'If It’s Not a Deadbolt, It’s Not Locked': Home Security Expert Explains the Importance of Home Security in Today’s Home

Bruce Dedic does not kid around when it comes to home security!

"If it's not a deadbolt, it's not locked. It's latched and it's ridiculously easy to get past," said the home security expert who works at Harvey's Lock and Security in Rapid City. Dedic is an expert with 30 years of experience in the industry, an article from Rapid City Journal revealed.

From a crime report published by the FBI in 2012, one in every 36 homes in the US will be subjected to a burglary this year which will lead to a devastating loss of $2,200 per home. The report also mentioned more than $4 billion in property losses as a result of burglaries.

Considering the stats, experts are now searching for the most convenient and most efficient security system that will protect homes and establishments. Dedic as well as Chris Ladenburger, owner of Door Security Products in Rapid City, have a few tricks up their sleeves.

At the moment, the world is fascinated with electronic security. Anything that costs less may not be perceived effective. Ladenburger on the other hand has described new trends in security such as motion detectors and instant delivery of evidence to your cellphone.

"Our customers are asking for it," said Ladenburger.

"The younger generation is driving that demand; they like to have control over everything." He said, "And with retirees, it's nice because they can be away traveling, and still let someone in."

He was referring to younger home owners looking for security systems that allow multiple home operations such as access to the garage door, thermostat changes, closing blinds and so on.

On the other hand, Ladenburger also mentioned that not all customers are sold to the idea of an electronic home. There are still simple ways that homeowners can do to prevent being a victim of a crime minus the video camera and smartphone.

He suggest trimming your hedges, being cautious when someone is at the door and to secure all locks and bolts in your home. Dedic suggests investing in a strong deadbolt which uses an inch-long and half an inch in diameter metal latch as compared to a level handle that is only held by a 3/8 of an inch latch. The bottom line is to choose not the latest craze but value.

"It's got some meat, some mass," he said. A simple latch lock is designed to hold a door shut, but not a person, he said. Someone can easily get inside with a credit card or pocketknife and not leave any signs of a break-in.

"Deadbolts are a must," he said.

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