Kenosha Home Security Guide

Your front door is the most common entry point for residential break-ins — and the quality of your deadbolt is the single most important factor in how resistant that entry point is.

Not all deadbolts are equal. Locks are rated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on a Grade 1–3 scale. Grade 1 is the highest security rating for residential use.

For Kenosha homeowners, we recommend Grade 1 deadbolts on all exterior doors. Look for models with anti-pick pins, anti-bump features, and a hardened steel bolt with at least a 1-inch throw.

Rekeying is the most important security step for any new Kenosha homeowner. When you move in, you have no idea how many copies of the key exist — previous owners, contractors, real estate agents, and neighbors may all have copies.

Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your lock so old keys no longer work. Your existing hardware stays in place; only the key changes. It typically costs $20–$50 per lock.

Windows are the second most common entry point for residential burglaries. Many homeowners focus entirely on door locks and overlook their windows — a mistake that's easy to fix.

Test every window latch, add window stops to ground-floor windows, and secure sliding doors with a track bar.

The garage is one of the most overlooked entry points in residential security. An attached garage gives direct access to your home.

Change the keypad code when you move in, reprogram all remotes, and always lock the door between the garage and your home with a deadbolt.

Smart locks and keypad deadbolts eliminate the risk of lockouts, allow remote access management, and provide an access log.

Choose a smart lock with ANSI Grade 1 physical security rating. Popular options include the Schlage Encode, August Smart Lock Pro, and Yale Assure series.

Most residential break-ins don't involve picking a lock — they involve kicking in a door. The weak point is almost never the lock itself; it's the door frame and strike plate.

Replace strike plate screws with 3-inch screws that reach the stud. This single $5 fix dramatically increases kick resistance.

Good exterior lighting is one of the most cost-effective security investments you can make. Burglars prefer darkness — a well-lit exterior makes your home a less attractive target.

Motion-activated lights at all entry points — front door, back door, garage, and side gates — are the standard recommendation.

Kenosha is a mid-sized city with a mix of urban neighborhoods, suburban developments, and rural areas in the county. Property crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood and time of year.

Property crime tends to increase in summer months. Kenosha has active neighborhood watch programs in many areas. For non-emergency security concerns, contact KPD at (262) 656-1234.