How to Burglar Proof Your Guest House

No house is burglar proof. A monitored alarm service is the highest level of security but can be pricey and have false alarm issues. Focus on securing windows and doors and other openings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Simple hand tools if you do the work yourself.
• Various locks and security devices from your home store.

1. Look for any openings into the house other than windows and doors. For example, a gable vent with rotten or missing slats that an intruder with a ladder could use to get in via the attic. Secure these.

2. Make sure all entry doors are secure. A high quality double keyed deadbolt which goes deep into the door frame is your best bet. A double keyed deadbolt ensures that if an intruder comes in a window he or she has to go out a window and that makes removing large items more difficult. A metal reinforcing plate or cage in the door jamb adds protection to help keep the door frame from breaking. The doors should be solid wood or the popular modern metal or fiberglass clad doors available at low cost.

3. Secure windows. This is the most difficult step and most windows cannot be completely secured. Various window locks can prevent windows from being pried or jimmied open but almost all windows can just have the glass broken and removed (except for hurricane impact windows). This is why heavy metal bars are installed over windows in high crime areas.

4. Make sure all door and window locks are locked.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure vegetation does not obscure outside views of windows and doors such that a burglar has a place to hide and work.
• Do not keep valuables such as guns and money in the house or put them in a locked very heavy safe.
• Have insurance that covers burglaries.
• Do not think of your house as Burglar Proof. Strive for Burglar Resistant.