These days a simple door lock just isn’t good enough- not if you want your family to feel safe and secure in your new home. You need something stronger, something that will give you peace of mind and a sense of safety and comfort. There are many different ways to secure your home, but they are all based on two basic principles- discourage and deter.

First Steps - Locks and Bars

The first step in home security is to start with the basics by making sure every single door contains a deadbolt and a slide bolt. It’s been shown that most break-ins occur by the front door or by the garage, the thief kicking his way in. These locks have been proven to slow this down by about 10-15 minutes. For an extra, added bit of protection against door smashings and crowbar pryings, an iron door can be purchased at about any hardware store and is relatively easy to install.

Don’t forget your sliding glass doors- a charley bar is an absolute must in these situations. It’s simple enough to install yourself, and can be bought at most hardware stores.

After you are done securing doors, you want to move onto your windows, making sure each and every one of them has a nice and sturdy lock. Even though windows are not a common mode of entrance for a criminal, you don’t want to take any chances.

Cost for Locks and Bars:

• Deadbolts : $30 regular, $100 with keypad
• Slide Bolt : $16-$18
• Charley Bar : $45-$50
• Window Locks : $13-$25
• Iron Door : $100-$300 (depending on decorative qualities)