According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1.9 million burglaries occurred in the United States in 2013. Those burglars stole $4.5 billion worth of property. 59% of all burglaries were carried out through forced entry. 74% of all burglaries were in residences, and most occurred during the day.
Homeowners can improve security in several ways, such as by installing a home security system with an alarm and monitoring. One of the easiest, least expensive, and often overlooked ways to keep homes safe is to install and regularly use deadbolts.
A deadbolt is a lock that has a steel bolt extending into the door jamb and a strike plate on a door frame. A single-cylinder deadbolt is the most common type. It is locked by turning a knob on the inside of the door and unlocked with a key. If a deadbolt does not have a steel bolt that extends all the way into the hole and a metal strike plate, someone can kick in the door and damage the frame to gain entry.
Many homeowners have deadbolts on their doors but do not use them, choosing instead to lock the doorknob. This does not provide adequate security as the doorknob, unlike a deadbolt, does not have the steel bolt.
The door can also be replaced to improve security. Many exterior doors have reinforced glass or small windows that are far enough from the lock that a burglar cannot reach through and open the door.
Homeowners should not hide keys in obvious places, such as under a doormat. A lockbox is a much safer place to hide a key. People should have the locks changed after buying a new house because other people could still have keys, such as friends, contractors, and the previous owners.
All American Locksmiths installs single-cylinder deadbolts in homes throughout Connecticut. Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home, or you want to improve your security, contact us today to discuss your options and how we can make your home safer and give you peace of mind.
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