Common Entry Points For Burglaries

Burglars will almost always gain access to your home through one of two entry points: the doors and the windows. While there is the rare occasion that they might find or make some alternative entry point, they will almost exclusively enter through one of the doors or window.

In approximately two-thirds of all of the reported burglaries, the thieves forced entry. Burglars will typically use common tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and crowbars to pry open doors and windows with weak locks or simply kick in a door or break a window. In the remaining one-third of reported burglaries, the offenders do not have to force entry and generally enter through unlocked windows and doors, most commonly basement windows and garage doors.

 

Following is a list of the most common entry points for burglars and methods that Always Locksmith recommend homeowners employ in terms of prevention.

Exterior Doors
Unfortunately, the majority of residential doors are poorly constructed and utilize sub-standard locks. Such doors are easily forced open, especially when there is a deadbolt lock secured by a wood door frame that will easily splinter. Exterior doors are the homeowner’s first line of defense against unauthorized entry. Always Locksmith recommends that homeowners invest in solid and secure exterior doors with a solid and secure locking mechanism.

Arcadia Doors
Improperly secured arcadia doors are an open invitation for burglars to enter and ransack your home. A number of simple security measures will help prevent the doors from being opened, smashed or lifted off the track. Always Locksmith recommends that homeowners invest in Arcadia security doors. Arcadia security doors utilize shatter-proof glass and they are secured in such a fashion that it makes it very difficult for burglars to lift them off the track.

Double French Doors
Double French doors require special attention as they are easily jimmied or forced open. Always Locksmith recommends that these doors be secured by mortice bolts installed at both the top and bottom of the doors. The bolts should, of course, be mounted in a solid steel frame for added security.

Doors With Windows
Exterior doors with glass windows  immediately next to the doors, ornamental windows or sidelights present a challenge as a burglar can simply break the glass, reach inside and unlock the door. Always Locksmith recommends that homeowners secure any such doors with a double cylinder key deadbolt. Double cylinder key deadbolts require a key to open the lock on both the inside as well as the outside and will effectively prevent burglars from easily gaining access.

Garage Doors
The locks most commonly found on garage doors offer very little protection and can be easily compromised by potential burglars. Always Locksmith recommends homeowners utilize hasps and cane bolts on their garage doors. It goes without saying that any door leading from the garage into the home should always be securely locked.

Windows
Windows should be treated much in the same ways as Arcadia doors. Always Locksmith recommends that homeowners use lag bolts and steel frames on their windows to protect them from unauthorized entry. Window guards are a great option as they will make a simple smash and entry impossible in addition to the fact that they will keep ever curious children safe from a fall.

Your safety, the safety of your loved ones and the safety of your property are our priority at Always Locksmith. Our knowledgeable and courteous customer service department stands ready 24/7 to address any inquiries that you might have regarding the securing of your home and business and are prepared to dispatch a fully certified Always Locksmith technician to your location at your convenience.