It's no surprise that doors and windows are the weakest link when it comes to home security.  From cheap construction to something as simple as leaving your windows open, there are many factors here than can contribute to your home's security.  One of the most common failures is neglecting to lock your door beause you live in a "safe" neighborhood.  Criminals troll for houses easy to break into, don't make your's an easy target.

Doors can easily be one of the most overlooked safety features of your home.  Part of the problem is due to the contractors who built your home.  In order to save money, they put in hollow core doors and outer doors with windows in them that are easy for a burglar to beak and unlock said door.  Also you should be especially careful if you have a sliding glass door as they can be lifted from the tracks and set aside.  There are even stories about the construction workers getting the installation wroing and installing the sliding door track on the outside of the house!  Also be aware that the only thing holding the sliding glass door closed is a latch, not a proper lock.

One of the most overlooked doors is the door leading from the house to the garage.  In a previous post, it was noted that the garage is a favorite place for burglars to try because it gives them a measure of privacy and security while they rob you blind.

Well the best type of security for doors is solid core wooden or metal doors. This can get expensive so you'll have to decide if it is worth it to do the entire house or just the outer doors. I'd suggest the whole house, for reasons you'll see later in the series, but you need to make that choice based on your own personal needs.

The doorframe is just as important as the door in security. You could have the best door and lock in the industry, but it means nothing if the frame is cheap and can be easily broken. Here a steel frame is a must. This will defeat the door kick, the most common burglar entry technique.  Also you want to make sure that the deadbolt and receiver are secured by four inch screws.  That makes sure that the screw is anchored to the door on one side and the doorframe on the other.

Some people say you should get those double locks, you know the ones that you have to have a key from either side of the door.  I don't because of fire safety issues.  You can create a house nobody can get into, but the question remains, can you get out if you need to?  Just make sure that the door you get doesn't allow easy access to the deadbolt lock and you should be fine. 

Windows can be, second only to doors, the most inviting target for entry into your home. If you have the bad habit of leaving windows open, that automatically catapults windows into the easiest way to get into your home.  You might as well lay out a welcome mat and invite the burglar in for tea.

Also windows placed where you can't see them from the street or that are blocked by high shrubbery, corners, trees, etc. are favorite targets of criminals.  Many consultants counsel against having shubbery, but I counsel for putting them in.  Of course the type of shrubbery is important.  Rose bushes and other plants with thorns are ideal to place in front of windows.  Imagine the look of surprise and pain on a would-be burglars face as he finds he can't get in through your windows and now has to spend time plucking thorns from his behind.

Window "stops" are you first line of security.  Typically you'll want to stop the window from opening more than six inches.  This will give you enough of an opening for ventillation, but will stop the window from opening enough to allow a person to squeeze in.  When you install the stops, make sure someone can't reach up and remove them.  There should be about 18 inches between the window stop and the window opening. Ideally, you'd want the stops screwed into the window frame with four inch screws so you know they're secure.

Another security feature is the window lock.  This will keep someone from using friction from opening a window.  This combined with window stops will keep all but the most determened bruglar at bay.  One final strategem to try is the use of safety coating.  This will make is much harder for the burglar to break the glass and get in.  Imagine them failing to break your window while standing in a rosebush that you planted outside it.  Bliss.

One final consideration is the development and implementation of a fire safety plan.  Many of these techniques will make it harder to flee the home if there's a fire so take them into account when devising your plan.