball. When Beamish exited the crime scene, he had two strands of cat fur stuck to his jacket pocket. These hairs were traced back to Snowball, and placed Beamish at the scene of the crime.

Some people may have stories of their cats attacking strangers, when they believe their owners may be in danger. A woman named Karen Wilcox shared a story about her cat, and how it tried to protect her.

“I was at home alone, and my cat (Marcy) started growling at the kitchen door. It was dark outside, so I began to get nervous. Suddenly, the door opened, and Marcy attacked the intruder, yowling and clawing at his pants! However, it was only my son’s friend, who was coming over for a sleepover. No damage was done, but now I know that Marcy is very protective of me!”

There are thousands of funny and interesting videos of cats attacking various other people, animals and inanimate objects. Here are a few videos of some “guard” cats.

Cat Attacks and Scares Off Bear
This brave cat spotted a bear on the porch, and decided to defend its territory! Though the bear escapes with a bit of garbage, the cat is able to intimidate it enough so that runs off.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Guard Cat Attacks Babysitter
This viral video shows how a cat attacked a babysitter when he heard the sound of broken glass! While the glass breaking was an accident, the two cats ganged up on the girl, swatting at her and jumping up on her legs. Apparently, cats can be good nannies too!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Protects Children by Attacking Dog
This cat obviously thought that the dog biting the children might cause them harm!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Attacks Mailman
Mailmen are incredibly evil beings in the feline world! This cat defends its home against the dangerous mailman.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Guards Against Invading Cat
Cats can be aggressive, especially when they believe that another cat is invading their territory. This cat attempts to attack an invading feline though a glass door!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Attacks Printer
Apparently, electronic printers are dangerous devices, and the world must be defended! This cat goes one-on-one in a desperate fight against an evil printer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Wild Cat Wins Against Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are known for their speed, agility and deadly venom. However, this wild cat is able to successfully outmanuver a large rattlesnake, all without being bit.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Related posts:

1. 3 Alternative Guard Animals This post is originally authored at the home security blog...

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In as little as seven seconds, a thief could successfully steal your car. For experienced car thieves, these few seconds are sufficient to enter your vehicle, sometimes by only using a minimal amount of force. Imagine running in to the bank to make a quick deposit, and returning only to find out that your car has vanished!

In some cases, breaking into a car can be a bit difficult. Some thieves just don’t have the proper tools, which can be used to make the break-in much easier. However, in some cases, a person may just not be cut out to be a good thief.

The following video shows what happens when a reporter attempts to smash the window of a vehicle with a hammer, filmed as a supplemental clip for a special news report.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This clip is even more amusing, because another man is able to easily break one of the other windows of the car without any difficulty. The reporter seems to be striking the window with the side of the hammer, which may be the reason why the glass didn’t shatter on impact.

To his credit, the reporter does continue to finish the scene even after he slices his hand on the half-broken glass window. No doubt he felt a bit silly, after having so many failed attempts at smashing the car window.

If your car’s security system has a glass break sensor, your car alarm may be activated (along with other features) when one of your windows is smashed. This can be a deterrent against the “smash and grab” technique used by many petty thieves.

In general, it’s always safest to use common sense when leaving any belongings inside your vehicle. Be sure that any expensive equipment (such as laptops, smartphones, GPS devices) is secure and hidden before you leave your vehicle. If you can’t hide an item under the seat, consider covering it with a jacket, blanket or other item. Many car thieves are opportunistic, and will only commit a crime when they see an immediate reward for their efforts.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In the past few months, burglars have broken into a Dutch prison facility at least two times. These break-ins have always been accompanied by the theft of a television set, or other items. According to Dutch officials, the thefts in question occurred during two weekends, which were approximately one month apart – during the months of March and April.

The prison facility is generally regarded as a “transition” facility, which helps long-term prisoners to slowly transition back into being a part of society. For the most part, the inmates at this prison are nearing the end of their sentences, and may be transferred there due to good behavior. The prisoners are typically allowed to leave on weekends, which leaves the facility mostly vacant. It’s apparently during these periods of vacancy that the facility has been burglarlized. According to the Dutch government, they regard this prison as a “very moderately protected facility”. A Dutch Ministry spokesperson confirmed the dates of the apparent burglaries.

Apparently, the burglars were able to climb over the fence, force open a window, and access the prison through an emergency staircase. It’s been suggested that some prison officials suspect that the burglars had help from other inmates inside the prison. The thefts weren’t discovered until after the weekend, when prisoners were returning to their cells.

The prison facility in question is located in a town called Hoorn, which is 26 miles northeast of Amsterdam.

When contacted for a comment, a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor’s office had very little info to offer. She was only able to confirm that at least one of the thefts had been reported to police, and that they currently had not made any arrests regarding the break-ins.

The reason that the prisoners are allowed to leave on weekends, is part of an initiative program by the Dutch government. This program is designed to help certain types of prisoners make an easier transition back into society. It’s possible that this program was designed to help prevent ”repeat” inmates, who are often imprisoned again for the same types of crimes.

Looking back on this story, it’s kind of funny to imagine what the inmates were thinking when they discovered that their television sets had been stolen. How did the burglars make it past the guards? Why would these burglars target a prison? What type of person would steal from a detention facility?

Sources:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36690293

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63K4GC20100421

http://www.burglarystatistics.com/article/Burglars%20break%20into%20prison%20to%20rob%20absent%20inmates/?k=j83s12y12h94s27k02

http://www.neatorama.com/2010/04/22/burglars-break-into-prison-steal-tvs/

Related posts:

1. Burglars Steal $22,500 in Cash and Jewelry This post is originally authored at the home security blog...

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The year 1941 was dominated by war-themed headlines, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the opening of the National Gallery of Art, the invention of Cheerios breakfast cereal, and a yearly predicted salary of $1,750 for the average American. However, 1941 also saw the advent of a theme that would subtly influence how our culture developed today – the broadcast of the first-ever television commercial. Watchmaker Bulova paid a staggering $4.00 to have a 10-second advertisement before the baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The jingle “America runs on Bulova time” was accompanied by a picture of the USA, as well as a clock.

Today, television advertisements make up a large part of our popular culture. The cost of a 30-second spot on CBS during the superbowl costs a staggering 2.6 million dollars, while a prime-time commercial spot on Network TV costs an average of $140,000. As far as home security, commercials have evolved a lot over the past few years. Monitored home security companies have been utilizing more advanced technology, improved customer service assistance, all-inclusive package contracts and other important tools. Now, more people than ever are choosing to install a monitored security system in their home, since the technology has become both effective and affordable. However, it’s still interesting to take a look back at some memorable home security advertisements.

Disclaimer – These advertisements are posted for entertainment purposes only.

Brinks Home Security – First Date
This commercial has a theatrical performance by a woman as she’s preparing for her first date, and is suddenly confronted by a burglar. Many home security commercials use this similar “home alone” concept for their advertisements.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Brinks Home Security – Just to Be Sure
With older (and more responsible) children, it’s common for parents to leave them home alone during a “date night”. This interesting commercial advertises how a particular home security system can be useful in this type of situation.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Broadview (Brinks) Home Security – The Ex
Though some women don’t want to admit it, many females have had to deal with a jealous ex-boyfriend. When you’re a single woman living alone, home security is extremely important. This commercial takes this concept in an interesting direction.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Be An Apx Alarm Salesman
This amusing commercial is designed by Apx Security, as an advertisement to encourage the hiring of sales representatives for their products.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Protection One – Amorous Dog
It’s best not to put all of your trust in a dog as your only option for home security, especially if he’s not fixed!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat and Dog Foil Burglars (Pet Food Commercial)
These intelligent animals are able to incapacitate and contain unwanted intruders in their home.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Stop’em With a Schlage (1995)
This vintage commercial is for Shlage locks, and displays how some of their locks are difficult for burglars to break (with an interesting musical score).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Woman Barks Like Dog – Schlage (1995)
Apparently, when your date faints, impersonating a dog is a great way to scare off potential burglars! This commercial was aired by Schlage Locks in 1995.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hardees Home Security Spoof
How would you feel, if there were old ladies in your kitchen baking biscuits? This spoof was aired by Hardees to advertise their new “home-baked” biscuits.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Burglary Commercial By 8th Grader
This video is apparently a school project made by an 8th grade boy. The production value is surprisingly good!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Burglars Choose a Sony TV
This commercial was aired by a local electronics dealer, as an advertisement for their products.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Burglar Finds Chips (Doritoes Commercial)
This funny commercial was broadcast by Doritoes during a Superbowl game. However, it’s probably not recommended to use Doritoes as a burglar-deterrent.

Click here to view the embedded video.

ADT – Always (2001)
This 2-minute advertisement was created around 10 years ago, as an advertisement for ADT Security. The interesting thing about this commercial is that is primarily text-based, and a bit long for TV advertising. It could have potentially been used as an employee training video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Alaska Pirate Burglars
This silly local TV commercial was made for Aurora Satellite and Security, a company that is based out of Fairbanks, Alaska. The burglars in this video have an interesting resemblance to pirates!

Click here to view the embedded video.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Have you ever wanted to personally bring justice to a criminal? Do you have the desire to take the law into your own hands? Well, in China, one man decided that he alone had the power to bring two escaping thieves to justice… by using his bicycle as an effective anti-thief weapon.

Apparently, two nefarious men thought that they had the perfect heist – to quickly snatch a woman’s purse while racing by on a speeding motor-scooter. The two men would have made a clean getaway, if it wasn’t for one quick thinking man. As seen in the video, this citizen vigilante calmly stops, steps off of his bicycle, and proceeds to throw it directly at the two escaping thieves on the motor-scooter. The two men tumble to the ground, their grand escape foiled by a lone man, and his now undoubtedly damaged bicycle.

The original video of this event can be seen here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

While this is definitely a very funny and unique way to stop a thief, it does have an important message. Even someone deemed as an “ordinary citizen” does have the ability to help prevent law-breakers from being able to escape without repercussions. Chances are that when this Chinese man woke up that morning, he had no idea that he would play an important part of bringing escaping criminals to justice. It just goes to show that anyone can be a hero, even if your only available crime-fighting weapon is a bicycle.

Source:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ff2_1261805235

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Maybe it’s an xray vision camera? (Source)

Which came first…the sign or the camera? Either way, somebody must have been under the influence during that installation!

Hopefully nothing worth taping will happen in the next few minutes. (Source)

Spend all the money you like on a high-security camera system, they are no match for the oldest trick in the book! Balloons – the burglary tools of the future.

Just in case anyone was thinking about stealing that sign. (Source)

Displaying to customers that they are “not” being monitored by a closed-circuit security camera system is not exactly a good marketing plan. However, a store that lists ketchup and toothpaste on the same sign probably doesn’t have to worry much.

Now that will be one exciting surveillance tape! (Source)

The placement of the camera makes the content of that “Warning” sign completely ineffective. I wonder how long it will take the security guards to figure out that they’ve been filming a wall?

Either the artificial intelligence of security cameras has gone Wall-E, or an employee is going to have some explaining to do!

Edit: Kristoffer commented below that this pic of the cameras facing each other “is actually a work of street art criticizing the big brother society. Is’s in Malmö, Sweden. Nobody has removed it for the last year.”

MOTOR VEHICLES

Chains! Must add more chains! (Source)

Not only are the front and rear doors chained together (what is the purpose of that, exactly? To only allow a burglar to open both doors at once?), the rear wheel is chained to… a tree. It also appears that the front wheel is chained to … a post? A peg? Either the owner of this car lives in a very, very high-crime area, or they are attempting to start a new trend in auto security.

The very latest in vehicle security. (Source)

This wonderful advancement in car security systems also uses the advanced technology of chains. Actually, it looks as if there’s enough slack on that chain to at least get the car into reverse. Also, what exactly is the other end of that chain attached to? Pro Tip: You may want to invest in a car alarm instead.

That lock took a lot of effort to…wait…do you see the alarm sticker too?! (Source)

With the considerable effort that it must have taken to drill two holes in the metal body of the car, it may have been possible to pay the $40 to an auto mechanic to get the door handle fixed. Also, having a padlock on your door pretty much negates the effectiveness of having an “Alarm” window decal.

At least the umbrella kinda matches the paint job. (Source)

Having a sunroof is not necessarily a luxury when it gets stuck open. Not to worry, a simple umbrella will fix everything! Though this might prevent some of the water from getting inside the car, it’s probable that a large blue-and-white umbrella could be a potential invitation for burglars to take advantage of the open sunroof.

Now that’s one securely locked motorcycle. (Source)

Only in New York! In most cities, you would think that taking the keys to your motorcycle is enough. However, if you are looking for some extra security, might as well cable-lock your bike to a curb guard(?) Though it would probably take the thief a it of time to remove the cable from the wheel, this would only apply if they were looking to ride the stolen motorcycle from the scene of the crime.

At least it’s waterproof. (Source)

Duct-tape windows are a pretty common occurrence. Despite violating several vehicle visibility safety rules, duct tape is a popular “quick-fix” tool for automobile repair. However, if someone wanted to break into a car with a duct-tape window, all they would need is a simple pocketknife! As attractive as duct-tape might be, you may want to invest in having your window fixed instead.

I wonder what they keep in there? (Source)

This one stumped me…is the lock there to keep somebody in? or out? (Source)

Given that there is a zero security rating on having that type of lock on your car, it can only be assumed that the owner installed it simply to keep the door from blowing open.

This car is Burglar-Proof. (Source)

Padlocks are like duct tape, you can use it anywhere! (Source)

Either the trunk locking mechanism on this car is broken, or the owner is hiding something very, very mysterious in their trunk. Either way, installing a padlock on your car is a great way to stay classy!

No way any burglar can steer it now! (Source)

A subtle mix of class and security. There’s nothing like making a bold statement to burglars by chaining your steering wheel to your emergency brake. Let’s just hope you never have to make a quick getaway yourself!

When you fear that someone will steal your car, chain it to a stump?! (Source)

I don’t know what is more depressing, the fact that the owner thinks someone would WANT to steal this car, or that a potential thief might not be intelligent enough to use wire cutters…

A thief will just have to imagine that the key isn’t there… (Source)

Perhaps they assumed that nothing in their RV is really worth stealing. Or, more likely, they assumed that leaving the key in the lock would distract potential burglars with sheer stupidity!

At least they can’t get away without SOME damage to your car… (Source)

BIKE SECURITY

It’s okay, you’ll catch him when your pedals, seat and wheels show up on ebay. (Source)

The owner of the bike at least took a bit of effort to actually put the bike lock chain around the frame of the bike. However, that didn’t stop the law-abiding citizens of NYC from stealing the rest of his bike. For what purpose? Either they’re currently constructing an abstract art sculpture made of random bike parts, or they’re in enough of a financial rut to try pawning off bike seats.

Did the thief ride off on the bike like it was a unicycle? (Source)

Talk about depressing – Imagine coming back to pick up your bicycle and finding only a single wheel! This should be a good lesson – always have your bike securely fastened through the frame and both wheels of the bike. Never use a cable-lock, since even the “heavy duty” models can easily be sliced through in about 1 1/2 minutes with a hacksaw.

Anyone have a pair of wire-cutters? (Source)

This is a classic bike lock fail! Though the bike owner did purchase a secure “U-Lock” mechanism, notice that they only hooked it through a single, thin spoke on the wheel. With a small amount of force, the bike could be disingaged from the lock with minimal damage. Actually, a thief might even be able to ride the bicycle to escape the scene of the crime!

Never underestimate the power of a false sense of security. (Source)

The thought process of this person as they “locked” their bicycle must have been quite interesting! Perhaps they were late for a “Harry Potter” movie screening on campus. Maybe the cafeteria was running out of dumplings. Whatever the reason, there aren’t many words to describe this particular “Epic Bike Lock Fail”.

Seriously…why would you even take the time to lock your bike up here? (Source)

What makes this “bike lock fail” even worse, is that it’s so incredibly obvious! The temptation to steal a new bike might be enough to incite even honest people to take advantage of this person’s carelessness.

Somewhere, there is a man with very loose pants. (Source)

Now this is a bit creative. Someone had enough “ingenuity” to be carrying around a Master lock, but no bike lock. However, even though this Macgyver-like inventive bike lock does have a bit of creativity, disengaging this bicycle from its post would only require the use of a heavy-duty boxcutter.

Notice that the ends of the cable aren’t connected. (Source)

Well, at least the owner of this bike made an effort. However, as with all cable locking mechanisms, they are much, much more effective when both ends of the cable are attached – Just a quick tip.

In a bike model with a quick-release frame, this lock isn’t doing much good. (Source)

It’s entirely possible that a potential bike thief will have enough knowledge to identify a quick-release bike frame. Then again, one would think the owner would know better than to put a U-lock in between the wheel and the frame!

Sometimes you have to wonder what is going through people’s heads… (Source)

Not only is the bike lock made of plastic-coated metal (a big no-no), the bike can simply be lifted off of the post and ridden off. The sad thing is that even if this bike gets stolen, the owner will most likely still not learn their lesson.

DOOR SECURITY

Zombie style chair barricade! (Source)

When you are on a low budget, just use the wonderful things you have learned from every zombie apocalypse movie since the 1960′s. Metal chairs meet all of your security neeeds.

Oh, right, to lock the door, you first have to break the window. (Source)

Well it may not look pretty, but it sure gets the job done.

I’ll bet this doesn’t comply with standard fire safety codes. (Source)

If a burglar plans to escape through door, this may slow him down a bit. However, you might want to add an extra ten minutes on to getting to work each morning.

I don’t think it works as well when you leave the key in the lock. (Source)

MacGyver wouldn’t even dare… (Source)

Plastic chairs are such versatile security tools! Well, with everything in the store already 70% off, the criminals would only be getting away with the other 30%.

Some say this picture depicts Microsoft Windows security. (Source)

In retrospect, it might have been more effective to install the door after the hedges had grown. Now, for the next few months, people are going to be snapping pictures of your yard, and submitting them to failblog.

RANDOM SECURITY

This is definitely one of those things that you shouldn’t be advertising. (Source)

For the next five minutes, the security of this building will be left to the “honor system”. Please refrain from stealing, assaulting, burning or otherwise damaging any of the property herein.

Don’t worry, black duct tape is burglar-proof! (Source)

The best way to discourage cash-pilfering ninjas is to use duct tape! Everyone knows that duct tape is a ninja’s one weakness…

Next time, you should hire a more security-conscious locksmith. (Source)

Don’t worry, none of your employees will remember that new code. Instead, they’ve all got it saved in a memo file on their Blackberries.

Creative but… ineffective. (Source)

Judging from the handprints on this sign, the “Anti-Climbing” paint hasn’t been working out for them so far. Maybe they should install barbed wire instead.

The security system at that store must not have been very effective. (Source)

Remember those pesky security tags that always get in the way at the fitting room? Fear no more! If you’re like this woman, you can bypass the security system and simply walk out of the store wearing their merchandise. I wonder if the price tag is still on that lovely shirt?

An actual sign posted on the door of an office building. (Source)

What would you do, if you saw this note on the door of your workplace? Needless to say, knowing that in case of a fire, someone will be screaming “FIRE FIRE FIRE!” makes everyone feel a whole lot safer.

Locking the corner of a wall against itself is a great way to protect a room! (Source)

This particular ingenius lock is located at an educational institution. It can only be assumed that this is a school for gifted students, who wouldn’t know that locking a wall to itself isn’t the same as locking a door.

Hopefully your card number isn’t stored on this ATM. (Source)

When using an ATM, this is not exactly what you expect to see – The operating system isn’t even Windows 2000! If a thief has a bit of technical know-how, he may be able to snatch an early Christmas bonus.

Let’s just hope criminals are that gullible! (Source)

Nothing like leaving a note saying “This door is unlocked” for potential criminals to find. However, the personal message for robbers and rapists might actually work, provided that the criminal has an IQ under 60.

There’s no need for a security system, when you have a laser-eyed cat. (Source)

Talk about home security! Any thief looking to break through this door would think twice with that evil-eyed cat staring at him. However, it may still be much smarter to simply fix the door.

You don’t have to be able to think outside the box to figure this one out… (Source)

Perhaps the fence itself will be discouraging enough?

You picked the wrong job to catch a few Z’s at the office… (Source)

Protip: Don’t hire this guy to be your night security guard.

A security guard asleep on the job? How original! (Source)

Protip: Don’t hire this woman to be your daytime security guard.

I don’t think that was supposed to happen… (Source)

No wonder today’s hackers are getting lazy. The computers do it for them!

Always remember, your cat CANNOT be trusted! (Source)

Don’t underestimate your cat’s uber-hacking abilities. It’s always the one that you least suspect.