According to ADT, approximately 34% of burglars enter through the front door of a home, while 22% enter a home through the back door, making this the most common entry point for intruders. Dog doors can also be a way for burglars to make their way into your home if the door is large enough.
While most burglars gain entry through doors, the second most common area susceptible to break-ins is first-floor windows. Second-floor windows are more difficult to reach and far less likely to be the source of a criminal's attack. Fortunately, you have choices on how to prevent break-ins through your windows.
A solid wood or metal door is your best bet, and some are surprisingly affordable. Steel doors are a great choice for those who want to be secure but are more cost-conscious.
Steel doors are among the best front doors for security. It's nearly impossible to break through; even if beaten or abused, these doors are more likely to dent than come down.
A steel door is your best bet if security and durability are top priorities. Steel units are stronger than wood or fiberglass doors, and they won't crack or warp.
Alarm Systems or Sirens — A Useful Burglar Deterrent
Burglar deterrent audio or sound would scare away those thieves. Burglars hate attention. That's the main reason why burglar alarms and sirens are effective on deterring thieves.
The main bedroom is known as the most common place for valuables to be kept, which is why it's often the first port of call for the burglar on the lookout for cash. They'll look for cash in cupboards, drawers, under the mattress and also in those places you thought they'd never look, like shoe boxes or vases.
Should you leave outdoor lights on at night? No, leaving lights on can make intruders think that you're not home. Use a motion sensor light that turns on when you, or anyone else, comes near so you have light only when you need it.
Most of the time, they're not “breaking” in at all
According to her research, an overwhelming majority of burglars enter homes through the doors and windows. Thirty-four percent use the front door, while 22 percent get in through the back door.
Burglars will frequently walk up and knock on the front door to see if someone is home, giving an excuse—asking for directions, looking for a “lost dog,” claiming they're at the wrong house—whenever someone answers it. Mild vandalism like a rock through a side window.
Burglars look under the bed, in closets, in dresser drawers and medicine cabinets in your bathroom. Next burglars will hit up the kitchen and living room for electronics, credit cards, keys and personal information.
Most home break ins happen during the day. Burglars usually look for doors that are unlocked and windows left open so they can grab what they can and make a quick getaway. If a burglar can't see an easy way in, they often won't try.
Your attic is not likely to be visited by a burglar because they are usually hard to find and access. So, it is always a good idea to store valuables in attic storage containers. As an extra safety precaution make sure to mark them with labels like “winter clothes” or “old shoes” to throw a burglar off of your scent.
According to an analysis by Vivint Smart Home, 50.3% of burglaries occur at night between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. while the other half (49.7%) happen in daylight hours.
A study by the Office for National Statistics also found that 60% of burglaries take place during the day. More often than not, your constant night-time lights won't make a difference to whether or not you're burgled.
If the intruder is between you and your exterior doors and you can't climb out of a window, shut yourself in a bathroom, bedroom, or even a closet. Lock the door, and if possible, barricade it. Stay as quiet as possible.
Did you even know that burglars often use a code of symbols to mark out homes they want to target? Code, symbols and markings have become widely used tactics among burglars to help them break into homes.
Most Glass Front Doors are 6x Harder to Break
And, if they do happen to break it, it's one of the noisiest glasses to break. You're well-protected from potential thieves. Want to take the safety up another notch? You can ask about a more expensive, more resilient safety glass or laminated glass.
Hinged Doors – A hinged door is the most common type of door. These doors feature a set of double or triple hinges on one side of the door that allows it to open and close.