1. The Front Door
It’s hard to believe that a thief could stroll into a house through the front door — yet statistics suggest that this is one of the most common entry points for criminals. 40% of break-ins involve forced entry, and 32% occur through access to an unlocked door. So how can you stop a burglar from coming in through your front door?- Install better locks and make sure you use them. It's common to forget about locking the door when you're in a rush or are running late for work.
- Put motion-detection lights to stop a burglar in their tracks. A bright light could be enough to deter an attempt at breaking in.
- Upgrade to a sturdier front door so that forced entry is less likely.
- Use cameras in difficult-to-reach places around the door, and connect them to a monitored alarm system.
- Don't hide your spare keys in obvious places around the front door — and this goes for other entry points to your home, too.
2. Garage Doors
An attached garage is a nice commodity, but it's also one of the most likely entry points for a burglar. The garage is easier to access due to flimsy garage doors and unreliable locks. To help burglar-proof your garage door, you can do the following:- Remove any valuables that you don't need to keep in the garage. Your garage is not the space where you should be storing your gun safe or other prized possessions.
- Upgrade the locks on the garage door and any doors from the garage that connects to the rest of your home.
- Install cameras that span the full length of your driveway.
3. Windows
Your windows are some of the most fragile parts of your home. First-floor windows in a home are the second most common entry point after the front door. Many of us leave windows unlocked in the belief that they'd be too difficult to access from the street. If you have tall trees or climbing points that lead to the upper floor of your home, make sure you never leave the windows open when you're away. Remember to:- Install and use locks on every window.
- Use unbreakable glass to reduce your risk of burglary.
- Keep home safes and valuables out of view so criminals can't see them through the window.
- Remove vegetation that could help hide a burglar attempting to access your home through a window.
4. Patio or Sliding Doors
Patio and sliding doors are often located at the back of a home, which means that they're out of view — and easier for thieves to access. Because your neighborhood watch won't be looking at the back of your home, a burglar can take their time breaking into your property without the worry of detection. These doors are commonly left open so that dogs can run around during the day or for extra home ventilation. To protect your sliding doors and conservatory entry-points:- Install locks and double-check them before leaving the house.
- Add dowels to the tracks of sliding doors for extra security.
- Use unbreakable glass when possible.
- Install cameras to monitor rear entry points.
- Use motion sensor lights.