How to Prevent Burglars from Entering Your Home Through the Door

When you leave your home you naturally lock the door behind you and assume your home will be safe from burglars. However, you may find it alarming to know that in many instances, an offender can still successfully enter through a door. Many doors are simply not as secure as you would like them to be. Fortunately, there are some simple ways that you can make your doors and your home more resistant to burglary.

Change all of your locks

Unless you've installed new locks, you can't be certain that someone else doesn't have a key to your home that will let them gain access with ease. Previous owners, the contractors that built your house, or employees of the previous occupants such as cleaners or gardeners may all have copies of your home's keys. This number can be significant, especially if your home has a history of being a rental property.

Have a locksmith change all your door locks, and make sure that you retain the only copies. For a little bit extra you can have a bonded key lock installed. This means that anyone attempting to have a copy made must present formal identification to the locksmith before a copy can be authorised.

Install deadlocks

Deadlocks are a much safer and stronger option than a normal lock. They utilise a solid steel casing which is attached to the door frame, and a long, thick cylinder made from solid steel which penetrates deep into the door frame. Deadlocks are far more resistant to being forced open than a normal lock.

Deadlocks can be used alone but for added security they work best when used in conjunction with a normal lock. They can be locked with a key when you leave your home or locked by a doorknob from the inside when you are at home for added peace of mind. Make sure you install deadlocks on any side or rear doors as well as the front door.

Don't leave a key out

It doesn't matter how strong and safe your door is if a burglar can find a key then they will be able to enter with ease. If you hide a spare key in your garden this could quite easily happen. Experienced burglars know all the usual hiding spots and this leaves your home in a very vulnerable state.

If you're concerned about locking yourself out or losing your house keys then there is another option. Leave a key with a friend or family member who lives nearby or a trusted neighbour in case a spare key is needed.

It's not possible to entirely prevent the risk of a burglary. However, it is possible to significantly reduce the likelihood, and make entering your home a far more difficult task for burglars. For more tips, contact companies like Cambridge Locksmiths.