You might think your home is secure, but burglars are often one step ahead and know exactly how to get in and steal your valuables. Although you may have some basic home security, burglars know the hidden entry points homeowners often overlook.
This is precisely why there are over 269 cases of burglaries per 100,000 people in the USA, resulting in average losses of $2,661 per incident or well over $3 billion in total. Unfortunately, less than 30% of stolen property is recovered. The best way to mitigate these losses is to secure your home.
To help secure your home from break-ins and thefts, we’ll explore the most common entry points burglars target and provide practical tips to fortify these vulnerable areas to burglar-proof your home.
Keep reading for a comprehensive understanding of the hidden entry points burglars target and how to effectively secure them. Here’s how to keep those thieves out!
Let’s start by discussing the most common hidden home entry points that burglars target, followed by the best methods for securing home entry points.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What Are the Most Common Entry Points Burglars Target?
- How to Secure Doors Against Break-Ins
- Effective Strategies to Secure Windows
- How to Protect Your Garage and Sliding Doors
- Tips to Deter Burglars from Targeting Your Home
- Is a Comprehensive Home Security Setup Worth the Investment?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Doors are a primary entry point for burglars, making deadbolts, reinforced frames, and smart locks essential.
- Windows, particularly on the first floor, should be secured with locks, sensors, and security film to prevent unauthorized access.
- Sliding doors are vulnerable; adding track locks, security bars, and shatterproof film significantly enhances their security.
- Garage doors are often overlooked; upgrading to smart garage openers and securing interior doors can deter intruders.
- Outdoor security cameras near all entry points provide a deterrent and help monitor suspicious activity.
- Proactive measures like trimming landscaping, using motion-sensor lights, and keeping valuables out of sight reduce your home’s appeal to burglars.
What Are the Most Common Entry Points Burglars Target?
Burglars are opportunistic and always looking for easy access points. While every home is different, burglars commonly target several entry points, including front and back doors, first-floor windows, garage doors, and sliding doors of all kinds.
Here are the most common entry points into your home that burglars may take advantage of.
Front and Back Doors
About 34% of burglars enter through the front door, while 22% gain access via the back door, making these prime targets for break-ins.
Burglars often inspect the condition of locks, looking for weak or outdated mechanisms, loose hinges, or doors without deadbolts.
They may use tools like crowbars to force entry or kick the door open if the doorframe lacks reinforcement. A lack of security systems is an inviting sign for a burglar, and houses that lack security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into.
First-Floor Windows and Basements
Windows are another common entry point, with 23% of burglars choosing first-floor windows for access. They often target windows that are left unlocked, feature weak or poorly installed locks, or are obscured by landscaping such as trees or shrubs.
Burglars favor these hidden or poorly secured windows because they reduce the likelihood of being seen. Furthermore, roughly 4% of intruders gain access through poorly secured basement windows and doors.
Garage Doors
The garage door is often overlooked in home security plans but poses a significant risk. Burglars frequently exploit garage doors to access the interior of the home as well as the garage itself.
They may use universal remotes, find the garage door opener in an unlocked car, or exploit weak locks and openers. A garage also provides a secluded spot for burglars to work unnoticed. Roughly 9% of intruders gain access to homes using garage doors, particularly if they are directly connected to the home.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are one of the weakest points in many homes and a common target for burglars. To gain entry, criminals may exploit poorly secured locks, lift the door off its track, or smash the glass.
The large glass panels can also make it easier for burglars to assess whether anyone is home. Adding a security bar, shatterproof film, or glass break sensors, as well as ensuring the track and lock mechanisms are sturdy, can significantly enhance the sliding doors’ security.
Now that we know your home’s most vulnerable entry points, let’s discuss the basics of home entry point security to keep each of these entry points burglar-proof.
How to Secure Doors Against Break-Ins
Doors are burglars’ most common entry points, so it’s crucial to fortify them with the right hardware and techniques, such as deadbolts, reinforced door frames, strike plates, and door jammers.
Let’s discuss effective ways to secure your doors and keep intruders at bay.
Install High-Quality Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks are far superior to spring latch locks in terms of security. A good deadbolt extends a solid steel bolt deep into the door frame, making it much harder for burglars to force entry. Install a grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolt on all exterior doors for the best protection.
Grade 1 deadbolts offer the highest level of security, designed to withstand substantial force. Additionally, consider installing double-cylinder deadbolts on doors with glass panels to prevent burglars from breaking the glass and reaching in to unlock the door.
Reinforce Door Frames
Even the strongest locks are only as effective as the door frame supporting them. Standard wooden frames can easily splinter under force, so reinforce your door frames with metal or solid hardwood.
Install a door reinforcement kit, which typically includes metal plates, strike reinforcements, and 3-inch screws that anchor deep into the studs behind the frame. This setup distributes force evenly, making it significantly more difficult for intruders to kick the door in.
Use Heavy-Duty Strike Plates
Strike plates are a critical component of door security. They work in tandem with your deadbolt to prevent forced entry.
Upgrade to a reinforced, heavy-duty strike plate and secure it with 3-inch screws to ensure it penetrates the door frame’s studs.
This simple yet effective measure strengthens the locking mechanism, distributing impact forces more effectively and reducing the likelihood of a break-in attempt succeeding.
Add Door Jammers or Security Bars
Door jammers and security bars add a layer of physical protection by blocking the door from opening. A Buddybar door jammer is a great choice for stationary doors, capable of withstanding up to 2,560 pounds of force.
For those seeking portability, a Sabre wedge door stop alarm blocks the door and sounds a 120 dB alarm when triggered, alerting you and potentially scaring off intruders. These tools are especially useful for renters or as temporary security solutions.
Upgrade Your Door Material
If your exterior door is hollow-core or made of weaker materials, it’s time to upgrade. Invest in solid wood, fiberglass, or steel doors, as these materials are much harder to break through.
Look for doors with a UL 437 rating or equivalent to ensure they meet high security standards. Additionally, consider doors with no glass panels or opt for reinforced, shatterproof glass to minimize vulnerabilities.
Install Smart Locks and Video Doorbells
Smart locks offer convenience and enhance security by allowing remote access and monitoring.
Many models come with tamper alerts and integration with smart home systems. Pair a smart lock with a video doorbell to visually monitor visitors and deter potential burglars. Features like motion detection and two-way communication add extra layers of protection.
Now that your doors are secure, let’s move on to the next most important aspect of securing home entry points: your windows.
Effective Strategies to Secure Windows
Windows are a common entry point for burglars, especially those on the first floor or hidden from view. Securing your windows involves a combination of sturdy locks, advanced detection systems, and physical barriers to make unauthorized access nearly impossible.
Here’s how you can reinforce your window security for greater peace of mind:
Install Sturdy Window Locks
Window locks are a simple yet effective way to prevent burglars from opening your windows from the outside.
Different types of locks are available, such as keyed, pin, and sash locks, each suited to specific window styles like sliding, casement, or double-hung windows.
For instance:
- Use keyed locks for sliding windows to prevent them from being pried open.
- Install pin locks on double-hung windows to secure the sashes in place.
- Fit sash locks to casement windows for added security.
Ensure locks are installed on all first-floor windows, as well as any basement or ground-level windows.
Locks are equally essential for second-floor windows that are accessible via decks, balconies, or nearby trees. Regularly inspect and maintain the locks to ensure they remain functional.
Use Window Sensors for Early Detection
Window sensors are vital to modern home security. They detect when a window is opened, tampered with, or broken and trigger an alarm or send a notification to your phone or security system.
For optimal coverage:
- Place sensors on all first-floor windows and easily accessible second-floor windows.
- Integrate the sensors into a comprehensive home security system for centralized monitoring.
- Opt for sensors that include glass break detection to alert you if the window is shattered.
Standalone window sensors are also available for those without a full security system, providing a cost-effective yet reliable solution. A comprehensive home security system can also significantly reduce your home insurance premiums.
Reinforce Glass with Window Security Film
Window security film is a transparent, tear-resistant layer that adheres to the glass, making it significantly harder to break. If an intruder attempts to smash a window, the film holds the shattered glass together, preventing easy entry.
To maximize its effectiveness:
- Apply security film to all first-floor windows, particularly those facing secluded areas.
- Consider applying it to vulnerable second-floor windows, such as those near balconies or roofs.
- Choose high-quality films rated for impact resistance, and pair them with secure locks for added protection.
Secure Basement Windows with Bars or Grilles
Basement windows are often out of sight, making them attractive targets for burglars. Installing window bars or grilles provides a strong physical barrier to prevent unauthorized access.
When choosing and installing window bars, consider the following:
- Using permanently anchored bars or removable grilles for safety in case of emergencies.
- Opting for bars made from steel or other durable materials that are resistant to cutting or tampering.
- Ensuring the bars are spaced closely to prevent someone from squeezing through while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look.
For added security, install window well covers on basement windows, ensuring they are lockable but can be easily opened from the inside for emergency escape.
How to Protect Your Garage and Sliding Doors
Garages and sliding doors are often overlooked entry points that burglars exploit. Although these are some of the more uncommon break-in spots, securing them is still vital.
Here’s how you can secure these vulnerable areas:
Upgrade to Smart Garage Door Openers
Traditional garage door openers with fixed codes are a known vulnerability, as tech-savvy burglars can easily intercept and replicate these codes. Smart garage door openers, such as the Chamberlain myQ, offer a significant upgrade by using rolling codes that change after each use, making them much harder to hack.
These devices also allow you to remotely control and monitor your garage door via your smartphone, adding security and convenience.
Consider upgrading the door connecting your garage to your house with a smart lock for additional protection.
The Kwikset SmartCode 914 Smart Lock is an excellent option, offering remote locking and unlocking, customizable access codes for guests, and real-time alerts whenever the door is used. These features ensure your garage remains secure, even if the main door is compromised.
Install Sliding Door Locks and Security Bars
Sliding doors are often an easy target for burglars, as they can be lifted off their tracks or have their basic locks picked. To address this, install a sliding door lock that fits into the track, preventing the door from opening even if the original lock is bypassed.
A popular choice is the Ideal Security BK110W Patio Door Security Bar, which adjusts to fit snugly in the track and provides an additional physical barrier.
Place a wooden dowel or metal bar on the track for an extra defense layer. This low-cost yet highly effective solution prevents the door from sliding open, deterring burglars and giving you added peace of mind. Combining a sturdy lock and a track barrier significantly enhances the security of your sliding doors.
Add Security Cameras Near Entry Points
Security cameras are a powerful deterrent against burglars and essential to any home security plan. Placing cameras near entry points such as the garage, sliding doors, and other potential access points ensures that any suspicious activity is recorded and visible in real time.
When selecting outdoor cameras, prioritize features like night vision, motion detection, and weatherproofing to ensure reliable performance.
Models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Reolink Argus 3 Pro offer excellent image quality, easy setup, and smart notification systems. These cameras provide clear footage and immediate alerts, enabling you to respond quickly to potential threats.
In terms of hidden home entry points, the tips above will help you secure them against break-ins, but there are many more pieces of advice you should consider for the best burglar-proof home.
Tips to Deter Burglars from Targeting Your Home
In addition to securing the hidden entry points burglars often target, you can take several proactive steps to make your home less appealing to potential intruders, such as keeping valuables out of sight, using timer lights, trimming bushes and trees near entry points, and using motion-sensor lighting.
Implementing these tips can significantly reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted by burglars. Here’s how to protect all of your valuables regardless of vulnerable entry points:
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Keep valuables out of sight from windows and doors to avoid tempting burglars. This includes expensive electronics, jewelry, cash, and other high-value items.
Consider installing window treatments like curtains or blinds to prevent people from seeing inside your home.
Furthermore, avoid leaving boxes from expensive purchases, such as televisions or gaming consoles, on the curb for trash pickup, as this can alert burglars to the valuable items inside your home.
Use Timer Lights and TVs When Away
Creating the illusion that someone is home is an effective way to deter burglars. When you’re away on vacation or for an extended period, use timer lights and TVs to make it appear as though your home is occupied.
Set timers on interior lights and televisions to turn on and off at various intervals throughout the day and night. This gives the impression that someone is moving around inside the house, making it less appealing to potential intruders.
Keeping your home safe during vacation involves more than just using timers. You should also arrange for someone to collect your mail and packages, maintain your lawn, and periodically check on your property to ensure everything is secure.
Trim Bushes and Trees Near Entry Points
Overgrown bushes and trees near windows and doors provide cover for burglars, allowing them to work undetected. Regularly trim vegetation around your home’s entry points to eliminate hiding spots and increase visibility.
This makes it more difficult for burglars to approach your home without being seen by you, neighbors, or passersby. As an added benefit, well-maintained landscaping can also improve your home’s curb appeal.
Install Motion-Sensor Lighting
Motion-sensor lighting is an excellent deterrent for burglars. When movement is detected, the lights automatically turn on, illuminating the area and potentially startling the intruder.
Install motion-sensor lights near all entry points, including doors, windows, and garages. Position the lights high enough to prevent tampering and adjust the sensitivity settings to avoid false alarms caused by small animals or wind-blown objects.
Join or Start a Neighborhood Watch
Participating in a neighborhood watch program is an effective way to deter burglars and promote a sense of community safety. Neighborhood watch members work together to look for suspicious activity and report any concerns to local law enforcement.
If your community doesn’t have an active neighborhood watch, consider starting one. Ask your neighbors, local police department, and community organizations for guidance on how to establish and maintain a successful program.
Is a Comprehensive Home Security Setup Worth the Investment?
A comprehensive home security setup is not just an expense but an investment in peace of mind and the safety of your loved ones and belongings.
By addressing hidden entry points like doors, windows, and garages, and layering these measures with advanced technologies such as smart locks, security cameras, and motion-sensor lighting, you create multiple barriers that deter even the most determined intruders.
Moreover, proactive steps like maintaining visibility, keeping valuables out of sight, and participating in neighborhood watch programs further reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted.
While the upfront cost of securing your home may seem significant, the protection it provides against potential financial and emotional losses is invaluable. To take advantage of the benefits of comprehensive home security, visit Batten Safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Smart Locks Better Than Traditional Locks for Home Security?
Smart locks offer advanced features like remote locking, tamper alerts, and customizable access codes. These features enhance convenience while allowing you to monitor and control your home’s security even when you’re away.
How Can I Secure Sliding Doors Without Replacing Them?
Sliding doors can be fortified with track locks, security bars, or a wooden dowel placed in the track to prevent movement. Adding shatterproof film and ensuring the door is tightly fitted on its
tracks further enhance security.
Are Security Cameras Effective at Preventing Burglaries?
Yes, visible security cameras are a strong deterrent, as burglars are less likely to target homes where their actions could be recorded. Modern cameras with motion alerts and night vision also allow real-time monitoring and evidence collection.
What Are Some Affordable Ways to Enhance Home Security?
Budget-friendly options include installing window locks, using motion-sensor lights, placing wooden dowels in sliding door tracks, and joining a neighborhood watch program. These simple steps can significantly improve your home’s defenses without major expenses.
How Can I Secure My Mail Slot?
Securing mail slots involves reinforcing the surrounding area and preventing unauthorized access. Install a mail slot cover or cage on the interior to block reach-through attempts, and choose a model with a secure flap to prevent tampering. Additionally, avoid placing valuables near the mail slot to minimize risks.
