Shut the door on thieves and burglars

Simple measures to protect your property

Home security is mostly about prevention. If it's a cure you need, you've probably already been burgled and will know to your cost what it is like to have your privacy invaded, your valuables snatched, and your life made a misery.
At Crown Securities (UK) we always advise installing a burglar alarm system – we would, wouldn't we – but time and again we come across clients who only consider installing security alarms after they have suffered a break-in.
It's nonsense to think you don't need an alarm response system until you've been robbed. It's like waiting for the rain before fixing the roof. Far better to head trouble off at the pass.
However, before installing a security system in your home, you can take measures to protect your property. All it takes are a few sensible precautions.
The door is the most popular entry point, so it makes sense to start there. Here are a few tips that may help put off prowlers and prevent a break-in.

Give the front door a coat of paint

It sounds stupid, but actually, a shabby front door tells an unwanted visitor that you probably don't care too much about your property. It's a clear signal that other doors and windows may be insecure. Neighbours may overlook the front door, but an unkempt front door is an open invitation to take a quick look round the back.

Mow the lawn and check the garden

Like a scruffy front door, an unkempt yard or untidy garden can be a tell-tale sign that the owners are away for a while, and the place may be ripe for a 'recce' if nothing else. While out with a lawnmower, think about the house planting scheme. You can plant your garden using anti-burglar plants and shrubs.

Upgrade the door locks

The most obvious security upgrade is the one often left to last because it sounds too complicated. Changing the lock on a front door is a job you can do yourself. Any moderately competent DIY handyman can carry it out. If you're not sure your skills are up to the task, get a carpenter or locksmith to carry out the work. For real security, you need two locks on your front door – a dead-latch cylinder lock and a five-lever mortice deadlock. Don't go for the cheapest; get the best door lock you can afford. Before making a purchase check your home insurance policy for minimum standards.

Fit a security door chain

Installing a door chain is a simple but effective security measure that will cost next to nothing. If you are away from home for a few days, chain the front door and leave by the back door. Another helpful addition is a peephole, although it pays to get a decent one that gives you an excellent wide-angle view of the exterior.

Strengthen the door frame

If the locks are too good, some burglars will have a go at the frame. Make sure the frame is securely screwed to the wall to prevent it from being levered away from the brickwork. It can also be strengthened by fitting bars to make the locking points even more robust. Hinge bolts will also prevent burglars from forcing a door off its hinges.

Install an automatic light

A motion or heat sensor security light on the front door is one of the best and cheapest ways to deter intruders. The price of these devices has dropped sharply in recent years, and they cost virtually nothing to run. A light fitted at the front and back of your house will ensure all doors are visible after dark.

Beef up glazed doors

Doors with glazed windows offer the thief a natural point to break in. Make them more secure by adding a decorative metal grille or sealing them with security film on the back of the glass panels. Always ensure the glass is laminated and fit it from the inside so the beading can't be prised off to gain entry.

Check the patio doors

Patio doors make an excellent addition to the home, but they are an accessible entry point for thieves. Patios should have a British Standards five-lever mortice sash lock to make them secure. And it's a good idea to use a mortice rack or surface-mounted press bolts. Sliding patio doors should have at least three locking points and an anti-lifting device. Bi-fold patio doors should come with built-in security measures, and it's wise to double-check if in doubt.

Read more about door security

Make your doors burglar proof
Door entry security systems without keys
Picking away at door lock security