The Coeur d'Alene Homeowner's Security Checklist: 12 Things to Do This Month

Kootenai County sees thousands of residential burglaries each year. The good news: 85% of break-ins are opportunistic — the burglar tried a door or window, it opened, and they walked in. Hardening your home doesn't require expensive alarm systems. It requires closing the easy gaps.

The Checklist

1. Rekey all door locks if you moved in recently or had a spare key out in the world
2. Upgrade to Grade-1 deadbolts on all exterior doors — Grade-2 and Grade-3 can be kicked in easily
3. Reinforce the door frame and strike plate with 3-inch screws — most frames fail before the lock does
4. Check all sliding glass doors for a pin-lock or security bar — sliders are a common entry point
5. Install a peephole or video doorbell — knowing who is at your door prevents social engineering
6. Remove spare keys from obvious places — under the mat, above the frame, fake rocks
7. Add a smart lock with access logs so you know who is entering and when
8. Check all window locks — especially basement and ground-floor windows common in older Coeur d'Alene homes
9. Light your entry points — motion-activated lights deter most opportunistic burglars
10. Secure your garage — the door between your garage and home is often the weakest link
11. Don't post vacation plans on social media — this signals your home is unoccupied
12. Get a free security assessment — we offer them with every lock service, no upsell pressure

Get a free home security assessment in Coeur d'Alene