Loads of recent break-ins...Need security door advice

[cpthnsolo]

I found out last week that another person on my street was broken into during the middle of the day. This is the second time this has happened in less than a year :mad:. Although I have plans of owning a place in the middle of no-where in a few years, for the moment I have to get by living in my cookie cutter neighborhood. I just ordered ADT signs, but I realize those are only going to convince the average crackhead to pass over my house.

For those of you who have updgraded your front door, what brand/style did you buy and why? I have a block home so with the right metal framing a good door should make my place a bit safer than the house next to me. I realize if someone wants to get in they could always bust a window, but considering both places had their door kicked in I'm thinking I need to upgrade my door sooner than later. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Professur]

You're going to want a substantial lock too. I'm a fan of this style (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=double+barrel+lock&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&client=seamonkey-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11292400193973757853&sa=X&ei=gFS4Tu69BYfU2AWnm_XODQ&ved=0CFQQ8gIwBg) Although the picture shown has the plate on backwards. A standard deadbolt can be defeated by jacking the door frame apart. This bad boy doesn't let go that easily.

[Goldhedge]

Install a storm door that has some kind of mesh on the front of it.

Also, if you get a metal door (stanley makes one, there are others) and replace the screws that hold
the hinges and the stop plate with 3 to 3.5" screws, that will make it more difficult. Those 3/4" screws are
next to worthless. You have to sink a screw into the studs.

You can also increase the strength of a wooden door with a metal 'U' bracket so the lock doesn't
bust out when kicked.

We're getting a storm door for the front. Liberty Home products is where I'm going to shop.

Window well covers with grates for the 5 wells we have. I'm going to get the ADT signs from ebay
as well, but I've heard some say that burglars who know how to defeat ADT see it as a welcome sign???

A video cam setup would be a good thing, but you'd have to hide the DVR where they can't just grab and go.

I think there's a way to live stream to an offsite cloud so if the DVR was taken you'd still have videos of the perps?

[Weatherman]

You might also want to look at the Burglar Bomb equipment (http://burglarbomb.com/faqs.aspx). It will not keep a crook from kicking in your front door, but it will stop him cold when he tries to enter a protected area inside your house. This would be useful both when you are away during the day, and while you are sleeping at night, though caution would be needed if there are other people in your house.

[Juristic Person]

Get a couple pits or rotties.

[spacecase0]

you really want the kind of door lock you see on commercial buildings, the kind with a latch in the center and at the top and bottom of the door,
that way they have to kick the middle, top and bottom of the door to get in,
and they have to do it with something way heavier than a foot.

[Juristic Person]

you really want the kind of door lock you see on commercial buildings, the kind with a latch in the center and at the top and bottom of the door,
that way they have to kick the middle, top and bottom of the door to get in,
and they have to do it with something way heavier than a foot.

This retarded. If I want to break into your house, I'm not likely to come through the front door.

[Irons]

Unless you have already put bars over your windows don't waste time reinforcing your doors. A glass cutter over a window lock and they are in.

Pretty much if some thief wants in they are getting in, period. You have to look into the things that will keep your house off thier list.

[GOLDZILLA]

or strategically set out plastic bags that look like they have dope in em, but really have ant or rat poison. :yes:

[earplugs]

From what I've heard from people who were robbed, they've pretty much scoped out your place for weeks, maybe months. They know what kind of crap you have (ie, television, playstation, nintendo, computer, etc), when you're home, and what your routine is. I think the safest way to protect yourself and your home is not to have anything in it and keep your damn trap shut. Don't have any furniture, tv, computer, etc in your house. The less, the better imho.

This one guy I knew recently bought a brand new laptop. Guess what. He got robbed a few days later, and while he was asleep! That means they were watching his place and knew his routine. I guess he told them he took nyquil befoer going to bed or something. Plus, he lived on the bottom floor. If you can live on the upper floor, you're less likely to get robbed imho.

[newmisty]

I'd also look into alarms that use motion detection as well as those that go under the door mat. They aren't expensive, are easy to install and can panic an unsuspecting thief.

This thing is really cool and under $50.

21st century security device can save you hundreds of dollars a year in monitoring fees. It can "guard" your home or office seven days a week, 24 hours a day. If an intruder is detected it will sound a powerful 125 decibel to scare away the would-be intruder and alert those inside to the attempted entry (the alarm feature can be disabled if you prefer a silent alarm). Up to three phone numbers are automatically dialed and your pre-recorded message (up to six seconds long) is played. You could program it to call your neighbor, the police, and your cell phone and play a message like, "this is John Doe, an intruder has been detected in my home located at 123 Maple St." Features include simple operation (can be installed by anyone in only minutes), arms and disarms using a keypad (you set your own security code), and entry and exit delays help prevent false alarms. Two alarm system warning decals are included

http://www.specialtyalarms.com/site/1313932/product/10-739

A picture of a (pressure sensitive) door mat alarm.
http://www.garden-security.co.uk/productIms/pressure-mat-alarm-im.jpg

[Ishkabibble]

If it's the door your concerned about, this Ongard brace is easy and you could even whip one together if you've any crafting skills.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xggckb_burglary-prevention-install-an-ongard-door-brace-today_tech

Of course, you'll need to protect more than the door, as others have pointed out. I really like the alarmed doormat idea. It won't stop anyone from getting in, but I'll bet it scares the shyt out of someone and draws attention. For mid-day, that's what you want to do.

[hoarder]

Get the hell out of that neighborhood.

[Juristic Person]

Unless you have already put bars over your windows don't waste time reinforcing your doors. A glass cutter over a window lock and they are in.

Pretty much if some thief wants in they are getting in, period. You have to look into the things that will keep your house off thier list.

I'm more concerned with preventing them from leaving.

You can come in at your own peril. You're not getting out in one piece.

[~BS]

Unless you have already put bars over your windows don't waste time reinforcing your doors. A glass cutter over a window lock and they are in.

Pretty much if some thief wants in they are getting in, period. You have to look into the things that will keep your house off thier list.

This.

also do you have a fence? If so, once they jump the fence, they can take as long as they need to without anyone from the street seeing what they're doing.

[~BS]

I'd also look into alarms that use motion detection as well as those that go under the door mat. They aren't expensive, are easy to install and can panic an unsuspecting thief.

This thing is really cool and under $50.

21st century security device can save you hundreds of dollars a year in monitoring fees. It can "guard" your home or office seven days a week, 24 hours a day. If an intruder is detected it will sound a powerful 125 decibel to scare away the would-be intruder and alert those inside to the attempted entry (the alarm feature can be disabled if you prefer a silent alarm). Up to three phone numbers are automatically dialed and your pre-recorded message (up to six seconds long) is played. You could program it to call your neighbor, the police, and your cell phone and play a message like, "this is John Doe, an intruder has been detected in my home located at 123 Maple St." Features include simple operation (can be installed by anyone in only minutes), arms and disarms using a keypad (you set your own security code), and entry and exit delays help prevent false alarms. Two alarm system warning decals are included

http://www.specialtyalarms.com/site/1313932/product/10-739

A picture of a (pressure sensitive) door mat alarm.
http://www.garden-security.co.uk/productIms/pressure-mat-alarm-im.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/MA80-Motion-Activated-Alarm-Dialer/dp/B000ZHXTDI

half the price at amazon.

[Book]

Get the hell out of that neighborhood.



http://www.ghettoredhot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ghetto-car-door-locks.jpg

http://www.ghettoredhot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/home-door-mat.jpg

http://resize.over-blog.com/380x285-cz5t.jpg?%7EaHR0cDovL2ltZy53aWtpby1leHBlcnRzLmNvbS 8wLzAyLzExLzg4LzIwMTEtMDYvV2luZG93LWJ1cmdsYXItYmFy cy5qcGc=

Some just gotta stay put and go ghetto Hoarder.

:smile:

[northfarmer]

Does anybody have an opinion of those kick down door openers that keep doors open?

Use them in reverse on a closed door?

[Pyramid]

The criminals are progressing much faster than the security of the rest of us, including Law Enforcement/Detectives that are trying to find these crooks. Agree with most of the above, if they want in, they will find it. Doesn't matter if it's an unlocked door/window (stupid on anyone's part), a reprogrammed garage door, a busted window, or a piece of crap patio door that can the lock can be busted/bypassed in 5 seconds. Chances are that the informant is an inside job to some extent...neighbor, mailman, etc.

A security system is a great idea, securing the perimiter a better one IFMO, a large dog(s) the best solution of all... wish that was my solution, but I'm working on it.

I hate reading personal accounts of hardship of GIM members. We are better than that, but the rest of "society" is not listening. Be careful out there and protect yourselves folks!

[WillieTheKid]

Medeco is the lockset of choice for real security. Consumer Reports ran an article on locksets recently and Medeco was head and shoulders above the others, with one exception, and it was above that as well. I think the difference in price tells the tale: the medeco is in the hundreds of dollars, and something normal like a Schlage is $30-$40. Security isn't cheap. Also, put a double deadbolt on your front door--the kind that is keyed on both sides. If you take your key with you when you leave, someone who breaks in through a window has to leave through the window and that is a hassle they don't want to deal with. Like someone else said, get a heavy metal screen-type door. They are only about $150 at Lowes. We put one on and we lock it in addition to the regular door. I think the screen would be much tougher to get through than the wood door.

We haven't done the Medeco thing yet, however, but plan to do that.

If you want to see something scary, check out the videos on YouTube where people use a special key blank and whack it with a hammer and instantly turn the lock. About 10 seconds and they are in. I think it is called "slamming" or "cramming" or something like that. Nah, neither of them came up with anything when I did a search on YouTube, maybe someone else will chime in with a video. It is downright scary how easy someone can get in. Anyway, Medeco is the only one that prevents this.

One of the best things is to have your neighbors watching out for you. We started a block watch and it seems to be working well. It also gets you closer to your neighbors and builds community.

We've had the same problems in our neighborhood with break-ins. So far, we haven't had any problems. But we don't have much of value in the house.

--Willie

[Book]

The criminals are progressing much faster than the security of the rest of us, including Law Enforcement/Detectives that are trying to find these crooks.



http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2009/03/16/268622/HingeKickDJA.jpg

Nobody is looking for crooks in that kinda neighborhood. Many towns are laying off their police force and turning off the street lights due to budget cutbacks.

The OP said they are now KICKING DOWN THE DOOR in broad daylight.

:flute:

[cpthnsolo]

Some just gotta stay put and go ghetto Hoarder.

Awwwe look, how cute... Intellectually inferior Book forgot he/she was banned the last time he/she insulted me directly, and yet here we are a month or two later and he/she finally had another chance to take a dig. Granted all Book is capable of is a pic or two and 10 words or less with an emoticon yet for some reason half the board, including myself, continues to indulge the Simpleton by responding to him/her.

LOL if that's really the best you're capable of Book :haha: :36_3_12:?

[Book]

was banned the last time he/she insulted me directly



Link please.

:smile:

[Book]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7qT3isdfko/TplMbC0W1wI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/brRCDWxdHdw/s400/Ghetto-Way-to-Lock-Your-Car.jpg

http://www.ghettoredhot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/door-chain-lock-maze.jpg

[earplugs]

I'd also look into alarms that use motion detection as well as those that go under the door mat. They aren't expensive, are easy to install and can panic an unsuspecting thief.



You know what I do when I hear an alarm go off?



Oh, ain't my house, doopty doopty dooooo.....:flute::flute::flute::flute::flute:

[Goldhedge]

Awwwe look, how cute... Intellectually inferior Book forgot he/she was banned the last time he/she insulted me directly, and yet here we are a month or two later and he/she finally had another chance to take a dig. Granted all Book is capable of is a pic or two and 10 words or less with an emoticon yet for some reason half the board, including myself, continues to indulge the Simpleton by responding to him/her.

LOL if that's really the best you're capable of Book :haha: :36_3_12:?

Sticks n stones...:flute:

[Book]

half the board, including myself, continues to indulge the Simpleton by responding to him/her.



http://www.goldismoney2.com/showthread.php?24533-Why-You-re-Not-Married&p=287018#post287018

:wavey: 17 members kindly thanked me for this active thread that currently has over 2,000 views.

[Ishkabibble]

Don't know the history here, but Book... you got a good laugh out of me with your ghetto maze door lock. I'd buy one for my house just as a conversation piece. It's awesome! And yeah, that redneck car doorlock. Been there, done that. Last week actually. :biggrin:

[Kenny]

http://www.goldismoney2.com/showthread.php?24533-Why-You-re-Not-Married&p=287018#post287018

:wavey: 17 members kindly thanked me for this active thread that currently has over 2,000 views.

Honestly I have animals for security, they are super interested in loud noises like doors being kicked in and love to play keep away, so hold tight my pooch may just try to get that fleshlight back and let me tell ya when she starts playing you never get it back till you ignore her, and by then the all the cams would have some suitable pictures for me to find the a$$ THAT WRECKED MY DOOR. The I can retrieve a brand new door from his ass.

[cpthnsolo]

http://www.goldismoney2.com/showthread.php?24533-Why-You-re-Not-Married&p=287018#post287018

:wavey: 17 members kindly thanked me for this active thread that currently has over 2,000 views.

Hey up petulant child! LOL this isn't a popularity contest, but the fact you're turning it into one makes you look foolish at best. FWIW I've actually thanked you on one or two occasions when I thought you contributed something relevant to a thread that I agreed with. However if you really want to make it a popularity contest I guess it's worth noting that I'm thanked more often than you are, so you LOSE ;). Let me know if you need help with math on that...

I'll let you have the last word though as I'm tired of going tit for tat with a teenager so please take a night off to come up with your absolute most clever response. Post it tomorrow knowing I'm not going to respond so please make sure to put me in my place. I honestly feel sorry for you if you truly view your GIM account as a popularity contest...

Hopefully if anyone else is still reading this thread at this point they'll consider posting if they have an opinion or information to share :).