Uncover home security weaknesses. Look at him with the eyes of a thief

Some methods do not change over time and you can prepare for them. And maybe even estimate how long your house can withstand.

How long does a classic burglary actually take? Experts agree that it usually ranges in the order of minutes, at the most tens of minutes.

Your goal should therefore be to put as many "obstacles" in the thief's path as possible, which will complicate or completely block his way to your property. But the first one comes with a thorough evaluation of the existing security.

Go on a lookout

Like any thief, you should start by looking around the property. Give her just a few minutes - the tipster won't stay around your house for long, she wants to be quick and unobtrusive.

Did something catch your eye at first glance? It could be a loose latch on a door, an ajar cellar window or garden tools leaning against a shed.

These little things are guaranteed to be noticed even by a thief who is looking for a reason for future theft during inspection. If you don't want to meet him, hide valuables out of sight and don't leave anything lying around the house. Pay attention to uninvited views - use curtains or blinds and do not display expensive electronics unnecessarily in front of windows.

The way in

The thief looks for the shortest and easiest way to the desired prey, which does not cause too much noise. Therefore, do not be swayed by the fact that the entrance door is protected by a high-quality security lock.

Look at other ways into the house, try all the windows, back entrances, doors to the garage or basement. It is here that the weakest points in security and the fastest possible access to the building are found - just kick some doors or loosen a rotten board, and the way inside is free in a few seconds.

“The five-minute rule says that if the thief doesn't get in by that time, they give up their attempt. That is why we should try to create such obstacles for him that he cannot overcome by silent thieving methods. Few thieves dare to use noisy tools such as a sander when picking locks," adds Petr Neuvirt from the Tokoz company.

A good lock will help

Didn't you find a weak point in the access to the house? Then it was time to get inside as quickly as possible by overcoming the locks.

How long can yours last? It is precisely with time that the safety classes, which are given by the binding EN ČSN standards, work.

Be sure to look for this information on the product packaging or ask the seller to show or document this information. For each safety class, the tool and the time for which the given product must withstand attempts to overcome are precisely determined.

"When choosing security for an ordinary household, we should go for a lock certified in at least the 3rd security class, even better in the 4th class. This protects against more experienced thieves and is also suitable for securing more risky objects - for example, cottages and properties in more remote places," adds Neuvirt.