Unusual Means Burglars Use to Break In

Burglars will use whatever means available to break into your house. Last week, we talked about burglars breaking into your house through the garage. We also know that burglars will do anything to gain entrance to your home because they don’t play by society’s ‘rules’.

Here are some of the more unusual ways burglars have gained entrance into homes to rob the inhabitants:

While I eat that Whopper you brought me, you'll want to slip in my door shoulders first to be able to fit.

Pet door

First of all, a pet door doesn’t necessarily mean there is a pet, nor does it mean there is a pet as big as the pet door suggests. Even if there is a big dog, most are readily subdued with a bit of tranquilizer in a piece of meat, and sadly enough, some will make friends with a burglar simply because he gave them the meat.

The covers that are generally provided with dog doors are actually mean to keep other pets out, or your own pet in. They aren’t devised especially to keep humans out.

 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as this window a/c in Havana, Cuba shows.

The window air conditioning unit opening

When we repurpose a window to fit an a/c unit, or even saw a hole to fit an a//c unit, one of the things we don’t consider is that the unit is just about the size of a person with small shoulders. When the average person sees an a/c unit, they don’t really think of it as a potential entrance, but a burglar does. A couple of pulls on a well-placed crowbar will pull out the accessory board, or even just the unit.

The front door with glass accents or side windows

That beautiful stained glass or accent window meant to allow light into your foyer may also let in an unwanted guest. A burglar need only break one tiny windowpane, reach in and unlock the conveniently close front door knob and he’s got access to your home right through the front door. In fact, if the alarm company was sloppy, he can even look through them and see if the alarm is set.  Neighbors don’t generally come investigate or call the police just because they hear a window break unless they think it’s their own.

Skylights

An increasing number of crooks are breaking in through skylights, but this presents a dilemma: once they get in, they have to find another way out of the house. 

Deterrents

A deadbolt lock (the kind without a turn knob) is a solution to a burglar who tries to open the front door through a decorative window. Deadbolts also make it difficult for crooks to steal larger items once they make it into the house, but only works if the burglar notices it before he is inside your house. You can use one out of a big box store, or get a much higher quality one from your friendly locksmith.

Make sure windows by the doors are unbreakable.

Other deterrents are security systems, will sometimes forego or hasten the exit of a burglar. Doorbell security such as a Ring Wi-Fi enabled doorbell will send some burglars packing before they even attempt to break in if they believe you might have a photo of their face. 

Motion detectors can be set so the dog won’t make them go off, but anything over 80 pounds will, which means a burglar will be less tempted to poison your dog because he knows he has to get out of there quickly.  Motion detectors will also work if a burglar has broken in via the window a/c opening because he’s obviously not leaving via that route. 

The important thing is to be aware that quality security locks on doors and windows, while it’s a good start, should only be one component in a series of good security measures.