Working with security systems in Greenville, NC, we hear a lot of burglary horror stories. Getting your home broken into is much more common than you think. According to the NC department of Justice’s crime index summary there were 97,596 instances of burglary in 2012. That means you need to be prepared. With that in mind, here are 3 common burglary methods and how you can prevent them.
1. Breaking Down the Door
You’ve probably seen it on TV— it’s the classic move where you plant your feet and kick your heel at a door, bursting it open. While it is usually harder than police dramas make it out to be, it can be done when you know what you’re doing. The trick is to kick right next to the deadbolt, which is usually the weakest part of the door. To prevent burglars from being able to do this successfully to your home, you need to reinforce your door. You can do that by adding more locks and bolstering the latches. To bolster, add locks, put braces in place, and most importantly, upgrade your door jambs. Upgrading your door and frame is preferred, since hardware usually doesn’t fail, it’s the wooden door or frame that breaks when kicked
2. Through Unlocked Doors and Windows
The most common entry method for any burglar is an unlocked door. Many opportunists break in through completely open doors- not just unlocked doors. Open garages, front doors, windows – all of these are invitations for a quick grab and run. It just takes one unlocked entry point for someone to gain easy access to your home. Whether they try every door before they find the unlocked one, or simply follow you inside, unlocked doors can be a serious security risk. Make sure to lock doors and windows to prevent this from happening
3. Breaking Glass to Get to Deadbolts
Any glass near the deadbolt of your door pretty much guarantees you will be glass shopping after a break in. Smashing the glass and turning the deadbolt from the inside may be a noisy way to enter a home, but it’s a home intrusion favorite. A double cylinder deadbolt can prevent this type of intrusion, since the inside needs a key to unlock the door. Window security film is another way to prevent this type of intrusion. This security film comes in many sizes and thicknesses and can definitely slow an attempt to gain access to your home.
Need More Help?
More than these tips, the best way to secure your home is by getting the help of East Coast Security Systems in Greenville, NC. Our primary services include the sale and 24-hour LOCAL monitoring of residential and commercial burglary and fire protection, security cameras and access control. We also offer a host of specialty services that cater to the unique needs of our clients. We install and service these systems in everything from small residences to large commercial sites with multiple locations. Our service area includes most of eastern North Carolina, east of Raleigh to the Outer Banks and from the Virginia line to the coast. If you’d like to get started, request a quote or call us at (866) 818-2221.