Signs Better Security is Needed

Security has become increasingly important in this day and age. Whether you are thinking of enhancing security for your residence or commercial business, there are always things that can be improved. The question a lot of people have is: how do I know if I need better security? That question can be a tricky one. However, there are signs that will let you know you should improve your home security. Keep reading to find out more.

You have had a break in

This sign is the biggest and most obvious sign. If you have had a break in at your home or business, your mind will instantly turn to increasing security measures (after you get over the shock of this violation). You will first need to determine how the intruders gained access to your property. In the case of residential break-ins, almost 60% of the time entrance to the home is gained through methods of forced entry. This means the intruder simply kicks in a door, forces open a window, or uses a pry bar to cause a wedge between the door and door jamb. If this is the case, the silver lining is that you now know the weak areas of your home or business, and can reinforce those areas. If the thief came in by forcing their way in your front door, and your locks buckled under the pressure - you may choose to invest in sturdy deadbolts. If they gained access through your back patio door - you may consider looking into patio door lock solutions.

You are able to gain access through untraditional methods

Perhaps you find yourself locked out of your home. Your mind will run through all the available options you could use to gain access. You may remember that the window in the back of your house has a lock that does not work correctly. You go to the back, and are able to jimmy open the window from the outside, and thus you gain entry into your home. While this scenario works well for you, it also highlights security issues that need to be addressed in your home. Just like you were able to gain access, a burglar could also gain access through the same means.

If your home has a second level, it is easy to think that leaving the upper level windows open will not be a big deal. However, burglars can sometimes climb up trees that are outside of upper windows. That is why you should keep your upper windows locked if you are not at home. If there is a window that you never open, you may even consider having that window permanently sealed.

I will also add, if you have a lot of shrubbery on your property please make sure you keep it trimmed. You don’t want to give burglars a place to hide and “case” your property.

You have never changed or rekeyed your locks

When you purchased your home, you were given a set of keys by the realtor. The realtor got these keys from the previous owner. Perhaps you just moved in and didn’t give any of it a second thought. For the most part people are honest, but you really have no idea who has a copy of the keys to your home. The previous owners could still have a copy, and gain access at any time. They could have had a tenant, cleaning lady, or landscaper who had keys to “their” house. But now, it is “your” house. Yet the same keys will still work in your locks! Think back. Did you change or rekey the locks when you moved in? If not, then this is a place to start to enhance the security of your home. A locksmith can quickly change all the locks that provide exterior access, or even simply rekey the existing locks. This is best to do so you will have peace of mind that you will know everyone who has a copy of your house keys.