How to Burglar Proof Doors and Windows

Criminals have gotten increasingly bold when it comes to breaking into houses, and it only takes a quick glance at the newspaper to see how dangerous it can be if your home is not properly protected against these intruders. However, there are a few steps that can be taken to make your home as safe as possible.

Directions:

• It is important that all points of entry are well lit. You can add lights that come on at dusk and come off at dawn. Another good lighting system is motion sensor lighting. 


• Make sure that all of the doors are locked with deadbolts. It is important to have deadbolt locks that go an inch into the door frame. Chain locks should be avoided, as they are easily broken by an intruder. When you initially move into a house, make sure to change your locks.


• Be careful about where you hide your key. Avoid hiding it in common places (under door mats, or atop door frames, etc.). Burying it in a water-tight container in your landscaping near the door is not a bad idea.


• Make sure that the sliding glass doors and windows are locked. There are locks designed for these structures.


• Make sure that curtains cannot be seen through. They should also always be closed after dark. The windows within the door should also be kept covered with blinds or a dark curtain. Not being able to see into the homes will discourage casing of your property by crooks.


• Consider placing a sign into your window. A home security sign can be purchased easily. Whether or not you actually have a home security system is not the issue. It is still a deterrent to burglars, who will look for an easier place to break into.


• Make sure to have peepholes in your doors (unless they already have windows). It is important to be able to see who is at your door before you open it. 


• The presence of cameras, real or fake, is also good deterrents to thieves. Make sure that they are conspicuously placed so that the potential burglars will know (or at least think) they are being watched. However, they should also be out of reach so they cannot be broken or taken down.