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.
Consider using a portable door lock, which can be installed without any tools. These locks typically work by sliding into the existing door latch and providing an additional layer of security. A door jammer or security bar can be placed at the bottom of the door to prevent it from being opened.
Exterior Doors – Metal and solid hardwoods are the best materials for exterior doors. Although you want your home to look inviting to guests and visitors, it also should look intimidating to potential intruders. Exterior doors should be at least 1 ¾ inches thick to prevent a break in.
1. Alarm Systems. Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.
They can be easily kicked in, and sometimes even lifted manually.
Perform a lock check. See who it is (through peephole or camera) Speak with the person through the door. Call the police (if needed)
Fortress doors are designed to help create a highly secure environment for areas with elevated threat profiles or security challenges, providing complete protection against burglary or forced entry.
Cut back (or remove) any hedges around doors or windows. Add double key (takes key to get in & out) deadbolts to all doors (makes it hard on them to take big stuff). Reinforce all door locks with wrap around door plates. Then put in strike plates with 3″ long screws.
Less is more when it comes to using lights to deter burglars, it turns out. If you use smart lighting functionality through your home security system to make it seem as though someone is home, this may deter a burglar. If you simply leave your lights on all day and all night, you could do the opposite.
In speaking with our customers and security consultants, it's clear that most burglars head straight to a bedroom when they enter a home. If they can identify the primary bedroom, it will be their first target.
Houses that appear occupied—with the lights on, a vehicle in the driveway, visible activity, or audible noises from within—are less likely to be burglarized. 28 Even houses near occupied houses generally have a lower risk of burglary.
Anything that's thorny or spiky is likely to make burglars think twice about attempting to access a property, with the fear of cutting themselves or tearing clothing and leaving DNA or evidence behind all too much.
Burglars Do More Than Steal
At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can't leave, lock yourself in a room with a phone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.
Having a Ring doorbell can attract burglars instead of deterring them, according to experts. Alarms fitted on homes can indicate to thieves that there are valuable items worth stealing. Research has shown that alarms can increase the risk of burglaries and give a false sense of protection.
The NIGHTLOCK, which is secured to the floor, provides a powerful resistance to a front door that is being breached by a “kick-in”.
Bend a fork into the door latch.
Use pliers to bend ¼ of a fork's prongs up at a 90-degree angle. Cut the fork's handle off with wire cutters, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the prong end. Open the door and put the bent prongs in the door latch. Close the door on the fork with the end sticking out.
You may have seen this in the movies – and it really works! Bear in mind that this method only works if the door opens inward. Warning: If someone tries to force the door open from the outside, there is a chance that the chair will break. This is a trick, not a fail-proof security system.