Nobody likes to think of a crime or break-in happening in their home, but unfortunately, it’s a reality that many people face, in Toronto and all over the country. With that in mind, it’s more important than ever to know how to prevent crime from happening to you, starting with our guide on entry doors in Toronto and signs that they may be susceptible to break-ins.
Entry Door Break-ins – 5 Signs You’re Susceptible
1. They Know the Code or Have a Key
When people think about break-ins, they usually picture an entry door hanging on its hinges or smashed in, as a result of force. The reality is quite different – quite often, there’s no sign of anyone having gained access to your home at all.
It’s important to keep an eye on what you’re doing with your spare keys and who knows your code. If your door is key-entry only, take care of those keys. It’s all too easy to leave a key in the restaurant by mistake, giving someone access to your home. It’s also possible they may see you type or write the key code. That’s why it’s essential to change your locks if you lose a key and to change the code every so often. If not, you’re extremely susceptible to break-ins.
2. Your Door is Old or Weak
Criminals are simple-minded and only care about one thing – getting in and out as quickly and easily as possible. If you’re a criminal, which door do you pick – the new one, with a sophisticated locking system, or the old one that the big bad wolf could blow down? By having a door that looks like it would be easy to gain entry from, you’re increasing your risk of someone attempting to do so. By having a modern, strong-looking entry door, you’re showing the criminals they’ll have no chance.
3. It’s Dark and Unlit
Break-ins – especially of the forced entry kind – are much more likely to happen at night, where the perpetrator can work under cover of darkness. That’s why it’s essential to have a door that’s well-lit at night. Whether it’s a case of trimming a hedge so the streetlight shines through or investing in a canopy with a light, by effectively buying a spotlight you’re drastically reducing the chances of someone trying to break into your home.
4. You Only Have One Lock
By only having one lock on your entry door, you’re making it easier for would-be criminals to gain access to your home via force. All it could take is a firm kick to the door to break the lock and open the door. By having locks above or below your main lock, you’re adding an extra layer of security and making it virtually impossible for a criminal to get into your home through force.
5. You Leave it Unlocked
Whether it’s through forgetting to lock it or leaving it unlocked for a family member, many leave their doors unlocked and allow criminals to be in and out with their valuables in a second. To remedy this, you may want to buy a door that locks automatically when closed, to ensure that your entry door is always hard to get beyond.
Don’t Take Chances for your Entry Door
You might think you’re okay, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t underestimate the lengths a criminal will go to ruin your life. By following the above advice, you can ensure that your home is kept safe and secure thanks to an entry door that’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
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