Most break-ins happen through a door, and often not the front one. Back doors, gangway doors, basement entrances and garage service doors on Chicago bungalows and two-flats are frequently the weakest points. Jose M. Hernandez Jr., owner of Omega Locksmith in Chicago, lists the upgrades that make the biggest difference, starting with the ones that cost the least.
1. Make sure only your keys work
If you have moved in, had a tenant or roommate leave, or lost a key, rekey the locks. It is usually the cheapest security upgrade you can make. Read when to rekey after a move-in or eviction.
2. Put a deadbolt on every exterior door
A knob or lever lock alone is easy to defeat. Every exterior door should have a deadbolt whose bolt extends fully into the frame. If the bolt only goes partway or you have to push the door to lock it, the door or strike needs adjusting. See our guide to door lock types.
3. Reinforce the strike and hinges
A strong deadbolt is only as good as the frame it locks into. Short screws that only reach the trim are a common weak point when a door is kicked. A reinforced strike plate with long screws that reach the wall framing, and long screws in the hinges, make the whole door harder to force.
4. Do not forget the back, side and basement doors
Rear and gangway doors are out of sight from the street, so burglars favor them. Give them the same deadbolt and strike as the front door. Check old basement doors for rotted frames or loose hardware.
5. Secure the garage service door
Many Chicago homes have a detached garage off the alley. Its service door and any door from an attached garage into the house deserve a real deadbolt, not just a knob lock. Keep the garage locked even when you are home.
6. Add a second lock to sliding and patio doors
Sliding doors often have a simple latch. A secondary lock or a bar in the track keeps the door from being forced or lifted.
7. Get rid of the hidden spare key
Under the mat, above the door frame and in a flower pot are the first places someone looks. Give a spare to someone you trust, or switch to a keypad or smart lock so no spare key is needed. Read how to choose and install a smart lock.
8. Light the doors and watch the alley
Motion lights at the back door, gangway and garage, plus a video doorbell or camera that covers the entrances, make your home a harder target. Check that every window lock works too.
When to call a locksmith
- A door does not latch or lock without pushing or lifting.
- You want several doors on one key.
- A lock is worn, loose or was damaged in a break-in attempt.
- You want keys that cannot be copied without your permission. Ask about restricted-keyway locks.
Related reading: rekey or replace your locks and when to call a residential locksmith.
Omega Locksmith is located at 4346 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632. Owner Jose M. Hernandez Jr. holds individual Illinois locksmith license 191-000821. Call (773) 277-5625 or see our residential locksmith services.
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