We all know the feeling: it’s late, you’ve locked the door, and you think to yourself, “I might as well leave the key in the lock for extra security.” It feels logical, right? This way, no one from the outside can easily open the door. But… you might be surprised, security experts don’t always agree! In reality, leaving the key in the lock can be more dangerous than you think, and in this article, I’ll explain why.
Why is it not a good idea to leave the key in the door?
It might sound like a handy solution for added protection, but it doesn’t provide the benefits we think. In fact, it can work against you!
Burglars use clever tricks
Many people think that leaving the key in the lock prevents break-ins, but the opposite is often true. Burglars have all sorts of techniques to gain access to your home. And yes, this includes leaving the key in the door. Through tricks like lockpicking or bumping (a technique where burglars use a special key to open the lock), they can get in no time. When the key is in the lock, it only makes it easier for them to get inside.
A bigger problem in emergencies
Imagine this: it’s the middle of the night, and a fire breaks out. Or someone in your house suddenly falls ill. The fire department or ambulance can’t afford delays, but what if your door is locked from the inside, and the key is in the drawer? This can cause emergency services to lose valuable time, and that’s the last thing you want when there’s an emergency.
Getting locked out?
Let’s not only look at the security risks but also the practical side of this habit. You know the drill: you come home after a long day, and the door slams shut with the key still in the lock. Oops! You’ve accidentally locked yourself out. And there you are, faced with the expensive option of calling a locksmith. So, pay attention and try to always remove the key from the lock once you’ve closed the door.
How can you keep your home safe without leaving the key in the lock?
Okay, so you’ve realized by now that leaving the key in the lock isn’t a good idea. But what can you do to keep your home safe? Here are a few handy tips to follow:
- Remove the key from the lock: This is the most important advice! After you’ve locked the door, take the key out and store it in a safe but easily accessible place. That way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally locking yourself out.
- Make your home extra secure: Add extra security, like a reinforcement bar, a door chain, or additional bolts next to the main lock. This will give you that little bit of extra peace of mind.
- Watch out for your car: It’s not just your house that needs security! Make sure you don’t leave visible car keys on your doormat or near the door. This helps prevent mouse jacking, where car thieves use electronics to steal cars.
- Close windows tightly: It’s not just the door that needs to be locked; don’t forget the windows. Even windows on higher floors can be a target for burglars if they aren’t properly shut.
- Make your house look lived-in: If you’re going away for a while, don’t let mail pile up in your mailbox, and make sure there are no ladders or tools visible in your garden. This can give burglars the impression that no one is home.
It’s not always the big, expensive investments that make your home safe, but rather the small habits you apply daily. Simply by taking the key out of the lock, closing your windows securely, and adding extra security, you make it much harder for burglars to break in.
