If you are in the market for a security system, you might be wondering where are the locations around your home that you need to focus on. Over the years, patterns have emerged in terms of where burglars prefer to break in and are usually based on the kind of opportunity homeowners leave them. Here are the main vulnerabilities in a typical home.
1. The front door. 34% of all burglaries are committed by the burglar coming into the home through the front door. This might be surprising to many people, but unfortunately, homeowners often neglect their front doors, particularly if they have installed a home security system. They simply think that is enough to keep burglars out. In reality, you need to make sure your door is either solid core or constructed of metal, has a secured strike plate and is equipped with a deadbolt lock with a minimum 1-inch throw.
2. First floor windows. 23% of burglaries occur because a first floor window was left unlocked or unprotected by the security system. If you have an alarm system installed, be sure that there is a sensor on all first floor windows. You should also invest in secure locks and place rods in the tracks of slider windows.
3. The back door. 22% of burglars enter homes through the back door. Usually, this is the door that provides more concealment for burglars. They aren’t usually in the view of neighbors and often, it is darker in the back yard than it is in the front. In many cases, a back yard fence provides ample concealment for burglars as they work to get in through the back door.
4. The garage. 9% of burglars enter homes through the garage, often by using the tools that belong to the homeowner. Your garage door should also be equipped with a sensor that is linked to your alarm system, but at the very minimum, you should be sure your garage door is always closed and locked. Use the same guidelines for your garage door as you would for your front door.
5. The basement. Only 4% of all burglars break in through the basement. This number is probably low because a great number of houses don’t have basements. However, if you do have a basement, be sure that it is linked to your home security system. Install motion-activated lighting around your basement’s entrance and follow the guidelines for a installing strong and secured door.
The fact is, burglars will choose the area in your home that is least protected. For this reason, it is up to you to ensure that all entrances to your home have the same high security.
About the Author –
John is a shrewd consumer who writes about personal finance, home technology and home security topics like: home security revirews and burglar alarm Sacramento.
By: John Cherry
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