The top 3 ways a burglar will break into a home

Preppers know that crimes can be prevented by prioritizing home security. But before you take measures to secure your property from thieves and burglars, you need to know that they usually break into a home using three common entry points: the front door, a window, and the back door. (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com)

Tips on how to secure entry points

Eighty percent of the time, burglars will try to break into your house through these entry points.

The front door

You’d think burglars would try to be more discreet, but most of them will try to break into your house through the front door. (Related: Pro tips: Simple ways to keep your home safe from burglars.)

Unfortunately, most houses don’t have a deadbolt lock, which means their doors are only secured by the lock on their door handle or doorknob. To deter burglars, install a deadbolt lock that will complement your doorknob lock. Locks can also be picked, so another option is to install “bump-proof” door locks.

You can also use longer screws in the door strike plate. A strike plate is the metal plate screwed to a door jamb that has a hole for the bolt of the door-lock. When you close the door, the bolt extends into the hole in the strike plate and keeps the door closed. A door jamb is usually made of softwood, but the strike plate ensures a more secure latch.

By using longer screws in the strike plate of your door, a burglar will have a harder time kicking the door down. Strike plate screws are usually only an inch long, so get replacement screws that are at least two to three inches long. To secure the longer screws, you will need a proper sized drill-bit to pre-drill deeper holes.

Most doors are framed with two layers of 2 x 4’s, so you will need something like 8 x 3-inch screws, or whatever fits the strike plate. Make sure you use a flat-head wood screw so it fits flat to the surface of the strike plate. If the screws protrude, they might get snagged on the door if you close it.

Alternatively, you can use door security devices, like a door jammer or a door security bar, to help prevent the door from opening even if the lock is picked or if someone tries to kick it in.

A window

The second most common entry point for burglars is through a window. Don’t make the mistake of leaving your windows open or unlocked, especially during summer.

When you’re going out to run an errand, don’t forget to lock all the doors and windows in your house. You also need to secure all possible entrances to your home before you go to bed at night, particularly those on the first floor.

If you have an air-conditioner in a first-floor window, secure it by:

• Reinforcing the top mounting rail into the window sash.
• Using a stick-on window alarm.
• Using a window air conditioner security bar.

The back door

People often forget to secure their back doors, and burglars take advantage of this. Always lock your back door, and secure it the same way you would your front door.

As an added precaution, having a guard dog can deter burglars from targeting your home. If you have enough space in your home, get a big or middle-sized dog to keep thieves away. Train your dog well so they can recognize family and friends. Dogs will also alarm you if an intruder tries to break into your house.

While it is statistically less likely, burglars may also try to break into your home through the basement, your garage, or a second-floor window.

Now that you know about these three common entrances that burglars may use to break into your home, use your prepping skills to secure them and keep your loved ones safe.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalBlog.com 1

ModernSurvivalBlog.com 2

ModernSurvivalBlog.com 3