Here is another security tool - having a watchdog without the dog!

http://firsthomesecurity.com/homeprotection/elwatdog.html



Then again the cheapest deterrent would be a sticker like this one in easy view near your front door and on perimeter windows!
Cut, paste, print and laminate - easy as 1, 2, 3!

Im doing this for security reasons.
We're moving into a condo and want to change the locks.

Thanks for the responses!

Another security tool for doors to prevent home invasions or to prevent a burglar sneaking in when you're at home or asleep.

http://www.daviebar.com/applications.html

Quote:
What you have in the pic is called a mortise lock. They are more complicated and more expensive than cylinder locks. If it's not broken and your main concern is security, I would just leave it alone and add another cylinder deadbolt above it. You can probably get the new lock keyed to the old lock (same key) if you buy it from a locksmith. As someone mentioned, the weak point in door locks is always the jamb. Typical JC burgler does not have the brains to pick a lock, they will muscle the door open. Look into replacing the strike plates with larger heavier steel plates with several long heavy screws that extend deep into the stud behind the jamb. Oh, if you live in a new construction condo ( are you listening burglers?) with sheetrock walls. Did you know you can cut a hole in the sheetrock next to the lock with a drywall saw and reach in to unlock the door? So if you're really into security you might consider openning up the wall next to the door jamb and filling the stud bays with 3/4" plywood in the area around the lock.

Give this company a call and maybe you can email them the pic. too! They're located in downtown JC.

Monaco Lock Company
(201) 659-7626
345 Newark Ave, Jersey City
(next to the fire house near 5th and Newark)

You can walk in, not sure the hours.

http://monacolock.com/

Alternatively take off the face plate (escutcheon) and go to a hardware store to replace it with another.

What is actually wrong with the door / door hardware?
You can just replace the lock barrel if that's the problem - contact a locksmith (mobile) and get them to give you a replace and install price.

Escutcheon or face plate: Your goal is to match where the holes are for the handle and lock is.



Depending on the age of the building / home, I'd look at antique stores and building material recycle centers - some art-deco escutheon plates can cost a fortune, but be an eye-catching talking point - same goes for cool looking antiques door knockers.



PS - This could be a great week-end project to find and install for the home handyman / woman.

Quote:

I'm only guessing that you are on a budget, like most of us.
An easy solution is (without a close inspection of the door) to rotate to door around so the hinges are on the right and handle on the left - remove all the hardware and fill the holes. Then you can get any door hardware you want.
A good handyman should be able to do it or if you aren't on a budget replace the whole door and recycle the hinges or anything else that's in good order.

Definitely look into getting impact-resistant laminated glass on any first floor window if you can afford it, or potentially a high-quality impact resistant plexiglass (just be careful that you get good plexiglass, as poor quality plexiglass can yellow or become cloudy over time). These will add far more value to your home than window bars, that's for sure :)

Thank you elmagnifico your help is appreciated also-

I just dont know much about door locks and windows.

I'm no Fat-Ass but I'd say OF COURSE you can and SHOULD replace it with a better lock. And if you have the mullah you should also ensure that the door itself AND doorframe are made of STEEL, not wood because the best lock can be easily crow-barred from a wood-frame door.

The windows should be high-impact resistant plexiglass especially at all streetlevel windows. I recently was walking thru the West Village and saw the firemen trying to break into a window that had such glass. THEY COULDN'T SMASH IN EVEN WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER. They finally gained entry by prying out the window frame. Took 'em 20 minutes (it wasn't a fire, just that the alarm went off). This particular building however had this type of glass on EVERY one of the 6 story structures windows because it stores valuables.

You probably won't need to do ALL your own windows, just the most dangerous ones.

Thanks fat ass bike- Your help is really appreciated.

Do you think I can replace it with a different type of lock?

"Hi anyone know where I can buy a new lock like this in JC?"

Like that one?. Sure. Try 'Jakes Crappy Locks'.

I prefer lockable exterior powder coated aluminum window shutters (no painting) - they also help keep your cooling and heating costs down.
But if its just security then this will work and add value to your home like the shutters.





The door hardware could be a different story - I'd check Lowe's and Home Depo or simply email your photo to door hardware companies in the yellow pages - The only thing I would add with your photo is the dimensions.

Better still, unscrew the door handle plate and there should be a manufacturers name and serial number / name on it.
Depending on the age of the hardware, you might find that it is not manufactured anymore.

Good hunting.

Hi anyone know where I can buy a new lock like this in JC?



Also do you know a good way of securing a window from a break in?

OOOps I should of posted this in the "crime and safety" forum.

Thanks
Any help would be appreciated!