Doors Fifteen, Locks Zero: What One New Homeowner's "Security System" Left Wide Open
My husband has been in the locksmith business for years, and I, as his wife, have heard lots of surprising stories, which makes for interesting fodder, and of course, a means of educating. Just when I think I've heard it all, something more stunning comes my way.
Last week, he was called out to help a new homeowner who wasn't given a single key at settlement. Turns out the previous owners never locked any of the 15 exterior doors in their 14,000 square foot house. Not one. They didn't even lock the pool house - ever. Instead, they relied entirely on an alarm system for their security.
All I have to say here is: WOW.
A security system is helpful for deterring intruders, but it's no substitute for secure locks, which are truly your first line of defense. If you've ever wondered whether locks are really the last line of defense, this story answers that question. In any house, it takes a seasoned thug less than a minute to get inside, and since he knows exactly where to look for valuables, he can be in and out in as few as 11 minutes. That's well before the police can arrive.
Now picture a house that size - 15 exterior doors, and only 4 people living there. The risk is even greater, because obviously, those 4 people cannot be everywhere at once. This is exactly why we always tell new homeowners that changing or rekeying your locks at move-in isn't optional - it's the baseline. And it's not just occupied homes at risk; vacant and transitional properties face the same vulnerabilities when locks aren't taken seriously.
All this to say: if an alarm system is your only line of defense, you're not actually secure. I'd encourage you to think twice, and to bring in a trusted residential locksmith for the locks themselves. Protect what matters most - your home, your children, your peace of mind, and your sense of calm.
We're Here When You're Ready
If you're in the DMV area and thinking about upgrading your home or business security - cameras, locks, smart access, or all of the above - we're always happy to talk it through.
Mike's Locksmith proudly serves homeowners and small businesses across Maryland, Virginia, and DC.
Also published on The Locksmith's Wife - read it on Substack
