We all know that thieves don't want to make a scene at your front door. Most break-ins happen in the back of your house, through your gate and into the patio door or basement. By the time these thieves reach the back door; they are committed to the break-in. At this point they know they have crossed the threshold of no return and  may not attempt to forcible enter your home.

When do think these thieves realized there was no return? It was the moment when they went from simply being nosey to actually taking actions to open your gate your back yard. Now what do you think the thieves would have thought if your gate was locked? they would have looked for an easier target. Almost all privacy fence gates are not locked, and the ones that are locked normally use a simple padlock that the thieves could cut with bolt cutters.

Most home owners have not thought about the above scenarios in their minds; thinking that I only wanted a privacy fence to keep our kids and pets in the backyard. What they might not know is there is a wide variety of options to lock and secure your gate. At American Fence Company we recommend several inexpensive options to lock your gate

• Lokklatch offers a wide variety of two side keyed locks that can be installed by your fence professional.  These offer  great option considering access from both sides of your gate and a keyed entry.
• Simplex offers a touchpad combination lock that is also accessible from both sides or your gate.  When you do not want one more key to carry with you; you will appreciate this series of gate locks these are amazing locks.
• Lockey offers a very inexpensive single sided combination lock for your gate.  This is a great lock when you do not require access from both sides, these are normally put on low access gates.
• D & D Technologies offers a magnetic pool latch that is accessible from both sides and elevates the lock latch out of the reach of small children. Another great option.

These lock manufactures offer a variety of user friendly gate locking devices for all applications. Most important is that you now know the importance of a good gate lock and latch. So before selecting a lock, think about home defense when not securing your gate but also your home. Please visit our America's Gate company website at http://www.americasgatecompany.com.