“A typical front door can be broken by an intruder in less than 60 seconds.”
That stat from the Australian Bureau of Statistics should give any homeowner pause, especially since over 70% of home break-ins in Australia occur through doors.
As experts in security doors in Melbourne, we know how easy it is for regular doors to be broken into. A burglar can get in with just a kick, a pry, or a picked lock. But there is good news: modern security doors, especially aluminium security doors, are made to stop these kinds of forced entries.
Let’s talk about how burglars break down doors, what they look for, and, most importantly, how the right security door can stop them in their tracks.
Why Understanding Forced Entry Matters
Before spending money on better home security, it’s a good idea to know what you’re trying to protect against. Most burglars don’t waste time, they go for the weakest entry point, usually the front or back door.
According to recent Victorian Police data, break-ins have surged by nearly 13% in metropolitan Melbourne. Suburbs like Doreen aren’t immune, local homeowners are reporting more attempted forced entries than ever before.
The common denominator? Weak doors and outdated locks.
Knowing the tactics burglars use helps you outsmart them and make smarter security investments.
How Burglars Break Doors: The Most Common Forced Entry Methods
1. The Kick-In Attack
This is the easiest and most common way for someone to break in. Burglars use brute force by kicking the door near the handle or lock in order to break the jamb or move the latch. It works frighteningly well on timber doors with shallow latch plates or weak frames.
Why it works:
Most residential doors aren’t reinforced at the strike plate. Once the screws or frame give way, the door bursts open often in seconds.
How a Security Door Stops It:
- Steel mesh and aluminium frames that spread out the force of an impact across the door make a well-designed aluminium security door stronger.
- Hinges that are strong enough to keep things from warping or coming apart
- Multi-point locking systems that lock the door at more than one point, not just one
These features make kicking useless; even repeated blows won’t break the frame. That’s why it’s great to choose a door that is hard to break into.
2. The Crowbar Pry Attack
Burglars love to use leverage. They can pry open weak locks or bent hinges by putting a crowbar or screwdriver between the door and the frame.
Why it works:
Most doors have small gaps that a tool for prying can fit through. Once a burglar gains a little leverage, it’s only a matter of seconds before the latch pops free.
How a Security Door Stops It:
Good door security features are very important. In Melbourne, our aluminium security doors come with:
- Reinforced strike plates and long screws that go deep into the wall frame
- Hinges that can’t be popped out and are hard to tamper with
- Frames that fit flush and don’t leave room for a crowbar
Together, these make a fit that is almost perfect, which makes it impossible for intruders to get a foothold.
3. The Lock Picking and Bumping Method
Lock picking and lock bumping are quiet and work, but they aren’t as dramatic as a kick-in. With a simple bump key or pick set, burglars can manipulate traditional locks open without leaving visible damage.
Why it works:
Older cylinder locks have predictable pin alignments that make them easy to exploit.
How a Security Door Stops It:
Advanced door security features like:
- Anti-pick cylinders
- Anti-drill and anti-snap locks
- High-security multi-point systems
Make aluminium security doors almost impossible to break into. These mechanisms are hard to tamper with and can’t be opened with regular tools.
4. The Frame and Hinge Attack
If burglars can’t get through the lock, they go after the door frame or the hinge side. If the hinge isn’t properly fitted, it can be taken off or bent, which lets intruders push the door in.
How a Security Door Stops It:
- Full perimeter reinforcement keeps the frame from bending.
- Heavy-duty hinge plates and steel rods inside the door stop it from twisting.
- Hinge pins that can’t be removed add another level of security.
A good security door makes your whole doorway a strong barrier, not just the door leaf itself.
Door Security Features That Truly Make a Difference
The effectiveness of a security door comes down to engineering and installation. Even the strongest materials won’t help if the door is poorly fitted.
Here are the features that actually protect Melbourne homes from real-world attacks:
| Feature | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-point locking system | Locks the door at multiple positions | Distributes force during kick or pry attacks |
| Reinforced frame | Strengthens the weak point most burglars target | Prevents splitting under impact |
| Heavy-duty strike plate | Anchors the lock deep into the wall | Resists kicking and prying |
| Tamper-resistant hinges | Prevents pin removal | Stops forced hinge attacks |
| Stainless steel mesh | Adds internal strength | Resists cutting or bending |
| Anti-pick / anti-snap cylinders | Stops lock manipulation | Protects against stealthy break-ins |
When combined, these features don’t just “delay” burglars — they deter them completely. Studies show that homes with visible security doors are 40% less likely to be targeted.
Why Melbourne Homes Need Aluminium Security Doors
Aluminium security doors are the most popular choice for homeowners in Melbourne for a good reason. They have the right mix of strength, durability, and design flexibility.
- Corrosion-resistant: Perfect for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather
- Strong but light: They don’t sag or put stress on hinges like solid steel does.
- Looks good: Available in modern finishes that go with any facade
- Little upkeep: A quick clean keeps them looking new.
A high-quality aluminium security door that is properly installed in your Thomastown home can last for years and stand up to many attempted break-ins.
Preventing Break-Ins Using Aluminium Security Doors
Buying a door isn’t enough to keep you safe, you need to build a layered defence system. Here’s how to make your aluminium door work even harder:
- Ensure professional installation – Poor alignment can reduce impact resistance.
- Pair with quality locks – Use deadbolt or multi-point systems that are rated for high security.
- Reinforce your door frame – A strong door needs a strong anchor to hold it in place.
- Add visibility deterrents – Cameras and motion lights can cut down on break-ins by as much as 60%.
- Schedule annual checks – Maintenance keeps hinges, screws, and locks strong.
Even the best door loses its strength if neglected. A little upkeep goes a long way in deterring burglars using aluminium security doors.
Real Results Across Melbourne’s Suburbs
You can see the benefits of a security door in Doreen and other suburbs.
After switching to aluminium models, people in these areas have noticed a big drop in the number of attempted break-ins.
Thomastown homeowners are showing that prevention really does work by putting in security doors.
These doors aren’t just doors; they’re a way to feel safe when you come home.
Is a Security Door Really Worth It?
The truth is that a good aluminium security door costs a lot less than the damage, loss, and emotional toll of a break-in.
When you consider:
- In Australia, the average cost of a burglary is more than $2,800 in stolen goods and damage.
- Most burglaries happen during the day, when people are at work.
- And that burglars are three times less likely to break into homes with visible security features
It’s clear that buying a security door in Donnybrook and other suburbs in Melbourne isn’t a luxury; it’s a must.
Final Thoughts
Burglars may depend on speed and surprise, but a strong, well-designed security door takes both of those away. A reinforced aluminium barrier keeps your home safe from break-ins, whether they are with a kick-in, a crowbar, or picking the lock.
So, don’t wait for something bad to happen. Get an aluminium security door built to Australian standards to improve your first line of defence today.
