An experienced burglar can break into a home in a matter of seconds. In many cases, thieves break in through the back door. You probably have a deadbolt on your front door, but if you have a patio door, you could be vulnerable. You need to take extra precautions to make your home less attractive to thieves and prevent them from breaking in through your patio door.

The Problem with Patio Doors

One of the main reasons why people love patio doors is also one of their greatest drawbacks. Many homeowners like to leave their doors uncovered to allow in plenty of natural light, but this also allows potential burglars to see into the house and take stock of the belongings inside that could be stolen.

Burglars often target homes with sliding patio doors because they are relatively easy to break into. Standard patio doors often have only one lock that can be opened with a screwdriver.

A burglar can draw attention by kicking in a door or smashing a window, but a sliding patio door can often be quietly picked or removed from its tracks to allow a burglar to gain access to a home. Patio doors are designed to slide open and closed without making a lot of noise, which can allow a burglar to slip in and out undetected.

How to Make Your Home Safer

If you have a sliding patio door, it is essential to install blinds or curtains to keep prying eyes out of your home. This simple security measure can make your house less attractive to potential burglars.

Curtains or blinds are not enough to keep you safe, however. You also need a reinforced lock. Standard locks on patio doors are usually made with a latch that hooks onto the door frame. They are usually ineffective at keeping burglars out when used alone. You can enhance your security by adding an auxiliary lock that can only be unlocked from the inside of your house.

A patio door can let plenty of natural light into your house and allow you to enjoy views of your backyard, but it can also make your home a more attractive target for thieves. If you have a patio door, it is essential to install a reinforced lock to keep your family and your belongings safe. All American Locksmiths can install a lock on your patio door to improve your level of security and peace of mind. Call us today to learn more about our patio door lock installation services.