55% of all burglars enter homes though an unlocked door. Yes 55%. Just by locking your door you cut your chances of being burglarized in half. Strengthening your doors and adding a deadbolt is the next best things to do before investing in surveillance cameras or alarm systems.
Door Security Checklist
Make sure:
- All Exterior doors should be locked at all times with a deadbolt lock
- Exterior doors, including enclosed visiting areas, porches, and vestibule doors should be protected.
- All Doors are solid hardwood or metal and have secure, tamper proof locks
- The Door Frame is of equal quality to the door and fits snugly
- All lock bolts extend at least on inch into a secure strikeplate
- Door hinges are inside the door not outside. (Consider the use of Hinge Bolts)
- All outside Entrances have a 180 degrees Peephole
- Glass Panels near locks are fitted with security Glass
- Glass doors and wood paneled doors should be equipped with double cylinder locks
- Patio and sliding glass doors should be secured with patio door locks, and/or a security beam and/or shatterproof panes.
- Consider Cane bolts and sliding hasps as an inexpensive auxiliary interior locking device for the garage.
- Automatic garage door openers should be turned off when gone for long periods.
- The Door connecting the house and Garage has a secure deadbolt lock
- The Garage door has a secure lock that isn’t connected to the automatic door opener.
- Roof openings, Sky lights, old coal chutes, and exhaust vents are lockable, and kept locked.
Window Security Checklist
The main focus with windows is to permanently secure all windows not required for ventilation or emergency exits. Generally, an intruder will not choose to break a window due to the noise factor and risk of personal injury. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they wont use a glass cutter to remove a small piece of the window so they can unlock it from the inside.
Make Sure:
- All windows are fitted with storm glazing and secure locking mechanisms
- Windows have dowels or stop pins.
- Basement windows are fitted with security glass and strong locking mechanisms
- Window air conditioning units are securely bolted in and anchored.
- Window for ventilation should be lockable in closed and partially open positions
By securing the entrance ways to your home you drastically reduce your chances of being victimized by an opportunistic criminal.
Door and window security are to be used as part of a complete home security plan