Home Security Tips

• Install Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts on all exterior doors. Builder-grade locks offer minimal protection. A quality deadbolt with a one-inch throw bolt and hardened steel construction is your first line of defense against forced entry.
• Reinforce door frames with 3-inch screws. Most door frames are secured with short screws that only reach the door jamb. Replacing them with 3-inch screws anchors the strike plate into the wall stud, dramatically improving kick-in resistance for a few dollars in hardware.
• Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal bar or wooden dowel in the track to prevent the door from being forced open. Consider adding a secondary lock at the top of the sliding panel. Floor bolts offer an additional layer of security that is difficult to bypass from outside.
• Rekey locks whenever you move. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous owner's or tenant's keys exist. Rekeying is affordable and gives you a clean slate. This applies to houses, condos, and rental units.
• Use motion-sensor lighting at all entry points. Well-lit properties are far less attractive to intruders. Install motion-activated lights above the front door, back door, garage, and any lane-facing areas. LED fixtures are energy-efficient and last for years.
• Never hide spare keys outside. Under mats, inside fake rocks, on top of door frames, and inside mailboxes are all spots that intruders check. Use a coded lockbox mounted in a discreet location, or give a spare to a trusted neighbour.
• Secure your garage door. Garages are often the weakest point of home security. Use a quality deadbolt on the door between your garage and house. If you have an automatic opener, disable the emergency release when you are away for extended periods.
• Add window locks to ground-floor windows. Standard window latches can often be forced. Pin locks or keyed window locks provide a much higher level of security, especially for windows that are not visible from the street.
• Consider a restricted key system. Restricted keys cannot be duplicated at regular key-cutting kiosks. Only an authorized locksmith with your permission can make copies. This is ideal for families, rental properties, and anyone who wants complete control over key distribution.
• Get a professional security assessment. A licensed locksmith can walk through your property and identify vulnerabilities you might overlook. Small changes like longer strike plate screws, hinge pins, and door reinforcement kits can significantly improve your overall security posture.