Installing a 12” strike plate for security

[Dadnatron]

Hello Guys,

We’ve had 12 door break’ins in the last 2 weeks. Kicking in back doors the main MO. Wife is on edge when I’m traveling.

Besides the wife getting a .38 snub, I’m going to install these 12” strike plates and sub 3.5” stainless steel screws. In doing so, i have to remove 12” total of the copper flashing.

Is there anything that’s cost effective I can retrofit that 12” area to help keep in the cool air and keep out the heat? I have 4 of these so I’m going to repeat this process multiple times.

Pls see pic of product and 2 of the 4 thresholds. Thank you very much in advance.

Make damn certain the spanning distance is. Correct. I just had a similar situation and the spacing for the bolt to door is NOT the same on my door as that ‘security’ plate. And to my eye, that plate may not match your span.

 

[2manyrocks]

Security door reinforcement locks could be installed. Amazon.com

Hidden security camera also seems like a good idea with this many break ins.

 

[number two]

12 in two weeks-Yikes!
Move or maybe land mines?
Good Luck!

 

[zzvyb6]

Don't forget aout the hinge screws. 'They' usually detect the reinforced lock side, then kick in the hinge side because they generally have 1" screws in them. Use screws long enough to penetrate beyond the double studs of the door frame.
Also install a double keyed deadbolt (keys) needed on both sides with the inside 1 usually kept in there. This prevents 'them' fron breaking door or side glass and reaching in to turn the bolt. Yes it can be a fire danger if the key is not there and you are trapped. so park the key nearby ad out of sight.

There are knob hangers that 'bark' like a mad dog when jostled. Also hang some or one bell from the top of the inside of each door so when it opens or is kicked, it rings a specific tone. Different tone for each door. And don't get shot by your wife if she doesn't recognize you coming in late at night. Who then is going to fix the wallboard ?

 

[ultrarunner]

I made my own strike plates on the mill full length and not a single jamb break since.

Now it’s the door that splinters around the lock so I beefed that up but any wood construction can be overcome with enough force.

One of my friends has 2x4 across to back stop force at at kick level and just below lock level.

In Europe doors can be like vaults with cams on all 4 sides for max engagement into the steel frame.

Windows there have security toll down shutters…

No limit to enhancements.

Steel security doors can be folded with pry bars.

Any jamb can be spread with a porta power like police use.

Maybe dogs…

 

[mrmikey]

When I built my garage years ago that was a concern of mine so I built some s/s plates for the jamb and the door:

 

[dougtrr2]

12 times in 2 weeks?? So they take Sundays off? What are they stealing? Why are they coming in? What about the neighbors, are they getting broke into also? If they are that determined windows may be next. There just seems to be more to this story.

Doug in SW IA

 

[Runner]

Sorry for your situation. Can't help with your specific question, but I do like the idea of security outer doors. I made my own ghetto bars for the shop.

 

[tradosaurus]

Hopefully you are practicing shooting with wife if she is not experienced yet...
Myself, I would prefer a shotgun for my wife. But I get the argument for a handgun, which is what is my choice for me.

And remember, "A man worth shooting once, is worth shooting twice" and "Dead men tell no tales".

 

[newbury]

A good one or two BBDs will solve.
Big Black Dogs are amazing.