I also use the pole device (but I always check a bag). In addition, I have 2 little battery operated motion sensor lights - this also helps when I have to stumble to the bathroom to pee in the middle of the night (I actually use these at home now too). And last, but not least, my FREE alarm - empty red strip bottle balanced on the door knob/window sill - this may take some practice, especially if you just finished emptying said red stripe bottles.

I also keep my laptop in an anti thief bag and my other valuables (cell, mp3 player, wallet, cash, passport, etc...) in the room safe. It takes me a couple of minutes?? to do my nightly thief prevention dance. No big deal. If a thief breaks in - Lights go on, beer bottles crash to the floor, I wake up - and he'll most likely try and grab anything (which would be nothing of value) and run. All that, IF he gets past the security pole. I feel safe enough. I am not going to WORRY about it, it's not going to prevent me from living my life, I'm just gonna be smart-er about it. A few inexpensive (and some free) security devices and a few minutes putting my stuff away at night (to be honest - most of that stuff stays locked up whenever I'm not using it.)

OK. There's my 2 cents.



Security Pole - also works for those sliding glass doors.
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-26.../dp/B0002YUX8I

Laptop Bag (this model is currently unavailable from amazon)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Motion Lights
http://www.amazon.com/Maxxima-MLS-01...nsor+LED+Light