Have you ever changed the locks on your home or requested a lock change at your apartment, with your family’s safety and security in mind?  It probably rarely crosses your mind, if ever.  But there are a few key times when it should.
A Department of Justice special report indicated: An estimated 3.7 million household burglaries occurred each year on average from 2003 to 2007. But, this report also showed: In 40% of unlawful entries to unoccupied residences, offenders gained access through an unlocked door or window!
Not only should you and your family members remember to lock the doors and windows, there are four key times when a lock change is a good idea for home protection and your peace of mind:

1. Any time you move – moving into a new home or a new apartment is the ideal time to change the locks on the residence or to request an apartment lock change. Ideally, only you, your family or roommates, and your landlord should have access to your home.
2. Any time you lose a key – it happens. You drop your keys and have no idea if it was at the mall or at the football game.  You lose your purse and it not only had your keys in it but your home address on your ID as well.  This is definitely a time to change your locks.
3. Any time there’s a divorce, significant-other change or a change in roommates – a divorce or a break-up is another time to consider changing your locks. Despite all the other complications this type of relationship change may bring, don’t forget that protecting yourself, your family, and your property is priority.  Likewise, changing roommates also necessitates a lock change.
4. Any time a lock is breaking or wearing down – an unreliable lock is the same as no lock at all. Particularly if you live in an older home or apartment complex, inspect the locks closely for signs of wear and tear that render them easier to break or give way with little effort.
5. Any time you experience a break-in or attempted break-in – this unpleasant and frightening situation calls for action.  At the least, you will feel a strengthened sense of security when you change the locks.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that can mean a lot when it comes to protecting your family. Installing new locks is such a small inconvenience when you look at the big picture of securing your loved ones and your property.