Even if you lock up at night and keep the lights on, it pays to understand how burglars actually get in. They have had a lot of practice, and most rely on the same handful of weak points. Here are the most common entry points and how to close them off.
Doors: Front, Back, and Side
Doors are the most common way in, and back and side doors are especially attractive because they are out of view. Use solid-core or steel exterior doors rather than hollow ones, install a quality deadbolt instead of relying on the knob lock, reinforce the strike plate, and use screws two to three inches long so the door cannot be kicked in at the frame.
Windows
First-floor windows are the next favorite, particularly ones hidden by landscaping. Keep windows locked, add secondary locks or pins, and trim shrubs so windows stay visible from the street. Glass-break and window vibration sensors add an electronic layer that triggers the alarm the moment someone tries to force one open.
Sliding Doors
Sliding patio doors can be lifted off their tracks or pried open. Drop a bar or dowel in the track, add an auxiliary lock, and cover them with a sensor so any movement sets off the alarm.
The Garage
An attached garage is a soft target: get inside and the intruder is hidden while they work on the door into the house. Keep the garage door closed and the opener secured, lock the interior door as if it were an exterior one, and add sensors to both.
Back It Up With a Monitored System
Hardening these entry points works best alongside a monitored alarm. Door, window, and glass-break sensors detect an attempt instantly, and with professional monitoring both you and the monitoring center are alerted so help can be on the way. Explore SafeTouch security packages or contact our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common ways burglars break in?
Most break-ins happen through the front, back, or side doors, followed by first-floor windows and the garage. Burglars favor unlocked or weak doors, windows hidden from view, and attached garages that connect to the house.
How do I secure my doors against break-ins?
Use solid-core or steel exterior doors, add a quality deadbolt, reinforce the strike plate, and use hinge and strike-plate screws two to three inches long so the door cannot be kicked in at the frame.
How can I secure my windows and sliding doors?
Keep windows locked, add secondary locks or pins, place a bar or dowel in sliding-door tracks, and add glass-break or window sensors that trigger the alarm if someone tries to force entry.
Does a security system help against forced entry?
Yes. Door and window sensors, glass-break detectors, and cameras detect entry attempts and, with monitoring, alert both you and the monitoring center so help can be dispatched immediately.