People often install sturdy locks on their front doors but leave arcadia (sliding glass) doors and sliding glass windows wide open to illegal entry. Burglars look for both of these because they are easy to open. Usually, arcadia doors and windows are more secluded than a front door, making a perfect place for burglars to hide and enter.
The two factors to be protected against are:
1. Prying The Lock -
Most arcadia doors and sliding windows come equipped with a lock that is easily pried open. A supplemental lock should be installed.
Broomsticks, charlie bars (both should fit snug), and finger operated locks provide some protection.
Key locking devices are much preferred because they can prevent the burglars from using the door or window to remove stolen property.
There are several types of supplemental locks available. Keyed lock may be keyed alike with other entry lock sets and deadbolt locks. Check with your locksmith or hardware store and select a sturdy type that most suits your home.
2. Lifting Out -
Many arcadia doors and sliding windows can be lifted out of their tracks from the outside. Two sheet metal screws placed in the track above the removable part of the door or window can prevent it from being removed. Adjust the screws so that the doors or windows will just clear underneath them as you slide the window.
Drill a hole and insert a nail through the inside frame and part way through the metal door frame. You can remove the nail but the burglar cannot. Be careful when you drill. If you drill too close to the glass, you could possibly break it.
Double Hung Windows
To secure a double hung window, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window, and through that into the bottom of the top window. A pin can now be inserted, locking the window shut. Again, be careful when you drill. If you drill too close to the glass, you could possibly break it. If you pin your windows, make sure that pins can easily be removed and that all people (adults and children) living in the house can reach and remove them.
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