The Most Overlooked Entry Points In Home Security (And Why You’re Probably Ignoring Them)
Hey there, security buffs! Let’s talk about something we’ve all done: spent hours researching the perfect front door lock, only to forget about the window that’s been jammed open since 2019. Oops. We’ve seen it all at ALL OVER Locksmith here in Los Angeles—from homes in Encino with state-of-the-art smart locks but garage doors held shut with a rusty padlock, to swanky Calabasas mansions with high-tech access control systems… and a pet door big enough to fit a medium-sized human.
But hey, no judgment! We’re all human. Let’s walk through the sneaky spots burglars adore (yes, they have favorites) and how to shut them down—without turning your home into Fort Knox.
1. Garage Doors: The “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Disaster
Raise your hand if your garage door opener is older than your teenager. Exactly. Garages are like VIP backstage passes for intruders. Why? Because most of us treat them as storage units, not extensions of our homes.
Common garage security fails:
- Using the same flimsy lock for 15 years.
- Leaving the interior door to the house unlocked (guilty as charged).
- Forgetting that the garage door itself can be pried open with a crowbar in seconds.
Quick fixes from your friendly Los Angeles locksmith:
- Upgrade to high-security deadbolts on the interior door.
- Install electronic keypads or smart locks for keyless entry.
- Ask us about garage door locksmith services—yes, that’s a thing!
Pro tip: If you’re in Thousand Oaks or Northridge and your garage door creaks like a haunted house, give us a shout. We’ll make sure it’s secure and quiet.
2. Windows: Not Just for Staring Dramatically Into the Rain
Windows are the ultimate “weak link” in home security. Why? Because we assume that since they’re visible, they’re safe. Spoiler: They’re not.
The usual suspects:
- Old latches that barely latch.
- Ground-floor windows without sensors or reinforced glass.
- Forgetting to lock the bathroom window because “who’d climb in there?” (Answer: Someone desperate.)
How to win:
- Mul-T-Lock window locks: Because standard latches are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
- Pair with access control systems for smart alerts if a window’s breached.
- Replace cracked or warped frames—common in older L.A. homes.
FYI, we’ve rescued folks in Van Nuys from multiple “how did they get in?!” moments involving unlocked basement windows. Don’t be that person.
3. Secondary Doors: The Redheaded Stepchild of Home Security
Back doors, side doors, that weird door to the laundry room—they’re all low-key security nightmares. We get it: replacing every lock is a pain. But here’s the thing: Burglars love pain. Specifically, yours.
Why secondary doors suck at their job:
- They often have basic locks (or none at all).
- Homeowners skip residential lockout prep for these doors.
- Overgrown shrubs in Chatsworth? Perfect cover for a break-in.
ALL OVER Locksmith’s prescription:
- High-security deadbolts on every exterior door.
- Exit devices and panic bars for quick escapes (and no, they’re not just for businesses).
- Motion-sensor lights. Because nobody wants to be spotlighted mid-break-in.
4. Pet Doors: The Fluffy Betrayal
Look, we love dogs. But that Labrador-sized flap you installed? It’s basically a welcome mat for trouble. We’ve seen raccoons, stray cats, and—yikes—uninvited humans exploit these.
How to pet-proof without crushing Fido’s spirit:
- Microchip-activated pet doors (yes, they exist).
- Reinforce the flap with metal frames.
- Avoid oversized models unless you own a pony.
5. Basement & Attic Hatches: Because Who Checks There?
If your attic hatch is held shut with a piece of duct tape, congratulations: You’re the star of a future true crime podcast. These spots are goldmines for intruders.
Quick upgrades:
- Replace flimsy latches with commercial-grade locks.
- Install alarms on rarely used hatches.
- For businesses, pair with commercial locksmith services for full access control.
The Ultimate Overlooked Entry Points Cheat Sheet
| Entry Point | Common Weaknesses | ALL OVER’s Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Garage Doors | Old locks, weak interior doors | Smart locks + reinforced deadbolts |
| Windows | Outdated latches, no sensors | Mul-T-Lock systems + glass break detectors |
| Secondary Doors | Basic knobs, poor visibility | High-security deadbolts + motion lights |
| Pet Doors | Oversized, no restrictions | Microchip-activated flaps |
| Basement Hatches | DIY “fixes” (read: duct tape) | Commercial-grade locks + alarm systems |
“But Wait!” – Your Top 3 Questions, Answered
Q: Can’t I just Google “locksmith near me” after a break-in?
A: Sure—if you want to wait 45 minutes while someone rifles through your stuff. Better to prep with emergency locksmith contacts before disaster strikes. (Psst: We’re available 24/7 in L.A.)
Q: Are smart locks worth the hype?
A: IMO, absolutely. They let you ditch keys (goodbye, key replacement stress), track entries, and lock doors remotely. Just don’t forget the Wi-Fi password.
Q: My landlord won’t let me change the locks. Help?
A: We feel you. Try adding portable door jammers or security bars. For renters in Encino or Calabasas, we’ve got stealthy solutions that won’t upset the property manager.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Make It Easy for Them
At the end of the day, home security isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being smarter than the average burglar. And let’s be real: That’s a low bar.
Whether you’re in Northridge needing a lock change or a Chatsworth business desperate for commercial lockout service, ALL OVER Locksmith has your back. We’re not just another “Los Angeles locksmith”; we’re your neighbors. So next time you’re staring at that rickety garage door, give us a call. Let’s make your home the one burglars scroll past on Crime TikTok.
Stay safe, L.A.! (And maybe check that attic hatch tonight. Just saying.)
