Burglary

Relying on standard door locks

A door with only a handle lock is an easy mark for a crook with a plastic credit card, so add a good-quality deadbolt at each entry. The best require a key on the outside and incorporate a thumb latch on the inside. For doors with glass near the lock, also use a key lock on the inside so a burglar cannot reach in and open the door. Keep the key in a known spot near the door or use in an emergency exit situation. Further, strengthen every locking system by substituting long, heavy-duty screws for those provided by the manufacturer.

No matter which lock you choose, the lock is only as strong as the door itself, which is generally weakest around the lock. To make doors more secure, add a decorative door reinforcement plate (about $10) or use metal doors.

Secure your patio door by adding a patio bar, which can stop the inside door from sliding open or being pried off if the lock is broken. A sturdy piece of wood strategically placed in the open track may also improve door security.

When leaving home for day trips or longer, keep your garage closed to intruders by inserting a large stove bolt through one of the side track holes to prevent doors from being slid open.

Install a wide-angle (200-degree) peephole in your front door so that you can easily see who is at the door.