Cover these five entry points to stop home invaders in their tracks.
As summer arrives, protecting your home from thieves becomes more important than ever – as burglary rates see a 10% spike in the summer months every year. And with 82% of Americans planning to travel this summer, leaving their homes vulnerable and their most precious possessions at risk of being lost forever, it’s crucial to be aware of the weak spots burglars take advantage of.
“On average, victims of burglary lose $2,661 worth of possessions, which can be hard to recover from,” say security experts at Automatic Technology (ATA). “However, there are common entry points that you can secure to make your home less of a target.”
Front Door
Many burglars will try the simplest option first—an unlocked door. “Even when locked, a front door can still be an entry point, as burglars will check all the common hiding places for spare keys, such as under doormats or in plant pots,” ATA explains. “Some burglars also have tools to bypass standard locks, or they might break a glass panel adjacent to the door to reach the locking mechanism. And if your door is made of low-quality materials, it’s often possible to just kick it down.”
How To Secure This Entry Point:
- Always Lock the Door: “This is the easiest step to take, and will prevent opportunistic crimes,” ATA says.
- Install a Deadbolt: A deadbolt makes it harder for criminals to forcibly enter your home by breaking through your door. Ensure the deadbolt extends fully into the door frame for maximum effectiveness.
- Choose a Solid, Well-Made Door: Invest in a high-quality door made from strong materials like solid wood or metal rather than a hollow-core door, which can be easier to break through.
- Lighting and Alarms: To deter burglars, install motion sensor lights around the door. A visible security system, like a camera or video doorbell, can also act as a deterrent.
Back Doors/Patio Doors
Back doors, including patio and sliding doors, are attractive to burglars because they’re less visible from the street and are more frequently left unlocked. Sliding doors, in particular, can be vulnerable as their locks are usually easier to bypass. “Some models can even be lifted off their tracks if not properly secured,” ATA says.
How To Secure This Entry Point:
- Secure Sliding Doors: To prevent sliding doors from being opened, place a wooden dowel or metal rod in their track. Additionally, install a bolt that secures the door in place to thwart attempts to lift it off the track.
Windows
“It’s very simple to break a window, and bystanders and neighbors often don’t pay as much attention to the sound of breaking glass as they should,” ATA says. “It’s also extremely common for thieves to enter through windows that have been left open—in fact, in a survey of convicted burglars performed by NBC New York, 42% said that they had gained entry via an unlocked window.”
How To Secure This Entry Point:
- Install Quality Window Locks: Use strong, reliable locks for all windows and make sure they are engaged whenever the window is closed.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees around windows well-trimmed to prevent them from serving as hiding spots for burglars.
- Burglar Alarms: Install a burglar alarm system with window sensors to alert you if a window is tampered with.
Gates
“People often think gates are a surefire way to prevent access to your property, but that’s not always the case,” ATA says. “If they are left unlocked or are easy to climb over, gates are no barrier.”
How To Secure This Entry Point:
- Lock Gates Securely: Always lock gates with high-quality bolts and padlocks. Ensure the lock is robust and can withstand tampering.
- Don’t Help The Thieves: Do not leave items like rubbish bins or garden tools near the gate that can aid a burglar in climbing over.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure gates are in good condition and check that locks and bolts are functioning correctly. “Just like doors, low-quality or old, rotten gates can be broken with the right amount of physical force,” ATA advises.
Garage Doors
Garages, particularly those attached to homes, can be a significant vulnerability. “Many people don’t see the need to secure the internal door between the garage and the house, but this provides burglars with an easy route inside if they can gain access to the garage,” ATA explains.
How To Secure This Entry Point:
- Secure Both Doors: Lock the garage door itself and any internal doors that connect the garage to your home.
- Strong Garage Doors: To make it harder to break into, choose a garage door made from durable materials like metal or heavy-duty wood.
- Avoid Leaving Doors Open: Never leave the garage door open for extended periods, even if you are working nearby. An open door can provide a thief with an opportunity to observe and access valuable items.
“Although the data shows that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burgled, many Americans still don’t have a security system installed,” ATA says. “If we could recommend one key investment for your home, that would be it.”
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About Automatic Technology
Engineered with innovation and continuous improvement in mind. For over 35 years, Automatic Technology (ATA) has been designing and building garage door and gate openers. Quality is our hallmark. It’s why we are at the forefront of the industry and why others often copy our innovations. When choosing your next garage door or gate opener, choose the brand trusted by the professionals.
Sources
Spike in burglaries in the summer months: SecuriTeam
Homes without a security system are more likely to be burgled: Bankrate.
The average cost of a burglary: SafeWise.
Survey of burglars: Forbes.
82% of Americans traveling this summer: Fox Weather
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
