Locksmiths are in a position to see all the different ways that break-ins happen, what fails and what holds. This makes them excellent at evaluating your property to help keep your family and belongings as secure as possible. Local locksmiths have a wealth of knowledge on what types of break-ins are occurring in the area and can advise you on how best to combat these through improved home security or even having a lock change completed on your exterior doors.
What is a Home Security Survey?
A home security survey is a confidential assessment that identifies features in your home, business, or routine that makes you an easy target for burglars or vandals. The evaluator goes through the property and includes all of the windows, doors, locks, lights and landscaping. Recommendations are made in the final report, but it is ultimately up to you what action you choose to take.
Why Do I Need One?
While some criminals spend a lot of time staking out a property and planning ahead, the truth is that most thieves look for the easiest target, one they can get into and out of quickly. The more difficult you make it for them to get in, the more likely they are to move on. A home security survey shows weaknesses in your defence.
Some quick facts from local locksmiths about break-ins:
- Most occur during the day when no one is home.
- Burglars spend around one minute to gain entry and less than five minutes inside.
- Most break ins occur on the ground floor.
- Cheap doors and windows are often an easy access point.
An Example of a Problem Area:
The Front Door You might be surprised that a thief would try coming in through the front door, but if they can do it quickly the odds of being seen are low.
The first thing they will look for is a hidden key because they know how common this is. You may think your hiding place is safe, but it’s never a good idea to leave a key lying around. Give a copy to a trusted neighbour instead.
If they don’t find a key they will try to force the door. Relying on a simple latch lock or lock in the doorknob makes it easy to force open. A crowbar inserted at the lock point will bow the frame or simply push the strike plate away from the wood and it doesn’t take a lot of force.
So how can you make your door more secure?
First, exterior doors should be solid core for strength. Then upgrade the locks, or consider a lock change and remember to use them. A British Standard or ANSI/BHMA graded deadlock has stronger parts and a longer bolt that will go deep into the frame. The strike plate should be high quality as well and installed with longer screws. They will go into the house’s framing members so it’s much less likely to rip out.
Problems Solved
This is just one example of the kind of information you can get with a professional home security survey. Every access point is an opportunity for entry to a thief, but with a little help you can make it less likely they will succeed, and they may just look for an easier target instead.
