Tuesday, 11 August 2020
Every 40 seconds, a home burglary occurs in the UK. But did you know that the front door to your house is one of the most common entry points for intruders?
It’s true. You would think that they’d be savvier than that and try sneaking through windows or going around the back. But the front door is the quickest and easiest way to get in and out of a property, and criminals are opportunists who will take the liberty of granting themselves access to your home – before helping themselves to your possessions.
In today’s article, we thought we’d share 5 of the easiest ways to ramp up security at your home, including the addition of new door locks, burglary deterrents and a barking dog. So, stick around to find out how you can protect your home against potential intruders.
Use smart security
Wired and wireless video doorbells are one of the best smart devices you can buy to prevent your front door being targeted by criminals. Statistics show that 83% of burglars check to see whether a property has a smart home alarm system in place before they break in, 60% would avoid such properties and focus their efforts on easier targets.
With this in mind, something like a Ring Doorbell can act as an effective theft deterrent. As a burglar approaches the front door or your porch, the doorbell has a motion sensor and will instantly notify you so you can protect your property from your smartphone app. The Ring Video Doorbell Elite is another great choice and offers unrivalled security and convenience – allowing you to monitor your home, answer the door and greet guests. It comes with instant alerts, HD video and 2-way talk, meaning you can see, hear and speak to visitors from anywhere.
Buy a new front door
A burglar will survey the area and select a property with the weakest security systems. Therefore, if you have the most secure front door on the street, there’s less chance of it being targeted by thieves.
The best – and most secure – front doors are typically constructed from steel, hardwood or fibreglass. Steel is the most affordable and easiest to maintain but less resistant to scratches and dents, whilst hardwood is great at resisting wear and tear and can be easily repaired. The only downside to this type of door is that it often carries a heavier price tag and needs painting regularly. Lastly – renowned for excellent wear and tear, dent resistance and low maintenance – fibreglass is a great option for front doors but please note that it can be smashed when under severe impact.
If you have a glass front door, there are a number of things you can do to make it stronger. For instance, consider replacing the glass with shatter-resistant glass, adding a deadbolt and security bars.
Fit new door locks
Yes, your front door needs to be sturdy and resilient but it also needs to be secure and locked at all times. If you’re to enhance door security, we suggest installing one of the following types of door locks (all available to purchase online at LockShop Direct!):
- Deadbolts – single or double, these are one of the most secure door locks you can buy. They must be activated by a key or thumb turn and cannot be opened using a knife blade or credit card.
- Mortise locks – though these cost more than deadbolts, they can add an extra layer of security to your front door. Rebated inside the door for a flush finish, mortice door locks are difficult to force open.
- Keyless locks – if you’re mustard for losing keys then these are perfect for you! Keyless door locks are a smart, more convenient way to secure your doors and protect your property against burglars. You can also give codes to people you trust so they can gain access when you’re not home. But remember to change the password regularly and consider adding a security latch or chain for extra peace of mind.
One of our all-time favourite smart locks includes the IglooHome Smart Deadbolt 2S. It’s the epitome of style and substance and uses PIN codes and Bluetooth keys. A great feature of door locks, like these, is that they allow you to track when visitors enter your home – meaning you can spot any unusual activity.
Install burglary deterrents
When you think of a burglar, you probably imagine someone sneaking around under the cover of darkness, right? Although this is true, and you should certainly consider installing security lighting, criminals can act during the day too – when you’re out at work or on holiday, for instance.
The good news is, to complement our extensive range of door locks, we also provide burglary deterrents, including house alarms, floodlights, wall spikes and dummy CCTV. Using such deterrents can frighten burglars off and help you to monitor your home – protecting thieves from getting away with your belongings.
Take the next step to securing your home
At LockShop Direct, we want you to feel safe and protected in your home. That’s why we supply an extensive range of security products online and always keep your home’s security in mind.
For more information about the door locks we provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always on hand to chat about our products and can advise on the best ones for you, taking into account your security, style and budget requirements. Feel free to call 0845 830 0832 or drop us a quick email at info@lockshopdirect.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you.
Author: Richard Nash
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