You lock your doors and close your windows before leaving the house, feeling secure in your daily precautions. In reality, that sense of security might be misleading because professional burglars look for opportunities the average homeowner overlooks. They know the weak spots you’ve likely never considered.
Thinking like a thief is the best way to secure your home. This approach is about identifying and reinforcing non-obvious vulnerabilities. Ultimately, your peace of mind depends on knowing all the potential access routes. Here are six creepy burglar entry points that many homeowners completely forget about.
1. The Unassuming Pet Door
Your doggy door is a symbol of convenience for your furry friend. Unfortunately, it’s also a glaring “welcome” sign for a burglar. Even small pet doors can be a target, as a flexible intruder might be able to squeeze through.
More commonly, a burglar can use a tool to reach through the flap and unlock the main door from the inside. Consequently, if you have a pet door, consider one with a secure locking cover. You should also install a separate sensor for it on your home security system.
2. The Second-Floor Balcony
Homeowners often diligently secure their ground-floor windows and doors. However, they can get complacent about the second story. Balconies and upper-floor windows, for example, are frequently left unlocked. This oversight provides an easy entry point for a determined intruder.
Specifically, burglars can use ladders, nearby trees, or even patio furniture to gain access to a second floor. For this reason, always lock all windows and balcony doors, regardless of how high up they are. A thief willing to break in will not be deterred by a bit of a climb.
3. The Attached Garage Door
An attached garage is a huge vulnerability for two reasons. First, the main garage door itself is often a weak point, since a thief can force older models open with surprising ease. Second, and more importantly, homeowners often neglect the interior door leading from the garage into the home.
Many people leave this door unlocked, treating the garage as part of the house’s secure perimeter. This is a critical mistake. Therefore, you must treat the door from your garage to your home with the same seriousness as your front door, ensuring it has a deadbolt and is locked at all times.
4. The Milk Chute or Mail Slot
Older homes sometimes have charming features like milk chutes or wall-mounted mail slots. Today, however, these relics of a bygone era are now significant security risks because they provide a direct opening into your home. A burglar can then use these slots for “fishing.”
For instance, by using a wire or a pole with a hook, a thief can try to grab nearby keys or even manipulate a door lock. If your home has these features, you should permanently seal them. If you use a mail slot, install a secure plate on the interior to prevent anyone from reaching inside.
5. Basement Windows and Grates
Basement windows are often out of sight and out of mind. They are typically small, low to the ground, and sometimes hidden by bushes, which makes them an ideal target for a burglar who wants to work unnoticed. In addition, these windows often have weak, flimsy locks.
Furthermore, window wells can also be a problem. If you don’t securely fasten the grate or cover, it offers easy access to the window. You should ensure all basement windows have strong locks and consider adding security film or grilles for an extra layer of protection.
6. The Air Conditioning Unit Opening
Window-mounted air conditioning units are a necessity in summer. Unfortunately, they create a major security gap. For one, a burglar can sometimes push the unit in from the outside. Moreover, the side panels that fill the rest of the window are often just flimsy plastic.
A burglar can easily break or remove these panels to gain entry. When installing a window AC unit, use screws to secure it firmly to the window frame. You can also use a sliding window lock or a dowel in the track to prevent someone from forcing the window open any further.
Securing the Forgotten Spaces
True home security is about more than just the obvious entryways. It requires a comprehensive assessment of every potential vulnerability. By addressing these often-forgotten burglar entry points, you can significantly harden your home against intruders. Take a walk around your property today and look at it with a critical, cautious eye. The small changes you make could be the ones that keep your family and property safe.
Have you ever discovered a surprising security weak spot in your home? Share your story in the comments.
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