Most homeowners focus only on the front door when it comes to home security. However, research shows that about 22% of home thefts occur through the back door, a surprisingly common target for burglars. Understanding why back doors are vulnerable and how to protect them is essential for keeping your home safe.
Why Back Doors Are a Common Target
Burglars often exploit weaknesses that make the back door an easier entry point. Common factors include:
1. Old or Weak Locks
Back doors are often left with outdated locks that do not provide real protection. Traditional keyed locks weaken over time and can be forced open within seconds once damaged. Burglars are well aware of this vulnerability. Older locks also lack advanced features such as tamper alerts or reinforced deadbolts. Many of them were built for convenience rather than strong resistance to forced entry.
2. Poor Visibility from the Street
The back door is usually tucked away from public view, giving burglars the concealment they need. Shrubs, fences, and storage sheds often block the area. Even in areas with heavy foot traffic, the back of a house remains hidden. Sounds that would raise suspicion at the front are often unnoticed at the back. A burglar only needs a few quiet minutes in such a concealed space to break through.
3. Lack of Security Features
Front doors usually get better protection with cameras, alarms, or motion lights. Back doors, on the other hand, are often ignored. Many homes have no sensors, cameras, or reinforced locks at the rear, leaving a clear gap in security. Burglars take advantage of this and quickly identify homes where the back entrance has little protection.
How to Improve Back Door Security
With proper proactive measures, it is easy to safeguard your back door and resist intruders. Here is how you can do it:
1. Use a Smart Lock
A smart lock is one of the most effective upgrades for a back door. Auto-locking ensures the door secures itself even if someone forgets to lock it, while remote access lets you check its status or lock it instantly from your phone.
Many smart locks for home also log entries digitally, so you always know who accessed the door. Temporary codes can be shared and revoked within seconds, making it simple to grant and control access. Premium models offer extras like fingerprint recognition, voice control, or emergency charging ports, combining stronger security with everyday convenience.
2. Add Security Cameras and Lighting
Security cameras and motion-sensor lights work together to deter intruders. A visible camera signals that the home is monitored, and modern devices send real-time alerts when activity is detected. Motion-activated lights remove the cover burglars depend on, instantly illuminating the area when movement is sensed.
To reduce false alarms, adjust sensitivity so the system responds only to human activity. When cameras and wide-angle lighting are paired, the back door area becomes both safer and more convenient—family members can return home or use the backyard at night with added peace of mind.
3. Maintain Visibility around the Area
Obstructions such as overgrown plants or stacked items create hiding spots near the back door. Keeping this area open improves visibility, making it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed and easier for neighbors or passersby to spot unusual activity.
Well-placed lighting should eliminate shadows, while organized outdoor storage prevents clutter from blocking sightlines. A tidy, well-kept back door area not only boosts security but also signals that the home is actively cared for, discouraging break-in attempts.
4. Conduct Regular Upkeep
Even the best security features lose effectiveness without upkeep. Back doors face daily wear and weather exposure, which can loosen hinges, weaken frames, or damage locks. Regular inspections help catch these issues early. Wooden doors may warp in humidity, while metal parts can rust or corrode, reducing overall strength.
A simple routine, such as tightening screws, lubricating hinges, checking strike plates, and inspecting seals or weather stripping, ensures the door stays sturdy. Treating maintenance as part of your security plan keeps the back door reliable for years to come.
DESLOC B200 Smart Lock for Your Back Door
Installing a smart lock like the DESLOC B200 Smart Lock helps protect your back door. Here are some important features this smart lock brings:
1. Multiple Unlocking Methods
The DESLOC B200 Smart Lock gives you flexibility with several entry options. You can unlock the door via fingerprints, PIN codes, IC cards, the mobile app, or physical keys. This ensures you always have a convenient and secure way to access your home.
2. Remote Access
When paired with a G2 Gateway (separately sold), this smart door lock provides full remote management. You can lock or unlock the door from anywhere and receive instant alerts about activity, giving you peace of mind even when you’re away.
3. Auto-Locking Mechanism
The auto-locking function secures the door automatically after a set time, adjustable between 5 and 900 seconds. This removes the risk of accidentally leaving the back door unlocked, keeping your home safe at all times.
4. Activity Logs
Every entry is recorded in the lock’s digital log. This allows you to see exactly who accessed the back door and when, adding an extra layer of transparency and control to your home security.
5. Durable Operation
Built for long-term reliability, the DESLOC B200 Smart Lock has an IP54 rating to withstand dust and water splashes. It also performs consistently in extreme temperatures, from -22°F to 158°F, ensuring year-round protection.
6. Long Battery Life
The DESLOC B200 Smart Lock offers reliable performance with up to 12 months of battery life. Its low-battery indicator keeps you informed in advance, so you’ll never be caught off guard. The lock also includes an emergency charging port which ensures you can always regain access if the batteries run out unexpectedly.
Conclusion
Back doors may not always get the same attention as front doors, but they remain one of the most vulnerable entry points to a home. The good news is that with the right security measures, this weakness can be turned into a line of defense. From smart locks and motion lighting to regular upkeep and better visibility, every step you take makes it harder for intruders to target your home.
