The front door is typically the first place that criminals look when trying to break in. To keep valuable equipment, electronic devices and inventory secure, business owners should pay attention to front door security. Homeowners can also enjoy better security by taking important steps to strengthen the front door. This can keep families safe and protected. Here are three areas to focus on:
1. Strengthen the Door Frame and Deadbolt Set Screws
It pays to take a look at your front door’s hardware first. After all, the best deadbolt doesn’t do a lot if it’s mounted on a flimsy door frame. Both homeowners and business owners have a lot to lose if someone breaks in, so it’s worth it to invest in the best front door for your budget. Here are a few things to look for:
Metal composition
- Solid Core
- Strong door frame
- High-quality strike plate
- Deadbolt lock
Next, upgrade the screws on your deadbolt set. Instead of a few small screws attaching the strike plate to the door frame, go with heavy-duty 3” screws. These anchor the strike plate firmly into the wall, adding significant strength to the deadbolt. That way, criminals who attempt to kick the door in are met with a nice surprise.
2. Use a High-Security Smart Lock
Smart locks offer many benefits to front-door security. Instead of relying on a key to enter, they connect with your smartphone remotely. Here are a few advantages:
- No lock picking: With keyless systems, there’s no way for criminals to pick the lock.
- Temporary passcodes: Forget about keeping track of who has copies of your keys. With smart locks, you can assign temporary permissions to visitors instead. Friends losing keys to your front door become a thing of the past.
- Automated lock timers: Business owners may want to set automatic lock timers on the front door. This only allows authorized employees to enter the building during business hours.
- Remote locking: IP-enabled smart locks let you keep an eye on your front door from anywhere, even on vacation. If your kids accidentally forget to lock before leaving for a friend’s house, you can take care of it from the office.
Other types of commercial access control systems use specialized key cards or biometric data to provide entry. There are many options to choose from. This lets you personalize your front-door security according to your preferences and budget.
3. Install a Professional Surveillance and Monitoring System
Having a high-quality security system installed can make a major difference in keeping your home or business safe. Prominent surveillance cameras and alarms act as a strong deterrent to criminals. In one study, over 80% of burglars interviewed admitted to always looking for an alarm system before breaking in. Roughly 60% decided not to break in if they saw one installed.
To maximize your front door’s security with surveillance cameras, you need to choose high-quality cameras and position them correctly. There are excellent wired and IP video options for residential and commercial properties. To protect your front door, it’s best to have at least two cameras: one directly above the door and another pointing at the door to capture a burglar’s face.
For the best security, go with 24/7 monitoring. This alerts you and the police if someone suspicious attempts to break into your property. Professional monitoring services for businesses keep a constant eye on front-door video, alarms, and access control. Also, because surveillance cameras identify faces, they can reduce employee-related theft.
Request a Custom Inspection To Protect Against Front Door Security Vulnerabilities
When it comes to front-door security systems, professional installation makes a huge difference. At Per Mar Security Services, our experts can install and position cameras, access control systems, smart locks, and other advanced security options. We can also offer recommendations to improve your existing security, and we offer 24/7 monitoring. Schedule an appointment right away for a custom inspection.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / By Ruta Saulyte-Laurinaviciene
