Home Security Tips
Here are a few home security tips to keep in mind. If you have any questions not answered here please contact Security Improvements for more information.
- Most unlawful entry is through doorways. And about 50% of those are through doors left unlocked. An unlocked lock is not a lock! 51% of break-ins occur during daylight. 49% occur after dark. 8,600 break-ins a day. 1 every 13 seconds.
- Burglaries where forced entry is used occur most often through doors. Exterior doors should have quality deadbolts with a minimum 1" throw bolt. Wood frames should be reinforced in some manner, such as the JambBrace® Door Reinforcer. Exterior doors should be solid, 1-3/4" hardwood or steel doors should be a minimum of 24 gauge. The door from the garage to the interior of your home should be considered an exterior door as well.
- An intruder's greatest fear is being seen committing the crime. Don't give them a place to hide. Trim any overgrown bushes, tree limbs, or landscaping that block the view of your neighbors or any potential witnesses. Good exterior lighting around the perimeter of your home is also a good deterrent. You should consider installing motion activated light fixtures.
- Locks less than an arm's length away from glass panels and sidelights require glass brick, grates or grilles. The installation of a double cylinder deadbolt, whcih require a key for both sides of the door, is an option. However, be aware these locks could pose a serious fire hazard if the key is not near the door.
- A sliding glass door is lifted into position when installed - and easily lifted out if you're not careful. You can install a pan head screw in the upper track to prevent this from occurring. Or you can install a security bar, sometimes called a "charlie bar" to keep the door from sliding open. There are also various supplemental locks which can be installed on sliding doors.
- Maintain the appearance that your home is occupied at all times. Use automatic timers to turn on different lights at different times. An if you are to be gone a long period of time, have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. During the winter, arrange to have snow shoveled. Statistics show that most break-ins occur between 10am and 3pm. Put a radio or a TV on a timer. Turn the ringer on the telephone down.
- Never hide keys under a mat, or taped above a door jamb: Burglars know these places. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor. Don't place identification tags on your key or key rings.
- House numbers should be at least 4" - 6" high, reflective and visible from the street. Numbers should be illuminated at night. Report strangers running through private yards or alley ways or anyone looking into windows of houses or parked cars. Call the police. Don't worry about false alarms. Better to be safe than sorry.
- Burglars want cash or items easily fenced for cash; small electronic equipment, computers, cameras, jewelry, hand guns. Hide your valuables or keep them under lock and key. Engrave your valuables with "THIS PROPERTY STOLEN FROM ..." and include your driver's license number. Marked property is difficult to fence and easier to recover.
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