General House Security
Windows
About 60% of burglaries happen via a window.
To make your windows less vulnerable:
- Fit window locks
- Install security grates to basement windows
- Ensure windows are locked when the room or house is empty
- Install double glazing – this is harder and more noisy to break
Remember that window locks can hinder escape in an emergency.
Doors
Doors are the favoured route for about 40% of break-ins.
- Fit a BS3621 mortice lock in addition to a standard rim lock
- Install a spy hole
- Fit back doors with BS3621 mortice sash locks
- Hinge bolts to secure the door to the frame
- Too many locks can weaken the frame – avoid too many and concentrate on quality
- Install security glass or double-glazing which is almost impossible to smash to glazed doors
- French windows and patio doors are best secured with a mortice rack bolt or key-operated surface-mounted bolt fitted at the top and bottom of each section.
Conservatories
- Use toughened security glass that is kitemarked and to British Standard BS6206 Class A
- Conservatories with plastic roofs are not advised
- Extend your burglar alarm system to include the conservatory
- Install an additional sensor in the garden
- All conservatory windows should have key-operated locks
- Doors from the conservatory into the garden should have key-operated locks
Garages
If the garage is attached to the house, for example via an internal door, it is worth having your burglar alarm system extended to cover the garage.
- Don’t forget the garage when you are fitting window locks
- Install bolt locks to garage doors
- Fit key locks to windows
- Fit BS3621 mortice sash locks to traditional garage doors
- Detached garages should be fully locked as above as they often include all the tools a burglar requires to force entry into a home
- Consider a motor-driven garage door
Burglar Alarms
There are many different types of alarms on the market. Some you can fit yourself, others you need to have installed by a professional.
Whoever you choose to fit your alarm should conform to the British Standard for intruder alarms. There are three main security organisations in the UK – the National Approval Council for Security Systems, the British Industry Association and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board. Their members can also carry out installations.
Garden Sheds
- Avoid keeping tools that can enable entry into the main house
- Fit metal hinge plates and locking plates to strengthen weak doors
Gardens
- Install passive infrared-triggered lighting
- Provide locks to gates with padlocks
- Construct trellising on vulnerable walls and fencing to increase the overall height
