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No matter where you live or how many people live in your home, security is always a concern. You want your home and family to be well protected from intruders. The only way to effectively protect your home, however, is to know where your areas of weakness are and what intruders are looking for.
According to A Secure Life, here’s what you need to know:
- 65 percent of burglaries happen while you’re at work.
- The master bedroom is the first room targeted.
- 34 percent of burglars enter through the front door; the second most popular entry points are a first-floor window or back door.
- The most commonly stolen items are cash, electronics, gold, guns, jewelry and silver.
Instead of fearing the worst whenever you leave your house, use these details to better secure your home.
The Front Door
There are a variety of ways that intruders can get in through your front door, starting with finding that hidden key and simply kicking down the door with brute force. As such, there are several easy ways you can reinforce this entry point.
Start by getting rid of your spare key, or better yet, finding a better hiding place. Fake rocks and other gadgets that claim to store your key safely outside are well-known to most experienced intruders, along with common hiding places like under the mat or above the door frame.
Instead, there are two security measures to take:
- Go digital, with a new keyless entry, or give a spare to your neighbor.
- Evaluate how easily your door could be kicked in as well. Front doors should always have a deadbolt and a reinforced kick plate.
You may even consider upgrading to a newer door. Check out Consumer Report’s buying guide to find the most secure options.
Finally, consider installing a door alarm. If someone enters your home, an audible noise is made, potentially deterring the burglar, and a notification is sent to your phone so you can immediately take action. Door alarms come with most basic security systems or can be purchased separately.
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