Just because it’s popular, though, does that make it smart? This trend is one that can open more homeowners up to a security risk, so it’s important to do your due diligence before deciding to upgrade your home’s curb appeal with a glass front door.

Let’s take a closer look at these types of doors and answer the question, “are glass front doors a security risk?”

Why Glass Front Doors Are So Appealing

There’s a unique charm associated with glass front doors that traditional solid doors often lack. For one, they create an airy look that makes the home feel a little bigger and more open. There’s also a greater interaction between the indoor and outdoor spaces due to glass’ transparency—which can make occupants feel more connected to their surroundings. Additionally, natural light flows through glass doors, making the entryway feel brighter and more welcoming, creating a good first impression.

Design-wise, glass doors are also versatile. They can be clear, frosted, etched with intricate patterns or even tinted to provide privacy. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of styles that complement the architectural design of their home, whether contemporary, classic or rustic.

The Security Concerns of Glass Front Doors

Yes, glass doors can make the entrance to your home more appealing, but security is a factor that can’t be overlooked. The primary concern here is that they are more vulnerable to breakage than other options like solid wood or metal. The inherently fragile nature of glass makes it fairly easy to shatter, raising the risk of unauthorized entry from burglars.

Moreover, many glass front doors provide a clear view of the interior of the home, which lets potential intruders see what’s inside (and who is or isn’t inside as well). If valuables or electronics are visible, it increases the likelihood of a break-in attempt. Even frosted or tinted glass can still allow silhouettes or movement to be seen from the outside.

Another consideration here is the door’s locking mechanism. Traditional locks aren’t the most effective pairing with a glass door, as standard options like deadbolts can be easily bypassed by breaking the glass and reaching inside to unlock it. This vulnerability highlights the need for specialized security measures if you’re considering a glass front door.

So the short answer is that, yes, glass front doors can be a security risk.

How to Balance Aesthetics and Security

The good news is that homeowners don’t have to sacrifice security for style. There are several ways to still gain the aesthetic benefits of a glass door while enhancing their safety. Here are a few ways to balance these two:

1. Reinforced glass: Using reinforced or laminated glass is one of the most effective ways to make a glass front door more secure. This type of glass can better withstand impact and is much more difficult to break than standard glass. Even if it does, it will typically remain in place, making it more difficult for intruders to access your home.
2. Double or triple glazing: Adding another layer of protection in the form of glazing is another smart option. The additional layers of glass and/or air provide better resistance to breakage, improving energy efficiency in the process. So there are multiple benefits for homeowners with this route.
3. Security film: Applying a security-grade film to the glass can also strengthen it. Most are transparent, so they’re almost invisible while still making the glass more difficult to shatter. The film holds the glass together in the vent of a break-in, making access more difficult. 
4. Multi-point locking systems: As mentioned above, standard locks may not offer sufficient security for glass doors. A multi-point locking system, on the other hand, remedies this. By securing the door at multiple points along the frame, you can enjoy enhanced protection. This type of lock makes it more difficult to force open as well, even if the glass is compromised.
5. Smart locks and sensors: Integrating smart locks and security sensors can further bolster the security of a glass front door, even with the other adjustments on this list. Smart locks let you monitor and control access remotely, while sensors can detect any tampering or breakage attempts, triggering an alarm if there are any.
6. Strategic landscaping and lighting: Potential intruders can also be deterred by getting a little strategic with the landscaping around the front door. For example, thorny bushes or prickly plants placed near the door can make it more difficult for someone to access or approach them unnoticed. Additionally, motion-sensor lighting can illuminate the area around the door, discouraging would-be burglars from a break-in—even if they’re in the middle of one.

Ultimately, glass doors can enhance the curb appeal of your home and while their potential security risks cannot be ignored, there are a few precautions you can take. To add further peace of mind, consider consulting with a residential locksmith company like A-1 Locksmith and we’ll be happy to provide a consultation and go over your best options for securing a glass front door for your home.

Home security is no exception. Many homeowners these days focus too much on the cost of home security upgrades instead of their value. The ROI for home security investments is greater than you might think, however. We explore that further with a look at the ROI of home security investments.

Costs of Home Security

Costs always vary depending on the type of security you invest in, the brand and the place where you buy it. But there are some general pricing ranges to consider for different home security investments. According to Bankrate, here are some general pricing ranges for a few different types of home security solutions on the market today:

• Home security systems: $200 to $700
• Home security system installation: up to $2,000
• Home security system monitoring: $40-60 per month
• Sensors/motion detectors: $25-300 per item
• Video cameras: $140-300

These are just a few examples and are general guidelines, but should give you an idea about the investment. Now let’s go over the return.

Benefits of Home Security Investments

While the initial cost of implementing residential security measures might seem significant, the returns and benefits are many. These include: 

1. Protection against losses: burglaries, property damage or loss of valuables can incur substantial financial setbacks. However, a robust security system, fortified with quality locks, alarms and surveillance, acts as a powerful deterrent.
2. Peace of mind for loved ones: the emotional and psychological peace derived from knowing that family members are protected is immeasurable. 
3. Insurance savings: many insurance providers offer discounts for homes equipped with reliable security systems. 
4. Increased property value: homes fortified with advanced security systems often boast higher resale value in the real estate market. 

Where to Get Home Security Upgrades

As with many products and services you day, you can buy home security upgrades online. But there are several reasons to shop for them from a local company where you can browse your options in person. At A-1 Locksmith, for example, we provide a wide array of home security options and will consult with you to find the best solutions for your budget, preferences and desired features.

Home security is an investment with a better return than you might think – even ignoring peace of mind. To experience the ROI of home security investments yourself, contact A-1 Locksmith today or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations.

Multi-residential tenants have to think about security a little differently than those who rent or own a house. If you live in an apartment or condo, here are some security tips to give you peace of mind.

Apartment Security Tips

Apartments come with more restrictions than condos, as you are typically renting instead of owning your residence. So you will likely have to check with your landlord about what you can and can’t do. (They are also a good resource, by the way, if you have safety concerns). Here are some general tips on how to improve security in your apartment:

• • Install a doorbell camera: If you’re able, install a doorbell camera outside your door. Some apartments don’t have peepholes and you can’t install one yourself, but a doorbell camera lets you view who is visiting your door.
  • Meet your neighbors: The sooner you can get to know your neighbors, the better. For one, you won’t mistake them for a criminal; and two, they can keep an eye out on your apartment if you’re away.
  • Don’t advertise your absence: Don’t post about any trips on social media or tell anyone except your most trusted friends and family about vacations. 
  • Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid giving burglars an excuse to break into your apartment. Keep valuable items and belongings away from windows and doors.
• Common sense: don’t leave a key under your doormat and if you have pin-code access… use a secure passcode. 

Condo Security Tips

You have a little more freedom when it comes to condo security, as you likely own it. (Though there still may be restrictions by the building owner.) Here are some general tips on how to improve the security of your condo:

• • Install a peephole: Or a video doorbell camera, as mentioned in the section above. It’s always safer to confirm visitors’ identities before letting them in your home.
  • Use timers for lights and electronics: Whether interior or exterior, put lights and TVs on timers so it gives the appearance of someone being there at all times.
  • Install new locks: If you haven’t changed locks yet, do it now. You don’t know who may have had access to your condo (or its keys) previously.
  • Don’t let strangers in the community: If you live in a gated community, don’t let anyone in who you don’t know. Many criminals pretend they live in an area to gain access to buildings.
  • Install a security system: While your building may have security cameras, you can’t expect the same for inside your condo. Especially if it’s a larger condo, put up cameras in your most vulnerable areas.
• Upgrade door hardware: While there’s quite a bit of spillover between security options for owners and renters (apartments and condos), being able to upgrade door hardware is a benefit specific to owners. Consider easy upgrades such as a new deadbolt or more high-touch, more-secure, upgrades like replacing your door entirely. 

Whether you’d like to improve the security of your apartment or condo, A-1 Locksmith is here for you. Stop by any of our DFW-area locations today, or give us a call.

If you’re worried about home security during showings, here are a few areas to consider.

Home Security System

For starters, what kind of surveillance system do you have in place? While you shouldn’t be spying on your visitors—especially in situations where they should expect privacy—it’s within your rights to monitor your property and the items in it. Consider buying, repairing or expanding your security system for your home, at least when you’re showing it. A professional locksmith company like A-1 Locksmith Security and Safes is a great place to turn for enhancing the security of your home.

Doorbell Cameras

If you don’t feel the need to invest in an entire security system (or you don’t want the expense right before you sell), a doorbell camera is another valuable option. You can record who is visiting your home, yet visitors get privacy for the rest of their tour. A video or voice intercom system can add another layer of protection and visibility—while primarily a commercial security need, it might be a wise idea at any access point. (Especially if your home is quite large.)

Keys

If your home has already had a security issue in the past—or you encounter a visitor you don’t trust—it might be wise to get new locks and/or keys installed. At the very least, you can create duplicate keys for real estate agents and the people on tour of your home so you don’t lose the only copies you own. 

Valuables

Do you have valuable items or belongings out in the open during showings? This is a bad idea for obvious reasons. But we’ll take it a step further and suggest that you don’t keep any valuables in the home at all during this showing period. Or, invest in a home safe where you can securely keep the items most important to you.

Insurance

Even if you consider all of these areas and put security protections in place for your home during showings things can still happen. Criminals can still try to break in, people can steal more than you’d think and children or other visitors can damage the home. In light of this, make sure you have good insurance in place and that it’s up to date, as well as covers these incidents.

Home security during showings might not be your primary consideration as you’re inundated with moving, staging, market volatility etc., but one mistake here can ruin the entire experience for you.

If you’d like more home security tips—during showings or any other time—contact A-1 Locksmith today!

Let’s take a look at 10 Dallas crime-related statistics that may surprise you. 

1. Nearly a million people applied for a new Texas driver’s license from 2018 to 2021.

According to a recent news article, “Nearly a million people applied for a new Texas driver’s license from 2018 to 2021. Most of them, 161,456 to be exact, came from California, followed by Washington, Nevada and Oregon.” Part of the reason for increasing crime is likely due to the influx of new residents.

2. Dallas ranks #30 among Texas cities for crime rate per 100,000 people.

With a rate of 764.94 crimes per 100,000 people, Dallas ranks toward the higher end of incidents among Texas cities. Only Houston has a higher population in cities that rank above Dallas, while areas like Arlington, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio have lower rates. (Data from macrotrends.)

3. Dallas’ property crime rate is 36.51 incidents per 1,000 residents.

According to NeighborhoodScout, this ranks higher than the Texas average of 22.62 incidents per 1,000 residents. (The United States national median is 19.)

4. Your chances of being a victim of violent crime in Dallas is 1 in 113.

This is compared to 1 in 222 for Texas and even lower for the United States’ average. (NeighborhoodScout)

5. The Dallas TX crime rate declined by 1.25 percent from 2017 to 2018.

According to macrotrends, “The Dallas TX crime rate for 2018 was 764.94 per 100,000 population, a 1.25% decline from 2017.”

6. Dallas has 153 crimes per square mile, on average.

This is much higher than the Texas average of 27 and the national median of 26.9, according to NeighborhoodScout. 

7. Trophy Club has one of the lowest DFW crime rates, at 15.28 per 100,000 people.

Among DFW cities with a rate above zero, Trophy Club is one of the safest in the state and has a population of 13,090. (macrotrends)

8. The average top-priority response time for the Dallas Police Department is 9.3 minutes.

This is compared to an average of 60.9 minutes for Priority 2 incidents, 333.7 minutes for Priority 3 incidents and 405.4 minutes for Priority 4 incidents. (Dallas Police Department)

9. Dallas has a crime index of 5 out of 100.

This means that Dallas is safer than only five percent of U.S. cities. (NeighborhoodScout)

10. Southeast Dallas has the highest number of violent crimes in the city.

As of this writing, Southeast Dallas had almost 2,000 violent crime incidents in Southeast Dallas, compared to lower numbers for South Central, Northeast and Southwest Dallas. (Dallas Police Department)

If you’d like to talk to a professional locksmith about improvements you can make in your home including entry points and general home security, contact us today at  (972) 284-7500 or stop by any of our DFW-area locations today.

Fortunately, knowledge is one of the best forms of prevention. Let’s go over five spooky home security situations to avoid this season, as well as precautions you can take.

1. Dark Shadows

It’s not a good idea to have lots of dark, hiding spots around your home in general, but it can be especially important during nights of high activity like Halloween. Many criminals use these events as ways to blend in and dark areas or shadows give them more opportunities to stay hidden. Plus, well-lit areas ensure trick-or-treaters and other visitors can see and stay safe.

2. Scary Pets Monsters

July 4 may be the scariest day of the year for pets, but Halloween could be a contender. If a pet gets loose, it could be a safety or security hazard, so make sure they’re confined to a room away from the front of the home (or wherever people are entering and exiting). 

3. Hidden Obstacles

Similar to the above point about lighting, you don’t want yourself, your friends/family or any trick-or-treating children to trip or run into something they don’t see. Give your driveway and walking paths a thorough sweeping and move anything below the knees that could cause someone to trip or otherwise create a home security issue.

4. Dangerous Decorations

Similarly, make sure the Halloween decorations themselves aren’t a safety risk. If you have an animated figurine right by steps or a large curb, for example, it could have consequential results if someone reacts to the figuring in a way you don’t anticipate. Especially think twice about the decorations you display around windows and vulnerable areas.

5. Tempting Valuables

Finally, make sure any “treats” you don’t want others to have are out of sight. It’s much easier (and more tempting) to take something out in the open, or visible just beyond a window, than it is to find or take something hidden. Just as you wouldn’t leave valuables in the car at the mall, don’t leave them out in the open at your home on a busy night. Also consider that on this night of the year, many strangers will have visibility into your entryway if you’re handing out candy. The most secure valuable is one no one knows about. If something of value is stored near the entryway, consider hiding it deeper in your home for the night (or for good).

Halloween doesn’t have to be spooky, when it comes to home security at least. If you’re interested in more home security advice, give us a call or stop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations today.

This can be a good thing and a bad thing when it comes to security. Let’s go over some ways to use your smartphone to your benefit and some tips to keep in mind for your smartphone and safety awareness.

How Phones Can Be Beneficial for Security

Your phone can be one of the most important tools for security in a pinch. After all, calling 911 is the first thing you should do if there is an emergency situation or anyone is in danger. But calling isn’t the only way phones can provide protection at home, on the go and at the office. Here are a few ways phones can be beneficial for safety and security:

• At home: technology has opened up a world of possibilities for your phone and home security. With access to an app, you can open or close your garage door, control the temperature and check in on security cameras remotely. Just a few taps and you can usually accomplish what you need to, even if you’re on vacation or a business trip.
• At the office: If you’re a business owner, a phone can be your master key for accessing doors and certain areas of your business (or simply monitoring them). Just as it does at home, a smartphone gives you more control over (and access to) your business.
• On the go: Sometimes, you can’t call 911 in an emergency. But your phone likely has an SOS-type app or way to communicate with emergency personnel without typing in the phone number. It would be wise to install one of these apps when there isn’t an emergency, so you have it ready if you have an automotive-related incident.

How Phones Can Be Harmful for Security

Phones can also work against you when it comes to your safety and security. For starters, phones have sensitive information that can be compromised physically or wirelessly. Be careful about the emails you engage with and the social media posts or websites you engage with, and these can be ways for hackers to steal important info. Always keep a lock on your screen if you’re out in public and keep a password activated at all times. You should even be careful about who can see your screen when you’re using it. Avoiding using sensitive apps like banking apps in public is another wise decision. 

Locksmiths and Security

If you’re concerned about home, business or automobile security, a locksmith can help. Maybe the best solution is installing a smart security system you can access with your phone. Or, it might be upgrading the locks in your facility. Whatever route you take, a security expert like a locksmith can provide exceptional advice you wouldn’t get on your own. 

If you have any security questions for your phone, home, automobile or business, call us at (972) 284-7500 today and we’ll be happy to help you out.

To give you ultimate peace of mind and ensure your house is secure, follow this checklist to check the most vulnerable and overlooked areas of home security.

Yard/Lawn

First, we’ll look at your lawn. You might not think there is anything you can do to improve your home’s security from your lawn, but you’d be surprised. Lawns that aren’t maintained properly are a signal to thieves that no one may be inhabiting the property. (Or, that you’ve gone on vacation and forgot to take care of it.) Another security/safety issue related to your yard is that overgrown bushes or excess foliage can impede paths and prevent residents from escaping or emergency personnel from responding. (They’re great hiding spots for thieves as well.)

Lighting

Next, do you have proper lighting around your home? Criminals love working in the dark, where they won’t attract curious eyes or be seen by surveillance cameras. Fix this by ensuring there is lots of light around your doors, windows and garage. Also, burglars look for security systems when scouting a property, so make sure your system is well-lit and place signs from your security monitoring company in your front and backyard.

Access Points

Lock the door and it will make it more difficult for a thief to enter your home. Add a deadbolt lock and you further increase the difficulty. Add another reinforced lock or stopper on the inside and it will be a pretty tough task for someone to gain access to your home through the well-secured door. Whether it’s doors or windows, check for weather stripping, gaps and lack of structural integrity. Adding an alarm to windows and a doorbell camera to the front of the house is another way to improve security for access points. 

Key Access

Finally, who has access to your keys? If your spare key is in a fake rock that’s easy to identify, everyone will. Be smart about where you keep extra keys and get to know your neighbors so they can help you with key access if needed. Finally, whether you have a spare key with a friend, family member, neighbor or in a hidden location, make sure you know where all copies of them are at all times. (If you don’t, it might be time to rekey your home.)

If you’re interested in additional security tips for your home, contact A-1 Locksmith today at (972) 284-7500.

This is especially true when it comes to your home and protecting your precious belongings. Let’s use this calendar change as an opportunity to go over a few ways you can ensure your home is safe and secure in 2022.

Locks and Keys

There’s a good chance there are locks or keys in your home that need to be repaired or replaced. Or, if not, there are always upgrade opportunities. Take this new year as a moment when you inspect your home’s locks and see if there are any security issues. If there are any doors sticking to frames, keys that get stuck in locks or doors that won’t even open, it might be time for new locks and keys.

Windows and Doors

In addition to locks, think about the access points themselves. Are your windows made of flimsy glass that a child could break? Or can they stand up to a thief’s crowbar? Upgrades aren’t limited to material, either. Your windows and doors can be set up with technology that alerts you (and the professionals) to any breaches, motion or anything else problematic. 

Surveillance

The great thing about surveillance these days is that it’s accessible to all. There are basic models that still let you check in on your home remotely while detecting motion and giving you audio and video access. Of course, there are home surveillance upgrade options like high-definition video, recording capabilities, motion tracking, biometric locks, digital keypads and more. How big you go is up to you and your budget.

Emergencies

Finally, do you have a plan for emergency situations in 2022? Document a fire escape plan and ensure everyone in the family knows what to do and where to meet if they split up. Key duplication is also worth considering so you can hide an extra set of keys or keep them with a friend or family member in case there’s an unexpected situation where they’re needed.

If you’re looking for more ways to improve home security next year, contact A-1 Locksmith today. We’d love to help you start 2022 on the path to superior home security.

From setting the alarm when you leave to storing guns and valuables in a safe, there are certain precautions everyone in the family (even children) must take when it comes to home security. Here are four rules to live by.

1. Store Weapons In a Safe

If you own a firearm or knives, get a gun safe. It’s that simple. A gun that’s out in the open or not stored securely can be found by minors and is a prime target for thieves. According to Injury Facts, there were 458 preventable gun-related deaths in 2018. The number of accidental gun-related injuries is even higher. You can prevent an injury or death from happening at your house by making it a family rule to always store weapons in a safe (and only adults should know any passcodes). 

2. Don’t Open the Door for Strangers

Peepholes are losing popularity to doorbell cameras these days, but the fact remains: don’t open the door for strangers if you’re alone, especially if you’re a child. Con artists and criminals can disguise themselves as delivery drivers, electricians and even police officers. When you reveal how many people are (or aren’t) at home, it puts you in a vulnerable position. Open the door only if you know the person or can verify their identity. Otherwise, it’s not worth it.

3. Set the Alarm When You Leave

You can also make it a family rule to set the alarm when you leave the house and nobody’s home. This can become an easy habit even for children if you do it often enough. Setting the alarm protects your home and your valuables. Also make sure you have stickers or signs that show you have an alarm system to help deter would-be home invaders. If you don’t have a security system, it might be a good time to invest in one.

4. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Finally, make sure you have emergency numbers like poison control, plumbers and locksmiths handy. Teach your children how to call 911 if there’s a life-threatening event and even have them memorize these emergency lines and the numbers of trusted personal contacts, if possible. Keep these numbers in a prominent place, such as the refrigerator. You never know when you might need them.
If you’re in need of a residential locksmith to help you improve your home security, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500.