As the national economy experiences downturns, crime and burglary rates tend to rise dramatically. Thieves are becoming more aggressive and industrial in their methods, and tend to focus on entering a home through an improperly protected doorway.

The FBI has recently estimated that as many as 70% of home break-ins occur via a kicked-in doorjamb. This is due to the fact that even if a deadbolt lock is installed, the softer wood surrounding the framed door will give way to the proper level of force.

Your local hardware store will carry options for reinforcing the weaker points in the entries to your home for a more secure environment. These systems focus on strengthening the jamb, hinges and lock area of the door.

They are relatively easy to install and paint to match surrounding woodwork and walls. This one step can dramatically increase the safety level of your home against unwanted guests.

Many Americans do not realize that a deadbolt lock can easily be kicked open in about 10 seconds. This is the same method that law enforcement uses to enter homes that require forced entry, and thieves have taken notes over the years.

Sliding glass doors should also be secured with some type of dowel rod. This rod may be made of plastic, wood or metal. Simply place the rod at the bottom of the door, and ensure it fits snugly between the frame and the second sliding pane.

These rods will help to prevent entry, as typical locks installed on sliding doors are quite easy to break with enough force. Even if the doors are made of glass panes, this will enhance your entry's security level.

An important thing to remember about thieves is that they will always try to avoid breaking glass. It can still happen, but adds the risk of personal injury by cutting their arms or other body part.

Installing a home security system will sometimes thwart breaking and entering attempts. However, even if they thief manages to enter the home, the system will alert local authorities and sound an audible alarm.

Posting signs in your yard and on your windows and entries will warn potential thieves of what awaits them inside also. If you can prevent the break-in from occurring in the first place, this is the best situation.

If you do install a security system, ensure the touchpad is not placed where it is easily seen through windows or doors. This will allow burglars to see whether your system is armed or not, as well as possibly watch someone enter the code.

Periodically assessing the possible entries to your home is always a good idea. Examine windows and all doors for cracked frames and jambs, broken or warped locks, and broken glass.

Rotting and broken materials create a weak point and possible entry into your home. Don't neglect your basement entries, either. Any disparities you discover should be immediately repaired, as well as any occasional damage throughout the year.