How to Burglar-Proof Your Home: 15 Steps You Can Start Today
Burglars want three things: a house that looks empty, a way in that nobody can see, and a quick exit. Take those away and they move on. These 15 steps start with the free ones.
By Ilan Nahum , Blaze Alarms Updated October 13, 2026 7 min read
- Light, noise and time are a burglar's three enemies. Every step below adds one of them.
- Doors and windows at the back of the house matter most.
- A monitored alarm and visible cameras are the strongest single deterrents.
Doors
- Use a deadbolt on every exterior door Including the back door and the door from the garage into the house.
- Reinforce the strike plate Swap the short screws for 3-inch screws that reach the wall framing. Most kicked-in doors fail at the frame, not the lock.
- Secure the patio door Put a bar or a cut broom handle in the track so it cannot slide open, even if the latch is forced.
- Keep the garage closed Even a door left open a foot is an invitation. Never leave the opener in a car parked outside.
Windows
- Lock every window, every time Including second-floor windows above a deck, porch roof or garage.
- Do not forget the basement Basement windows are low and often hidden. Add locks or security film, and keep window wells clear.
- Keep valuables out of sight If someone can see laptops, bikes or a key rack through the window, so can a burglar.
Outside the house
- Light every side Motion lights at the back door, side paths and driveway. Darkness is a burglar's friend.
- Trim the landscaping Keep shrubs below window height and tree branches away from upper windows.
- Lock up ladders and tools A ladder left by the garage is a way into a second-floor window.
- Lock the side gate Most backyard access starts there.
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Make it look like someone is home
- Use timers or smart plugs Lights and a radio that come on in the evening make an empty house look occupied.
- Stop the pile-up Hold the mail and newspapers, and ask a neighbour to collect parcels and move your recycling bins.
Add noise and evidence
- Install a monitored alarm The siren adds noise the moment a door opens, and monitoring brings a response. Yard signs and window stickers tell people before they even try. See what a home alarm includes.
- Put up visible cameras Cameras on the front door, driveway and back door deter, and the footage helps police and your insurer. Read which cameras fit your home.
A few habits that help
- Keep car keys away from the front door and out of sight.
- Do not post trips on social media until you are back.
- Get to know your neighbours and swap numbers.
- Photograph valuables and write down serial numbers. It helps with insurance claims and getting stolen items back.
Want a second pair of eyes? We will walk around your home, point out the weak spots, and tell you honestly what is worth doing and what is not.
Frequently asked questions
How do burglars choose which house to break into?
They look for homes that seem empty, have hidden doors or windows, and offer a quick way in and out. Lights, visible cameras, alarm signs and locked doors all make a home less attractive.
Do alarm signs and stickers really work?
They help, because many break-ins are opportunistic and people avoid homes that look protected. A real, monitored alarm behind the sign is what actually brings a response.
What is the most common way burglars get in?
Through doors, often the back door or the door from the garage, followed by ground-floor and basement windows. Unlocked doors and windows make it easiest.
Ilan Nahum runs Blaze Alarms, a Toronto security company installing alarm systems and security cameras across the GTA since 1990. Rated stars from 178 Google reviews.
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