Modesto is a city that has made real progress on public safety. According to the City of Modesto, residential burglaries declined by 13 percent in 2025 compared to the prior year, part of a broader trend of property crime reduction. But progress does not mean complacency. A burglary occurs roughly every 8.2 hours in Modesto, and the property crime rate sits at 25.50 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. With those numbers in mind, here is a practical home safety guide for Modesto residents.
1. Start with Your Doors. The most common point of entry for a burglar is a door. Ensure all exterior doors are solid wood or metal, not hollow‑core. Install deadbolts on every exterior door. If your locks are old or if you have never rekeyed them, schedule a rekeying service. A deadbolt with a one‑inch throw is significantly harder to defeat than a standard spring latch. For a comparison of options, see our article on rekeying vs. replacing locks.
2. Secure Your Windows. Windows are the second most common entry point. Install secondary locking devices, such as pin locks or sash locks, on all sliding windows. For double‑hung windows, a simple wooden dowel cut to fit the track prevents the window from being opened from the outside. Do not leave windows open when you are away, even for a short time.
3. Use Lighting as a Deterrent. Burglars prefer darkness and cover. Install motion‑sensor lights near all exterior doors and dark corners. Put interior lights on timers when you are away. A well‑lit home is less attractive to a would‑be intruder.
4. Consider a Smart Lock. A smart lock installation gives you keyless entry, remote access, and activity logs. You can grant temporary access to a contractor or dog walker without giving them a key. You also eliminate the risk of a hidden key being found. For cost details, see our guide on Modesto locksmith costs.
5. Maintain Your Locks. A lock that sticks or binds is a lock that may fail when you need it most. Follow our DIY lock maintenance guide for simple steps you can take yourself. For anything beyond basic lubrication and tightening, call a professional. Our guide on choosing a licensed locksmith in Modesto explains how to verify credentials.
6. Do Not Advertise Your Absence. Do not post your vacation plans on social media. Arrange for a neighbor to collect mail and packages. Put lights on timers. A home that looks occupied is a home that is less likely to be targeted.
7. Know Your Neighborhood. Property crime in Modesto is not evenly distributed. The northeast part of the city generally reports the lowest property crime rates, while the central and northwest areas report higher rates. Downtown Modesto has a notably higher property crime rate of 61.55 per 1,000 residents, compared to the citywide average of 25.50. If you live in a higher‑crime area, the basics matter even more.
8. Have a Lockout Plan. Even with the best precautions, lockouts happen. Know what to do before it happens. Our emergency locksmith guide covers the steps. If you are a driver, our car lockout service guide covers vehicle lockouts.
9. Get to Know Your Neighbors. Community trust is one of the most effective crime prevention tools available. Join a neighborhood association, participate in National Night Out, and look out for one another. The Modesto Police Department provides crime prevention resources and encourages community engagement through programs like Coffee with a Cop.
10. Review Your Insurance Coverage. Check whether your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers theft, vandalism, and forced‑entry damage. Document your valuables with photos and serial numbers. For a comprehensive security audit, see our Modesto home security checklist.
The Bottom Line: Home safety is not about a single product or a single action. It is about layers. Good locks, good habits, good lighting, and good relationships with neighbors. Modesto has made progress on property crime, and residents can continue that trend by taking basic, consistent steps to protect their homes.
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