On this page
01. Common entry points and the fix02. Where to place sensors03. Build the layers04. Get a plan05. FAQ
Burglars usually go for the easiest entry: a weak door or lock, a window without a grille, a roof or ceiling access, a gate that is left open or climbed, or a door opened with a copied key. The fix is layers: a perimeter (fence, gate, lighting), strong doors and locks, door and window sensors that trigger an alarm, motion sensors inside, and cameras that record. Each layer buys time or gives an early warning.
Key takeaways
- Break-ins use the weakest entry: doors, windows, roofs, gates.
- Layers beat any single measure.
- Put door contacts on every entry door and motion sensors in the paths inside.
- Light the approach and the entry points.
- Cameras and an alarm work best together.
01Common entry points and the fix
| Entry point | Why it is targeted | What stops it |
|---|---|---|
| Front and back doors | Weak frames, cheap locks, copied keys | Strong door, good lock, door contact sensor |
| Windows | No grille, easy to force | Grilles, glass-break or contact sensors |
| Roof and ceiling | Rarely checked, hard to see | Motion sensor inside, secure roof access |
| Gates and walls | Climbed or left open | Electric fence, gate automation, lighting |
| Balcony and ground-floor doors | Hidden from the street | Contacts, outdoor siren, CCTV coverage |
02Where to place sensors
- A door contact on every external door.
- Contacts or glass-break sensors on ground-floor windows.
- A motion sensor covering the corridor or living area intruders must cross.
- An outdoor siren so neighbours hear it.
- A panic button by the bed.
03Build the layers
See how the alarm fits with CCTV and an electric fence, and read protecting your home from burglary.
04Get a plan
05Frequently asked questions
Which entry point is most targeted?
Doors and windows are the usual ones, but it varies; a survey shows your weakest points.
Do motion sensors work with pets?
Pet-immune motion sensors ignore small animals.
Is an outdoor siren worth it?
Yes; it scares intruders and alerts neighbours.
Should I get an alarm or CCTV first?
They do different jobs; see our CCTV or alarm guide. Ideally both.
