MONTGOMERY, AL -
Criminals are getting more creative. You may think your home is safe from a break-in, but think again!
A Consumer Reports article found that not all deadbolt locks give you the same level of protection.
WSFA 12 News anchor Sally Pitts put one family's locks to the test to see how secure they really are.
"Our home was broken into in broad daylight at 10:00 in the morning on a main street, and it just so happens someone saw them going in. But it's, you know, I don't sleep well because it's in the back of my mind, you know, is it going to happen again."
This homeowner didn't want us to identify her for safety reasons. She says she's constantly worried someone might break into her home. So we called a locksmith to come out and evaluate her exterior doors, in an effort to see if they're safe.
"With us having so many doors, is there a point or a place, one particular place in our home that would be more susceptible for someone to get in?"
The locksmith looked at the door and noticed that the know "is a little worn out, but that's not a big issue." He explain that "mainly here, this a good strike because it has, these are going to be longer screws which goes further into a 2x4 back here."
That's lock safety rule number one.
Every lock strike should have screws that go at least three inches into the wall. That way, the frame is harder to compromise if someone tries to kick in the door.
Moving to another door of the home. "This door is looking good as well. It fully engages the deadbolt when you turn it."
That's rule number two.
Always make sure your lock fully engages the door frame. If it's not all the way in there, you could be inviting a crook into your house.
"People are able to pry it back. But if it's fully engaged, there's no chance of that," the locksmith said.
If you have a door with glass anywhere on it, experts say you should have a double cylinder lock. It requires a key from both sides. But those can present a whole different kind of danger.
"If you do have it, a double cylinder, key on both sides, you need to have the key on the inside someplace where you can find it in case of a fire or an emergency."
Rule number three: Keep your key in a nearby hiding place that's not easily spotted by intruders.
"People, I guess, canvas and case your neighborhoods looking for places to come in. I have, you know, two children, and I worry about their safety as well as our safety at night."
Home robberies are more common than you might realize. untsville police say they've averaged about ten a week in the past three weeks.
"For added security, safety experts say you should have the right equipment installed.
Look for high security deadbolts that are drill, pick, and "bump" resistant.
And finally, adding an alarm system is a step that can deter criminals from even trying in the first place.
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