Relying on standard door locks

A door with only a handle lock is an easy mark for a crook with a plastic credit card, so add a good-quality deadbolt at each entry. The best require a key on the outside and incorporate a thumb latch on the inside. For doors with glass near the lock, also use a key lock on the inside so a burglar cannot reach in and open the door. Keep the key in a known spot near the door or use in an emergency exit situation. Further, strengthen every locking system by substituting long, heavy-duty screws for those provided by the manufacturer.

No matter which lock you choose, the lock is only as strong as the door itself, which is generally weakest around the lock. To make doors more secure, add a decorative door reinforcement plate (about $10) or use metal doors.

Secure your patio door by adding a patio bar, which can stop the inside door from sliding open or being pried off if the lock is broken. A sturdy piece of wood strategically placed in the open track may also improve door security.

When leaving home for day trips or longer, keep your garage closed to intruders by inserting a large stove bolt through one of the side track holes to prevent doors from being slid open.

Install a wide-angle (200-degree) peephole in your front door so that you can easily see who is at the door.

Relying on standard window locks

Windows may be the weakest link in home security, especially if left open and unattended. Make sure all windows are closed and locked before you leave home, even for the shortest errand, and add window dressings and shades to discourage prying eyes.

Modern windows include sash locks, but you can improve security by drilling a hole from front to back where the top and bottom windows overlap and installing a long nail in the hole. If the integrated window lock breaks, the nail will stop the window from sliding open. Security bars on ground-level windows are also an option, but make sure they are fitted with quick-release mechanisms that allow them to be opened from the inside in an emergency.

Hiding a spare key

Never hide spare keys in “secret” places outside your home, because smart snoops know which flowerpots to look under. Be smart about issuing spare keys. Even though you may be careful about who they are issued to, you cannot control the people to which they may have contact that may expose the key to duplication or theft.

Relying on memory

Perhaps the most important security measure of all is to document your home’s contents, particularly the valuables. Get out the video camera and take a thorough tour of your home, and then keep a copy of the tape and any other helpful documentation in your safe deposit box.

Page 3 of 3: NEXT Back First Last | Share | Errors | Last Modified:

Subtopics: NEXT | None

Topic: Comments: Add View | Sources | Related: None

Homepage