Blog

How Burglars Break In and Where to Secure Your Home

March 8, 2019|fsstechnologies

When a burglar considers your home as a potential target, here are some of the things he or she is looking for.

Easy Access

An intruder doesn’t want to get caught and needs to have an easy escape. There’s not a more easily accessible entry point at your home than an unlocked door, and most burglars will check this first. Believe it or not, the front door is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. Front doors are often left unlocked or have a small sidelight window that can be easily broken to unlock the front door. Imagine how unassuming a person is standing at your front door, pretending to shake someone’s hand.
 
Another easy access point at your house is the garage service door. How many times have you opened an infrequently used door and then forgotten to lock it back up? Once inside the garage, most homes are usually unlocked, creating another very easy entry point for an intruder.
 
Don’t forget about any sliding glass doors around the home. Sliding glass doors removed by using a simple bathroom plunger. Believe it or not, burglars can stick the plunger to the glass door and lifted out of the track.

Good Cover

Windows, like doors, frequently are left unlocked. If entering through a door isn’t possible, most criminals turn to the windows. Basement windows are the most vulnerable windows on a home. This is notably true if they are covered by large shrubs, which provide excellent camouflage for a burglar to give a quick, hard kick or use a heavy object to break it. Secluded first-floor windows can also be vulnerable, especially if they are in high-value areas of the house like the master bedroom, the dining room, or the family room.
 
Double-hung windows are also a criminal’s best friend because smashing the top pane allows the window to be unlocked and protects the criminal from a nasty cut on broken glass. Crank casement windows are the least susceptible. They make a lot of noise to open; the crook can get cut by the glass if he or she breaks the window, and even unlocked these windows are still difficult to climb through. 

Ground-Floor Access

Anything on the ground floor is generally more vulnerable than second story entry-points. This includes overhead garage doors and, surprisingly, an exterior wall. 
 
Thieves can gain entry through overhead garage doors by striking the top section, which can release the garage door opener so you can lift it manually. Criminals have also been known to knock a hole through plastic siding and drywall and squeeze in between a set of studs.
 
In summary, here is a list of the most vulnerable areas of your home that need consideration if you are to prevent a break-in:

Doors – rear, garage, side, and front doors. These have a higher vulnerability if an entry has small windows or sidelights

Sliding glass doors

Windows – basement, first-floor, rear, double-hung, side, and front windows

Windows – first-floor crank casement and sliding windows

Windows – second story, double-hung windows with roof below

Other second-story windows

Garage overhead doors

Framed exterior walls with vinyl siding

Your local professional security specialist is the best source for evaluating your home’s vulnerabilities. Seeing your location, landscaping, and construction is essential in doing a proper risk assessment in order to properly protect your home.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the friendly pros at FSS Technologies if you are interested in a free risk assessment for your home. 

Contact Our Friendly Pros Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

how-alarm-monitoring-works-hero-min

Alarm Monitoring Services: How They Work

An ear-piercing siren and flashing strobe lights create an immediate sense of emergency and indicate an alarm of some sort has been triggered. Now that the alarm has been triggered and the warning sirens have sounded, what happens next?   If you have a monitored security system, it won’t just be the neighbors or passerby alerted…

Continue reading
2019-01_FSSTechnologies_Blogs_cctv-footage

What Is CCTV Footage?

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…

Continue reading
Hero-bda

What are BDA Systems?

As technology continues to evolve and building codes grow more stringent, bi-directional amplifier (BDA) systems are no longer just a luxury—they’re a critical component in ensuring your building’s safety and compliance. Whether you’re a property owner, facilities manager, or contractor, understanding BDA systems is essential, and choosing the right partner for installation makes all the difference….

Continue reading
what-to-do-after-burglary-hero-min

What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House

Arriving home to find that your home has been burglarized is one of the worst feelings someone can have. You’re left feeling raw, vulnerable, and angry. In this time of high stress, it may be hard to put your thoughts together to remember everything that now needs to be done. We have put together a list…

Continue reading
Hero-smoke

What are the Different Types of Smoke Detectors?

Smoke detectors are vital to fire safety for homes and businesses. Because they protect lives from fires or gas leaks, it’s essential to choose the best detector for your environment. There are various options to choose from, meaning you need to understand the benefits each one offers before making a selection. Learn more about the…

Continue reading
local-vs-national-Hero-min

Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company

When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies. Knowledge One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations…

Continue reading
Hero-codes

7 NFPA Codes Every Business Should Know

Business owners have an enormous responsibility to ensure their employees and customers are protected from fire hazards. Companies in industries like manufacturing and property management each face unique challenges in preventing fires and meeting code requirements. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the world’s leading experts in fire and life safety, has published…

Continue reading
cctv-types-Hero

What Are The Different Types of CCTV Cameras?

Your company’s security camera is part of a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). CCTV uses one or more cameras, through either wireless or wired transmission, to send the broadcast from the camera directly to a monitor, set of monitors, or a recording device—providing you peace of mind in the case of crime, fire, theft, or accidents…

Continue reading
cctv-cameras-illegal-in-workplace-hero-min

Is the Use of CCTV Cameras in the Workplace Illegal?

Know the Law Business owners are responsible for the security and well-being of their employees and company property. Many companies use technology such as cameras, motion detectors, and other tools to keep an eye on their building or cash areas. Many new businesses and employees may be wondering: Are CCTV cameras illegal in the workplace? Let’s…

Continue reading
HeroVideoStorage-min

What are the Different Kinds of Security Video Storage?

Security Video Recordings Storage How much storage does a security camera have? It is a seemingly simple question, with a surprisingly complicated answer. Security and surveillance cameras can use a variety of storage types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right security video storage for you, you will need to consider…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us