How Secure Is Your Home? Statistics show that 2/3rds of burgalars gain entry or remove goods via the doors. So it is important to ensure that the highest quality door locks that you can afford, protect your home.
Burglars look for the easiest target and they can be discouraged, when they find they are up against quality door locks. If a door does not have a good quality lock, a thief can lever it open in seconds. If you live in a high-risk area, it is necessary to increase the number of locks and fittings to doors and windows.
Check out the following: –
Front Door. Do you have a 5 lever BS3621 mortice deadlock fitted? Do you also have a cylinder rim lock, where the handle can be locked? A London bar, lock guard/reinforcer, hinge security bolts, door chain and door viewer for added security should also be considered.
Side and Back Doors. Do you have 5 lever BS3621 mortice deadlock fitted? Have you got key operated bolts on the top and bottom of the doors? A lock guard/reinforcer, hinge security bolts (these protect the hinges from being attacked), and an extra lock for added security should also be considered.
Patio Door and French WindowsLocks. Do you have 5 lever BS3621 mortice deadlock fitted? Have you got key operated bolts on the top and bottom of the doors? A lock guard/reinforcer, hinge security bolts (these protect the hinges from being attacked), and an extra lock for added security should also be considered.
Have you fitted suitable bolts and locks? What about a secondary lock on any sliding glass doors to prevent lift out?
Types of Door Locks in the UK
Five Lever Mortice Deadlocks conforming to British Standard number BS3621: 1998 for Thief Resistant Locks. This is a high security door lock that has been rigorously tested for burglar resistance. This type of door lock has a single ‘dead’ bolt that is locked and unlocked with a key. It is embedded in the door for extra strength, providing exceptional security and is specified by many insurance companies. It offers excellent protection against all common forms of attack including lock picking, force, drilling, manipulation and hacksaw.
The 2 and 3 Lever Door Locks UK are not recommended for use on exterior doors.
A Sashlock. A sashlockis like a deadlock, but also has a built in latch which can be opened by handles. These locks are normally used on external back doors & internal doors, so that the door can be latched closed, but it can also be locked for security.
A Nightlatch or Rim Lock This is the lock which automatically locks on closing the door and is unlocked by a key from the outside and the handle inside. Some types can be deadlocked with the key when leaving the house, which prevents the inside handle from being released. A High Security version conforming to BS 3621 is available. This is a double security lock with an inside handle, which can be locked from the inside with a key, and automatically deadlocks on closing, preventing the opportunist burglar slipping open your door.
A Hookbolt Lock Commonly found on sliding or aluminium doors, is used to secure sliding doors. It has a clasping action that holds the door to the frame. Some versions include a latch or nightlatch action.
Patio Anti-Lift Device There is a risk of sliding patio doors being forcibly lifted from their tracks, even when closed and locked. This device provides an adjustable wedge, which ensures that the door can only be removed when it is in the open position, for maintenance and cleaning of the gear.
Hinge security/protector bolts Hinge Bolts can be fitted into the back edge of a door, which engage automatically every time the door is closed. They secure the door in the frame, if there is an attempt to force it on that edge.
Door Chains Your door, is your final line of defence! The majority of door callers are honest, however sometimes it is wise to check their identification, before allowing access to your home.
Door Viewer or Spy Hole Fitting a Wide Angle Door Viewer allows you to see who is outside, while still keeping your door securely locked, protecting you from a possible intruder. If you can’t see who is at the door, DO NOT open it.
Remember your local approved member of the Master Locksmiths Association will be more than happy to advise you and like us may also offer a free no obligation survey checking that you family home is secure and that you are insured.