Lock-It! — Top 10 Products That Keep Intruders Out

Lock-It! — The Ultimate Guide to Securing Your HomeKeeping your home safe is about layers: physical barriers, smart technology, good habits, and community awareness. This guide, “Lock-It!”, walks you through practical, affordable, and effective steps to secure your home — from choosing the right locks to planning for emergencies. Whether you rent an apartment or own a house, these strategies will help protect your property and your peace of mind.

Why home security matters

Home is where you store valuables, rest, and raise a family. A security breach can cause financial loss, emotional trauma, and long recovery time. Beyond theft, good security reduces opportunities for vandalism, trespassing, and scams. The goal is not to create a fortress but to make your home a less attractive target than nearby options.

Assessing your current risk

Start by evaluating your home’s vulnerabilities:

Entry points: front and back doors, garage, basement, balconies, windows.
Visibility: poorly lit areas or tall hedges that hide approaches.
Neighborhood factors: recent break-ins nearby, foot traffic, proximity to main roads.
Household routines: predictable absences, packages left unattended.

Walk around at night and during the day, take notes, and prioritize fixes that address the easiest attack paths.

Doors and locks — the foundation

Doors are the single most common point of forced entry. Upgrade and reinforce them using these measures:

Solid-core or metal doors: Replace hollow-core interior-style doors with solid-core options at exterior entrances.
Deadbolts: Install a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt. A single-cylinder deadbolt with a 1-inch minimum throw is a baseline.
Strike plates: Use heavy-duty strike plates secured with 3-inch screws that penetrate the wall stud, not just the door frame.
Door frames: Reinforce weak frames with jamb shields or a full metal reinforcement kit.
Door viewers and chain locks: Use wide-angle peepholes. Avoid relying on chain locks — they are easy to defeat.
Sliding doors: Install a steel security bar or a dowel in the track, and consider auxiliary locks or anti-lift devices.

Windows — often overlooked

Windows can be targeted for stealthy entry. Harden them with these steps:

Window locks: Ensure all windows have functional locks. Add keyed locks for vulnerable ground-floor windows.
Reinforced glass: Consider laminated or tempered glass for windows facing the street.
Security film: Apply shatter-resistant film to slow forced entry and keep fragments together.
Stops and pins: Install window stops or pins to limit how far windows open.
Window sensors: Use contact sensors as part of an alarm system for immediate alerts.

Garage and basement security

Garages and basements often provide indirect access to the main house.

Garage door: Replace the emergency release with a shielded version to prevent fishing attacks. Use a smart garage controller with secure authentication if adding remote access.
Interior doors: Fit a solid door with a deadbolt between the garage and the living space.
Basement windows: Raise ground-level windows or protect them with grilles or security film.

Perimeter and outdoor security

Make approaching your home visible and inconvenient.

Lighting: Use motion-activated and timed lights around entrances, pathways, and dark corners. Good lighting deters opportunistic intruders.
Landscaping: Keep shrubs trimmed under windows; avoid dense plantings that provide hiding spots.
Fencing and gates: Install sturdy gates with locks; ensure fences are well-maintained.
Cameras: Place visible cameras to increase perceived risk for intruders. Consider both visible deterrence and hidden cameras for evidence.

Alarms and monitoring

Alarms add real-time detection and deterrence.

DIY vs. professional: DIY systems are affordable and flexible; professionally monitored systems add rapid ⁄₇ response. Choose based on budget and risk tolerance.
Sensors: Door/window contacts, motion detectors, glass-break sensors, and smart smokes/CO detectors form a comprehensive sensor suite.
False alarms: Reduce false alarms by placing motion sensors away from pets, heating vents, and curtain movement zones.
Monitoring: Use cellular or encrypted connections rather than plain Wi‑Fi where possible.

Smart locks and connected devices

Smart home tech adds convenience but must be secured.

Choose reputable brands with regular firmware updates.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Segment devices on a guest Wi‑Fi network or VLAN to isolate IoT devices from personal devices.
Beware of physical bypass: smart locks should still have robust mechanical features (Grade ⁄₂ deadbolt).
Regularly update firmware and review device permissions.

Keys, codes, and access control

Manage who can enter and how.

Rekey when moving into a new home or after losing keys.
Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious spots (under mats, planters). Use a coded lockbox or give keys to a trusted neighbor.
For smart locks, use temporary access codes for guests and contractors and revoke them when finished.
Keep an inventory of who has keys and change locks if someone leaves your household or a relationship sours.

Behavioral practices and routines

Human factors are as important as hardware.

Mail and packages: Use delivery instructions, require signatures, or have packages delivered to a secure pickup point.
Social media: Avoid posting real-time travel or absence information publicly.
Lighting timers: Use timers to simulate occupancy when away.
Neighbors: Develop a neighborhood watch or at least exchange contact info with trusted neighbors for mutual checks.

Layered security is key

Combine physical, electronic, and behavioral controls — each layer increases effort for an attacker and reduces likelihood of a successful intrusion. Think of security like an onion: multiple layers are harder to peel.

Emergency planning and response

Be prepared for an intrusion or threat.

Escape routes: Plan and rehearse escape routes with your household.
Safe room: Identify a secure room with a phone and lock where family members can go if threatened.
Emergency contacts: Keep a list of local police, trusted neighbors, and family members.
Evidence preservation: If a break-in occurs, avoid touching the scene and call the police to preserve evidence.

Budgeting your upgrades

Prioritize based on risk and budget:

Low cost (under $100): LED motion lights, door reinforcement plates, window locks, smart doorbell.
Moderate ($100–$500): Deadbolt upgrade, security cameras, smart lock, window security film.
Higher ($500+): Professional alarm monitoring, full door/frame replacement, perimeter fencing, security-grade glass.

Use this as a roadmap: address high-risk, low-cost fixes first.

Common myths and mistakes

Myth: “A security sign is enough.” Signs help but are weak alone; pair with physical measures.
Mistake: Leaving garage doors open or windows unlocked while away.
Mistake: Using default passwords or not updating smart devices.
Myth: “Only high-crime areas need security.” Burglary can occur anywhere, and burglars often target the easiest house.

Choosing professional help

Hire licensed, insured professionals for major upgrades.

Locksmiths: Confirm credentials, ask for references, and get written estimates.
Alarm installers: Ask about monitoring options, response times, and contract terms.
Contractors: For structural changes (door frames, windows), verify licenses and insurance.

Final checklist (quick)

Exterior doors: solid core + Grade ⁄₂ deadbolt + reinforced strike plate.
Windows: locks, stops, or security film.
Garage: secure interior door + shielded release.
Lighting: motion/timer lights around entrances.
Alarms: contact sensors + monitoring or self-install with alerts.
Keys/codes: rekey on move-in + use temporary codes for guests.
Habits: social media caution, package management, neighbor coordination.

Securing your home is ongoing — review your setup annually, upgrade where needed, and stay informed about new threats and fixes. Lock-It! is about building sensible, layered defenses so your home stays a safe, comfortable place.