Opinions: is this a security risk? (heat, light, vent, outside)

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by otterhere

Interested in others' takes on this. I like to open my wooden front door open on sunny days so that my pets, who are alone all day, can bask in the sunshine and watch the activity out front. It's set on a fairly busy downtown street, with businesses across the way, and people coming and going. I leave the metal and glass storm door closed and locked with a secure-looking (to me, anyway) deadbolt set in the door. Additionally, I've fortified the lock with a hook and wire in case it's jimmied. Logically, I believe it's at least as secure as a locked window with glass or a sliding patio door; perhaps even more so because it's so publicly visible. I can't imagine anyone breaking out the glass to get in, any more than they would jimmy the back door lock or break into a side window, which is more out of sight. And yet it FEELS as if I'm inviting burglary by not closing and locking the wooden interior door. As for the crime rate, it's low.

Input?

Relying on people coming and going while they are conducting business is not my idea of a security measure. Anyone casing the area will have your schedule down pat on day 3. Crime rates are great to know until you are part of the analysis. Your house. Does your insurance cover the situation described here?

[otterhere]

I have no idea, but good question. It's hard to imagine the clause "glass doors locked, but owner not home" being specified in a policy. For that matter, anyone in that area can "case my house" and know my schedule regardless. Why not just break in a back window while I'm gone if they're so inclined? But I wonder if the open wooden door makes someone MORE inclined to break in...

[otterhere]

Another possible scenario, now that I think about it, is a potential thief realizing that I leave the door open while I'm gone, then assuming I'm gone when I'm actually home and breaking in then -- racheting it up from a buglary to a home invasion.

[jaymtea]

I think with an open interior door the assumption would be that someone is home, so no, to answer your question, I don't think that would be a reason someone would target your home to break into.
That being said, if they want in, they'll get in.

If you want some added security, try timers on a radio or tv so they go on/off throughout the day.

[elnina]

I think you are OK, but if you want additional reassurance - install a camera, so you can check it when away, and set up to get notification on your phone.

[Brian_M]

Originally Posted by otterhere

I agree. But is this more likely to MAKE or LEAD someone want in, I guess is what I'm asking.

No, your situation won't make someone want to (that'll be the drive for cash/drugs/whatever). But it is Probable and Possible to lead to a break-in, in my personal opinion.

[otterhere]

But why? I have the same feeling, but I'd like to understand the psychology behind it.

[RyanR]

I'd leave the TV or stereo on as well so if anyone approaches, they hear the noise.

Is another pet an option? If my dog doesn't know you, she won't even let you out of your car if you pull in our driveway. A protective dog will be intimidating enough where you can leave all your doors open, anytime you want.

[otterhere]

A yappy dog would be barking all day long; as I say, there's a lot of foot traffic there. Or would get used to it and bark at no one! But no, I'm not in the market for another pet just now. Unless, of course, my current ones are stolen or murdered.

[TFW46]

You should ask your insurance agent this question. HIs answer may be the reason you need to keep the wood door closed.

For me, the risk that my pets would be let out or injured in a break-in would be enough reason not to do what you're doing.