Modesto Home Security Checklist: From Locks to Lighting

Securing a home in Modesto is not about a single product or a single action. It is about layers. Each layer makes your home slightly less attractive to a would‑be intruder and slightly safer for the people who live inside. Use this checklist as a practical audit of your home’s security.

Doors and Locks:

• All exterior doors are solid wood or metal, not hollow‑core.
• Every exterior door has a deadbolt with a one‑inch throw.
• Deadbolts are keyed alike for convenience or keyed separately for higher security.
• All locks have been rekeyed since you moved in or since the last tenant moved out.
• Locks are lubricated and function smoothly. See our DIY lock maintenance guide.
• Strike plates are secured with three‑inch screws that reach the framing stud.
• Sliding doors have a secondary lock or a charley bar.

Windows:

• All windows have secondary locking devices, such as pin locks or sash locks.
• Sliding windows have a dowel or bar in the track to prevent opening from the outside.
• Windows are not left open when you are away, even for a short time.
• Basement and ground‑floor windows are secured.

Lighting:

• Motion‑sensor lights are installed near all exterior doors.
• Dark corners and side yards are illuminated.
• Interior lights are on timers when you are away.
• Exterior lights are in working order and not burned out.

Smart Security:

• Consider a smart lock installation for keyless entry and remote access.
• If you have a smart lock, ensure the firmware is up to date.
• Consider a video doorbell or security camera for the front entrance.
• Ensure your Wi‑Fi network is password‑protected with a strong password.

Habits and Routines:

• Do not hide a spare key under the doormat, on the door frame, or in a fake rock.
• Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or use a combination lockbox.
• Do not post vacation plans on social media until you return.
• Arrange for mail and package collection when you are away.
• Get to know your neighbors. Community trust is a crime deterrent.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Save the number of a licensed locksmith in your phone. See our guide to choosing a locksmith.
• Know what to do in a lockout. See our emergency locksmith guide.
• Know what to do in a car lockout. See our car lockout service guide.
• Have a plan for who to call if you are locked out and cannot reach a locksmith.

Insurance and Documentation:

• Check whether your homeowners or renters insurance covers theft, vandalism, and forced‑entry damage.
• Document your valuables with photos and serial numbers.
• Keep receipts for major purchases in a secure location.

Local Context for Modesto Residents: Residential burglaries in Modesto declined by 13 percent in 2025, part of a broader trend of property crime reduction. However, a burglary still occurs roughly every 8.2 hours in the city, and the property crime rate is 25.50 per 1,000 residents. Downtown Modesto has a higher property crime rate of 61.55 per 1,000. The northeast part of the city generally reports the lowest property crime rates. Regardless of where you live in Modesto, the layers in this checklist make your home harder to target.

For Renters: Approximately 41 percent of Modesto’s housing units are renter‑occupied. If you rent, you may not be able to change the locks without landlord permission. But you can still ask your landlord to rekey between tenants. You can use a retrofit smart lock that does not alter the existing hardware. And you can practice all the habits and lighting strategies that do not require permanent changes.

For Landlords: If you own rental property in Modesto, rekeying between tenants is a basic best practice. It protects your tenants, protects your property, and reduces your liability. Smart locks can simplify tenant turnover by allowing you to issue and revoke access codes remotely. For pricing, see our Modesto locksmith cost guide. For broader safety guidance, see our home safety tips.

The Bottom Line: Security is a practice, not a purchase. Review this checklist once a year, fix what is broken, and update what is outdated. A few hours of attention can meaningfully reduce your risk and increase your peace of mind.