In order to prevent a burglary, it can be useful to know where burglars are most likely to enter. Research into home intrusions has helped identify the most common entry points for burglars. Here are the top 5 ways a burglar is likely to enter a home – and what you can do to keep your home secure.
Front door: 34%
Over a third of burglars use the front door to access a home. How they enter our front door can vary.
Many burglars simply use a key. A poorly placed spare key (such as placing it under the doormat) can make your home an easy target for burglars. Also letting the wrong people borrow your key can put you at risk – many burglars use copies of keys to enter homes.
Of course, other burglars break in by force. Some old locks are very easy to seize open, particularly if the door frame is quite weak. Installing a 5 lever mortice deadlock and reinforced door frame will put most burglars off. The material of your front door is also important to consider – glass doors that aren’t made of reinforced glass can be easily broken into, as can weak wooden doors.
Other security features like a burglar alarm, motion sensing lighting and video doorbell can also steer burglars away from your front door.
First-floor windows: 23%
Almost a quarter of burglars prefer to use a first floor window.
Many burglars simply use a window that has been left open. Alternatively, many will target homes with sliding windows that can be easily opened if not locked. Make sure that windows are always shut when you’re not in the property, and consider upgrading to side hung outward windows with locks if you haven’t got these.
When it comes to breaking into windows, double glazed windows are typically harder to break. It’s also possible to opt for toughened glass. It’s also important that window frames aren’t damaged – installing new windows could be worthwhile if the frames have started to rot, crack or degrade.
Window alarms could be another way to prevent a window break-in. You could also consider installing window shutters or adding rose bushes beneath windows.
Back door: 22%
Many burglars will use a back door. These are often not as secure as a front door and are more likely to be left unlocked.
It’s important to treat all external doors like your front door. They should be just as secure in order to put off burglars. Extra measures like motion-sensing lighting and surveillance cameras could also put off burglars.
Sliding patio doors have become an increasingly common target for burglars. Make sure that glass is toughened and that the sliding door is always closed and locked when you’re not in.
Garage: 9%
Got a garage? 9% of burglars gain access through a garage door.
Many old garage doors can be easily seized open with nothing but a wooden block and a coat hanger. It is worth upgrading to a new garage door with a secure locking mechanism if you currently have an old and worn garage door.
If your garage door is remote operated, make sure to keep this remote secure. A stolen remote could make it easy to get into your garage. Smart garage doors can be more secure, as they typically require an app on your phone and a password/facial recognition to use.
Basement: 4%
Basements can be another entry point for burglars. If you have a basement, consider whether this is vulnerable.
A lot of basements have fragile windows that can be easily smashed and crawled through to gain access. Others have exterior doors that are not secure. Make sure any windows or doors leading to your basement are kept closed and locked – and make sure they are made from secure materials.
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