| estimated that two thirds of burglars gain entrance | | | | door frame to reinforce them against a forced entry. |
| to properties through doors so therefore it is vital | | | | If you are replacing a door, take the opportunity to |
| that your external doors are strong and secure. | | | | improve your security by installing a door that is |
| The most important tip when it comes to doors is to | | | | certified to British Standard PAS 24-1 "Doors of |
| always make sure that doors are kept locked when | | | | Enhanced Security" and consider a fibreglass door |
| not in use or when you are out. Use all the locks that | | | | rather than a timber door. |
| are present on your door as often one lock is not | | | | Glass panels on and around doors are particularly |
| enough to secure your property. By making use of all | | | | vulnerable and burglars can smash these to gain entry |
| available locks then you are taking an important step | | | | or to open a lock. Having a five-lever mortice |
| in stopping a burglar from gaining access to your | | | | deadlock will stop this as you need a key to open it |
| property. | | | | from both sides once it is locked. If you do have |
| When checking the doors, the first thing to check is | | | | glass panels consider replacing them with laminated |
| that they are strong and secure. If you have a | | | | glass which is much stronger than normal glass. |
| wooden door and frame then make sure that both | | | | Where this is not possible, you can buy a special film |
| are free from rot and deterioration. Doors should | | | | which you can attach to the glass and it does the |
| ideally be made of good solid construction with a | | | | same job. |
| recommended thickness of 44mm - just short of | | | | For added security you can also get extra bolts, a |
| two inches. | | | | chain and view finder which can be used when you |
| Ideally, outside doors are safest when fitted with a | | | | are inside the house. These can be used at night to |
| five-lever mortice deadlock (Kitemarked BS3621). If | | | | help reinforce the strength of the door. The chain |
| your door does not already have one of these then | | | | and viewfinder should be used to check who is at |
| they are readily available from DIY shops. When | | | | the door, especially when the call is unexpected. |
| purchasing one, make sure to look for the British | | | | Keep the chain attached until you are sure that the |
| Standard Kite Mark, and avoid cheaper imitations as | | | | person who is calling is genuine. |
| these will be unreliable. | | | | Finally, for all the added security features and locks |
| Should your door not be thick enough for a five-lever | | | | you can have attached to your doors, they are |
| mortice deadlock then you should look for a high | | | | useless unless you use them. Although it may be time |
| security rim deadlock alo carrying the British Standard | | | | consuming and mundane to make sure that all the |
| BS3621. | | | | locks are used, even if only popping out for five |
| Make sure all the hinges and joints are fixed correctly | | | | minutes, the extra security these locks give you |
| with good long screws. You can also fit hinge bolts, | | | | could be the difference between your house being |
| and steel strips and plates to the hinges, lock and | | | | burgled and not being burgled. |