Home security is an often misunderstood subject. Many Americans don’t even lock their doors when they leave home. But if you’re a homeowner who is more in tune with your home security needs, you’ll want to eliminate any possible security risks that could make a burglar’s job easier.
Here are four common home security vulnerabilities you could have even if you keep your doors locked.
1. Spare Key
A great door locking system only keeps out people who don’t have your key. If you leave your spare key outside your door, burglars could walk right in and make themselves at home. Even if you conceal the key cleverly, an experienced burglar may know just where to look.
To avoid the possibility of practically handing a key to a burglar, consider leaving your spare key with a trusted neighbor rather than near your front door. And be sure to employ a great security system that includes video monitoring and an alarm that will alert you if someone opens the door without entering the alarm code.
2. Insecure Window Locks
Many windows have flimsy locks that are easy to force open. If your home has a great alarm system, opening a window will likely set off your alarm, which may then scare the criminal away. But it’s even better to avoid the attempted burglary in the first place by installing extra-secure window locks as well.
If you have little kids, you need to make sure you have childproof locks. This keeps children from falling out of windows and ensures they don’t play with the locks and then leave them open so burglars can get in later.
3. Dog Doors
Although they’re sized for pets, dog doors can offer free entrance to burglars. Many burglars try to avoid homes with dogs, but some aren’t deterred. So if you have a medium- to large-sized pet door, you need to make sure a burglar can’t wriggle through it into your home.
Some dog doors now come with security measures. For instance, you could select a dog door that’s made out of steel and only opens when you enter the correct 4-digit code.
4. Second Story Windows
If you keep the trees trimmed back from the house and make sure your windows aren’t vulnerable to jimmying, you might assume that your second story is safe from break-ins. However, creative burglars often think vertically, and your home’s second story could offer them an easy access point in many cases.
For instance, the second story of the home may be where the kids’ bedrooms are, and kids or teenagers may be less diligent about keeping their windows locked. In some cases, burglars may even enter an upper story window and steal things while someone is still at home on the lower level. Some signs your home may be ripe for a second story break-in include:
- Fewer security measures on upstairs windows
- Easy access to one or more windows from a porch or garage roof
- Easy-to-climb objects (such as lattice or a swing set) near a window
- Window AC units in one or more upstairs windows
- Large items in your yard (such as trash cans) that burglars can drag over
Check your home and yard to see if any of these indicators are present, then eliminate them if at all possible.
These common home security vulnerabilities can make your home easy to break into even if you have security lighting and high-quality door locks. Don’t forget, a great security system can go a long way towards deterring burglars as well. For more information on the security solutions we provide, get in touch with DuPage Security Solutions Inc. today.