Every 30 seconds, someone’s home is broken into, but it doesn’t happen like clockwork. July and August see a spike in burglaries according to the FBI.
When you think of burglaries, you probably think of movies where the bad guys break into houses at night. However, most burglaries happen during the day, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. And most burglars take the path of least resistance to break in: your front door.
Here’s how to make sure your entry door is safe this summer, and what to do if it’s not.
Check your locks and deadbolts
One third of all convicted burglars entered a home through an unlocked front entry door according to Lemonade. A close second and third were through a ground-level window and a back door. On top of remember to always lock your doors, ensuring your locks and deadbolts are working properly is a must.
If you suspect your lock or deadbolt has been tampered with, inspect it. A burglary will be obvious if there was a forced entry, but signs from lock picking and lock bumping – where the burglar shoes a filed-down key into your lock and saws down the tumblers inside to enter –can be less noticeable. For lock bumping especially, look for scratch marks around your keyhole. If your lock has been tampered with, file a police report and consider investing in a more modern digital/mechanical hybrid lock.
Check the Hinges
Door hinge issues can leave your house susceptible to a break-in. Loose, misaligned, or sagging hinges can make it easier for a burglar to break in. Sometimes, the remedy is to just tighten the screws, but if the screw holes are worn, you might need to call the pros.
Check the door frames and weather-stripping
Your door frames hold your door to your walls. Over time, they can become warped, which is also a common culprit in lackluster home security and other issues, including drafts.
Although weather-stripping won’t deter a burglar on its own, it will help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. While you’re making sure your entry door is safe as possible, make sure you’re not spending unnecessary money in rising heating and air conditioning costs.
Keep your family safe and protected from burglaries and the elements! If your door needs work beyond a repair, contact us today about a replacement! Receive a free estimate now, too!