Burglary Proofing Your Home

To identify features in your home or the daily routines of your family which might make your home an easy target for a burglar, a security inspection should begin at your front door.

DOORS (includes all entrances to living quarters from basement or garage).

• Should be of metal or solid wood construction.
• Solid core wood inside doors with rugged frames that cannot spread apart with a pry bar are recommended.
• Door locks with quality dead bolt locks having a minimum 1-inch throw are recommended. These should be mounted so one cannot open the door after breaking a window. Mounting the lock low on the door can sometimes eliminate this problem. In other cases, a double cylinder lock will solve the problem.
• Door frames should be strong enough and tight enough to prevent forcing or spreading.
• Door hinges should be protected from being removed from outside.
• Windows in a door should be further than 40 inches from the lock. 
• Mail slots, delivery ports, or pet entrances should not be within reaching distance of a door lock.
• Screen or storm doors should have an adequate lock.
• Exterior entrances should be lit with at least a 75-watt light.
• Garage door should be kept locked and always closed?  
• The front entrance should be able to be observed from the street. 
• If there is a sliding glass door:
  • The sliding panel should be secured to prevent being lifted out of the track. 
  • A bar or lock should be used. 

WINDOWS

• Windows should have adequate locks in operating condition.
• Windows should have screens or storm windows that lock from inside.
• Windows should be free from concealing structures or landscaping.
• Exterior window areas should be adequately lighted. 
• Trees and shrubbery should be kept trimmed back from upper floor windows.
• Ladders should not be kept outside the house, so they are not accessible. 
• Basement windows should be adequately secured against entry.  They should be secured to prevent forcing. Window locks should not be vulnerable if the glass is broken. Screening materials can be used effectively on these window wells or on window framing.

ADDITIONAL TIPS TO REMEMBER

• The house number should be clearly displayed front and back.
• Exterior flood lights (front and back) and over garage are recommended. Interior-timed lighting devices should be utilized when not at home.
• Shrubs should be kept low enough so as not to block possible points of entry or to conceal a potential burglar.