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The thumb latch lock on many sliding glass doors is a relatively low level security device and as the doors wear, it is often possible to lift them right off the track.
In exceptionally low crime areas, this lock may be adequate for the risk.
Although most homeowners are aware of the lower level of security these locks offer and add pin locks, charley bars or other commercial anti-slide devices--or simply place a dowel or sawed-off broom handle in the track--after an intrusion, apartment dwellers often claim to have been unaware of this exposure.
In most cases, unless the thumb latch lock is not working properly, the building is located in a high crime area or additional protection is required by code, apartment management has no responsibility to install an additional lock on these doors. However, in most cases, management will allow residents to add a second lock or anti-slide device. Although we have not made a statistical study of apartment intrusions, in most of the cases we have been involved with, intruders gained entry to apartments through older sliding glass doors, which were less than secure. In many cases it may make sense for apartment dwellers to think about additional protection for these doors--and subsequently not consider the door locked unless both devices are engaged.
It should also be noted that if any locks on apartment doors or windows are not locking properly, it is the responsibility of the apartment dweller to inform management. Not being swamis, apartment managers and maintenance personnel have no other way of knowing of the risk. Once informed of the hazard, however, it is management's duty to correct the situation without delay.
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