Statistics on break-ins reveal the importance of home security, with the front door as the primary entry point for potential intruders.

According to the UK burglary statistics from April 2022 to March 2023 by the Office for National Statistics, out of 288,319 reported burglaries, 76 percent of intruders accessed homes through doors.

Locking doors and windows is the primary and simplest method to secure homes against burglaries. Surprisingly, 15 percent of burglars gained entry through unlocked entry points, as they tend to target easy opportunities. 

However, merely locking doors often falls short, as the data revealed that 63 percent of burglars entered through the front of houses. This is why strengthening door security with effective lock systems is crucial for burglar-proofing your home. 

 

Stronger door, safer home

The material of your front door plays a crucial role in its security. If your existing door is made of flimsy material, consider replacing it with a solid-core wood, fibreglass, or steel door. These materials offer superior strength and resistance to forced entry.

Composite doors also offer a blend of security and style, safeguarding your home without compromising aesthetic appeal.

Remember, the strength of your front door is only as effective as the frame it’s attached to. A sturdy door frame made from the same material as the door, such as solid wood, fibreglass or steel, is crucial for preventing burglars from simply prying the door off its hinges. Consider installing door bars, such as a London Bar or Birmingham Bar, as they can reinforce the door frame.

According to the Met Police, locksmiths affiliated with the Master Locksmiths Association can assess your door security, verifying if it’s solid timber or a durable composite material. They reinforce the frame and inspect the lock and hinges to see if they are British Standard-approved.

If your front door has a letterbox, consider installing a guard on the back to prevent burglars from reaching in with a stick or hook to retrieve valuables like handbags or keys. Similarly, if you have a cat or dog flap, ensure it is secure and cannot be easily tampered with.

Hiding a spare house key under a doormat or flowerpot might seem convenient, but it’s an open invitation for burglars. Instead, leave your spare key with a family member or trusted neighbour. 

 

Upgrading your locks

Upgrading your door locks can significantly deter burglars. Consider combining standard doorknob or hand lever locks with deadbolts or chain locks to add an extra layer of security. 

Amidst the prevalent threat of lock snapping nationwide, a cost-effective and efficient solution is to upgrade to a door lock with a high-security cylinder. A three-star cylinder is recommended for its specialised design, offering defence against anti-bump, anti-pull, anti-pick, and anti-drill burglary methods.

Thinking of going keyless? Try smart locks, the latest in door-locking technology. You can operate them via an app connected to WiFi or mobile connections. These locks offer unlocking via smartphone, custom entry codes, or even fingerprint recognition.

These devices can also be programmed to lock after a specified time automatically or when your smartphone leaves the vicinity of your home. They also offer advanced security features, including alerts for attempted break-ins and the ability to notify law enforcement in an emergency.

 

Even more protection

While the strength of the door, door frame and locks is crucial, enhancing home security involves additional measures. Consider incorporating door security screens, theft-proof hinges, motion-activated alarms and lights, and surveillance cameras to deter potential intruders.

Consider consulting a reputable security company like Marengo to identify your home’s most suitable security solutions. Their expertise can help you select the right door, address security vulnerabilities and develop a comprehensive security plan tailored to your home’s unique layout and requirements.