A home is meant to be a safe haven. The world is full of chaos and stress, so coming home is a relaxing event. Any homeowner knows the joy of walking through the door, plopping the keys on the counter, and then preparing for a night of relaxation after working or playing hard all day.

Unfortunately for millions of Americans, this relaxation is disrupted by an invader. The FBI reports that over 900 thousand burglaries occurred in 2020. The monetary loss from these crimes is astounding, totaling over 900 billion dollars worth of stolen property. These frightening statistics show our sanctuaries aren’t as secure as we think.

One way to prevent these intrusions is by bolstering your patio door security. Patio doors are an easy target for a criminal, as the latches are easier to wrestle with than the locked front door. Some ways to disrupt an intruder are as follows:

1) Instead of having vulnerable glass doors, add some shatterproof film to block an invader. Rocks or other heavy objects have no chance of breaking the doors with this applied. An added benefit is buying the film with a tint. Reducing sunshine and heat would subsequently lower energy costs in the summer. The shatterproof film is an easy way to make your home safer and more affordable.

2) Blocking bars are essential for sliding doors. Should the latch handle be unlocked, or damaged by a persistent intruder, having a blocking bar is a reliable backup. Purchasing a blocking bar online or even using a cheap broom handle will resolve sliding door insecurities.

3) Sliding glass door locks are another option for peace of mind. These might be more attractive for those who consider aesthetics. Coming in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, sliding locks can be a fashionable and sound way to protect your home.

4) Security pins can be used to lock windows and sliding doors. Similar in functionality to a blocking bar, the security pin is smaller and easier to hide safety features. They are also effortless to install and do not require additional equipment.

4) If you are very concerned about burglaries, upgrading your latch is an option. This is an expensive feature, but finding a latch that is more secure than average could reassure you. Living in an area with a high crime rate or in a neighborhood going through a crime spree might call for this.

5) Finally, getting a home alarm system would be the most comprehensive answer for securing your entire home. The system can be set up to protect all of your home entryways, not just your patio door.

While it’s frightening to think that a burglary can happen at any time, finding ways to stop thieves in their tracks is a simple and affordable process. Countless property crimes happen every day. However, countless products are on the market to protect you and your home. Plan today for a safe tomorrow.