Top Detroit Neighborhoods Where Home Security Upgrades Are Essential

Detroit is a city of contrasts—rich in culture, history, and community pride, yet challenged by pockets of persistent crime. While the city has made strides in reducing violent incidents, certain neighborhoods remain vulnerable to property crimes like burglary, auto theft, and break-ins.

For homeowners in these areas, investing in modern home security solutions isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity.

At Locksmith of Detroit, we’ve served countless residents across the city, helping them secure their homes with expert locksmith services. Based on our experience and the latest crime data, here are the top Detroit neighborhoods where home security upgrades are essential in 2025.

1. Belmont

Belmont consistently ranks among Detroit’s most dangerous neighborhoods, making home security a top priority for residents. With a violent crime rate of 76.2 per 1,000 residents, the area experiences frequent incidents of robbery, assault, burglary, and other property-related crimes. The odds are stark: homeowners in Belmont face a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Many homes in the area are older and may lack modern security features, making them easier targets for break-ins. Criminals often exploit outdated locks, unsecured windows, and poorly lit entryways.

Security Recommendations:

• Install high-security deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. These provide enhanced resistance to picking, drilling, and forced entry.
• Consider a monitored alarm system with motion detectors and 24/7 surveillance. Real-time alerts can significantly reduce police response time during an incident.
• Reinforce doors and windows with security bars or shatter-resistant film. This helps prevent intrusions even if the glass is broken or an attempt is made to pry open an entry point.
• Add motion-activated floodlights around your home to deter intruders approaching under cover of darkness.
• Regularly inspect locks, hinges, and frames for signs of wear or tampering. Even a slightly loose door frame can be an easy target for a break-in.

By taking these proactive steps, homeowners in Belmont can reduce vulnerability and create a safer environment for their families.

2. Fishkorn

Located on Detroit’s west side, Fishkorn is a neighborhood that continues to struggle with high rates of property crime. With a violent crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 residents, the area is especially vulnerable to burglary, vehicle theft, and related offenses. Many residents report recurring incidents involving stolen cars, garage break-ins, and theft of outdoor property like tools or bikes.

Because Fishkorn has a mix of residential properties and vacant lots, criminals often operate under the radar, targeting homes that lack visible security features. Residents who travel for work or leave their homes unattended for extended periods are particularly at risk.

Security Recommendations:

• Upgrade to smart locks with keyless entry. These locks make it harder for thieves to pick or bump traditional locks and offer the convenience of remote access control.
• Install security cameras with night vision and cloud storage capabilities. Cameras act as both a deterrent and a tool for gathering evidence in the event of a crime.
• Use motion-activated lighting around your home’s perimeter, particularly near driveways, garages, and backyards. Sudden light exposure often causes intruders to flee.
• Add a visible security system sign or window decal. Even if you’re just getting started with security upgrades, a posted warning can make would-be thieves think twice.
• Keep vehicles locked and valuables out of sight, even when parked in your own driveway. Auto theft remains a common problem in Fishkorn.

Taking these steps can help residents in Fishkorn secure their properties, reduce the risk of intrusion, and contribute to a safer neighborhood overall.

3. Petosky-Otsego

Petosky-Otsego, a densely populated neighborhood on Detroit’s west side, continues to face persistent safety concerns. With a violent crime rate of 57.2 per 1,000 residents, individuals living here have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming victims of violent crime. While some parts of the area have seen community-driven improvements, incidents like break-ins, assaults, and theft remain a challenge.

Many homes in Petosky-Otsego are single-family residences, some of which are older and may not have modern security measures in place. Criminals often target homes that appear unoccupied or poorly maintained, taking advantage of predictable routines and minimal surveillance.

Security Recommendations:

• Implement a comprehensive home security system with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and real-time mobile alerts. These systems can notify you instantly if someone attempts to enter your home.
• Regularly rekey locks, especially after moving into a new home, changing tenants, or misplacing keys. Rekeying is a simple but effective step to ensure no unauthorized individuals have access.
• Join or establish a neighborhood watch program to foster community vigilance and communication. Visible collaboration between neighbors can deter criminal activity and build a stronger, more connected block.
• Maintain clear lines of sight by trimming hedges and keeping porches and yards well-lit. Criminals prefer dark, hidden entry points.
• Secure detached garages and sheds. These structures are often overlooked but can be easy targets for theft.

Proactive security upgrades, paired with community involvement, can help reduce the risks facing homeowners in Petosky-Otsego and support a safer, more united neighborhood.

4. Warrendale

Warrendale is a large residential neighborhood in Detroit’s west side that has experienced an uptick in break-ins, theft, and other property crimes. With a violent crime rate of 56.0 per 1,000 residents, this area presents real concerns for homeowners looking to protect their families and property.

Many homes in Warrendale feature sliding glass doors, back entrances, and garages that can be vulnerable if not properly secured. Thieves often target homes that appear empty or lack visible security features, especially during daylight hours when residents are at work or school.

Security Recommendations:

• Secure sliding doors with auxiliary locks or security bars. These entrances are often targeted because standard sliding door latches are easy to bypass. Reinforcing them adds a critical layer of protection.
• Install a video doorbell to monitor front door activity in real-time. Video footage can be shared with law enforcement in the event of a crime and helps deter package theft and loitering.
• Ensure all entry points have reinforced frames and strike plates. Strengthening the physical integrity of your doors and locks can prevent forced entry attempts.
• Use window sensors and glass break detectors, especially on ground-level windows or those hidden from street view.
• Place security signage in visible locations, even if you’re still building out your full system. Often, the appearance of a security presence is enough to make criminals move on.

For residents in Warrendale, small but intentional security improvements can make a noticeable difference in preventing crime and giving families peace of mind.

5. Franklin Park

Franklin Park is a residential neighborhood with a strong sense of community, but it continues to face challenges related to property crime and occasional violent incidents. With a violent crime rate of 55.0 per 1,000 residents, individuals here face a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim. The neighborhood’s layout includes a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings, some of which lack updated security infrastructure.

Franklin Park’s quiet streets and tree-lined blocks can create opportunities for intruders who take advantage of poorly lit areas and overgrown vegetation that conceal access points. Opportunistic criminals often target homes that appear vacant or follow predictable patterns of activity.

Security Recommendations:

• Use smart home technology to control lights, appliances, and blinds remotely. Scheduling lights to turn on and off throughout the evening gives the appearance that someone is home, reducing the chances of a break-in.
• Keep landscaping trimmed to eliminate hiding spots near windows, doors, and entry paths. Dense bushes or trees near the house can provide cover for someone attempting to break in.
• Store valuables in a home safe that’s bolted to the floor and hidden from plain sight. Choose a safe that’s fire-rated and impact-resistant for added protection of important documents and items.
• Install exterior lighting with motion sensors around entryways, driveways, and backyards. Sudden light is one of the most effective deterrents to criminal activity at night.
• Conduct regular security checks, especially before vacations or extended absences. Ensure all doors, windows, and garage points are locked and any smart home devices are functioning properly.

With the right combination of tech upgrades and physical security improvements, Franklin Park residents can significantly improve their home’s safety and reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.

6. Brush Park

Brush Park is one of Detroit’s most rapidly transforming neighborhoods. Known for its historic mansions, modern developments, and proximity to downtown, the area is experiencing significant investment and revitalization. Despite this progress, Brush Park still reports a violent crime rate of 71.0 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the city’s higher-risk areas for both violent and property crimes.

The neighborhood’s growing mix of long-standing residents and new homeowners brings opportunity but also increased vulnerability. Ongoing construction, fluctuating foot traffic, and a higher volume of rental properties can create inconsistent patterns of activity—something criminals look for when identifying targets.

Security Recommendations:

• Invest in a monitored security system with 24/7 professional surveillance. This ensures that any suspicious activity is detected and responded to immediately, whether you’re home or not.
• Install window sensors and glass break detectors on all accessible windows. Many modern homes in Brush Park feature large or floor-to-ceiling windows, which can be entry points if not protected.
• Use timers for lights and electronics to simulate occupancy when you’re away, especially if you travel frequently or maintain irregular work hours.
• Secure all garage and back alley entrances, which are common in this neighborhood due to the dense urban layout.
• Display visible security signage to deter opportunistic intruders who often avoid homes with active surveillance systems.

As Brush Park continues to evolve, residents who take proactive steps to secure their homes can enjoy the benefits of city living while minimizing the risks associated with urban crime.

7. Greensbriar

Greensbriar is a residential neighborhood in Detroit that faces ongoing issues with property-related crimes, including burglaries, vandalism, and auto theft. With a violent crime rate of 70.6 per 1,000 residents, Greensbriar ranks among the city’s more dangerous areas. While violent incidents do occur, much of the criminal activity here targets homes and vehicles, making strong physical security measures critical.

The neighborhood’s layout includes a mix of older homes and rental properties, some of which may lack up-to-date locks or foundational security features. Criminals often exploit weak entry points, unsecured back doors, and poorly lit surroundings. Proactive homeowners can reduce their vulnerability significantly with a few strategic upgrades.

Security Recommendations:

• Reinforce entry doors with solid core materials and heavy-duty deadbolts. Hollow doors or worn frames are easy targets. A solid door, paired with a Grade 1 deadbolt, makes forced entry much more difficult.
• Use security window film on ground-level and accessible windows. This clear, nearly invisible film adds a layer of protection by holding glass together if it’s shattered, delaying or deterring intruders.
• Engage with local community groups focused on neighborhood safety. Joining block clubs or participating in neighborhood watch meetings helps build collective awareness and deters criminal behavior through community presence.
• Install outdoor surveillance cameras that cover entrances, driveways, and blind spots. Visible cameras act as a deterrent, while recorded footage can assist law enforcement if needed.
• Secure fences, gates, and garages, especially if they back up to alleyways or less visible streets. Criminals often look for hidden access points where they can operate undetected.

With a combination of physical reinforcements and community involvement, Greensbriar residents can significantly reduce their exposure to property crime and take meaningful steps toward a safer environment.

8. Weatherby

Weatherby, located in Detroit’s northwest region, is a neighborhood marked by frequent incidents of burglary, theft, and property damage. With a violent crime rate of 67.6 per 1,000 residents, the community faces persistent safety concerns, particularly for homeowners without updated or layered security systems. Many of the homes in Weatherby were built decades ago and may lack modern protections, making them attractive targets for opportunistic criminals.

The area’s mix of residential properties and aging infrastructure provides cover for intruders. Poor lighting, unsecured alleys, and outdated locking mechanisms contribute to the challenges residents face. For families living in Weatherby, it’s vital to take a proactive stance on security to protect both people and property.

Security Recommendations:

• Install perimeter fencing with lockable gates to define property boundaries and restrict access. Tall fences and secure gates deter casual trespassers and make it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed.
• Use motion-sensor lights around the exterior of your home, especially in dark or concealed areas like side yards, back doors, or garages. These lights can startle would-be burglars and alert you or your neighbors to activity.
• Regularly check and maintain all locks and security devices. A faulty deadbolt or outdated lockset can be a weak link in your home’s defense. Replace any worn-out hardware and consider upgrading to smart locks for added convenience and control.
• Secure detached garages, sheds, and side entrances, which are common entry points for thieves in this area. Use padlocks and reinforced doors to prevent easy access to tools, bicycles, and other valuables.
• Get to know your neighbors and discuss local security concerns. Informal communication and neighborhood awareness can make a big difference in deterring crime and responding quickly when suspicious activity occurs.

By combining strong physical barriers with consistent vigilance, Weatherby homeowners can take meaningful steps to safeguard their properties and create a more secure living environment.

9. Carbon Works

Carbon Works is a neighborhood in Detroit with a violent crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 residents, and a particularly troubling pattern of property crimes, break-ins, and home invasions. The area features a mix of older homes and industrial zones, which can create hidden pockets that attract criminal activity. Vacant properties and poor street lighting in some areas make it easier for intruders to operate without being seen.

Many residents of Carbon Works are long-time Detroiters with deep roots in the community. However, a combination of economic challenges and outdated security infrastructure leaves many homes vulnerable. Burglars often target detached garages, back entrances, and low-traffic alleys where they can break in unnoticed.

Security Recommendations:

• Implement a layered security approach using a combination of monitored alarms, surveillance cameras, and strong physical barriers like reinforced doors and fences. Relying on a single type of defense isn’t enough—each layer should work together to slow down or stop intruders before they gain access.
• Secure all outbuildings, such as garages, sheds, and storage units, with high-quality locks. Many homeowners store tools, bikes, or seasonal equipment in these spaces—items that are easy for criminals to steal and resell. Reinforced hasps, deadbolts, and even motion lights inside outbuildings can deter theft.
• Engage in community clean-up and beautification projects. Cleaner, well-maintained neighborhoods naturally discourage criminal activity. A visible sense of pride—through mowed lawns, painted fences, or removed graffiti—sends a message that residents are watching and care about their surroundings.
• Upgrade window locks and add security film to ground-level windows to prevent smash-and-grab tactics. Burglars often exploit weak points like basement or side windows—areas that are easy to miss during security checks.
• Coordinate with neighbors to report unusual activity and consider starting a formal neighborhood watch program. Many successful community safety efforts start with just a few people taking the lead and sharing information.

Improving home security in Carbon Works requires a combined approach—individual homeowners taking charge of their property and the broader community working together to reclaim their neighborhood’s safety and peace of mind.

10. Van Steuban

Van Steuban is a neighborhood in Detroit with a violent crime rate of 56.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it among the city’s more vulnerable communities when it comes to both property crimes and violent incidents. Located on the northeast side, Van Steuban features a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit dwellings. Though many families have lived in the area for decades, ongoing challenges like unemployment and underinvestment have contributed to a rise in break-ins, thefts, and assaults.

One of the most common issues in Van Steuban is the lack of modern security systems in older homes. Many properties still rely on outdated locks or unsecured windows, making them easy targets for burglars looking for a quick score. In addition, the absence of coordinated community efforts can make it harder to respond to or even identify suspicious behavior before a crime occurs.

Security Recommendations:

• Upgrade to smart locks that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet. These devices not only offer convenience but also increase safety by sending notifications when doors are accessed. Many models also allow temporary access codes for guests or deliveries, which helps reduce the need to hide spare keys.
• Install a comprehensive home security system that includes motion detectors, glass break sensors, cameras, and mobile alerts. Real-time notifications can help homeowners take immediate action if something unusual happens, and footage from cameras is useful for both prevention and evidence collection.
• Participate in local safety workshops and community initiatives. Programs hosted by local law enforcement or neighborhood associations often provide valuable insights on crime trends, self-protection strategies, and the latest in security technology. These sessions can also connect neighbors and strengthen the network of people looking out for each other.
• Improve outdoor visibility by adding motion-activated lights around entry points and dimly lit alleys or backyards. Criminals prefer to operate in darkness, and a well-lit property can be a strong deterrent.
• Check and upgrade window locks, especially on basement or first-floor windows. Reinforced window bars or shatter-resistant film can provide added protection without compromising natural light or aesthetics.

Van Steuban is a neighborhood with strong roots and potential for renewal. By taking proactive steps toward better home security and engaging with others in the community, residents can protect their homes and create a safer environment for everyone.

How Locksmith of Detroit Can Help

At Locksmith of Detroit, we specialize in providing top-notch security solutions tailored to the unique needs of Detroit residents. Our services include:

• Residential Lock Installation and Repair
• High-Security Lock Systems
• Smart Lock Installation
• Emergency Lockout Services
• Security Consultations

Our team of licensed and insured professionals is committed to enhancing the safety of your home with reliable and affordable locksmith services.

While Detroit continues to make progress in reducing crime, certain neighborhoods still require heightened vigilance and proactive security measures. Investing in home security upgrades is a critical step in protecting your property and loved ones.

For expert advice and professional locksmith services, trust Locksmith of Detroit to help you secure your home effectively.