According to data published by the Office for National Statistics, there was an average of 525 burglaries each day in 2022/23 which averages out to one approximately every 165 seconds and this is likely to have increased with the cost of living crisis in recent months. The data also reveals that 76% of burglars gained entry through the door and that of these crimes, 33% forced the lock, 15% weren’t locked and 6% managed to get in with a key! These facts lead us to ask the question, how can I improve the security of my front door? This blog post will look at some of the best ways to do just that.
1. Consider the Locks
If you’ve just moved in, you might want to consider changing your locks to prevent old tenants or owners from trying to gain access. However, if your locks are getting old and tired, it’s time to consider changing them. A high-quality, grade-one deadbolt lock offers the best security and adding additional multipoint locks raises the security level offered. Be aware if you don’t use the deadlock bolts installed on your door, you might find your insurance policy is invalidated in the instance of a break-in. Use longer screws for strike plates and hinges to make them harder to force open and you can even consider using a smart lock that offers keyless entry and can be controlled from a smartphone app as these provide high levels of security.
2. Replace the Glazing
An old front door which is singly glazed is easily broken through and can even be completely separated from the frame allowing a burglar much quicker and easier access. Double or triple glazing is much harder to break and is less likely to weaken over time as well as having the benefit of being locked at multiple points to the frame, keeping it fixed to the frame. The double or triple glazing will also offer additional benefits in a better insulated front hallway providing greater energy efficiency.
3. Consider the Door Furniture
There are additional items of door furniture you can add to increase the security of your front door.
- Door chain – A chain allows inhabitants to decide whether they wish to open the front door to someone asking to gain access.
- Spyhole – A wide-angled spyhole also allows the occupant the opportunity to see who is outside the door and the option to allow or deny access.
- Letterbox plate – A letterbox plate and letter basket can prevent a burglar from reaching inside to hook keys to the house or car – which are frequently left near the door – allowing easy access to the property or for the burglar to make off with the car.
- Handle – Select a high-quality handle to ensure it can’t be snapped, broken or forced, but works without jamming or sticking and suits the aesthetics of your home.
4. Door Reinforcement
There are several options to consider for adding extra reinforcement to your front door and its frame. Firstly, ensuring your front door isn’t hollow, but rather solid wood, fibreglass or metal will make it much harder to break through. Frame reinforcements for the door jamb can prevent it from being kicked in and there are other door armour kits to reinforce the locks, hinges and frame. Some of these include:
- Hinge bolts – These are devices installed to prevent the door from being forced open even if the hinges are tampered with or removed and as they are positioned inside the hinges, they’re invisible when the door is closed.
- Lock guards – These metal plates are designed to prevent anyone from tampering with the locking mechanism. They cover the area around the lock and make it more difficult for intruders to force open the lock.
- London bar – This is a steel strip of metal that fits over the lock side of the door frame reinforcing the area around the lock, running the length of the door frame and attached to the wall. It makes it more resistant to forced entry.
- Birmingham bar – Similar to the London bar but is designed to protect the hinge side of the door frame it prevents attack on the hinge side and is easy to attach to the wall.
5. Security Grilles or Screens
Some homes need an extra level of security if they are high risk such as in an area of a city with higher crime levels. An additional barrier, such as a front door gate, security grille or screen provides a second barrier to get through that is enough to deter almost every would-be burglar.
6. Consider Visibility
Most burglaries are committed when the occupants are out or at night and the darkness encourages burglars as they are less likely to be spotted. Installing sensor lights which switch on when someone passes by will discourage intruders as they are more likely to be seen attempting entry. Doorbell cameras are increasingly popular as they can usually be controlled from a smartphone, and if they can record in HD are often able to be used as evidence in a court case. Some doorbell cameras also allow the owner to speak to the person at the door, giving the impression someone is inside, but also alerting them to the fact they are being observed and possibly recorded.
7. Replace Your Front Door
No matter how many additional reinforcements you add to your front door, if it is old, tired and possibly damaged, the only sure way to make your home more secure is by installing a new, more secure front door. A top-of-the-range composite door is the best choice for additional security. A reputable, trusted door supplier, such as Haus Installations, will ensure you have the most secure front door to protect your home, possessions and loved ones.
Haus Installations has been helping homeowners in the heart of the UK to gain ultimate security for their homes with high-end, quality products and professional installation. If you’re concerned about the security of your front door, why not get in touch with our friendly, expert team for a no-obligation, pressure-free quote to see how our team can help your home become a secure and happy haus? Call us on 01905 701201 or email us at sales@hausinstallations.co.uk.
