Home burglaries are an unfortunate reality for many homeowners and renters. While it’s impossible to predict when or if a break-in will occur, understanding the most common ways burglars enter a home can help you prevent it. In this guide, we’ll explore the typical entry points burglars use and how professional locksmith services like Ottawa Locksmiths can help secure these weak spots, ensuring your home stays safe and protected.
Front Door
The front door is the most common point of entry for burglars. It’s often the first place they check, especially if there’s no visible sign of a strong lock or security system. A door with a simple lock can be quickly compromised, giving intruders easy access to your home.
How to Secure It:
- Upgrade to a high-security deadbolt: Deadbolts offer more resistance than standard locks. A high-security deadbolt with reinforced strike plates can make it much harder for burglars to gain access.
- Install a smart lock: Smart locks offer the convenience of keyless entry and can be controlled remotely. You can also receive notifications when the door is unlocked.
- Reinforce the door frame: A strong lock is only as good as the door frame it’s attached to. Consider reinforcing the frame with steel or metal reinforcements to prevent forced entry.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths offers expert deadbolt installation and high-security lock upgrades to protect your front door, along with consultations to ensure your locks are up to the task.
Back Door
While the front door is the primary target, burglars often turn to the back door when they want to avoid being seen. Back doors are sometimes overlooked in terms of security, making them an attractive target for criminals.
How to Secure It:
- Use a strong, solid door: Ensure your back door is made of solid wood or steel. Avoid hollow-core doors, which are easier to break through.
- Install a deadbolt lock: A high-quality deadbolt can make a significant difference in securing your back door.
- Consider a motion-sensor light: Adding lights around your back door area can deter burglars who prefer to operate in the dark.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths can help with deadbolt installation and offer security consultations to ensure all points of entry are well-secured.
Garage Doors
Garage doors are another common entry point, especially when they lead directly into the house. Many garage doors are equipped with automated systems that can be easily compromised if not secured properly.
How to Secure It:
- Upgrade the garage door lock: Install a sturdy lock and ensure that the automatic opener is secured with a manual override feature in case of an emergency.
- Secure the door between the garage and the house: This door should have a solid lock, and ideally, a deadbolt to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Reinforce the garage door itself: If your garage door is weak or aging, consider upgrading to a more secure model with reinforced tracks and a stronger frame.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths offers lock upgrades for garage doors and can provide a full security assessment for your garage entry points.
Windows
Windows are often the most overlooked entry point. While you may focus on doors, burglars frequently target windows, particularly on the ground floor. Easy-to-open windows or those left unlocked can be an invitation for burglars to enter.
How to Secure It:
- Install window locks: Add locks to all windows, especially those on the ground floor or near accessible areas.
- Reinforce with window bars or grills: While not aesthetically pleasing, window bars can provide an additional layer of security.
- Consider impact-resistant glass: Some types of glass are designed to resist breakage, making it harder for burglars to smash a window and enter.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths can install high-security locks for windows and offer reinforcement options for added protection.
Sliding Doors
Sliding glass doors are popular but often come with security flaws. These doors are easy targets because their locking mechanisms are typically weak, and they can be easily lifted off their tracks.
How to Secure It:
- Install a high-security lock: Upgrade the lock to a high-quality, durable version that is difficult to bypass.
- Use a security bar or rod: Place a security bar in the track to prevent the door from being lifted or slid open.
- Reinforce the door frame: Make sure the frame is sturdy and the locking mechanism is strong enough to withstand forceful entry.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths provides sliding door lock reinforcement and can help install more secure locks and security bars.
Basement Entrances
Basement windows and doors are often hidden from view, making them ideal entry points for burglars. Many basements have old or weak locks that burglars can easily bypass.
How to Secure It:
- Install a solid door: Ensure your basement door is made of sturdy material, such as steel or solid wood, and is equipped with a reliable lock.
- Add window locks or bars: Basement windows should be secured with locks or, if possible, window bars to prevent easy access.
- Use motion sensor lights: Motion lights around the basement entrance will alert you to any movement near this area.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths can reinforce your basement locks and provide additional security assessments to identify any potential weak points.
Spare Key Hiding Spots
Many homeowners leave spare keys hidden outside their home, which can easily be found by a burglar. Common hiding spots like under the doormat or in a flowerpot are often the first places burglars check.
How to Secure It:
- Avoid hiding keys outside: Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or use a lockbox to store an extra key.
- Consider a smart lock: With a smart lock, you won’t need to worry about hiding a key. You can control access remotely and provide temporary codes to trusted individuals.
Professional Help:
Ottawa Locksmiths can install smart lock systems, making it unnecessary for you to hide keys and giving you greater control over who enters your home.
How to Secure Each Entry Point
Protecting your home from burglars requires securing every potential entry point. By upgrading to high-security locks, reinforcing vulnerable areas like sliding doors and windows, and using smart technology, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of a break-in.
If you’re unsure about the security of your home, a professional locksmith can offer an assessment and provide tailored recommendations to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home safe is a priority for any homeowner or renter. By focusing on common entry points like doors, windows, and garages, and securing them with professional lock systems, you can greatly reduce the risk of a break-in.
If you’re worried about your home’s security, Ottawa Locksmiths can help. We offer expert advice and proven solutions to keep you and your family safe. Contact us today for a security assessment or to learn more about how our high-security lock upgrades and emergency services can protect your home.
Contact Ottawa Locksmiths:
Phone: +1 613-777-5480
Email: ottawalocksmith31@gmail.com
Website: https://ottawa-locksmiths.ca
We are here for you 24/7, ready to assist with all your home security needs.