We are moving downtown and renting a detached townhouse, in an area where break-ins are not exactly uncommon. For the most part, we don't own anything worth stealing, with the notable exception of a whole bunch of bicycles. None of these are $3,000 racing machines, but we have a sentimental and logistical attachment to each of them and a mass theft would be fairly devastating.
We will be keeping all bikes in the walkout basement, which leads to a fenced in yard with a privacy fence. Behind this is an alley. Other access points to the home include a front door on a fairly well traversed street and a back door leading into the kitchen, plus first floor windows.
My biggest concern is the basement door, which has inset windows, and a turn (not keyed) lock, following code. The property manager actually suggested that we kind of just quietly change it to a keyed lock, breaking code but protecting the bikes, without mentioning anything to the owner. I'm wondering if there's an alternative we can do -- install a deadbolt or latch perhaps? I don't know anything about locks and we are not handy.
Who would we call to do this? What should we ask for?
Our current crime deterrents / planned deterrents include:
1) A medium sized dog who is harmless but will bark at intruders
2) Window treatments to hide view of the bikes
3) Keeping all first floor windows closed and locked
4) Potentially adding the additional lock to the basement door, maybe other doors
5) Get some security system stickers?
What else can we do?
I don't want to spend too much money on this - most crime is petty & opportunistic. I don't think anyone will be casing out our bikes, and I think our dog will be a major deterrent (if he's home). Still, I like to follow the rules of making your house just a little harder to get into than your neighbors house.
