As a single female living alone, I know your concerns well.

They have lots of solutions at your local do-it-yourself stores. Door security bars (Below is an image link) and also patio door bars.

You can also get an alarm that is motion-censored from one of those stores for less than $20. No installation; just a unit that you put on your wall and at least you will be alerted if someone enters.

Good luck.

http://www.google.com/products?q=motion+sensored+alarm&hl=en&aq=f

http://www.google.com/products?q=door+security+bar&hl=en&aq=0&oq=door+sec

Move somewhere else.

Or get burglar bars installed as well as a security system. Maybe a large dog that you walk as much as possible so everyone knows you have it.

My grandma sleeps with wasp spray next to her bed. I dunno about that but sounds like it couldn't hurt.

1. are you in DC? go to crimemap.dc.gov
get a realistic sense of what crime is in your area.

2. get a door guard and and a deadbolt. sure these things can be hacked through but they could dissuade the petty criminal.

3. meet your neighbors. figure out who's nice and will watch your back and let them know that you'll watch theirs and let them borrow an egg. say hi and be friendly with the people in the neighborhood.

4. enjoy your new home! relax!

Go to a hardware store and ask about their options for upping the security of your home.

Motion sensor lights that would trigger if anyone came in the house after you've gone to bed are a plus.

Get a "Protected by ADT" sticker to put on all the windows and a little sign to put next to the front door. Even if you don't have a security system, people who don't come in your home don't know that!

Take a self defense class, or start lifting weights. Stop living in a culture of fear!

If you aren't in a high crime area, bars on the window may be more dangerous than not having them. Think about how you might get out of the place if there was a fire.

If you weren't moving into a studio, I'd say get a dog.

Get bars for the windows and a metal door with a lock for the door and a deadbolt for the door. Put up security signs.

Stuff happens in every neighborhood. I would not let favorable crime stats lull you into a false sense of security.

I like MrMcFacekick's idea of not living in a culture of fear. Statistically more violent crimes and homicides happen to males.

Get a Medeco deadbolt. I saw a piece on Dateline or some other trashy news source (so it must be true!) that standard locks are easy to open with a ghost key. In addition to the things already mentioned, get a couple timers for your inside lights/radio that have a random setting.

I think the best 'weapon' I've heard of for self defense is keeping an air horn near your bed. Not deadly, but could certainly scare the you-know-what out of an intruder. And if your own car is parked nearby and has a remote key with an alarm, you could probably trigger it through the window if you needed to get attention.

If you are having a worker come over (like, to install the deadbolt) have some male clothing around and use "we" when speaking about yourself.

That said, I think the best method of deterring crime is to have some street smarts and not walk around fearing for your life. Confidence in body language goes a long way toward preventing someone from messing with you - they want easy targets.

She can't put up bars or change the door; it's a rental unit.

If you don't have a pet that would trigger the motion sensor alarm, you could go with that. The alarm company stickers are also a good idea.

Make sure your windows actually lock and that your curtains/blinds are effective at keeping someone from peering in at you. Maybe your landlord would allow you to put up temporary frosted window cling.

I lived in a bad area of Chicago alone as a female. I lived in absolute fear that turned into numbness, but that never means it got any safer - I just felt numb to it. I suggest you ditch this place, because your only other alternative is putting up fake alarm company stickers on your window (doesn't work) or having your curtains closed pretty much all the time (depressing). it's not worth it. Take it from someone who's done this for 3 years - after that, all you ever want is a safe building in life.

I agree with Terry -- be careful what kind of gates/bars you install to keep people out, because they could also trap you in a fire. The alarm system is a good idea -- I have one on my rental fire escape in case someone decides to climb up. Also, most buildings do let you make changes like locks and bars because it usually ups the value of the unit. If you want to install three extra locks and leave them when you move out, what tenant would complain about that?

I hear ya! I once lived in a converted warehouse on Detroit’s east side. The space had a crap lock and a hollow core door, but I felt safe on the third floor. Until the 2nd floor tenant moved out and sublet to a crack dealer who turned it into a blind pig on the weekends. My dad installed an awesome security system consisting of L-brackets screwed securely into the floor and wall studs, and 2x4s (think of the bar holding a barn door shut). Plus I got a dog—he was small but was part coon hound so he sounded like an angry bear when he barked. When the vice squad raided the building and searched all the lofts (I think they knocked, then shoulder shoved the doors in) mine was the only loft they didn’t actually get into. Actually, I think the dog barking was a bigger deterrent than than the door blockade.

Often the perception of crime in low-to-moderate income areas is a lot worse than the actual crime - I live in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada, but it's also a pretty safe area for most things. Lots of families live in low-income areas and are just as concerned with safety for their kids and those around them -- the vast majority of low-income people are law-abiding.

As far as layout, can you put a thorny plant in a not-expensive-looking planter outside under any of the windows? (If they sell barberry thats a good super-spiky one though I hear it's illegal). (Fill the bottom with a sack of gravel so it's hard to move/tip and you get good drainage)

Do the obvious, easy things - frosted window film so people can't see in, a pair of men's work boots/flannel jacket by the door, security stickers, a small dog with a loud bark if you can get one (daschunds are one). Wear a purse with a strap that goes across your body, not a hand-held one. Don't wear flashy designer labels or tons of bling, get a basic black peacoat, etc. Get to know your neighbours - that's huge. We have a seniors building across the street - fantastic eyes who see everything!!! And again, many families, both who have lived here for generations and recent immigrants - they want a good neighbourhood too.

Speak with your landlord about swapping out the lock for a different one -if you pay for it and give them a key it's likely a possibility with most landlords.

Other than that, keep your head high, look people in the eye, and walk confidently. And unless the neighbourhood is truly very very unsafe, you should be just fine.

clarification - I hear Barberry is now illegal in my city in Ontario, Canada - I don't know about any of the States, or if it's just a local or provincial thing here

I think your best bet is to have an alarm system installed. Check with your landlord, but most should be fine with something like this. There are a lot of different systems out there, so do your research before signing up.

You should definitely get a better lock for your door. Again, you don't necessarily need anything fancy, but it should be a key lock (not a thumb lock) and installed properly. Any landlord that doesn't allow you to install a deadbolt lock on a first-floor door is crazy. They even make locks that can be keyed to match your existing lock, so that shouldn't be a barrier.

The biggest thing is understanding that you can't fully eliminate risk. If you're in such a risky neighborhood that you're afraid every night in your own home, are you just as scared in the parking lot or walking home from work? There's no rental deal that's worth sacrificing peace of mind. At the same time, you need to be realistic - I live way out in the country on a four acre lot. There's still nothing to keep anyone from walking up to my windows and doors (and we have a LOT of them).

Install some really good, heavy duty locks. Check with your landlord first and tell him/her your concerns about being a woman living alone and see what kind of security options he/she offer.

And I agree with everyone else who suggested you get a dog. They are amazing deterrents of crime. I live in the city and I have a black lab. I cannot tell you how many shady characters we've passed on the streets and they take a wide berth of us. Also, it is well known that even experienced burglars will usually not touch a house or apartment if there is a dog that lives there. Security systems are easy to get around, dogs are not. I suggest getting a nice sized breed, like a lab or shepard. Then watch lots of episodes of The Dog Whisperer to help train it, haha.

Insist your landlord install fire-safe bars and a deadbolt. It's a first-floor apartment, you should have them.

As someone said above, definitely talk about your homelife in terms of "we". Even when I had a live-in bf (in DC) I found that "my boyfriend" did not discourage harassment. When I just said "fiance" (a total lie) that generally did the trick.

One little thing that will make it harder for your average deadbeat to break in with no serious alterations is (if you have windows that slide either direction) to get 2x4's that go between the sliding pane and the sill. It's minimal, but the cops I know all do that as a matter of course in their own homes.

Read "Beauty Bites Back" by Ellen Snortland. Take a self-defense class.

With two windows being so close to the front door a deadbolt is a must-have. I would suggest a double-keyed one if that is not illegal in your area.

I would be more concerned over access via the kitchen window. I would put some glass shelves across it. Actually I would put glass shelves on all the windows and lots of twiddly knick-knacks on them. No burglar is going to want to crash thru that, but if they are stupid enough to do so, you've heard them coming a long time ago.

If concealed carry is legal where you live and you would be ready, willing, and able to use it, then I suggest a firearm instead of a dog.

cheap and effective: get broomsticks cut to length and use them to brace the windows and the sliding doors. Even if someone pops a lock on a window, they're not going to be able to open it if a broomstick is wedged in such a way that the window can't be opened w/out removing it.

If you need a quick 'n dirty alarm system, get some of those motion-detector Halloween thingies that make truly awful sounds. No burglar wants to think they are breaking into the home of a lunatic LOL

I would absolutely ask the landlord to install a deadbolt. You need one. The security system sticker is also a good idea.

Oh, and I'd make sure that you have curtains and close them when you're out of the house, just to keep the curiosity level down and keep people from being able to scope out your stuff as they walk by.

If you are "terribly worried," I would move. Explain to your landlord your safety concerns. If the landlord cannot or will not accommodate them with an adequate alarm system, I would find another place. Safety is NOT something I would compromise. It is a non-negotiable in my book.

I've been broken into twice...in Takoma Park!

Alarm systems are for crap - they're there and gone in no time flat.

I didn't feel safe until I got a dog. Some folks say any dog will deter intruders, but personally, having a big, scary looking dog, or at least a scary sounding dog (my current baby is a marshmallow, but she's got a convincing grumble), or at least an enormous poop by the back door seems to give me peace of mind.

The good news is that some large dogs are couch potatoes and don't need a lot of space or exercise. Go for a Great Dane.

Like the broomstick and 2x4 idea - I used white tension rods from Target ($2-$4 each) to keep the sash from opening. You can't really see them, but anyone who broke a window would not be able to open it and get frustrated since they could not even see what was blocking it (I tucked the tension rod to the side). Definitely get blinds or film to make it impossible for people to tell if you are home. Lamps on timers, too. And the motion alarm would help me sleep. Even better, thought would be motion activated light above your door and windows so that anyone out there at night is instantly illuminated. Home Depot has many options for this that you could install without damaging the rental.

You don't need to be Fort Knox, just a relatively unattractive/inconvenient place to break into.

But, really, how will you enjoy living there? Sees like you rented the wrong place if you have to spend every day with blinds drawn, windows closed, and cowering in a corner with a can of bugspray and a horn!

If you get to the point where you have to change your dress or the way you would decorate your apt. it's time to think about moving to another place where fear of what might happen doesn't overtake your life. Cause in the end, cheaper rent isn't worth it.

Take a gun safety class, go to a gun store and buy a revolver.

All the alarm systems in the world aren't going to help you when things get down to it.

I had a fire-department approved gate installed on a window that opened onto the fire escape when I lived in NYC. It was an ugly thing, but it worked. It had bars that crisscrossed diagonally, and they scissored together when you opened the gate. The latch used for opening it was made of something that didnt heat in a fire.

That being said, if I were you I'd move. That gate was really ugly, and I think you shouldn't live in that kind of fear. Think of it this way: if your daughter were to move into that place would you be happy about it?

this takes the cake. you made a choice to live alone, so don't pretend you have a man around. get a deadbolt and have the super install it. get thick wooden dowels cut at the hardware store and jam then into your window frames. that will discourage the petty criminal. anyone coming in while you are likely to be home is called a "home invader." that sort of criminal is the most dangerous b/c they are willing to kill. it's highly unlikely such a person would target a single chick in a studio. they'd aim for a wealthy family house.

from the bottom of my heart: look up the nearest model mugging/prepared inc center and take a women's basics class. in five weeks you will properly educated in crime against women and enlightened on what is simply paranoid nonsense.

I echo the "DO NOT LIVE IN A CULTURE OF FEAR" sentiment. But, since you want to take precautions, look into getting a temporary alarm system (you can buy them that go off if someone opens a window or door) and one of these guys: http://www.amazon.com/Buddybar-10311-Door-Jammer/dp/B002BQ4VBU. Seriously, they work.

I lived in an apartment on the first floor of a building with old windows that had locks that only "sort of" worked, and doors that my neighbors left propped open. I invested in a 6-cell maglite to keep in the drawer of my nightstand, because 1) it's handy if there's ever a power outage and 2) it's heavy enough to do some damage.

If you're really concerned, then you should definitely look into self-defense classes. Many women's shelters offer them for low prices. I understand that sometimes financial circumstances dictate where you live more than anything else, but if you have no other choice, it's best to be prepared.

And @Nesagwa: you're better off with a shotgun. A handgun's bullets go through walls very easily, particularly in older buildings, or they ricochet in buildings with concrete walls. A shotgun blast, although less damaging to the potential assailant, offers two things: safety to your neighbors, and the warning to the potential assailant created by the pumping action of the shotgun. Most assailants, upon hearing that noise, are going to scram, and then there's no messy police inquiry into why there's a dead man in your apartment :)

Also, I'm not advocating buying a gun, just pointing out the misconception that a handgun is the best weapon for self-defense (ridiculous).

There are many many different kinds of secondary window locks that are invisible to someone wishing to break in and do you harm. Some have keys and work like a deadbolt, some are just an additional pin that sinks down into the window frame. These are readily available at any home improvement store. The broomstick/dowel works excellently for a sliding glass door that you don't use often.

Ask your landlord to do these modifications, or ask before you do them yourself, but since you're on the 1st floor, they should be OK with it.

I live in a rental in Ontario, Canada - I have never once in all my moves been denied adding extra locks to my doors. There is a great one available here (so you must have them in the States too) - it is a chain lock with a twist. If the door is open and the chain lock moves over past a certain point, it triggers an alarm that sounds like a fire alarm - which can be heard many apartments away. Stats prove more people respond to a fire alarm (or yelling fire) than they do for "help". In Canada, these chain alarms are appx. $25. Also - since you are facing the parking lot - this must afford your apt. extra light so it should help to deter anyone from your doors or windows.

My landlords have always let me install extra locks. I really like the ones that screw into the jamb and then flip over. You only do work to the jamb (so if it has to be removed its less noticeable) plus it's harder to push out if someone's at the door (direction of screws doesn't match direction of force).

While home security stickers might not work (a lot of people have fakes), I've found NRA stickers do the job nicely. No, I don't have a gun, but it doesn't hurt for people to think I do/am willing to use it.

I agree about the alarm systems. Most stores have those for under $20 and they just stick on - no screw holes.

Also, make sure the area by your windows/doors is well-lit. If it's not, talk to your landlord. That's a reasonable request.

And I don't think you need to keep your blinds shut constantly. Just shut them at night, when you have lights on and it's really easy to see in. If you're worried during the day, get some bamboo shades or sheers - they don't keep outside eyes out during the night, but they work great during the day for privacy while still letting light in.

The dowel, 2x4 ideas are good ones. If you want something stronger, go to your hardware store and ask for a metal "charley bar" (although this may only work for sliding doors, you might be able to find something similar for your windows).

As has been said several times here, get a deadbolt lock installed on your door.

As for the windows, there are companies that manufacture a security/storm damage film that is applied to the windows and makes them very difficult to break. I would also install window stops to prevent the sashes from being lifted, or lifted beyond a certain height, if the window is open for ventilation. There are several different types of stops, from the cut broomstick handle, to window to window sash pins, to stops that clamp on or screw into the window track. Opening a double-hung sash window at the top rather than the bottom could also increase safety since the open sash may be out of the thief or intruder's reach. Again use some sort of stops to prevent opening of the sash.

As for theft issues, get a tenants insurance policy.

Good Luck!

I posted above, of course the landlord has to be involved with any and all. As for living in the culture of fear, I tried that once. I lived in a safe neighborhood in DC, DuPont Circle. One morning at 3 AM I woke up to see a male teen trying to break in several inches from my bed. My windows had bars, he was trying to remove them. I screamed, he fled. The police took 45 minutes to respond to my call.

OK, sure, you should get the landlord to install a deadbolt, and make sure your windows lock. And, you know, pull your curtain before changing at night.

However, I'm also a single woman who has lived alone in the city for 8 years, including some sketchy areas, and I've never been afraid for my safety. My first apartment ever was basement level with a window onto the street. I often opened the window while I was inside, cooking or doing homework or whatever, and I had a deadlock on the door but rarely used it. I can't stress enough that if you are "terrified" or if you are uncomfortable walking on the street in your area, you won't be happy. If I had felt like I couldn't open my windows, that tiny place would have been a nightmare! Personally, I try to avoid situations that make me uncomfortable -- but I also try to remember the world isn't that scary. You said you were looking for "comforting words", so I hope this helps you. Keep your head up, smile, and carry mace :)

Check with the landlord to see if you can possibly install a dead bolt lock (or they may be willing to) - I don't see why they'd have a huge problem with it, but they won't be okay with you freaking out and installing three because you just wrecked their door. I actually wouldn't get one that uses your current key - someone who wants to break in gets a copy of your key and they now can open both locks with ease.

Don't put anything under the windows that will just successfully help someone get into your house (ottoman, low shelf, etc since it'll just be a nice step for them). I'd fill the window sills with cheap breakables or anything that would make a lot of noise as it hits the ground.

Just don't get a gun - statistically it will more than likely either be used to hurt you since the burglar found it first or you wind up shooting a friend who decided to stop by late. If you feel the need to have a weapon, put a ball bat by your bed - in my case I have a knife. At least to use either I need to be closer and would see if it's someone I know...granted I'd also be close enough to hurt them, but that's why you should either get a friend to teach you to fight or take some self defense classes.

Most of the time all of us are being way overprotective and scared...more than likely everything will just be fine :). I agree with the poster above - you are a single female living in a studio, so unless you are literally talking about the expensive stuff you own or leaving all shades and curtains open when you're not home, a thief is going to pick a bigger place where they think they will actually get at least a little money out of it.

I am actually looking a ground floor unit and first step is to ensure my privacy: with these http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/window-coverings/privacy-please-covering-half-the-window-064003. and there are few good tips online I am investing these:

The LAMP AND APPLIANCE TIMER can keep up the illusion that someone is in your apartment even when there's no one there at all! The lamp and apppliance timer is used to turn on lamps, stereos, and other applainces in a pre-set period of time and then turn them off afterwards.
The MOTION DETECTING LIGHT also helps in keeping up the pretense that someone is home. This device detects any movement in an area and automatically switches the light on and off (when all movement is gone). This is especially useful if you have a pet that'll help in turning the lights on and off.
DOOR ENTRY CHIMES have also proven their worth by signalling that a person has opened the door. Naturally, it'll scare the burglars a little and think that maybe someone's nearby and heard the chimes.

Get to know your neighborhood. Be KNOWN. Eat in the local eateries, even the fast food places. Nothing integrates you into a new neighborhood faster psychologically. Besides springing for a good lock on the door and those window locks that limit the opening of a window and drawing your curtains at night this is where you live, unless you move. The only other thing you can change is your attitude. Use common sense. Meet your neighbors' eyes, smile and say hello: belong. The world is fuller of good people than bad.

I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH: get a door security bar. Surprised it hasn't been suggested yet.

It's a metal rod; one end fits under your doorknob, and the other braces against the floor when you are home. Here's a video of one in use (I'm not promoing this company, but it is a TV ad): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luC_NnyMB1I

They are less than $20, work like a deadbolt, and really work. My dad got me one when I lived on my own for the first time.

And that studio apartment - which was on a fourth floor in a great safe neighborhood, with a deadbolt, did get robbed one day when I was at work. I was super-grateful, in the day or two before the deadbolt was replaced, that I had that bar.

um, clickable link to security bar video.

I wouldn't live in this kind of set up if you paid me. As a single female, it's not worth it.
Ditch it and find a place that is at least on the 3rd floor. Anything below that and it's the same as ground level - with all the same problems. You should be at least able to get a good night sleep without worrying about who is looking in your windows, etc. This place is just not worth it.

I agree with the idea of getting wooden dowels cut at a hardware store to put in your windows. My building was recently broken into (not my apartment, thank goodness, as I was home at the time), and we all have taken this extra precaution following the incident.

I imagine in a lot of cases, the person or people robbing you probably don't even know who lives in your apartment or what you have, they're just looking for an opportunity. I have lived in bad areas in Manhattan and never had a problem until I moved to the suburbs. It can happen anywhere, and you're smart for wanting to be prepared and make yourself feel more secure.

You should just buy a gun. There's a great website (see link below) that can give you an idea of what to buy. Or if you don't want to spend the money you could always set up traps like Kevin McAllister did in the Home Alone movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr-XpgtGMXY

It is not a culture of fear - it is a culture of reality. I would never want myself or any woman I love to live in the type of situation you describe. I'm not someone who watches crime shows or the local news. I have lived in very low income neighborhoods and in higher income neighborhoods. It does not matter. Nothing about these remedies sounds safe or smart enough for me.

If you are in a situation that others think warrants taking judo or owning a gun - that is a big red flag. Moving and breaking a lease is a horrible pain in the ass. But so is fear. Or worse, having your home and or your body invaded.

I put a bell on my door to signal its opening & closing. You could put a bunch of windchimes in your window.

Oh, and I agree about low crime in a low income area. Our neighbors don't have anything anyone would want to steal, robbers go up a few blocks to where the lawns a manicured. Think about buying a lot of bells & windchimes though, they are cheery.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

I'm not getting a gun, or a dog. And I'm not finding another place to live... other than being ground-level this apartment is exactly what I've wanted!
I checked the crime records for the neighborhood and I'm happy to say that it looks good! There are some petty crimes here and there but nothing major. The complex is across the street from a high school and large shopping center.
I'm going to talk to the landlord about installing better locks, and I'll definitely brace the windows so they can't be opened without breaking the glass. I think the air-horn was my favorite idea... I'll wake up the whole building and scare the crap out of the intruder!!

I think I'm just being paranoid about having my home invaded at night, and I don't want to be an easy target. Your suggestions have been very helpful :)

Your question resonated with me because I have been the domestic abuse victim. After an attempted murder, I had him imprisoned. He is now out, and despite restraining orders, and court ordered stay away orders, I am terrified at night.

Whether another poster here agrees or disagrees with my feelings is irrelevant to me as my fears are valid.

So are this poster’s fears.

To tell a single woman living alone to not give into a culture of fear is IMHO naïve and misguided. I also don’t think it’s helpful to tell her to move, as she may not have the financial resources to afford a better neighborhood, I know I don’t.

This is a question of safety and ultimately of surviving a possible break in and attack.

Call your police department’s non emergency line, it’s in the yellow pages. Explain the situation. Depending on what state you’re in, they should have someone stop by and do a security check or sweep of your apartment. Get their name and badge # and also find out what the precint/district and who the Sgt. is.

Ask THE COPS what you should do to secure your unit. I have found when armed with police comments about safety, that a reluctant landlord will suddenly respond. It is the landlord’s legal responsibility to ensure tenant safety. If you are injured in an attack, you could possibly sue him/her and find them liable.

In my case, I have deadbolts in the tops, sides, and bottoms of all my doors, and had bulletproof glass (relax, everyone! It’s bulletproof because they are the only ones that are shatterproof) installed in the windows that were super easy egress. My landlord paid for all of it.

Don’t be stupid, like leaving doors unlocked, don’t get undressed in front of an open window…etc.

As for the rest of the suggestions, okay get a dog, get a gun, get a knife too if you want, but once they’re in-you are in much greater danger than if you could keep them out in the first place.

Don’t be stupid, like leaving doors unlocked, don’t get undressed in front of an open window…etc.

I have a solution thats much easier and cheaper than most of these above. I got it from travel book for women traveling alone. Just buy one or two of those triangular rubber door stoppers, and stomp it into place when you are alone in your apartment. A deadbolt and chain lock will also be good if you don't already have them, but a door stop. It will help.

"other than being ground-level this apartment is exactly what I've wanted!"

It is a bit irritating to read this quote from the person who posed the question. Isn't being on ground-level the entire reason for your safety concerns? If being on ground level isn't that big of a deal to you, then why bother asking the question?

I once moved after my down the hall neighbor was shot in the head on our doorstep. It was quite a wake up call. I had thought I couldn't afford to live elsewhere, but when push comes to shove it is amazing how resources and other options can be found.

@betteroffnow. May I ask what city you live in? (If you don't feel comfortable divulging I totally understand.) I think you had a great idea about calling the non-emergency cop line and asking them to come to your house to give you safety tips. Given the financial disarray of most cities these days, I would assume they don't have the money or police force to make these types of calls. I couldn't even get the cops to come to my house last year to help the woman that jumped into my car as my husband and I were driving past her being assaulted by a stranger in the bushes. The bastard sat in the park down the street for an hour and a half, we called the cops four times and even drove to the station and they never came to our street, our house, or to help the girl.

I once dated a former thief. He said anything that slowed down a thief increased the chance of getting caught. If they encounter an obstacle that slows them down, they move on to an easier target. Your best protection is having neighbors who don't take precautions.

Look up security devices for travelers who want to secure hotel rooms. Those will be easy to install and removable without a trace.
http://www.specialtyalarms.com/site/1313932/page/470320
http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Jaw-Security-1001-Polished/dp/B000RZQAPM
http://store.winner-intl.com/household-security-c13.aspx

just to clarify my earlier comment: i'm not advising her to be naive. i'm advising her to educate herself on crime against women so that she does not have to give into "a culture of fear." basic information will equip her to truly understand her own instincts and to accurately perceive situations so that she is not cowering from her own imagination. giving in to "a culture of fear" is naive. knowledge is the only antidote.

two things gave me that knowledge: prepared inc nyc and "the gift of fear" by gavin debecker. that course and that book gave me a new lease on life.

"i wish you all a long and happy life." - "the lovely bones"

I've learned the hard way to trust my instincts & I would advice anyone to do the same. People like to think that crime only happens in "bad" neighborhoods, which they define by income levels. That's a snobbish attitude. Every evening on the news some one says "things like that don't happen in this neighborhood." But it just did!
Trust your instincts; they are given to us for a reason. Saving money is not as important as saving your life. I live alone too so I understand your situation. I don't live in an attitude of fear, but I also don't put myself in jeopardy! And attitude counts too, carry yourself like you belong and can handle any problem. Don't walk around looking like a victim. Ask the police, they will tell you the same thing. Good Luck &God Bless.

If the windows are wood, screw them shut from the inside. Also, if you have double-hung windows, you can buy a thick wood dowel from the hardware store, cut it to size and wedge it into the top portion of the window so the bottom portion can't be raised.

of course, only screw the windows shut if they're not needed for an emergency exit

WIRELESS Motion Sensored Lights. I'd use Command sticky tapes to secure (sort of) them.

I found a two pack online for ~ $35, but I'm sure your local big box or hardware store has something similar.

http://1000bulbs.com/product/3875/MRB-MB542.html

Also - a can of WASP spray could come in handy. You can spray someone from across the room. I also like the idea of an air horn.

I might be alone in this suggestion, as it is not about actual safety, but *perception* of such. I live in a studio, and the thing that always bothered me is being able to see the front door. It does not make me feel safe to be "exposed" to the entrance. So I always arranged the space so there would be a small entryway, separated by a shelf or a screen. In my mind, if someone I did not invite were to enter my apartment, I would have an extra second of warning before they see me, and would be able to take better action, be it hiding or attacking. But that's just me...I've never been comfortable with the American architectural style of entering right into a living space.

My first advice would be to find another apartment- one that isn't ground level.

I had a friend in a similar situation to yours. I really tried to dissuade her but she ending up purchasing a gun.

Although I continue to protest, it does appear that she is more confident with her living and dating situations. And sometimes that makes all the difference.

If you feel this is an acceptable route I would suggest a Taser device. There are much lower legal ramifications and paperwork. They are also specifically designed for self defense situations- for example, if you are forced to use it, Taser will send you replacement cartridges (and sometimes an entire new model) after they review the police report and verify that it was self-defense.

Like everyone else has suggested,
- window alarms and door chimes are a good idea
- if you have a bike, put it right behind the door
- try to avoid predictable sleep patterns: if your lights always go out the same time every night, it makes it easy for people to plan something
- definitely get to know your neighbors and community

Whatever you do, don't change who you are. It's just not worth it.

Take a dozen donuts to your local police precinct and let them know you've just moved into the neighborhood and wanted to say "hi".

The donut comment made me chuckle!

I appreciate all the comments, I actually feel much less paranoid and I'm definitely using some of your suggestions. I think that bracing the windows and putting some noisy knick-nacks on the window sills will help me sleep better at night. I won't worry about the little noises here and there... there won't be a quiet way into my apartment!!

I spoke to the landlord and they have no problem with me installing locks, so long as they have a copy of the key in my file. I've heard of maintenance and even office staff using this to their advantage, so I will use a rubber door stop at night. I also have this beautiful vintage bell I'll attach to the door. Hopefully it won't sound like I'm walking into a convenience store, lol!

Not sure if these ideas have already been mentioned, but here are two thoughts.

1. We purchased an alarm door stop from Circuit City a couple years back for ~$15. Ugly metal/plastic thing, but you stick it under a (closed) door, turn it on, and if the door is opened it will emit a piercing alarm. They also sold stick-on window alarms: one piece goes on the jamb and one on the window; the alarm sounds when the two are separated (when the window opens). A RadioShack or similar store may also carry these items.

2. My husband swears by Surefire flashlights - he keeps them by the bed and always travels with one. They're called self defense flashlights because they're bright enough to temporarily blind a person. Expensive, but probably worth it if it gives you additional piece of mind.

get a taser.
get two.
I have one in my room and the other taped behind the fridge which is at the other side of the house.

mrsyeager- Please tell me you're joking...if not, you do need to realize screwing any window shut is a fire hazard. Have fun when your house is on fire and you are trying to get out whichever window you deemed safe enough not to screw shut.

BetterOffNow - Sorry you were in a bad situation once, but I seriously doubt many landlords would agree to allow you to install THREE deadbolts on your door unless you agreed to pay for a whole new door at the end of your lease since it's going to scare off tenants when you move since it's obsessive. Beyond asking a cop what to do and telling her not to get a gun, you're comments are paranoid.

Don't peek out using those worthless chain slide bolt locks. Second floors often are no safer than first floors. Be prepared regardless of location--bad guys have cars. My sister's dog got a pointed stick rammed down its throat and nearly died when it confronted a burglar, but the burglar didn't enter her home.