Hardware show: Alarms, locks and other home security gear

An old adage says that security companies are always one step behind the bad guys. That hasn't kept the good guys from trying as evidenced by some of the home security items at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. Door locks with fingerprint recognition, motion-sensitive alarms, and a double-padlocked garden gate that allows you to pass through by only unlocking one are just some of the crook catchers on display.

For our report on Home Security, we tested door locks and also talked to cops and robbers about the 25 things you're doing wrong. Some missteps you can correct yourself, but for others you'll need a good lock or other security gear.

iTouchless BioMatic door lock. iTouchless Housewares & Products' $250 BioMatic BM002U Fingerprint deadbolt door lock opens by scanning a fingerprint, entering a passcode or using a key. But in our tests of door locks, it was among the easiest to defeat by picking, prying and wrenching, drilling and kick-ins.

BioLock. BioLock offers three models of door locks (starting at $249) that use fingerprint identification. In an emergency you can unlock the door with a key or with an external power source such as a battery. One model, the BioCode, hides the fingerprint-recognition screen behind a slide-up panel to keep a traditional look.

The Ultimate Gate Latch. Called "the latch that's always on your side," this $30 gate latch allows you to keep the gate padlocked on both sides. But when you need to pass through, you only have to unlock the padlock on one side and the other stays in place.

Doberman Security. These alarms don't bark like a dog but they do sound loud audible alarms when vibration or movement is detected in your house. Doberman sells a wide range of small alarm sensors that can be attached to windows and doors and also to portable electronic devices and tool boxes. The Infrared Home Defender SE-0104 ($20) can be placed anywhere in the home and sounds an alarm when movement occurs within 15 feet.

Mailboss. For $199, Mailboss promises a heavy 12- or 14-gauge steel mailbox with an anti-pry latch. The basic box can be mounted on an existing post, and there are larger models for packages.

—Gian Trotta