Common Facts about home security:

Item 1:  Unlocked doors, windows and sliding glass doors are the most common ways a home intruder enters.  Use your locks on your doors!  Windows often have poor locks that can be shimmed or forced open with a screw driver.  Sliding glass doors often have a lock on them, but the latch is often made of pot metal which can be easily broken.  Mis-alignment on the latch of a sliding glass door is common resulting in a door that can be opened with little or no effort.  My recommendation on sliding glass doors is a folding bar.  Since many people like to leave these doors open to aid in air circulation, I recommend this product:

 

  Mag 8820  This product will allow you to secure your sliding glass door, allows for ventilation and is cost-effective.  We install and sell these.  Call 303-339-0085 for more info!

 

Item 2:  Door and frame reinforcement options are hard to give without seeing your door.  I do recommend Mag Products, www.magsecurity.com for reinforecement, windows and more!

 

Item 3:  Doors with glass in them should have a double cylinder deadbolt.  Otherwise, a burglar can just break the glass and let themselves in.  Here is a picture of a Schlage Double Sylinder Deadbolt.  See how a key is needed on BOTH sides of the lock?  The one downside to consider is for emergency egress or escape in an emergency.  Always keep a key for this lock somewhere where all family members know where it is at in somewhat close proximity to the door.

 

Item 4:  First of all, I own a Sentry Safe.  I keep important dosuments in it, which is what they are made for.  If you have jewelry, coins, or other valuables like these, a Sentry Safe is not my first recommendation.  I would recommend Amsec safes. 

 

Item 5:  Locks only work when used.