Predictability

5 Seconds Can Change Your Life Predictability By Tom Reimer Metalex Security Predictability, when it comes to home invasion and break-ins, that is the word that comes to mind! After witnessing the same unfortunate outcome as I have, you see a pattern, an “M.O. short for “method of operation”. After, 40 years of arriving at one’s home to hear of the unfortunate past event, you develop a so called “Spidey sense” I see your homes weakness the same way as, what our not so friend “Sly” does and literally, his front door of opportunity! Why spend extra time lurking around the back, wasting precious time, obviously no one is home and the front door is closer to the stairs that lead to the master bedroom providing a very lucrative reward. So, looking at the front door what do we have, big breakable glass on the door, perfect to see out and provide extra light in your foyer also perfect to see in and easy to smash, simply walk through or reach in to unlock the door. 5 seconds. Or what about that skinny window beside the door, one hit, reach through and unlock the door. “That was easy” heck? why all the fuss, 2 kicks and I’m in, that dead bolt is held in place with no more than ¼ inch of grainy pine! And most likely will make the least amount of noise. So, this is all that it takes and now we need to break this down to provide the best line of defence simply to “One up” Sly, we need to “target harden” easy points of entry: How do you rob a thief? you take away their time! Let’s start with the visual. If you leave junk mail hanging around, you create a vacant home appearance. If you are away then ask a neighbour to keep it clear, in the winter, keep the driveway plowed or at least have a neighbour park in your space, at the very least drive up and down to make an impression that you are in and out. “It takes a community to thwart a thief” If you have a door glass, get some stick-on frosting (Home Depot) you will keep the light but also provide privacy the same goes for the window beside the door. Hang a heavy dog leash from a hook in an obvious location, near the door. Sly hates dogs, they make lots of noise and bite, he’s not smart enough to realize that it just a prop! Install a flip latch on the inside of the door, the product I like a lot is called “Door Guardian” you can find on Amazon or your local builders supply, this is an easy DIY Get yourself some 3” flat head screws and replace the existing ¾” hinge screws with some real holding power, these will penetrate the structural part of the door frame, same goes for the deadbolt strike plate. Get your self a video doorbell, Sly, most likely won’t come in if he thinks you are home, this allows you to answer and see who is at your door even if you are away. All the above are very simple and DIY, now if you want an enhanced level of security then take a look at what Metalex has to offer, products like “Rockglass” that will withstand a sledgehammer and Safe T Screen, a Screen door on steroids. Fresh air in, bad guys out! Next week we will cover the second point of entry. Not on my watch Sly! until then, Stay safe!