How do Burglars get in?

• If you have ever locked yourself out of the house, you may have found yourself walking around the exterior of your home looking for the easiest way in.  Burglars do the same thing.  They look at your doors and windows. The burglar may or may not be successful entering your house depending on his age, physical size, experience and determination.  Another factor is the types of doors, windows and hardware that are installed.

• Hollow core doors should not be used for exterior doors.  Upgrade to a solid wood or steel door.  Entry doors can be pried or kicked. Every door should be secured with a single-cylinder deadbolt lock. A single cylinder lock has a turn lever on the inside of the door and requires a key on the outside.  City code does not allow the use of double cylinder locks.  Double cylinder locks require a key on the inside and on the outside.  The deadbolt should have at least a one inch throw.  A security strike plate with four inch screws is recommended.  A standard strike plate is secured with only two quarter inch long screws while a security strike plate has four, four inch long screws.  Make sure all exterior doors have a deadbolt.

• Overhead garage doors are usually a problem only when they are left open.  It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to walk in off the street and take some valuable item from your garage.  Keep your overhead door closed at all times.  If you see your neighbor’s overhead garage door open, call and let them know.

• Sliding glass doors are often targeted.  Do not trust the lock that comes with the door.  There are several different styles of locks that offer better protection.  An old boom handle can be cut and laid down on the inside of the track to help hold the door closed.  This may improve your security but an additional lock such as a burglar bar is still recommended.

• Again the problem with most windows is that they are left open or they are closed but unlocked.  If possible keep your windows closed and locked, especially if they are low to the ground. Window screens do not offer much in the way of security.  They are often removed, torn or cut.  Once the screen on a storm window is removed the glass can easily be opened.  If you must keep your window open while you are away or asleep, select a lock that will allow you to secure your window when it is partially opened.  Most adults cannot get their head through an opening of six inches or less.  If a window is locked in this position it offers better security than a wide open window with no lock.

• Get into a habit of locking all your doors and windows when you leave, even if you plan only to be gone for a short time.

Call our Community Affairs Section at 268-4101 to schedule a free
home or business security survey, or follow the link to
use one of our online forms.