Dealing with a Broken Lock

Posted on: 24 January 2020

The moments following a home break-in can be overwhelming and confusing for most people. You feel vulnerable after your privacy is stripped away by burglars. What's more, you have to come to terms with the loss of valuable items you held dear. In such times, it's normal to feel like you've lost the security battle. 

However, don't let intruders give you the feeling of defeat. This is the perfect time to rebuild your home's security so a similar incident doesn't occur in the future. Below are ideas on how to beef up your security after a break-in.

Re-Examine All the Access Points 

When most people think about securing a home from theft, the first places they consider are the front doors. However, most burglars know that your front door probably has an impenetrable entry system. Therefore, they target other often-ignored access points in the home. Think about your garage door, the door connecting the garage to the main house, your back door, sunroom door and the large French window overlooking the patio. All these are potential areas of entry, and if they have weak access systems, they can compromise your entire home's security. Therefore, invest in burglar-proof locks for all access points in your home. If possible, use advanced systems such as keyless locks as they can't be picked or manipulated easily. 

Secure Your Property's Perimeter

Your property's perimeter is the first point of access by burglars. If they get through the gate or fence, they can easily sneak into your home through vulnerable windows and unsecured doors. Therefore, assess your perimeter to determine whether it's secure. 

For starters, invest in a high-quality locking system for your main gate and any other access gates on the property. Use burglar-deterrent security systems such as smart locks that only open when they receive commands from an authorised device. Pair these with other security systems such as video surveillance and monitoring systems. 

Develop a Security Culture

Sure, there are days you come home tired and go to bed without checking whether all the doors and windows are locked. Making this a habit can expose your property to burglary. Develop a culture of staying on top of your security at all times. Here are some tips on how to make this happen:

• Secure all entry points before leaving the house or going to bed
• Lock windows and French doors when you're not home
• Replace locks to exterior doors if you lose your keys or suspect they have been stolen
• Leave your garage door closed at all times

If possible, ask a locksmith to check your locks and identify any potential vulnerabilities. 

Don't wait for another burglary to happen! Secure your home immediately to protect your valuables. Contact a locksmith for the installation of new locking systems.