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Since the tragic death of NFL player Sean Taylor, who was a victim in a home invasion, there have been numerous home security articles and an increased interest in the security measures you can take to avoid such an occurrence. For many people, this will mean a new home security door lock that is an improvement over the one they currently have.

In researching home security articles, readers will find many common elements. Many articles will state the importance of having a secure home security lock and making sure it is locked on all doors that lead outside. Many articles will also advocate for the use of alarm systems and home security services. However, using locks is the basis for a defending your home against break-ins.

A lock is worthless if it isn't used, so all family members should get in the habit of locking doors. Please don't keep a spare key in an obvious hiding place, such as on top of a door frame or under the welcome mat. If you are afraid of accidentally locking yourself out, leave a spare key with a neighbor you trust, or put one in a lock box with a code.

The different types of locks and how safe they are is mentioned often in home security articles. Old locks with skeleton keys are not great or safe, but it is also easy to defeat many modern locks also. If it's possible to break your lock with a credit card, then anyone can.

The box a security lock uses is also critical. It needs to be anchored into the door frame with 3" or better nails or screws, and should be rated as "kick proof." The bolt needs to be at least an inch and a half long as well. If there is glass nearby, a special lock is needed that can't be opened by breaking glass and just reaching in. Be careful to see what local codes permit, of course.

Writers of home security articles might fall back on that old chestnut concerning broken locks and silenced alarms. The typical advice is to hide in an isolated space such as a closet, and attempt to reach the authorities with a mobile phone. Should you be discovered, do not stare directly at the miscreants. However, you should attempt to pay close enough attention to be able to identify unique features or markings such as a tattoo. However, it is best to simply not be in that situation.

Since the tragic death of NFL player Sean Taylor, there have been numerous home security articles and an increased interest in the security measures you can take to avoid such an occurrence. For many people, this will mean a new home security door lock that is an improvement over the one they currently have. An unsecured home security lock is pretty useless! If you feel the need to hide spare keys for those who lose them or forget to take them along, don't place them under a mat, rock or other such place. Consider leaving spare keys with a trusted neighbor or put them in a coded lock box.