Burglary is a serious concern for both homeowners and businesses. Thankfully, there are ways that you can prepare yourself to stay ahead of would-be thieves. In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly. New security systems now run continuously and include full emergency-contact features. As these systems improve and become more affordable, more options appear for both homes and businesses.
The technology is there, but it is up to you to employ it correctly and effectively. Even a cutting edge high tech system can’t stop an intruder if there are weak points in your home or business security. Alarms may sound, but weak locks and blind spots can still give a burglar the access they need to steal your valuables and damage your property. It’s important to ask yourself — are there weak spots in your home, office or small business? By addressing common home break-in points and potential weak spots in your business security, you can drastically reduce your vulnerability to burglary. Below are some weak points you should look out for.
Front Door Window(s)
First impressions matter! While your front door may be sturdy & solid, the windows around your front door are what burglars find most attractive. If you have windows that surround your door, it can be as simple as breaking a small piece of glass and reaching in to unlock your door. If you have windows next to your door, do you know for certain if your locks are latched?
A video doorbell camera is one way to deter a potential perpetrator. Not only can you keep an eye on your front door whether you’re in or out of your house, but you can also record footage through the camera for access later.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors offer great aesthetic value to your home as they allow a lot of natural light to enter your home. These doors also give you easier access to the fresh air that is outside. However, criminals will also be able to use these doors to gain better access to your home. Nowadays, sliding glass doors include strong locks, but there is not enough protection to the actual glass part. It is extremely easy for a criminal to break through the glass and easily unlock the door from the inside, especially when they know that you are not around.
Security cameras and security sensors are essential for homes with sliding glass doors, since they’ll alert you if the door is forced open or broken. Additionally, adding a security bar to prevent your glass door from being opened and a sliding door lock can help prevent forced entry.
Garage Door
Most garage doors are made from a thin sheet of metal, and they contain locking systems that are pretty easy to break into. This makes them a significant security risk as it would give criminals easier access to your home. Therefore, you should update your garage door to one that offers a better locking system as it will offer better protection for your home.
Even newer automatic doors have weak points. Many come with an outdoor keypad for garage access. Owners can program these keypads with entry codes. However, some choose simple, easy-to-guess numbers. This choice can make the home more vulnerable. Therefore, you should opt for entry codes that are much more complicated and remove the factory pre-set code.
Even with a strong garage door code, lock your car doors. Lock the door leading from the garage into your house. Place security cameras both inside and outside the garage. Use them to watch for anyone approaching or entering your home through the garage.
The Hidden Key
back in with ease. You may potentially have cleaners or caretakers that need access to your home, and a hidden key provides a simple way to do this. But hiding a key under your doormat, in a flower pot or even in the meter box is never a good idea.
Burglars — especially those with experience — check these typical hiding places first. They even know how to spot those trick rocks designed to camouflage your hiding spots. Therefore, you should avoid this method altogether. You can use home automation systems that enable you to lock or unlock your doors remotely from your smartphone, which can be helpful when you need to give pet sitters or cleaners access to your home while you are at work or on holiday.
Back Door
Back doors are one of the access points that burglars will use, which is why they could be vulnerable. These doors are a weak point because they are usually out of sight. Burglars can use them to enter your home without being seen. You should add more security here than at your front door. Install motion sensor lights to remove dark areas. Use deadbolt locks to make the door harder to open. Add motion cameras to get alerts if someone tries to break in.
Your Windows
Many of us like to get some fresh air whether during the day or at night. But your open windows could leave you vulnerable to intrusion. Burglars are often opportunists. When they’re figuring out how to break into a house, many don’t look for the noisy break-in that will draw attention. Instead, they’ll look for vulnerable homes they can access quietly.
Ensure you close your windows when you’re not around to mind them. Even in broad daylight, you could be providing a literal window of opportunity to a burglar. Many home robberies occur during the day while homeowners are either away or busy in the backyard.
Even locked windows can be vulnerable to intruders since they are easy to break and typically locked by a latch. Security sensors, like glass break sensors or contact sensors, can detect when a window is broken or opened. These can be installed by a professional as part of a comprehensive home security system or installed individually. Also, you can install burglar bars or grilles to your windows, which will offer your home with the protection that your home requires.
Conclusion
No security system is completely foolproof, but understanding and addressing weak points can significantly reduce your vulnerability to burglary. Effective protection requires a layered approach: physical reinforcements, smart technology, routine changes, and ongoing awareness. By fortifying these common weak spots, you can better safeguard your home, property, and peace of mind.
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