Beachwood Civic Association

Tips On Neighborhood Crime Prevention -- Part 4

Sep 25, 2004

Locking Out Trouble

Sound locking devices can?’t make a residence completely impregnable, but they can deter a burglar. They can force him into a situation which he must break glass in order to enter ?– something he wants to avoid.

The amount of money spent on security hardware should be proportional to what is being protected. Purchasing security hardware which meets the minimal technical requirements can protect your family from bodily injury. Since prices for security hardware vary depending on the area, the manufacturer and difference in cosmetic features, the buyer should ?“shop around?”.

A chain latch on your door offers no security at all. Chain latches can be readily ripped off the door with minimum pressure. The best way to check a caller?’s identity is to use a wide-angle viewer or peephole.

A common type of lock in many homes is the key-in-knob or spring latch type. Amateur burglars can open this lock by inserting a credit card between the latch and the strike plate. This lock offers no security and should be supplemented by a single or double cylinder deadbolt lock or rim type of surface mounted lock. The dead latch is similar to the spring latch lock but has a small bar or plunger which will not permit opening with a shimming device.

A single cylinder deadbolt lock should be mounted on a solid wood core door when there is no breakable glass within 40 inches of the interior lock mechanism. The single cylinder deadbolt lock has a thumb turn piece of the inside.

A double cylinder deadbolt lock, which is key operated from both the interior and exterior, should be used when there is glass within 40 inches. However, the use of a double cylinder deadbolt lock can be a fire escape hazard because of the need to open with a key. If this type of lock is used while you?’re home, leave a key in the lock or hanging somewhere near the lock. Children should be trained in the use of this lock and know the exact location of the key. When you?’re away, the key should be hanging out of the reach of a burglar who may break the glass.

Suggestions:
When moving, have the tumblers in all exterior locks changed.

Don?’t allow children to open the door to strangers!

You may also want to consider a security closet for storage of valuables. This closet should be equipped with a solid wood core door with hinges with non-removable pins and a good quality deadbolt lock.