Home Security
Does anyone know how to bolster the security of one's front door? I've got glass sidelights on both sides of mine, and I'm concerned that the type of locks I have may not be adequate.
Courtney1 We've used double cylinders and they work well, provided:
1. Keep the key away from a window where someone could reach in and get it.
2. Make sure everyone knows where the key is in the case of an emergency. If you must get out in a hurry, it must be accessible to everyone in the family. Don't hang it somewhere where a child can't reach it.
Mr. Resident Courtney1
As the saying goes, locks are for relatively honest people. People who mean to rob a house because they've seen high ticket items prominently displayed will likely not be that deterred. I don't say that to scare you , but rather to make you aware of the reality of things. Since they usually don't want to attract attention, they may not wish to break one of the sidelights to slide through and yes, even if they get in, they still need to open the door, but then if they're parked in the driveway, they'd likely open the garage door and just load up that way.
You need to look at this in a comprehensive manner, including windows, door to a garage (if you have one), back or side door and don't forget pet doors! Also, just having a double cylinder lock means little if it isn't well-anchored, as well as the strike plate being anchored by more than the 3/4" to 1" screws they're usually held in with. Of course the thickness of the door limits what you can use to install the lock, however the way it usually works is that the strike plate (the part the door latch or deadbolt goes into) is what gets ripped away from the door frame.
When you get a lock, get one that's certified as bump-proof as well. Door striker plate kits are usually merchandised right next to locks. Depending on how concerned you are, and what you have that you feel needs protecting, (besides your family, the MOST important possession), you may wish to speak with a security professional and/or a locksmith.
Best of luck!
Phil D. "accessible to everyone in the family. Don't hang it somewhere where a child can't reach it."
My daughters home has a similar lock. As a fireman's daughter, it is horrifying to me. Do you think that key is always exactly where it should be? Close, sure. Exactly, no. And there is not a chance my 4yo grandson is going to manage getting out that locked door in a fire. I personally hate it. Get better glass in the door maybe?
maja2 Try watching the YouTube channel for the Lock picking lawyer. You wont trust any lock after seeing how locks can so easily be picked.
Jnnjr 
Get the biggest, baddest lock that money can buy for the front door.
Here's the easy way around it...
Mark Mc. My priority is personal security, and I have no children or grandchildren to be concerned about. I'm not trying to replicate Fort Knox, just address any glaring weak points.
Phil D., your advice has been most helpful and I will be contacting a locksmith very soon.
Jnnjr
Big fan of the LPL and Bosnian Bob, among others, but then again, I almost chose a career path as a locksmith years ago. I was starting to train for that, but other things took precedence.
Thanks Courtney1
I worked in the security industry in the late 90's to early 2000's and my family's still involved, but no longer in the area, otherwise I'd have other contacts I could refer you to. Again, best of luck. I can understand someone wishing to have better personal security. Of course each of us is our own best advocate and it starts with situational and environmental awareness, meaning your surroundings and making observations, yet not being paranoid about everything.
Mark Mc
One of my points exactly.
I also agree with maja about the key if there were any possibility of a child being inside. Since you say you don't children to worry about, it shouldn't be an issue, but for those who do, it can be a tragedy waiting to happen. I think my youngest sibling was 10 when my parents finally decided a double cylinder lock would be OK to use and we learned that the key ALWAYS returned to the same place and the double cylinder lock was only used on the rear door where the door wasn't as exposed to neighbors and there weren't side panels, just small panes in the door that could be broken and reached through.
Kurt’s locksmith not in Chester, now in Morristown.
Just updating past recommendations.
Babitt I use keyless deadbolts on my doors. Cored into the door, it's a deadbolt you throw when home. No one can pick that lock. Much harder to kick the door in too. My main door has an internal triple deadbolt system, keyed, but would have to kick the frame in to bust through that door.
Some of my door have those external deadbolts as they warp, for both security and to get a better seal.
When I am not home, let them pick the locks, kick in the door, whatever. I am not home.
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