Protect your Home Secure doors, windows and consider surrounding area.

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There are a number of things that can be done in and around your home to improve security.

Securing Doors & Windows

Doors can be fitted with secondary security called Sash Jammers, which prevent the door being opened even when unlocked.
Patio doors can be fitted with additional security bolts to stop lifting or forced entry
Glass panels on or around doors and in ground floor or accessible windows are vulnerable; it's worth replacing them with laminated glass as it holds together when shattered
Fit a Door Viewer if you do not already have one
Door chains offer some security while dealing with a caller at the doorstep
Letterplates should be positioned at least 16" away from locks
Letterplate restrictors can be fitted to prevent 'fishing' attacks

Sash Jammers prevent windows and doors from being forced open and can be fitted as secondary windows and door locks to add a further level of protection.

Lock Considerations

Mortise locks fit into a slot cut into the edge of the door and usually can only be opened with a key. These should be upgraded to 5-lever locks tested to BS: 3621.
Rim locks are screwed to the face of the door and latch automatically when you close the door, unless held open with the snib. These should be tested to BS: 3621.
Multi-point locks involve several hooks or bolts holding the door into the frame. The euro cylinder used on these doors should be tested to BS EN 1303 Grade 3.

We strongly advice replacing weak euro cylinder locks with the Yale Platinum Anti-Snap Euro Cylinder, to resist Lock Snapping, Lock-Bumping and other forms of attack.

Fitting New Doors and Windows

Consider the following if you are planning to fit new doors or windows:

When replacing a door it is better to buy a new "door set", the complete assembled frame and door, certified to British Standard PAS 24-1 'Doors of Enhanced Security'
Make sure doors are solid enough and can't be easily kicked-in
When installing patio doors ask for the sliding section to be on the inside and for Anti-Lift blocks
Install windows which are certified to British Standard BS7950 "Windows of Enhanced Security"

Gardens and Fences

Prevent easy access to the back and sides of your home by installing locked gates
Build tall strong garden fencing or walls. Trellis topping also makes climbing difficult
Prickly bushes can be fitted along boundaries
Consider gravel on the ground as it is noisy to walk on
Prune bushes and trees so that thieves can not hide and work
Security lighting can be used to make offenders feel vulnerable and observed
Illuminate high risk areas and make sure it's easy for you to see people approaching
Make sure that passers-by can see the front of your home so that a burglar can't work without being seen
Remove and secure items that may be used to break in or climb up such as ladders and garden tools
Never leave a spare key under the mat or any other hiding place - burglars know where to look

Garages and Sheds

Ensure doors are solid enough not to be kicked in
Never leave garage or shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house
Fit padlocks and hardware to shed and garage doors
Lock ladders inside the garage or shed to stop a thief using them. If there is no room inside the garage or shed then chain them horizontally to an outside wall

Helping to keep your home safe need not cost money. Adopting some Good Habits can go a long way.

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The information in this page is based on advice provided by Secured by Design, the official UK Police initiative supporting effective crime prevention and security standards.