Weeds and shrubs along fence lines, sides of buildings, or near entrance points could hide the activities of a criminal. Cut back vines attached to buildings in order to prevent determined intruders from gaining access to upper windows or unprotected roof doors. If permanent sealing is not possible, steel bars or screens of expanded metal may be required. Emergency stairways should be lighted, and doors leading to them kept in good repair. Unauthorized or illegal locking devices must be avoided, but safe locks with quick-release plates or bars are commercially available.
Some locks come with built-in sound devices that announce an unauthorized entrance or exit.
Glass bricks can be used to seal a window, allowing a continued light source while providing increased security, although visibility and ventilation will be lost. Gates and expanded steel screening, while often unattractive, will provide a high degree of security. Local building codes and fire safety regulations should be consulted prior to all such installations to avoid costly violations. Locks with single cylinders and interior thumb turns, installed on doors with glass panels, should be placed more than 36 inches away from the nearest glass panel. All exterior door lock cylinders should be protected with metal guard plates or armored rings to prevent cylinder removal.