Quick answer:
- Burglars want easy, fast, low-visibility entry, so 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.