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Home Security Tips
- Three out of four people who move this year will ignore the fundamental new home security rule: "When You Move into a New Home, Change the Locks." Homeowners should replace every exterior lock or have the existing locks professionally rekeyed as soon as they take possession of their new home. New homeowners who do not change their locks are vulnerable to burglary. Previous owners may have given keys to friends, family, repairmen or neighbors. Spare keys may have been hidden near entryways, mailboxes or in other spots that burglars check for easy home access. Even brand-new homes run the risk of contractors or trades people having duplicate keys to the home.
- The FBI reports that one in three burglaries occur without forcible entry. Open and unlocked doors, windows and garages, and keys that are unaccounted for are all opportunities for burglary.
- Protecting against forcible burglary attacks starts by installing a deadbolt, with a one-inch throw-bolt on every exterior entrance. Don't forget to install a deadbolt on the door that leads from the garage into the house.
- Renters should ask their landlord to replace or rekey their locks when they sign the lease and move in. In Oregon it is required by law for property owners to do so.
Business Security Tips
- With your business the time of greatest risk of burglary is when you you have just let an employee go - have your locks rekeyed!
- You are also at risk when you have multiple keys in circulation (Maintenance people, employees, etc).
- Have a security collar installed on your store-front door lock cylinder, making it less vulnerable to forced entry.
Facts
- Over 80% of residential burglaries happen using the victim's front door.
- About two thirds of all burglaries happen in daytime.
- A burglary occurs in the U.S. every 13.7 seconds.
- The chance of your home or business being burglarized is 1 in 6.
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