Security Advice from The Lock Whisperer |
Doors and Window Security |
How important is door and window security?
Very important. In most cases, the offenders
who commit burglary are opportunists. They see an open door
or window and they take their chance. Believe it or not but
nearly half of all burglaries are committed through an open
door or window. A third of burglaries occur through a rear
window. An open window or door is therefore an open invitation
to enter your home. No other aspect of crime prevention is
more effective than improving your door and window security.
Keep them closed and locked especially when you are not in
that room.
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What can I do to improve the security
of my existing windows?
Fit key operated locks to as many of your
windows as possible especially if they are downstairs, hidden
from view or easily accessible upstairs e.g. above a flat
roofed porch. Consider having security film installed on such
windows. Don't forget to remove keys from window locks and
store them in a safe place.
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What can I do to improve the security
of my existing external doors?
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 Standard 3621 plus a night latch. In
solid doors or doors 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.
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I want to replace my windows. What
advice can you give?
When replacing ground floor and readily
accessible windows these should be made and fitted to BS 7950:
1997, the British Standard for enhanced window security. They
should also have laminated glass in the outer pane of the
double glazed units. Such windows do not need additional security
devices adding to them.
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I want to replace my external doors.
What advice can you give?
These should be replaced with door sets
meeting the PAS 24-1: 1999 standard, the British Standard
for enhanced door security.
Such doors do not need additional security devices adding
to them.
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Glazed Doors |
Make sure any glass panels are at least
6.4mm thick and are either laminated, or reinforced with security
film. Consider using internal grilles if there is a risk that
lock releases could be accessed via a broken pane of glass.
UPVC
If your house is fitted with UPVC doors
make sure that you always lock the door with a key. Simply
closing the door and pushing the handle up will not prevent
someone entering. Insure that you engage the multi-locking
mechanism and that the door is securely locked. patio and
French Doors Patio doors should have a minimum of three locking
points, with an anti-lift device to prevent them from being
lifted from their runners.
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So don’t delay, Pop
my number in your phone today! |
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