Warning signs to take seriously
- Unfamiliar people repeatedly watching the street or your house
- Marks on door frames or around locks
- Gates or sheds that have been tried
- Flyers or items left at the door to test whether anyone is home
If you see something suspicious, report it to the police non-emergency line, or 911 if a crime is in progress.
What raises risk
- Hidden entry points out of view from the street
- Long periods with nobody home
- Older or low-grade locks
- Spare keys under mats or in planters
Why deadbolts matter
A spring latch alone can be slipped. A deadbolt with a long throw into a reinforced strike plate is far harder to force. Grade 1 deadbolts on exterior doors are a common recommendation.
Practical upgrades
- Grade 1 deadbolts on front, back and garage-entry doors
- Strike plates fixed with long screws into the frame
- Secondary locks or bars for sliding doors
- Rekeying if you don't know who has keys
- A keypad lock so there's no key to hide
Ask for a security consultation; see residential services.
