Is there a trick to putting together a home security system in California? Most experts would say it's no trick it all, only you have to try and cover as many bases as possible. The more work you do and the more you try and outthink the criminals out there, the tighter your security plan will be. Here are 5 tricks of the home security trade in California which you should consider implementing to get the job done.

1. Back up window sensors. A lot of window sensors work on the idea that a window will be broken and the sound will trigger a home alarm. If a thief removes the glass from the window without breaking it, the plan will fail. Back up your window sensors with a motion sensor that can remove the chance that your plan will backfire.

2. Install a dummy surveillance camera. Many people worry about spots around their property that are hard to see from the inside of the house. The only way to know what is happening for sure is to install a web of surveillance cameras. However, this can prove to be very pricy. The far cheaper (and trickier) method is to put a dummy camera up in a spot you consider to be vulnerable. The idea is to not make it too conspicuous. If someone can find it too easily, it might give away the fact that it's phony.

3. Use lights that sneak up on a prowler. Lights that stay on at all times are nice for different parts of your home security package, but the element of surprise in this area is often overlooked. Anyone trying to sneak up on your property will be shocked by overhead lights on motion sensors. Either way, no one wants to get close to a house with everyone in the area able to see exactly what he is doing. Though he is trying to sneak up on your house, your lights will turn the table.

4. Warn of a dog, whether or not one exists. The old signs which warn that a dog is lurking about are often overlooked. However, if there is indeed a violent dog living on your property, you can't say you didn't warn them. Actually, thieves who have a thing about dogs often will not run the risk of getting cornered by an angry canine. Want to keep the hoax going without a dog? Try a machine that also simulates the noise of a dog.

5. Put timers on lights and other electronic devices. Are you often out of your home and have no way of knowing what's happening? If so, you might want to get yourself a little added home security coverage by using timers. Light timers make it look like someone is around and can sometimes be programmed to work on random times which resembles the habits of people. Once you add timers to television sets or a stereo, you can really build the case that someone is at home.