Front door security

When upgrading your door security, start with the obvious. 70% of burglaries are committed through the front door and almost a third force the door lock to gain access*. The more high-quality security you have, the less likely that an intruder will attempt to gain entry. It is easy to start and can be as simple as fitting solid secure door hardware and furniture. Firstly, as a minimum check that your door lock has a BS Kitemark. You can easily determine this by looking for the heart-shaped symbol on the lock itself. This accreditation gives you the reassurance that your lock is protected against drilling, picking, cutting and forcing. One of the must-haves for the front and the back door is a 5 Lever Mortice Lock. Many insurance companies suggest that it should be fitted to all external timber doors.  

* Source: Crime Reduction Toolkit: Point and Method of Entry

You may want to consider adding a door viewer or door chain. These solutions are highly recommended as they allow you to quickly identify who is at your doorstep without opening the door. If you’re interested in more easy tips for how to increase door security, read our expert advice here.