Quick answer:
- Burglars want easy, fast, low-visibility entry — deny all three.
- Strong locks and good habits make your home “not worth it.”
- The back door and sliders are the usual weak points.
They Want Easy, Fast, and Unseen
A burglar’s decision usually comes down to three things: how easy is it to get in, how fast can they do it, and how likely are they to be seen? A home that looks hard on any one of those is usually skipped for an easier one down the block. You don’t need a fortress — you need to be the less-appealing option.
What Makes a Home an Easy Target
- Flimsy or builder-grade locks and short deadbolt screws
- An unsecured sliding glass door or back door out of sight
- No deadbolt, or a deadbolt that’s never used
- Obvious signs no one’s home (piled mail, dark windows for days)
- Hidden “spare” keys under the mat or a rock
- Tall fences/shrubs that hide the entry from neighbors
Cheap Changes That Deter Them
Make entry slow and visible. Install a Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike (long screws into the stud) — this alone defeats most kick-ins (see best deadbolts). Secure the back and patio doors, ditch the hidden spare in favor of a keypad lock, and use lighting and timers so the house looks occupied. If you’ve recently moved or lost keys, rekey so no stranger holds a working key.
A Quick Walk-Around
Step outside and look at your home the way an opportunist would: which door is weakest, what’s hidden from the street, where’s the easy reach? Fix the obvious gaps first. Want a professional eye? We do security assessments and upgrades as part of our residential locksmith service. Call (505) 818-0720.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an expensive system to deter burglars?
No. Most break-ins are opportunistic, so solid locks (a Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike), secured back/patio doors, and good habits deter the majority of attempts affordably.
What’s the most overlooked weak point?
The back door and sliding glass door — they’re out of sight and often have weak hardware. Securing them is one of the highest-value upgrades.
Is hiding a spare key really that risky?
Yes — burglars know every “hiding” spot. A keypad lock or a spare with a trusted neighbor is far safer.
Need a locksmith in Albuquerque? Call Just In Time Locksmith at (505) 818-0720 for fast, local, upfront-priced service — or request service online. 24/7 across the metro.