How to Burglar-Proof Your Doors
The majority of devices mentioned in this report cost very little. All of them will help reduce burglary and make your house or apartment more secure.
Begin with a home "security" check. Start with the front door and work clockwise around the entire inside of your home, finishing with the back yard, fence and shrubs, gates and garage.
Shrubbery should never block the view of your front door. This allows an intruder the opportunity of privacy to gain entrance. A wide angle viewer in the door lets you know your visitor in advance. This item is recommended over a chain lock.
Locks, Bolts and Hinges
A dead-latch is an inexpensive lock set which keeps the burglar from simply slipping your door open with a plastic credit card. This method of entry is common in many areas, but very easy to prevent.
Auxiliary Deadbolt
1" deadbolt, single cylinder with hardened cylinder guard, and thumb turn.
For extra security, a single cylinder dead bolt lock, with one inch throw and case-hardened insert, is recommended for all exterior doors. If you have easily breakable glass within 40 inches of a deadbolt lock, it should be augmented with a stronger type of glass or plastic to provide adequate security.
Most police departments do not recommend deadbolt locks for residential use. You may be adding additional security at the expense of personal safety with a double cylinder dead bolt. For example, you could lock yourself in and not be able to escape in case of fire or other emergency.
Rim Lock
The rim lock is a 1" dead bolt lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. It is less expensive than other typed of locks, but equally effective for security.
"Jimmy-Proof" Rim Lock
The "jimmy-proof" rim lock is another lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. But this lock has vertical dead bolts, which is an approved locking device.
Cane Bolts
1/2" in diameter by 12" high installed at the top & bottom of the inactive door offers minimum security. Many homes with pairs of doors, use half-barrel slide bolts on the inactive door. These are week and totally inadequate.
Flush Bolts
Installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door or a pair of doors, flush bolts offer additional security, since the intruder cannot get at these devices to tamper with them if the doors are locked.
Hinge Protection
Some exterior doors are improperly installed so that the hinges are installed from outside. To protect such a door from being lifted from its hinges by pulling the hinge pin, follow these simple steps: (1) Remove two screws, opposite each other, from both leaves of the hinge. (2) Insert screw or concrete nail into jamb leaf, protruding 1/2". (3) Drill out the opposing screw hole in the door. Do this in the top and bottom hinge of the door. When closed, the hinge pins may be removed, but the door will remain firmly in place.
Related Articles
How to Burglar-Proof Your Windows
Many burglars enter homes by simply breaking glass windows. A good deterrent is to have better quality glass installed at vulnerable points around the perimeter of your residence.
How to Protect Yourself from Armed Robbery
While a purse snatching is one of today's most common crimes facing women, strong arm robbery (hold-ups, muggings) is the most prevalent act where men are generally the victims.
How to Reduce Crime in Your Neighborhood
While we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime is on the increase in America, and throughout the world. The number of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is growing at an alarming rate.
How to Protect Yourself when Traveling
How to Protect Yourself when Traveling
How Shoplifting Affects You and Your Family
One of the most common non-violent crimes facing America today--and most of the world--is shoplifting. So prevalent is this problem that most stores and shops automatically increase prices (as much as 10%) to cover these losses.
The 10 Best Ways You Can Hide Your Valuables
Hiding your life's treasures under your pillow or mattress won't safeguard them from a thief. However, this doesn't mean that a safety deposit box at your bank is the only place for them.
How to Select a Burglar Alarm
Burglars dislike noise - it attracts attention. A barking dog is the best deterrent in preventing burglaries. However, a watch dog cannot always be depended upon.
How to Protect Yourself on City Streets
Street crime is on the increase in most large U.S. cities. It is also becoming more prevalent in small communities. The following list of "safeguards" will help protect you - and may even save your life!
How to Guard Against Purse Snatchers
Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. You can eliminate that opportunity. Every female carrying a purse is a potential target.
How to Safeguard Against Rape
If you are a female, chances are 1 in 10 that you will be a victim of sexual assault. The attacker makes no distinction between age, race, appearance or any other characteristics.