Door Locks From a Burglar's Perspective
Burglars prefer to break into a home through a door because it is quick and easy. A good quality lock is a deterrent. When intruders are interviewed about the selection of a target, many say seeing quality deadbolt locks will cause them to move on to another house. A burglar can enter the home through a door using several methods:

•    The door can be left unlocked.
•    Doors can be kicked in.
•    Door locks can be picked.
•    Door locks can be hammered until they fall off.
•    Doors can be pried open.
•    Door frames can be spread apart with a spreader bar.
•    Door locks can be "drilled out" using a power drill.
•    Locks can be pried off with pipe wrenches or pliers.
•    Panes of glass in or beside doors can be broken so the intruder can reach in and unlock the lock.    
•    Sometimes thieves obtain a copy of the house key from an acquaintance.

Remember, the intruder will select the door that looks easiest to break into and that offers the least chance of being seen.
Learn more about how to protect your home from intruders

1.) Install locks with deadbolts.
In residential construction there are basically two types of bolts used on exterior doors: latch bolts and deadbolts. Some locks combine the two bolts into one.

2.) Install locks with key control.
Key control is simply controlling who has copies of keys to your home. Many door keys can be copied at a local hardware or retail store. However, many manufacturers now offer locks using keys that cannot be copied except by certain locksmiths or only by the manufacturer themselves.

There are burglaries where the unlawful entry can be traced back to a key that was either knowingly or unwittingly provided to the burglar.

Help in assessing the need for better security can be found with your local police department. Many departments have a crime prevention unit that will examine your home. Based on their experience with crime, they can see things that the average homeowner does not. Also, an experienced locksmith can help you select the right products.Source: Appendix X4 of ASTM F476-84 (Reapproved 1991) Standard Test Methods for Security of Swinging Door Assemblies; American Society for Testing and Materials

State Farm believes the information contained in the Learning Center is reliable and accurate. We cannot, however, guarantee the performance of all items demonstrated or described in all situations. Always consult an experienced contractor or other expert to determine the best application of these ideas or products in your home.