easy access

A common combination of cheap locks and small construction flaws that often go unnoticed give criminals the "cracks" in security they need to break in. Many home door locks can be quickly bypassed with a knife or screwdriver slid in the gap between door and frame. After that, the criminal can easily work the tongue of most cheap locks out of the doorframe. A thin kitchen knife slid between sash windows can "tap" a normal window lock open. Hasps and locks can be hammered or twisted off in a few blows, or simply cut off with bolt cutters. Many sliding windows and doors can simply be lifted out of place. In addition to locking your doors and windows, you should also protect the lock and its components.