Secure Your Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors can provide easy entry for even the laziest burglar. Homeowners leave them open to let in the breeze or let out the pets, particularly in warm weather. And since sliders are typically located at the rear of the house they, and burglars, are hidden from the street.

Older doors are particularly vulnerable to break-ins. Most sliding doors are equipped with latches only, not locks, and over time the mechanism wears out. A thief can insert a small crowbar or screwdriver between the latch and the frame and pop open the door. Placing a sturdy wooden stick in the track at the end opposite the latch can prevent the door from sliding, but it’s not foolproof protection. The rollers also wear down with constant use, creating a larger than desired gap in the track at the top and bottom of the door. A thief can simply lift the door up into the gap and tilt it out of its track. Replacing the rollers is one option, but there are several devices on the market that can prevent a sliding door from being opened or removed including pins, locks and bars and one or more of these products will be available in any well-stocked hardware store.

Any security issues that apply to sliding doors also apply to windows. You surely don’t want to keep your windows closed, but leaving them wide open, even on the second floor, is an invitation to trouble. First, determine how much of an opening you need to assure ventilation. Next, insert a stick in the track to block the window from being opened further; be sure the stick can be easily removed in case of a fire. Finally, test it out yourself to be sure the gap isn’t so wide that a thief can get a hand around inside the widow to remove the blocker.

These tips can help, but a home security system with window and door alarms is your best weapon, and be sure to place decals on all sliding doors and windows to let the burglar know you’re protected.

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