Nobody wants their home or office being broken into. Unfortunately, burglaries still happen, and in many cases, weak locks and poor-quality hardware give intruders an easy opportunity. By upgrading your locks and strengthening a few key areas around your property, you can make break-ins much less likely.
As a locksmith, we share some practical steps you can take to improve security of your house and business property.
1. Choose Strong Deadbolts Over Basic Locks
A simple lock on your doorknob won’t stop a determined burglar. A deadbolt is much stronger and should be your first line of defense.
- Pick a Grade 1 deadbolt (the highest security rating).
- Make sure the bolt reaches at least one inch into the door frame.
- Avoid cheap locks that can be easily forced, bumped, or picked.
If your deadbolt feels flimsy or outdated, replacing it with a sturdier model is one of the best moves you can make.
2. Reinforce the Door Frame and Strike Plate
Even with a good lock, a weak door frame is easy to kick open. Criminals often use force rather than skill to break in.
- Upgrade to a reinforced strike plate secured with long screws (at least 3 inches).
- Strengthen the frame with a reinforcement kit.
- Use solid-core or steel doors instead of hollow ones.
These upgrades give your doors the backbone they need to withstand brute force.
3. Strengthen Windows Too
Burglars often target windows since many have weak latches or can be pried open.
- Install extra window locks or pin locks on sliding models.
- Add security film so glass is harder to shatter.
- For basements or ground-floor windows, consider security bars or grilles for added safety.
4. Consider Smart Locks for Modern Protection
If you want both convenience and safety, smart locks are a good option. They let you control entry with a smartphone app or code instead of a physical key.
- No worries about losing keys.
- You can track who unlocks the door and when.
- Many models alert you if someone tampers with the lock.
Though pricier than traditional locks, smart locks add an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
5. Don’t Forget Sliding Doors and Garages
Sliding patio doors and garages are often overlooked, but burglars know they’re easier entry points.
- Place a security bar or rod in the sliding door track.
- Use pin locks for extra resistance.
- Reinforce your garage door with a good lock and disable easy manual openings.
6. Maintain Locks and Schedule Inspections
Locks don’t last forever. Over time, they wear down, rust, or become easier to break.
- Test your locks regularly to make sure they’re still secure.
- Replace old or damaged ones quickly.
- Call a professional locksmith every few years for a checkup.
- Rekey locks when moving into a new place or if you’ve lost your keys.
Staying Safe!
Securing your property isn’t complicated. Burglars usually go for the easiest target. If your home or business is well-protected with reliable locks and hardware, chances are they’ll think twice and move on.