How to Make Sure No One Breaks Into Your House?

To make sure no one breaks into your house, focus on three things: strengthen your entry points (doors, windows, and locks), eliminate hiding spots around your property, and make your home look occupied at all times. Burglars want easy targets. If your home looks like it takes effort to break into, they'll move on to an easier one.

According to the FBI's most recent data, the national burglary rate dropped to about 229 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2024. That's the lowest rate in decades. But "lower" doesn't mean "zero." Over 779,000 burglaries still happened that year, and more than half of them targeted homes. The average loss per break-in is around $2,661, and that doesn't include the emotional toll of knowing someone was in your space.

The good news? Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Only about 12% are planned in advance. That means small, smart changes to your home and habits can make a huge difference. This guide covers everything from upgrading your doors and windows to landscape tricks, security systems, what to do when you're on vacation, and what to do if someone actually breaks in.

Secure Your Doors: The Number One Entry Point

The front door is the single most common entry point for burglars. FBI data shows that 34% of break-ins happen through the front door, either by force or simply because it was left unlocked. Your back door accounts for another 22%. That means more than half of all break-ins come through a door.

Upgrade to Solid Core or Impact-Rated Doors

A hollow-core door might as well be made of cardboard. One solid kick and it's open. If your exterior doors are hollow, replacing them should be your first priority.

Solid wood doors (at least 1¾ inches thick), steel doors, or fiberglass doors are all good choices. For South Florida homeowners, impact doors offer the best of both worlds: they're built to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris, which means they're also extremely difficult for a burglar to break through. A door that can handle a Category 5 hurricane isn't going to give way to a shoulder or a boot.

Install High-Quality Deadbolt Locks

A flimsy doorknob lock is not going to stop anyone. Every exterior door needs a deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw (the part that extends into the door frame). Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts from ANSI/BHMA are the best options for residential security.

If your door has a glass panel, consider a double-cylinder deadbolt that requires a key on both sides. This prevents a burglar from breaking the glass, reaching in, and turning the lock. Just remember to keep the key nearby (but not visible) in case of a fire emergency.

Reinforce Your Door Frame and Strike Plate

Here's something most people miss: the door itself might be strong, but the frame around it is often weak. Most standard strike plates are held in place by tiny ¾-inch screws that rip right out of the wood when kicked. Replace them with 3-inch screws that go all the way into the wall stud behind the frame.

A reinforced strike plate with longer screws can be the difference between a door that holds and one that splinters open in a single kick. It's a $10 fix that provides hundreds of dollars' worth of protection.

Don't Forget Sliding Doors and the Garage

Sliding doors are a known weak point. Many older sliding doors can be popped right off their tracks, even when locked. Place a security bar or a strong dowel rod in the track so the door can't slide open. For newer installations, impact-rated sliding glass doors solve this problem entirely. They're built with laminated glass and reinforced frames that resist both forced entry and storm damage.

Your garage door is the biggest door in your house, and people often leave it open or poorly secured. Always close your garage door, even when you're home. If you have an attached garage with a door leading inside, make sure that interior door has a deadbolt too. Burglars who get into the garage can work on the interior door hidden from view.

Protect Your Windows: The Second Biggest Vulnerability

First-floor windows are the second most common entry point, accounting for about 23% of all break-ins. Windows are inviting targets because they're often left unlocked, and standard glass is easy to break.

Lock Every Window, Every Time

This sounds obvious, but it needs to be said. According to FBI analysis, nearly 38% of burglaries involve no forced entry at all. The burglar simply walked in through an unlocked door or window. Make it a daily habit to check that all ground-floor windows are locked before you leave and before you go to bed.

Install Impact Windows for Maximum Protection

If you live in South Florida, impact windows are the gold standard for window security. Impact windows use laminated glass bonded to a tough plastic interlayer. Even when the glass cracks, it stays in place instead of shattering into an easy opening. A burglar would need to spend several minutes hammering at an impact window to create a hole big enough to crawl through, and that's exactly the kind of time and noise they want to avoid.

The Insurance Information Institute notes that research shows burglars give up if it takes more than four or five minutes to break into a home. Impact windows push that clock well past the comfort zone.

Beyond security, impact windows also protect against hurricanes, reduce outside noise, block UV rays, and can lower your insurance premiums through wind mitigation credits. They're one of the smartest investments a Florida homeowner can make.

Add Window Sensors and Security Film

If impact windows aren't in the budget right now, there are still effective options. Window sensors that sound an alarm when the window is opened cost as little as $25 per window. Security film is a thick, transparent adhesive that holds glass together when broken, similar to what impact windows do but at a lower price point and effectiveness level.

Window stops on double-hung windows let you keep the window cracked for ventilation without opening it wide enough for someone to get through. And window locks with key access add another barrier.

Use Lighting to Your Advantage

Burglars love darkness. It gives them cover to approach your home, work on doors and windows, and leave without being seen. Eliminating dark spots around your home is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to prevent break-ins.

Motion-Sensor Lights Are a Game Changer

Motion-activated floodlights around your home's perimeter are one of the best deterrents available. When someone approaches your house at night, the sudden blast of light startles them and draws attention from neighbors and passing cars. Place motion-sensor lights at every entry point: front door, back door, side doors, garage, and along any dark pathways.

Solar-powered motion lights have come down in price dramatically. You can cover your entire property for under $100 and they don't require any wiring.

Keep Interior Lights on a Timer

An empty, dark house at night screams "nobody's home." Use smart plugs or plug-in timers to turn lamps on and off in different rooms at varying times throughout the evening. This creates the illusion that someone is moving around the house. Pair this with a TV or radio left on at low volume, and a would-be burglar can't tell if the house is occupied.

Don't Create Shadows and Hiding Spots

Landscape lighting along walkways and near bushes serves double duty: it looks nice and eliminates places where someone could crouch unseen. Even a few inexpensive solar path lights can make a noticeable difference.

Maintain Your Landscape Like It's a Security System

Your yard isn't just curb appeal. It's your first line of defense. A well-maintained property sends the signal that someone is home, paying attention, and taking care of things. An overgrown property says the opposite.

Trim Bushes and Trees Near Windows and Doors

Tall, thick bushes next to windows and doors give burglars the perfect place to hide while they work on getting inside. Keep all shrubs trimmed to below window height. Cut back tree branches that could give access to second-floor windows. And remove any objects near the house, like ladders, trash cans, or large items, that someone could climb on.

Use Thorny Plants as Natural Barriers

Landscape designers have been using this trick for years. Plant thorny bushes like roses, bougainvillea (perfect for South Florida), holly, or hawthorn under ground-floor windows. Nobody wants to crawl through a wall of thorns to break a window.

Keep the Lawn Mowed and Mail Collected

An overgrown lawn and piled-up mail are the universal signals of an empty house. Whether you're on vacation or just busy, make sure the lawn gets mowed, the mail gets collected, and newspapers or packages don't accumulate at your door.

Invest in a Home Security System

A home security system is one of the most effective ways to prevent break-ins. According to research cited by CPI Security, homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized. And 83% of convicted burglars said they check for an alarm system before attempting a break-in.

Monitored vs. Self-Monitored Systems

Professionally monitored systems connect to a monitoring center that contacts you and dispatches police when an alarm is triggered. These typically cost $20 to $60 per month. The advantage is 24/7 coverage even when you're asleep or away.

Self-monitored systems send alerts directly to your phone and rely on you to call the police. They cost less (some are free after the equipment purchase) but require you to be available to respond.

For maximum protection, a monitored system with cameras, door/window sensors, and motion detectors is the most effective option. But even a basic DIY setup with a loud siren can scare off most opportunistic burglars.

Security Cameras Change the Game

Visible security cameras are a powerful deterrent. Burglars don't want to be recorded. Place cameras to cover all entry points, including the front door, back door, garage, and any first-floor windows. Modern cameras with night vision, motion alerts, and cloud storage are available for under $50 each.

Position cameras high enough that they can't be easily reached or knocked down, but low enough to capture faces clearly. And clean them regularly so pollen, dust, and cobwebs don't blur the footage.

Display Signs and Stickers

Even if you can't afford a full security system right now, displaying security company signs in your yard and stickers on your windows can deter burglars. According to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), most residential thieves stay away from houses with security system signage. Is it a bluff? Sure. But it works more often than you'd think.

Smart Habits That Keep Burglars Away

Technology and hardware are important, but your daily habits matter just as much. Many break-ins could be prevented with simple changes in behavior.

Never Hide a Spare Key Outside

Under the doormat, inside the fake rock, on top of the door frame, inside the mailbox. Burglars know every hiding spot. If you need to give someone access, use a lockbox with a combination code, or better yet, install a smart lock that lets you create temporary digital codes.

Don't Broadcast Your Absence on Social Media

Posting vacation photos in real time is like putting a "NOBODY HOME" sign on your front door. Wait until you're back to share your trip. And be careful about posting expensive new purchases. You're showing potential burglars exactly what's inside your house.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Good neighbors are the original home security system. When you know the people around you, they notice when something seems off an unfamiliar car parked outside, someone they don't recognize at your door, a delivery person who seems to be casing the house. Join or start a neighborhood watch. Exchange phone numbers. Look out for each other.

Make Your Home Look Lived-In When You Travel

When you're on vacation or away for work, your house should look exactly like it does when you're home. Use light timers, have a neighbor park in your driveway, put your mail on hold at the post office, and arrange for lawn care. If it's winter up north, have someone shovel your driveway. In South Florida summers, make sure the landscaping stays maintained.

What to Do If Someone Breaks Into Your Home

Nobody wants to think about this, but it's important to have a plan.

If You Come Home to Signs of a Break-In

Do not go inside. The burglar may still be there. Go to a neighbor's house or stay in your car and call 911 immediately. Wait for police to arrive and clear the home before entering.

If You're Home During a Break-In

Stay calm and quiet. Get to a room with a lock, close and lock the door, and call 911. Do not confront the intruder. Your safety is more important than any possession. Keep your phone charged and near your bed at night. Some experts also suggest keeping your car keys nearby so you can hit the panic button to create noise and draw attention.

After a Break-In

Don't touch anything until police have documented the scene. Take photos and video of any damage. Make a list of everything that was stolen. Contact your insurance company to file a claim. Then change all your locks immediately and review your security setup to prevent it from happening again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Do Most Break-Ins Happen?

Most residential burglaries happen during the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when people are at work or school. According to FBI data, over 50% of burglaries occur during daytime hours. This is why it's important to secure your home before you leave in the morning, not just at night.

Do Burglars Avoid Houses with Dogs?

Generally, yes. Many convicted burglars have said that a barking dog is one of the top deterrents. It's not about the size of the dog it's about the noise. A small dog that barks loudly can be just as effective as a large guard dog because the barking draws attention.

Are Smart Locks Worth It?

Smart locks offer convenience and security. You can lock and unlock your door remotely, create temporary codes for visitors, and get alerts when someone enters. They're especially useful if you forget to lock up. Just make sure you choose a model with strong encryption and keep the firmware updated.

How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?

Basic DIY systems start around $100 to $200 for equipment, with optional monthly monitoring fees of $10 to $30. Professionally installed and monitored systems typically cost $200 to $500 for equipment plus $30 to $60 per month. Many homeowners insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with qualifying security systems, which can help offset the cost.

Do Impact Windows Prevent Break-Ins?

Yes. Impact windows are one of the most effective physical barriers against break-ins. The laminated glass and interlayer construction mean the glass holds together even when struck repeatedly. A burglar would need to spend far more time and create far more noise than they're willing to risk. Impact windows are especially valuable in South Florida, where they also protect against hurricanes and can lower your insurance premiums.

What's the Cheapest Way to Secure My Home?

The cheapest and most effective step is to lock all doors and windows every time you leave. Beyond that, upgrade your strike plates with 3-inch screws ($10), add a dowel rod to sliding doors (free), install solar motion-sensor lights ($20 to $50), and display security signs and stickers ($15). These simple steps cost under $100 total and eliminate the majority of easy-target signals burglars look for.

Final Thoughts

Making sure no one breaks into your house isn't about turning your home into a fortress. It's about eliminating the easy opportunities that burglars look for. Lock your doors and windows. Upgrade weak entry points. Light up your property. Make it look like someone is always home. And if you can, invest in a security system and impact-resistant windows and doors that make your home physically difficult to breach.

For South Florida homeowners, the calculus is even clearer. Impact windows and impact doors protect against both burglars and hurricanes, reduce noise, improve energy efficiency, and can lower your insurance premiums. It's security, comfort, and financial savings rolled into one upgrade.

ASP Windows & Doors has been helping homeowners across South Florida and Southwest Florida protect their homes for over 20 years. With 1,900+ five-star reviews, Miami-Dade approved products, in-house installation crews, and financing options starting at $0 down, we make it easy to upgrade your home's security without breaking the bank. Get a free estimate today by calling (888) 782-8342 or visiting our showrooms in Doral, Kendall, West Palm Beach, or Fort Myers.