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Home security

Door and window security

Doors offer the easiest access to your home. Make sure that your doors and their frames are in good condition. External wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm thick. Ensure that your doors fit well and that the frames are securely fixed to the masonry. They should be fitted with five lever deadbolts to British Standards 3621 plus a night latch. In solid doors, or those with frosted glazing, consider installing a door viewer and door chain.

Patio doors demand particular attention and may require specialist advice. Fit anti-lift locks at the top and bottom unless they already have a multi-point locking system.

When replacing doors they should meet PAS 24-1: 1999 standard, the British Standard for enhanced door security (request a copy of the certificate). Such doors do not need additional security devices adding to them.

In certain circumstance these standards do not yet exist such as patio door and French windows, seek further advice from your local crime prevention / reduction officer on 0845 6060606.

Fit key operated locks to as many windows as possible especially if they are downstairs, hidden from view or easily accessible upstairs eg. above flat roofed porches. Consider having security film installed in such windows. Don’t forget to remove keys from window locks and store them in a safe place.

When replacing readily accessible windows ensure that they are made and fitted to BS 7950: 1997, the British Standards for enhanced window security (request a copy of the certificate). They should have laminated glass in the
outer pane of the double glazed units. Such windows do not need additional security devices adding to them.

For further information see British Standards| .

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