Am I being paranoid for locking the doors during the day?

Home Security Forum
1

Ever since my girlfriend and I moved into our own place, she says I’m paranoid because I lock the doors during the day or when we’re home. I don’t do it out of fear—it’s just a precaution. It takes a second to lock the door, and the chances of someone breaking in while we’re home might be low, but why not do it anyway?

We live in a studio apartment, so there’s no easy way for me to get to my gun if someone were to come in and catch me unprepared. I just feel better knowing the doors are locked.

What do you think? Am I being too cautious, or is this just basic common sense?

2

I always lock my doors, even when I’m home. I remember hearing about some serial killer who would walk up to people’s doors and turn the knob. If it was unlocked, he’d take that as an invitation to enter. Honestly, locking the door is just how I was raised.

3

@Jordan
That’s wild, but true. Makes me think of Rick Harrison: You never know what’s gonna come through that door.

4

Winter said:
@Jordan
That’s wild, but true. Makes me think of Rick Harrison: You never know what’s gonna come through that door.

Exactly!

5

Winter said:
@Jordan
That’s wild, but true. Makes me think of Rick Harrison: You never know what’s gonna come through that door.

I literally told this exact story to my partner to get her to lock the damn door when we’re home.

6

Winter said:
@Jordan
That’s wild, but true. Makes me think of Rick Harrison: You never know what’s gonna come through that door.

My dad was a burglary investigator for 20 years, and he always said the same thing. Unlocked doors are invitations. A lot of burglars were also sex offenders.

7

@Darby
Yep, most burglars are just looking for easy targets. An unlocked door or car is exactly what they want.

8

Winter said:
@Jordan
That’s wild, but true. Makes me think of Rick Harrison: You never know what’s gonna come through that door.

That’s why my doors are always locked.

9

Always lock your doors. I carry even when I’m at home because if something happens, you won’t have time to grab your gun.

10

Locking your doors is like wearing a seatbelt. It’s so simple to do, and it gives you time to respond if something unexpected happens. Make it a habit, and you won’t even think about it anymore.

11

It’s reckless not to lock your doors. I wouldn’t put up with that at all.

12

Willow said:
It’s reckless not to lock your doors. I wouldn’t put up with that at all.

Honestly, this would be a red flag for me about how she handles serious issues.

13

Daryn said:

Willow said:
It’s reckless not to lock your doors. I wouldn’t put up with that at all.

Honestly, this would be a red flag for me about how she handles serious issues.

“How you do one thing is how you do everything.” If someone can’t take a second to lock a door, what else are they neglecting?

14

@Ellis
That quote hits home for me. I live by it.

15

Daryn said:
@Ellis
That quote hits home for me. I live by it.

Same. My grandad once told me: If everywhere you go people smell like shit, check your shoe. It’s all about taking responsibility.

16

Willow said:
It’s reckless not to lock your doors. I wouldn’t put up with that at all.

I drilled it into my kid to lock the door every time he comes inside. Now he sometimes locks me out by accident when I’m in the yard. But honestly, I’d rather that than leave it open for anyone to walk in.

17

You’re not paranoid—it’s smart. My parents were broken into twice while they were home. Both times, the thief just cut through screens on the doors and windows. Locking the door is the least you can do.

18

When I moved into my apartment, I had random people trying my door all the time. I always lock my doors now. Some people just assume doors are open.

19

What’s the downside to locking the door? If your girlfriend hates using a key, get a keyless deadbolt.

20

Dru said:
What’s the downside to locking the door? If your girlfriend hates using a key, get a keyless deadbolt.

Keyless deadbolts are great, but I prefer manual ones without motors. Less to break, and they work better if your door isn’t perfectly aligned.