Doors and Windows provide the key to home security

Doors and windows are the means of getting into property for anyone, including an intruder, and it stands to reason that they need to be of a more than adequate standard.

Doors

Doors can provide a weakness in your home security if they are not of sturdy construction. Ensure that you have solid wood or metal doors at both the front and back of your house, as well as for any door connecting the house to the garage.

The locks should be heavy duty deadbolt types that are difficult to force open,  with at least one inch of throw, and the heavy duty strike plates should be secured with at least three inch screws into the door jamb. The hinges need to be on the inside otherwise a burglar only needs to remove the hinge pins to gain access to your home. Fit a wide angle peephole.

Windows

If  windows are poorly constructed or badly maintained they tend to get broken into more often than sturdy and well looked after windows. You should have tough glass fitted, and they should be capable of being shut and locked securely.

When you go out, or spend time away from home, you should make sure that all your windows are shut and locked, even those on upper floors. If a thief sees an open window, they'll find a way in. It's their living, after all!

You can place a blocking or anti-lift device on windows, and use a blocking device like a sturdy piece of wood or a steel bar in the door runner to hold your sliding glass doors shut.