To reduce your chances of this becoming a victim if burglary, it is important to know the most vulnerable entry points in your home, and the most effective ways to protect them against intruders.
Front Door
It may be hard to believe, but many burglars are brazen enough to try their luck by just walking through the front door, and even more shocking, according to Daily Home Safety² – 34% succeed.
While common front door entrance methods including kicking the door out of the frame, removing the hinges, or finding the hidden key, according to ONS figures released in 2020, 24% of us leave our doors unlocked when we’re at home.
How to protect your front door
The best way to protect your front door from burglary is to upgrade your door lock, and there are a number of options for you to choose from that will suit your specific needs.
Multipoint Door Locks
A Multipoint Door Lock is an excellent way to ramp up the security of your front door, as the various components that must be manipulated make it much more difficult for an intruder to gain access to your home.
This type of lock is comprised of 3 deadbolts, which is a highly secure lock in its own right, therefore triple the deadbolts, triple the protection.
You can shop our extensive range of Multipoint Door Locks here, and if you’re looking to replace an existing lock, you can follow our simple guide here.
Double Cylinder Locks
Another highly secure option, Double Cylinder Locks differ from standard locks as they are keyed from both the inside and the outside.
This type of lock offers protection from a number of scenarios, for example, if a burglar were to break a section of the door to attempt entry, they still would not be able to unlock the door without a key.
If you’re in the market for a Double Cylinder Locks, browse our options in our wide range of Cylinder Locks.
Quick tips for front door security
· Upgrade your CCTV system around your front door
· Lock your door even when you’re in the house
· Install Door Reinforcement
Windows
Many of us keep our windows open to let a natural breeze flow through our homes, but we may not always think that we are leaving our homes vulnerable to burglary.
There are multiple ways to gain entry to a property using a window, whether that be via breaking glass or tampering with locks, therefore increasing security in these areas is vital.
How to protect your windows
Luckily, whether your windows are open or closed, there are security methods that can offer peace of mind in both cases.
Window Restrictors
For when you want to feel secure even when your windows are open, the answer is a high quality Window Restrictor.
These restrictors come in many forms and can be installed to all types of windows, with many of them boasting impressive strength, cut resistance and excellent force resistance.
In particular, the Jackloc Pro-5 Cable Window Restrictor is versatile, durable and tested to the highest standard to ensure that burglars are kept at bay.
Window Bars
A much more robust option, Window Bars, sometimes aptly named Burglar Bars, are installed to the outside of a window to create a barrier between the window and the intruder.
If you are concerned about the aesthetics of your home being affected by installing these bars, you can find them in a variety of designs and colours that are suited to your specific taste and style.
Usually, planning permission is not needed to install these bars, but it is always best to check before beginning the installation.
Quick tips for window security
· Keep greenery around windows short, so hiding places are limited
· Lock windows when they are closed even when you are at home
· Ensure that any objects that could be used to access windows are not positioned near windows (bins, stepladders etc.)
Gates
It is just as important to secure the perimeter of your property as it is to secure the building itself, and this includes gates.
How to protect your gate
The first step when it comes to gate security is finding an appropriate lock. If a standard Gate Catch or Latch is not what you’re after, you can find some more robust options for optimal peace of mind.
Gate Bolts
Gate Bolts are one of the most effective products on the market for securing a gate, as other products typically just keep gates in a closed position.
You can find simple bolts that simple have the barrel slot in to the keep, and even some that have extra components to allow a padlock to be fitted. However, your choices don’t end there, you can even find heavy duty options made from incredibly durable materials from brands such as Gatemaster.
These types of locks are the equivalent of a deadbolt on a door, and are therefore one of the most secure options you could go for.
Quick tips for gate security
· Just like with windows, ensure that objects that can be used to climb over the gate are not easily accessible
· Keep the gate locked at all times
· In the case of metal gates being installed with two part hinges, reverse one part of the hinge so it cannot be lifted off
Being a victim of burglary is incredibly unfortunate, but there are some simple solutions that you can put in place to ensure that your home is as protected as possible. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing security measures, or starting a new project, we’ve got you covered, from simple locks and security products to gate and window hardware for any property.
References:
Burglary offences in England and Wales 2023 | Statista
Home Burglary Statistics You Must Know in 2023 (With Illustration) - DailyHomeSafety
