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Protecting your home for less than $50

Posted at 5:35 AM, Nov 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-13 11:50:44-05

There is no price on peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home.

But there are a few things you can do to make your property safer for less than $50.

One of the best ways is to put a deadbolt on a side door. Locksmith Jim Lang says that's one fo the first parts of a home burglars try to break into.

"They don't want to go through the front door and have everyone in the neighborhood see them," he said. 

Lang said thieves can use a credit card to pry open a door with a basic lock, but a deadbolt costs $20. He also spends an extra $1 for three-inch nails to make the door stronger, so burglars can't kick it down. 

Lang also suggested $5 pins to lock sliding glass doors, and a $7 window lock to keep burglars from opening vented windows.

La Mesa Police Sgt. Katy Lynch said it's also important to keep the area your front door visible. A peep-hole to see out the door should cost about $7. 

The La Mesa police has a free crime prevention program, in which officers will walkthrough homes giving advice on how to better protect them.  

Chula Vista PD does not, but a spokesman says officers attend neighborhood watch and community meetings. 10News has reached out to San Diego Police and the Sheriffs' Department. We will update this story when we hear back.