2. GET STURDY LOCKS

Now we move on to the advanced stuff. But before you get too excited, the "advanced stuff" doesn't involve Batman suits or vigilante groups. Sorry. What it does involve is getting some sturdy locks. So even though a thief will probably find a way into your apartment if he/she really wants to, if the burglar can't break the lock in a few minutes or less, he/she will probably give up and move on to another target. Remember that they don't want to be caught. Would you?

Doors
Windows

Doors

You need to be able to get in and out of your apartment in less than an hour, so don't encase your door in steel and install fourteen deadbolts. Once again: "paranoid weirdo." You only really need two locks. Here's how to pick the perfect lock for your door:

  • Use a tight-fitting, solid core wood or metal door for all entrances into your apartment.

  • Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt.

  • Use a quality, heavy-duty, doorknob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism.

  • Use a quality, heavy-duty, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden doorframe. The strike plate is the part of the door that actually holds the lock in the place; therefore, buy the strongest one available and have a qualified locksmith properly install it.

  • Use a wide-angle 180 peephole mounted no higher than 60 inches.

  • If you have sliding doors, install a charley bar. That way, when a burglar breaks in, you can hit him over the head with the charley bar. Just kidding; it's a bar that latches into the track and keeps the door from sliding.

  • Follow these lock recommendations for back, side, or garage doors.

Windows

The most important thing about securing windows is to make sure they absolutely cannot be opened from the outside and that they're locked whenever you're not in your apartment:

  • Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices.

  • Block accessible windows so that they may open no more than 6 inches for ventilation.

  • Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted out.

  • If you live in an especially high-crime area, consider metal bars for added security. Just take note that these are sometimes illegal because they are a possible fire hazard.