Introduction 

It has been reported that a burglary now happens every 15 seconds.  As such, the chances of your own home actually being at risk from a break in are greatly increased, and it does not matter where you live.   

However, when people think of a break in, they think of someone gaining entry in to their home through breaking some glass or smashing down doors.  Yet there are certain things which could actually extend an invitation to those unwanted intruders to make an attempt at getting into your home. 

There are many places which are vulnerable to attack from an intruder to your home, and therefore you must set up a routine which will then provide them with less opportunities of attempting to break in. Below, we look at what are considered to be some of the weak areas in your home security routine which could help to prevent any kind of break in from occurring. 

Keys 

Although you may think it is a great idea, lending keys to family and friends, as well as those people carry out work in your home, greatly increases the chances of your keys being placed into the wrong hands.  Although the people you provide a key to might be completely trustworthy, you can not control where the keys are once they are out of your hands, and the chances of them being duplicated are greatly increased.  So it is important that you think about whom you are issuing keys to, and keeping an eye on the master one that you have with throughout the day.  Also, never place keys in those secret places outside the home, as the smart burglar will know where exactly to look for them. 

Locks 

Those doors which have handle locks are very easy for a burglar to get into, as all he requires is a plastic credit card.  Therefore it is best if you install good quality deadbolts to all entry points (doors) into your home. 

Doorways 

Although you may have installed a very good lock to your front or back door, they are only as effective as the actual strength of the door itself.  Unfortunately, the weakest area around any door is where the lock is located, and this is especially true for wooden doors.  

Sliding Patio Doors 

These security doors have several distinct disadvantages to them when compared to other doors.  The main reason is that they come with much less sophisticated locks on them.  There are even some much older models which, unfortunately, can be easily lifted off of the tracks that they run on and provide any intruder with a way of gaining easy access to a home. 

Windows 

Windows which are left open and unattended not only provide intruders with access, but they allow them to quickly view what is available to them.

Gardens 

Both shrubbery and trees provide a way of allowing intruders to gain access to your property.  Not only do they provide ideal coverage, but can also provide them with ways to gain access to your home easily and quickly. 

Above we have looked at areas of the home where assistance can be provided to would be intruders to your property.  But in this book, we will be taking a closer look at some ways of improving your home security, and hopefully help to prevent intruders from wanting to try their luck and break in.