Check your sliding glass door to see if it has an actual lock on it. Sliding
glass doors usually do not have locks on them, only latches. These latches
are usually made of soft aluminum or cast metal and quite often become worn
or out of adjustment.
Because of their location (usually at the rear of the home) and the many
inadequate latching mechanisms on the market, sliding glass doors usually
offer little resistance against physical attack. This, combined with the
wear and tear factor, makes these doors a prime candidate for a break and
enter.
With the warmer weather around the corner, sliding glass doors are often
left open to allow ventilation or pet access. Unfortunately, complacency
often results in an opportunity for a burglar to take advantage of an open
door. This doesn't mean that we have to spend all spring and summer with our
sliding glass doors locked up tighter than a drum. It simply means that we
have to take a few precautions to ensure that we keep the intruders away.
This can be easily accomplished by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into
the track. It is important that the wooden dowel runs the whole length of
the track preventing or limiting movement of the door. If your sliding glass
door slides on the outside, place the wooden dowel between the handle and
the stationary part of the sliding door ensuring limited movement.
There are various other blocking devices available that fold down and
prevent the door from being pried open. These devices are called "Charley
Bars" and are available through several manufacturers.
Door ventilation can be addressed by installing a sliding door lock on the
stationary part of the door at the bottom track. This metal lock will bolt
into the moving door and prevent an intruder from prying the door open. A
second hole can now be drilled into the moving door at a desired location to
allow the door to remain locked in the open position.
Make sure that the sliding patio door lock has the ability to be locked with
a key to prevent an intruder from opening the lock from the inside. Always
keep a key close by in case of fire.
To prevent lifting the door out of the track, you need to keep the door
rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. Also installing
self-tapping screws in the door's upper track is crucial. Once the screws
are installed, open and shut the door through its entire range. There should
be just enough of the screw's head protruding to allow free movement without
allowing the door to be removed.
Remember to place highly visible decals on your sliding glass doors near the
outside door handle that indicate you have a security alarm system. If you
don't have access to these decals, a "Beware of Dog" sign will have the same
effect.
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