8 Proven Ways to Keep Intruders Out of Your Back Door

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard people say, “Don’t worry, the back door is safe.” But here’s the truth: burglars know most homeowners don’t give it half the attention they give the front. It’s tucked away, hidden from the street, and often the weakest point of the house.

When I first started looking into home break-ins, I was surprised to learn that nearly a quarter of burglars enter through the back door. That hit me—because if we’re not protecting it properly, we’re basically leaving a welcome sign for intruders.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical, affordable ways to protect your back door from burglars today. No scare tactics, no expensive gear you’ll never use—just clear steps that work.

So before we dive in, think about this: if someone tried your back door tonight, would it stop them, or invite them in?

Why Burglars Target the Back Door First

Most people assume burglars will always try the front door first. But think about it—what’s easier? A quiet, hidden entrance at the back where no neighbour can see, or the front porch under the spotlight? That’s why so many break-ins actually happen through the back. In fact, 22% of burglars get in through the back door—making it one of the weakest points in most homes.

I don’t say this to scare you, but to remind you that a back door isn’t just “another exit.” It’s often the first thing an intruder will test. And the good news? You don’t need to spend thousands or turn your home into a fortress. With a few smart upgrades, you can make your back door a lot harder to crack—today.

1. Upgrade Your Locking System Beyond the Basics

If you’re relying on a simple deadbolt, you’re not as secure as you might think. Burglars know how to kick in a standard door frame or pick a low-grade lock in seconds. I’ve seen too many cases where people thought a “strong lock” was enough, only to find the entire frame splintered.

Here’s how you can step it up:

• Reinforced strike plate: Replace the flimsy standard plate with a heavy-duty one secured by 3-inch screws. This alone can make a huge difference against a forced entry.
• Smart locks: Not only do they give you keyless entry, but they also let you check (and lock) your door remotely. If you’re the type who always wonders, “Did I lock the door?”—this solves it.
• Quality deadbolt + door frame combo: A strong lock is useless without a reinforced frame. Pair both together for real security.

I’ll be honest: upgrading locks isn’t glamorous, but it’s your first line of defense. As one security expert at Ackerman Security explains, burglars don’t always look for complicated weaknesses—often it’s the easiest, weakest door that becomes their target.

So, if you had to start somewhere, I’d say start with your lock and frame. It’s quick, it’s affordable, and it instantly raises the barrier for anyone trying their luck at your back door.

What about you—are you still relying on a basic deadbolt, or have you tried upgrading to something stronger?

2. Reinforce the Door Frame & Hinges

Here’s the truth: most back doors don’t fail because of the lock—they fail because of the frame. A quick kick or shoulder slam can split weak wood, even if you’ve installed a decent deadbolt. That’s why reinforcing the frame and hinges is just as important as upgrading the lock itself.

A couple of small, low-cost changes can make your door kick-proof:

• Door jamb reinforcement kits: These add metal plates around the strike zone, making it much harder to split.
• Longer hinge screws: Swap out the tiny half-inch screws your door came with for 3-inch steel screws (they cost about $10 at most hardware stores). This anchors the hinges deep into the wall studs instead of just the door trim.
• Hinge bolts: If your door swings outward, these prevent someone from popping the hinge pins to remove the door.

It’s not about making your house look like a bunker. These simple fixes are invisible, cheap, and can stop a burglar from breaking through with brute force. Of course, the back door isn’t the only weak spot—your windows can be just as vulnerable if left unsecured. That’s why I recommend checking out these 7 window safety hacks to make sure burglars don’t find another way in.

3. Use Lighting & Motion Detectors as a Deterrent

Burglars don’t like attention. A dark, shadowy backyard is an open invitation, while a sudden burst of light can be enough to make them move on. There’s even police-backed research showing that well-lit entry points drastically cut break-in attempts.

Here’s how you can use light to your advantage:

• Motion-sensor lights: They stay off until triggered, which saves energy and creates an element of surprise.
• Smart lighting schedules: Set backyard lights on a timer so your home never looks “empty.”
• Layered approach: A porch light plus a motion floodlight covers more angles than a single bulb.

Think of light as a psychological barrier—it tells an intruder, “Someone could be watching.” And honestly, that’s half the battle won.

For more on how burglars assess homes, the security guide at SafeWise breaks down why visibility is one of your strongest defenses.

4. Secure Sliding Glass Back Doors

Sliding glass doors look great, but let’s be real—they’re one of the weakest spots in any home. Thin glass and flimsy latches don’t stand up to much. But you don’t need to rip them out—just add a couple of smart upgrades.

• DIY track blockers: Drop a wooden dowel, a cut broom handle, or a security bar in the bottom track. This stops the door from sliding open, even if the lock is bypassed.
• Shatter-resistant film: Apply a clear safety film to the glass. If someone tries to smash it, the glass holds together instead of crumbling, buying you time and making a lot of noise.
• Secondary locks: Affordable pin locks or foot locks can add another layer of resistance.

Sliding doors don’t have to be a liability. A few simple changes can make them just as tough to breach as your main entry.

5. Add a Visible Camera or Doorbell Monitor

A lot of people think cameras are only good for catching burglars after the fact. But here’s the thing: burglars don’t want to be seen in the first place. A visible camera or video doorbell on your back entrance acts like a flashing warning sign—“you’re being watched.”

Why it works:

• Visibility > recording: The presence of a camera alone often makes intruders move on to an easier target.
• Two-way audio: Many doorbell cameras let you speak to someone at your door, even if you’re not home. That’s an instant deterrent.
• Mobile alerts: Apps from brands like Reolink send you instant notifications when motion is detected.

I’ve even seen social media clips where burglars literally glance at a camera and walk away. That’s the power of visibility—it’s prevention, not just evidence.

6. Landscaping & Visibility – Don’t Give Burglars Cover

A secure lock won’t help much if someone can hide right next to your door. Overgrown bushes, tall hedges, or even cluttered patio furniture can all create the perfect cover.

Police and security experts often stress “natural surveillance”—the idea that your doors and windows should always be visible. Keep the area around your back door clear, trimmed, and lit.

• Trim shrubs and hedges below window height.
• Use gravel or stone pathways—they make noise when stepped on.
• Motion lights + open sightlines make your home look monitored.

If your back door is wide open to view, most burglars will think twice.

7. Don’t Leave Burglars Invitations

Sometimes it’s not about what you add—it’s about what you remove. Too many homeowners unknowingly make it easier for intruders.

• No spare keys under mats or pots. It’s the first place burglars check.
• Secure ladders and tools. Don’t leave them outside where they can be used to climb or pry.
• Patio furniture check. Chairs and tables can be dragged to windows or doors to break in.

These may feel like small oversights, but they’re exactly the kind of shortcuts burglars look for. If you’ve got a pet, don’t forget that dog doors can be another overlooked risk. You’ll want to take a look at these dog door security hacks to make sure intruders can’t exploit them as an easy entrance.

8. Strengthen Security With Community & Routine

Even the best locks can’t help if you forget to use them. Building habits and leaning on community support adds another layer of safety.

• Always lock up—even if stepping out for five minutes. Most burglaries happen in broad daylight when homeowners leave doors unlocked.
• Neighbourhood watch apps like Next door let you stay updated on suspicious activity nearby.
• Talk to your neighbours. A friendly lookout next door is often more effective than any gadget.

Security isn’t just hardware—it’s consistency and community. When you combine both, your back door stops being a soft spot and becomes one of the strongest barriers to intruders.

Out of these, which habit feels easiest for you to start today—trimming those bushes, hiding fewer spare keys, or setting up a simple camera?

Bonus Tip – Layer Your Defenses

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no single upgrade is enough on its own. A strong lock without light can still be picked in the dark. A light without a camera might scare off one burglar but not another. That’s why security experts talk about “defense in depth”—layering multiple barriers so an intruder has to fight through more than one obstacle.

Think of it like this:

• Lock + reinforced frame → stops brute force.
• Lighting + motion sensors → removes hiding spots.
• Visible camera → adds eyes, accountability, and deterrence.

Each layer on its own is helpful, but together they send a clear message: This house isn’t worth the risk. Back doors are just one part of the bigger picture—most homes have hidden weaknesses that burglars know to exploit. To really close those loopholes, check out these 7 security gaps you need to close.

Peace of Mind Starts Today

Securing your back door doesn’t have to mean turning your home into a fortress. It’s about making smart, simple changes that add up to real protection. From upgrading your lock to trimming bushes and adding a light, every step reduces risk—and increases your peace of mind.

At the end of the day, these are fixes you can start today. You’ll sleep better knowing you’ve closed off one of the most common entry points for burglars.

You don’t need to buy a fortress—just apply these 8 steps today.

Now I want to hear from you—what’s the very first upgrade you’re going to try on your back door? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if you’d like more practical, expert-backed home improvement and security tips, visit us at Build Like New for guides that make your home stronger, safer, and smarter.

Disclaimer: The tips in this article are for general informational purposes only. Home security needs vary, and no method can guarantee complete protection. Always consult a licensed professional for advice tailored to your property.