With smart home gadgets and budget-friendly tech, it’s never been easier to build your own DIY home security system. But easy doesn’t always mean effective. In fact, poorly planned setups can give homeowners a false sense of safety—while making their homes more vulnerable. From cameras that never recorded to fake signs that tipped off burglars, some DIY efforts have backfired in surprising ways. Here are eight DIY home security mistakes that actually made it easier for thieves to break in.
