You want to increase security. Does that mean you should expect a higher price tag? Not necessarily.  And this goes for both home security and commercial security!

There are many options available for those who want to increase security but not drain their bank account to do so.

Increasing security doesn’t always have to include adding expensive hardware, either. Instead, you can increase security by making a few simple adjustments.

 

Increase Security, Not Your Price Tag

The Less Expensive Options

Remove items around entryways where people can easily hide.

Thieves operate on not being seen. There’s no reason to aid in their crime by offering up good hiding spots like bushes, trash cans, and parked vehicles. Move these items away from entrances and try to leave open spaces.

Price tag: $0

Doors aren’t the only locks you need to check.

Many people overlook unlocked windows. The reality is, installing good locks on your windows is a very simple way to drastically increase the security of your home or building. If your windows have night vent locks on them, extend them.

Price tag: $0

Check your strike plates.

Make sure the strike plate your deadbolt throws into is anchored with screws that are three inches or longer. The goal is to make sure the strike plate is anchored into the stud behind the frame.

Price tag: $0

Don’t leave spare keys near your home.

Yes, a spare key hidden under that fake rock next to your front door might come in handy on the off chance that you’ve lost your keys, but criminals know this. That’s why they often look around the entrance of a building or home to find keys.

If you hide them farther away, you’ll reduce the risk of thieves being able to locate the key.

Price tag: $0

More Expensive Options to Increase Security

 

Check your deadbolts.

Make sure the deadbolts on your doors extend all the way into the door frame. Many times in newer homes , the pocket the deadbolt extends into isn’t deep enough. You may also run into this problem with replacement door and frame kits picked up from hardware stores.

A deadbolt with a too-shallow pocket can be easy for a thief to crack open. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix: Deepen the pocket with a hole saw or a spade bit and voila! You get to increase security in one simple move.

Price tag: Varies based on frame material

Increase the lighting.

The brighter the area, the harder it is for people to rely on the shadows as cover. Add some simple lighting additions to increase security of your home or building.

Price tag: $50-$200

Have your locks rekeyed.

If you’ve recently taken possession of a new building or home, have your locks rekeyed so past owners (or anyone the past owners have may have given keys to) no long have access to your property. A rekey is fairly simple, can be done quickly, and can save you quite a bit of money.

Price tag: $15-$30 per key

Make sure you use non-removable pins.

If you have an outswinging door, make sure that the hinges you use have non-removable pins. These pins keep the center hinge from being removed and reduce your chances of a break in.

Price tag: $5-$15 per hinge

Are you interested in hearing more ways you can increase security in your home or building? We have plenty of people on hand to answer your questions!