Think Like A Burglar: Where to Place Door Sensors in Your Home

When you’re setting up your new home security system, you need to think like a burglar to make sure that your home is best protected. It’s essential to know what openings a burglar may seek out and exploit. When you know what a burglar may see as a weakness, you can make sure to protect those areas. If a burglar does try to get in now, a door sensor will sound the alarm!

Alarming Need for a Front Door Alarm:

Now, you probably planned to put a door sensor on the front door to your house already. It’s a logical place to put one. You might not guess, however, that it’s the mostly common break-in point. In fact, 34% of break-ins occur through the front door. Though we may imagine a burglar trying to enter unseen, creeping around your house and entering unnoticed, often the best way to be inconspicuous is to enter through the front door. This bold move makes the burglar look like he or she belongs there. Your neighbors may see them coming and going, but assume he or she is supposed to be there!

Protecting your front entry is a priority. The front door is most typically kicked in by a burglar. With this in mind, it’s important to fortify your door with a deadbolt lock. It’s best to use at least a one inch throw bolt. Also, make sure that you use a heavy duty strike plate, the part of the lock on your door’s frame. A weak strike plate can increase your door’s vulnerability, but the good news is that its easy to replace! Make sure to always change the locks when you move into a new home and remember to always add a door alarm.

Window of Opportunity:

First floor windows are the second most common entry points and the most common entry point during the warm summer months. It’s easy to forget you left your window open on hot days. They’re always wide open to let in a breeze and it’s much more common to forget they are open than a door. An open window that is visible from the streets may be the only reason a burglar selected your home. It’s easy to get in and out through just a screen. Make sure to always close your windows before you leave your home. In addition, make sure your windows are locked. Often, windows have latches but not actual locks. In these instances, it may be easy for a burglar to push your window up and open it. Window locks are cheap and easy to install. Along with a window sensor, they are a great way to protect your home against a break-in.

Side (Door) Effects:

The third most common entry point for a break in is a side or back door. As it’s away from the main street, it may provide a burglar more coverage. Make sure all of your exterior doors have an entry sensor on them. If you have a sliding glass door, keep in mind that the latch lock may not be the most secure. A great step to secure these doors is to place a wooden dowel in the door groove. This will prevent the door from being opened when you are away from home. A glass break sensor is another great security component to use. With both the entry sensor and glass break sensor, as well as a wooden or metal dowel, your sliding glass doors are protected and secure!

Second Floor Windows Are Not the First Option:

Good news! Only 2% of all break-ins are second floor windows. Second floor windows are often too conspicuous for a burglar. Your neighbor will definitely think twice if they see a person entering through your second floor window. Still, it’s good to make sure you’re not providing opportunities (and tools) for a person to enter here. Make sure you do not leave a ladder in your yard. Similarly, make sure to close windows before you leave, especially if they are covered by a tree or foliage. A covered window will provide just the opportunity a burglar needs. This would be a great place for an window sensor.

When you’re setting up your security sensors for your home alarm, think like a burglar. What would he or she think is the easiest place to get in, the weakest spot? Then, make sure those spots are protected, both with locks and security sensors! SimpliSafe provides easy to install entry sensors that work on both doors and windows. Once you have these entries armed and locked, you know your home is secure and fortified!

How have you protected the doors and windows in your home? Share in the comments!