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August 2, 2008
roof hatch security?
had a couple break ins back to back. 1st time i think something was left open. 2nd time i think it was one of 3 things:
Either he unlocked the roof hatch the first time so he could get back in
he just wriggled the roof hatch open somehow
or he defeated this new lock that was recently installed:
http://www.codelocks.us/mechcl400.html
I'm hoping it was something with the roof hatch, any ideas on how to better secure it?
Comments
i looked around some more, the back door had some signs of tampering, i still would maybe like to better secure the roof.
here is a picture, any way to secure this lock better? i guess i will just have to get a deadbolt?
inside he got through another locked door as well i believe, it seems to have similar tampering marks.
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8629/img4517ph1.jpg
Posted by: reno911 at August 2, 2008 5:54 PM
I would suggest that you spend the money to intall a new hatch. We own a Brownstone in Bed Stuy, and we had a very old hatch with a very unsecure lock like you have pictured. When we fixed our roof, we had a proper hatch installed with hydrolic lift and a interior latch with holes for a pad lock. There is no excuse for being cheap on this.
Posted by: sedonie at August 2, 2008 7:54 PM
a pad lock for the hatch ok, does this effect egress? because it is a fire exit i believe so you don't want anyone to get locked inside either
i've looked into new locks for the back door as well, i feel a deadbolt will be a lot better than what i have now. will get it installed as soon as possible (hopefully before he comes back again)
Posted by: reno911 at August 3, 2008 1:02 AM
Sedonie - I have a brownstone with an old hatch as well. Who did you get to install the hatch? how much was it?
thanks
Posted by: landlord at August 3, 2008 6:29 PM
Sedonie i have brownstone in Bushwick i will be interested to know how did install the hatch,
Thanks
Posted by: benoit at August 3, 2008 11:57 PM
Sedonie i have brownstone in Bushwick i will be interested to know, how did install the hatch,
Thanks
Posted by: benoit at August 3, 2008 11:58 PM
Who did install it thanck
Posted by: benoit at August 4, 2008 9:50 AM
That latch is easy to undo, flimsy piece of aluminum/coat hanger and swipe to the right or left to unlock.
Posted by: bmfesq at August 4, 2008 5:15 PM
i went to another brownstone. they have the same hatch. However theirs is fitted to the opening much better. So theirs i could not wiggle open.
With mine, the hatch is much bigger than the opening, so its possible to wiggle it around until the latches unhook, i did it one time in just a few seconds. I will probably try to find a handyman to rig up something so it fits tight and can't be wiggled.
as for the back door still no deadbolt, waiting on advantage locksmith, they seem to have decent prices but i can't give them a great rating (had some minor clumsy related problems with the install of the lock, then i believe someone broke in through the lock, and now i called saturday to have them come out and look at it and it looks like they won't be able to come until tuesday)
Posted by: reno911 at August 4, 2008 5:53 PM
People, dont get cheap when it comes to the security of your home. Spend about 600 for a new steel scuttle roof hatch and have it installed by a qualified contractor. Make sure its approved for NYC use and by the FDNY. I purchased mine from a roofing supplier and had it installed.
Posted by: Bklyn1 at August 6, 2008 8:51 AM
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