Crime Prevention at Home
Doors
If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Two thirds of burglars gain entry through a door.
Remember, quality locks and bolts are only as strong as the door and the frame to which they are fitted. Wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm (1 ") thick. Check that the frame is well fixed, and if weak or rotten replace it.
Glass panels on or around doors are especially vulnerable, so its worth replacing them with laminated glass.
If you replace a door it is better to buy a new "door set" certified to British Standard PAS 24-1 'Doors of Enhanced Security'. Bought as a complete kit, this shows that the door, frame, locks and fittings have been attack tested.
- BS:PAS24 door sets are available in different materials, so specify this standard if you are having replacement doors.
- Remember to fit all security devices with strong screws or bolts.
- If fitting locks to a standard door fit a 5-lever mortise lock tested to BS: 3621 plus a BS: 3621 night latch. See lock section below.
- Before fitting locks to PVC-U or metal doors, check with the installer to make sure that this will not affect your warranty.
Click here to see a list of SBD approved products
Patio doors
Patio doors are especially vulnerable to break-in by levering off
the tracks. When buying ask for the sliding section to be on the
inside and for anti-lift blocks. Multi-locking systems are recommended
or have mortise security bolts with removable keys at the top and
bottom of both doors. Existing patio doors can be fitted with additional
security bolts to stop lifting or forced entry.
Door viewer
If you dont have a window in the door or some other way of checking
who is calling, fit a door viewer. Look through this to identify
callers before you open the door.
Door chains
These allow the door to be opened a short distance to allow checking
of identification. They can stop callers pushing their way in, but
must be securely fixed to avoid screws being pulled out. They do
not contribute to security of a locked door against burglary.
Hinges
Check that the door hinges are sturdy and secured with strong, long
screws. For added security, fit hinge bolts or security hinges.
These are inexpensive, help to reinforce the hinge side of a door
against force and protect the hinge if your door opens outwards.
Letterboxes
Never hang a spare key inside the letterbox. This is an obvious
place that a thief will check. Letterboxes should be at least 400mm
(16 inches) from any locks. Consider fitting a letterbox cage or
other restrictor, which prevents thieves from putting their hands
or gadgets through the letterbox and trying the latches from the
inside.
