Top 5 Home Security Myths in Tampa
Most Tampa Homeowners Still Believe These Myths—Do You?
“My neighborhood’s safe. I don’t need to worry.”
“Smart locks are too easy to hack.”
“Burglars always break in at night.”
Wrong. Wrong. And still wrong.
In this post, we’re busting the top 5 myths that put Tampa homes at risk—based on real cases, local break-ins, and years of experience as Tampa’s go-to locksmith.
Table of Contents
Myth #1: “Break-ins only happen at night”
Myth #2: “Deadbolts are unbreakable”
Myth #3: “Smart locks make your home easier to hack”
Myth #4: “I live in a good neighborhood—it won’t happen to me”
Myth #5: “If someone breaks in, the police will catch them”
Pro Tips: What Actually Works in 2025
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1. Myth: “Break-ins only happen at night”
Fact: The majority of residential break-ins in Tampa happen between 10 AM and 3 PM—when people are at work, school, or errands.
Burglars don’t want a fight—they want an empty house.
In 2024, over 60% of reported break-ins in Tampa occurred during daylight hours (source: Tampa PD).
2. Myth: “Deadbolts are unbreakable”
Fact: Most deadbolts installed in Tampa homes are cheap, hollow-core, and poorly reinforced.
A $20 bump key or screwdriver can bypass low-quality deadbolts in under 15 seconds—especially if the door frame isn’t reinforced.
What actually helps:
Grade 1 commercial locks
Reinforced strike plates
3-inch screws into the wall stud
Door edge guards and security pins
3. Myth: “Smart locks make your home easier to hack”
Fact: High-end smart locks like Schlage, Yale, or Kwikset with encrypted protocols are extremely difficult to hack—especially compared to physical keys, which can be copied or stolen.
The real security risk?
Passwords like “1234” or no app access control.
If set up correctly, smart locks are more secure than physical keys—plus they allow remote locking, guest codes, and real-time tracking.
4. Myth: “I live in a good neighborhood—it won’t happen to me”
Fact: Burglars often target high-income areas because they assume better rewards and laxer security.
Tampa’s most targeted ZIP codes in 2024 for residential theft included:
33629 (South Tampa)
33647 (New Tampa)
33611 (Ballast Point / Bayshore)
Good neighborhoods aren’t safer. They’re more likely to be underprotected because of false confidence.
5. Myth: “If someone breaks in, the police will catch them”
Fact: According to FBI data, only 13% of burglaries result in an arrest.
By the time someone responds, the intruder is long gone—with your valuables, cash, and peace of mind.
Prevention is your only real defense. Locksmith-grade security makes the difference.
Pro Tips: What Actually Works in 2025
- Rekey your locks after moving in or after renters leave
- Install a smart lock with keypad access
- Add doorbell cams and motion lights
- Use reinforced door hardware (3-inch screws, strike plates)
- Keep landscaping trimmed to reduce hiding spots
- Don’t post vacations publicly until you’re back
FAQ: Home Security in Tampa
Q: Are smart locks worth it in Florida’s humidity and storms?
Yes—top brands are weatherproof and designed for harsh environments. We’ll recommend ones built for Tampa.
Q: Should I rekey or replace my locks?
If your locks are high quality, rekeying may be enough. But if they’re builder-grade or over 5 years old—we recommend upgrading.
Q: Can you inspect my doors and locks?
Absolutely. We offer a free home security walkthrough for Tampa residents.
Book Your 2025 Security Check (It’s Free This Month)
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
We’ll walk your property, inspect every entry point, and give real recommendations based on your neighborhood and needs.
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