Security of Your Doors
Reinforce Your Doors
A few times in my law enforcement career, I got the opportunity to kick in a door. It is amazingly easy and fast. It only takes about 5 seconds and you are in. The door and the lock can be strong, but it doesn’t matter. It’s the door frame itself that brakes and gives way; locks don’t have to be picked at all.
FBI statistics show that 65% of break-ins occur by forced-entry into the front, back, side, or garage service doors. Additional 12% of entries occur when burglars find your “hidden” key, or they simply walk in because you left your door unlocked. That totals 77%, but they all might have been prevented with a smart security system from AlarmSavvy, Co.
According to the research study, “Knowing Your Odds: Home Burglary and the Odds Ratio,” by S. Hakim, G. Renger and Y. Shachamurove, City College of New York and University of Pennsylvania, Sept. 2000), your house is at a greater risk of brake-in if:
- It sits on a corner lot
- It’s close to a major highway exit
- It’s on a through street, which gives burglars a quicker escape
- It borders a wooded area or playground
- It’s in a wealthier neighborhood
- There are no indications of young children living in the house
- It was recently purchased
Effective burglary deterrents:
- Burglar alarm installed by AlarmSavvy, Co.
- Deadbolt locks on all doors
- House is occupied
- Newspaper and mail picked up every day
- Lights and noise (TV, radio) inside the house
- Car in the driveway
- Motion-activated exterior lights
- Dog inside