Did you know 17% of people don’t lock their front doors? Yet, 34% of burglars use the front door when breaking into a home. Yes, your main entry point to your house is also the burglars’ favorite. But don’t panic, there are some basic security measures to keep potential intruders from entering your home.
Here’s how to make your front door more secure.
How to protect your front door in 8 simple steps.
To secure your front door, install a video doorbell or a security camera, reinforce the door frame, use a door alarm, and upgrade your door locks. Additionally, consider mounting reinforced strike plates or adding shields to your door jambs, properly illuminating your front porch, installing a door security bar, or even replacing your door altogether. Remember: Always lock the door whether you’re home or not.
Let’s explore eight tips that will ensure you can protect your peace of mind—and your front door.
1. Monitor your front porch with a smart video doorbell.
By far, this is one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your front door. With a video doorbell you can receive notifications on your smartphone whenever someone approaches your home, day or night. Options like the 2nd Gen Arlo Video Doorbell feature Night Vision, an ultra-wide 180° Field of View, and Motion Detection. Plus, with 2-Way Audio, you can listen and speak to whoever’s at the door.
Consider pairing your Arlo Video Doorbell or security camera with the Arlo Secure subscription. This plan expands your Arlo security devices’ functionality with extra features like 30-day Cloud Storage and AI Object Detection.
2. Keep burglars away with an outdoor security camera.
Studies show that signs of increased security, like security cameras, are effective at deterring potential intruders. Burglars will think twice at the sight of an outdoor security camera. Consider options like the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera, with features such as Color Night Vision, an Integrated Spotlight, and Motion Detection. With prices starting at only $49.99 for the HD version or $79.99 for the 2K model, this camera is a budget-friendly security measure for protecting your entire home—not just your front door.
3. Monitor front-door access with an alarm system.
Another simple way to secure a door or window is by installing an alarm system. Door sensors, also known as contact sensors, detect break-in attempts. If a burglar opens your front door, the sensor sets off the alarm and sends a notification to your smartphone. You can explore options like the Arlo Home Security System with All-in-One Sensors. True to their name, these sensors not only work as contact sensors. They’re also capable of detecting and monitoring motion, light and temperature changes, water leaks, and even smoke/CO smart alarm listening.
For added peace of mind, you can opt for the Arlo Secure subscription with 24/7 Professional Monitoring. Professional Monitoring is a security service where a monitoring center watches over your alarm system. If an alarm goes off, security experts respond accordingly, such as contacting you, emergency services, or both. Pro monitoring is generally worth it, as it relieves you from the burden of self-monitoring your alarm system.
4. Reinforce your front door frame and upgrade door hardware.
The door lock is the most important part of your front door. Consider upgrading it and investing in a high-quality lock or deadbolt to make it harder for burglars to pick the lock. Smart locks are also a great alternative since they don’t need a key to be opened. If you just moved into a new home, you can never be sure if someone has a key to the building. Talk to your landlord about the possibility of replacing the locks entirely.
Also, consider reinforcing the door frame with longer screws or metal plates to increase resistance to forced entry. If your door includes glass panes, think about replacing them with sturdier, shatter-resistant glass.
5. Keep your front porch lit with a motion-activated light.
Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Luckily, you can easily illuminate your front porch with motion-activated lights. By installing front porch lights, you can enhance visibility for you and your guests, while also alerting you to any suspicious activity outside your home.
A door security bar is a portable safety device that fortifies the door, preventing intruders from breaching. A door security bar is a simple yet effective tool for reinforcing your front door against forced entry. These devices are placed across the interior of the door to prevent it from being kicked in or forced open. When not in use, security bars are easily removable, allowing you to secure your door quickly.
7. Don’t hide spare keys close to your front door.
While it may seem convenient to hide a spare key under a doormat or a plant pot, these common hiding spots are well-known among burglars. So, where should you hide a spare key? You can consider investing in a smart lock, installing a lockbox, or leaving it with a trusted neighbor. These three alternatives are a better choice for front-door security.
8. Upgrade to a solid core door.
In movies, you often see bad guys easily kicking down doors to enter a house. With a solid core door that would be unlikely. Solid core doors offer greater resistance to forced entry compared to hollow core doors. Constructed from durable materials like wood or metal, solid core doors provide an additional layer of protection against intruders attempting to kick or break down your front door.
From the front door to the back door, secure your entire home with Arlo.
Arlo Home Security System, video doorbells, and security cameras allow you to effortlessly protect every door, window, corner, and nook of your home. Plus, you can achieve this without breaking the bank. With Arlo, you can trust that you and your loved ones are genuinely protected the moment you step through the front door.