A seasoned burglar will seek the easiest way into your home. Nothing says I am a good victim like and unlocked door. Always double check your locks. There are very few emergencies that warrant leaving your home unlocked.

Open windows are another opportunity for criminals. Windows are left unlocked for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are just overlooked because they are not in use. They maybe in some out of the way place such as a childs room or an attached storage room. Periodically check your windows for security. Make sure that the latches and locks are in good repair.

Lost or stolen keys definitely open your house to crime. During your daily routine, there is always a possibility that your keys may be lost. They also maybe duplicated by someone you deal with who will use them to burglarize you later.

Many people have been burglarized by employees of repair stations or other service personnel who duplicated keys. If your keys are lost or stolen do not hesitate to get your locks changed. This may sound costly but it is nothing compared to the expense and risk of a break-in.

Criminals look for opportunity. One of the most common ways a criminal enters the home is by forcing their way in while you are entering. Nothing says opportunity like a person struggling with keys or packages while unlocking a door. This is when your vulnerability is at its peak.

Check the entrance and surrounding areas as you drive up to the home. If possible call someone inside and let them know you are about to enter. They can stand watch or even open the door for you. Be quick and decisive, get inside your residence as soon as possible.

Criminals have also been know to forced their way in while you are exiting your residence. When leaving your home, you will probably be trying to lock the door, and most of the time your back will be turned. This places you in a position of vulnerability. You can easily be attacked from behind.

Whenever possible have someone inside lock the door. This relieves you of having to fiddle with the door, while trying to look out for criminals. You can utilize the time saved to get in and lock yourself in your vehicle. It also helps to have the key you will use in your hand, which alleviates extensive searching.

Sounds crazy, but sometimes you let criminals in your home. A number of criminals are actually let in by the residents themselves. Of course you have no suspicion of their criminal intentions. The criminals you let in could be party guests, service representatives or even relatives.

It is not uncommon for valuables to become missing after a social event. People whom you trust often have the easiest time relieving you of your valuables. Sometime so called associates commit other crimes. Unknowingly, you become a participant in the crime against yourself. Be careful who you call an associate and trust as a friend.

Your children may inadvertently let criminals into your home. Your children are one of your top vulnerabilities when it comes to the security of your home. Young people are careless and trusting at times. They will most likely be the source of many worries in the home. They are easily distracted and may not realize how their actions effect the security of the entire home.

If your child opens the door and the phone rings, they may leave the door open. They may do something like going out to get the mail and forgetting to lock the door. They are more likely to be enticed by solicitors and others roaming the neighborhood. You must teach your children about security of the home.

Todays criminals are not only dangerous they are bold. They may enter your home by kicking a door in. We have all seen movies where the police kick the door in. That scenario is a reality today for many homeowners, except its not the police kicking in the door its criminals. Its called Home Invasion.

Its considered by many to be the worst kind of crime against homeowners. Its fast paced and violent. Unlike other burglaries, it often happens when the resident is home. There is no one way to protect yourself from this type of crime. Since criminals often inspect a residence several times before committing a crime, reinforced entry doors can reduce the potential of being caught in this type of crime.

Weak door locks pose another threat to your home security. Cheap or defective locks can be easily overcome and leave your home open to crime. The wrong types of locks can be just as devastating. Locks which can be open without a key and located near a window, offers a easy way in for criminals. Examine your entry ways to see if you have the right kind of locks and that they are well placed.

Its not uncommon for a burglar to resort to cutting or breaking glass. Burglars often carry tools to cut glass. A small cut in a window or door glass can give entry to your home. Realistically speaking, it is very likely that you will have some glass in your home. Whenever possible, make sure it is the kind that cannot be cut or broken easily. Small tight panes sacrifice visibility, but because they are thicker may increase protection against breaking or cutting.