Your home is supposed to be the place where you feel the safest, but have you ever wondered how secure your sanctuary really is? Ensuring that you have a robust set of security measures in place is essential for maximum peace of mind, keeping intruders out and your possessions, property and family safe, yet it’s something that many homeowners fail to address sufficiently.
Intruders are repeat offenders, and can easily identify any weak spots in a home’s security, so learning more about any potential vulnerabilities is the first step in ensuring that your property is suitably safeguarded.
Whether you live in an apartment or a suburban house, you can never be too careful. Here, we take a look at five of the most common entry points that burglars use so that you can make the necessary modifications to your property now and sleep a little better tonight.
The top 5 common entry points to be aware of in 2024
The front door
It might seem a little too obvious, but the front door is often the first point via which burglars will attempt to access your home. Many thefts and break-ins occur because a property was simply left unlocked or the door could be easily forced open – so making sure yours is always entirely secured could prevent them from occurring at all.
Weak locks, hollow cores, and a lack of deadbolts on older homes make this entry point an enticing target, so it’s worth switching to steel doors, which are designed with high security in mind – plus, with a wide range of styles to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that complements your home’s aesthetic.
Installing a deadbolt, reinforcing the door frame with a strike plate, and using a peephole or a video doorbell can add extra layers of protection. Being able to see who is at your door before opening it will prevent you inadvertently allowing intruders the chance to access your home and offer additional peace of mind.
Side and back doors
The side and back doors of your home are also seen as opportunities to criminals and because they are often hidden from view, they are even more appealing. These doors are also generally less fortified, meaning they can be easily broken into (even if locked) – so giving them an overhaul might be a wise move if you’re concerned they are not up to the job.
As well as installing stronger doors, you may want to consider implementing other security measures to discourage criminals. For instance, motion-activated lights can startle potential intruders by drawing attention to their presence, and visible home security systems may deter them completely.
Consider adding a secondary locking system, such as a slide bolt or a security bar, to these doors to make it more difficult for burglars to gain entry even if they manage to bypass the primary lock.
Sliding glass doors
Sliding glass entries are even more vulnerable than your traditional front, side, and back doors and can be forced open and removed from their tracks relatively easily even when they are locked.
With this in mind, it’s wise to install a bar or rod to prevent them from being slid open from the outside. There are also anti-lift devices available that make it impossible to lift the door from its tracks, so consider adding one of these to your set-up, too.
Applying a shatterproof film to the glass panels of your doors can also prevent your doors from being easily broken, as it holds the glass together even if it’s shattered, making it more challenging for intruders to gain entry.
Windows
Windows are another common entry point to assess, particularly on ground-floors and in the basement as these are the easiest for potential intruders to access. While they are less discreet and make noise when broken, they are still seen as an easy option amongst criminals, so get one step ahead by installing some basic locks, which are one of the easiest ways to deter burglars. Window bars, grilles, roller shutters, and security film are also helpful additions to consider that will enhance safety. Just be sure they can be opened from the inside in case of an emergency, such as a house fire.
Consider installing window sensors that are connected to your home security system, too, as these will alert you if a window is opened or broken and allow you to respond quickly to any potential threats.
Garage doors
Garage doors are frequently overlooked when it comes to home security, with many owners or residents forgetting to secure them sufficiently. As well as allowing easy access to the garage itself, if you have a door inside into the house then there’s even greater risk, so be sure to take this into account when assessing and uplevelling your property’s security.
Consider adding a manual lock to the garage door if you haven’t done so already, and secure the emergency release lever with a zip tie to prevent unauthorised access.
Additionally, consider installing a smart garage door opener that allows you to monitor and control the garage door remotely so that you can always check if the door is closed and secure it from anywhere.
Other things to look out for when it comes to home security
Fences and gates
Fences and gates are often the first line of defense for many homes, and while they may not be direct entry points to the property itself, they can deter or delay intruders by tripping them up at the first hurdle. Ensuring that your fence is tall and difficult to climb can make a significant difference, and gates should be secured with heavy-duty locks, and ideally a latch that is out of reach from the outside.
Landscaping
Believe it or not, your landscaping choices can also impact upon your home’s security. Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for burglars, allowing them to approach your home undetected, so keeping bushes trimmed and using thorny plants under windows can reduce hiding spots and make it more difficult for criminals to access your home.
Security systems and cameras
Investing in a comprehensive security system can act as a strong deterrent and will also allow you and your family to relax in your home, knowing that intruders are less likely to approach. Visible cameras can discourage burglars, but if you’re looking to take a more discreet approach then hidden cameras can help to catch them in the act if they do attempt to gain entry. Modern security systems often include features such as real-time alerts, remote monitoring, and integration with other smart home devices, so are worth the splurge if you want to ensure you have all bases covered.
The bottom line
Securing your home is a critical aspect of protecting your family and belongings and by understanding the common entry points for burglars and taking proactive measures to fortify these areas, you can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in.
Regularly review and update your security measures to ensure they remain effective against new and evolving threats – and don’t wait for an incident to happen before taking action; do it now to secure your home and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sanctuary is well-protected in every possible way.
