There are lots of options when it comes to securing your home. From a quality burglar alarm to a CCTV system, you can invest in many high-tech and often expensive systems to help prevent someone from getting into your home. But if there’s one thing you should always pay most attention to, it’s your door and window locks.
The importance of good locks
One thing we’ve noticed since the pandemic is that spending more time at home also means we’ve become more oblivious to the noises that happen around us. Hands up if you have heard a burglar alarm sounding from a neighbour’s house and didn’t check it out?
And this is one of the reasons why good locks are so important. Locks are a preventative measure that can stop someone from entering your home. A burglar alarm or a barking dog will only react once someone is in your home. And there’s a good chance that no-one will take any notice if they hear either because we have become immune to everyday noises.
Key measures alongside locks
There’s no doubt that burglar alarms and CCTV systems are key measures to have alongside your window and door locks. We regularly fit them for customers for both domestic and commercial properties.
It’s important though to make sure these measures are considered an enhancement for your security rather than a replacement for good locks.
Yes, by being present, cameras and an alarm system can put off some casual thieves and vandals because they realise there’s potentially more chance of being caught. But little can stop them in the same way that high quality locks can.
This is why we always start a home security audit with the locks on the windows and doors. We want to know you have this most important piece of your home’s security in place and in good condition before any other measures are considered.
What makes for good locks?
Locks that go on doors are different from those on windows but all locks should be to the appropriate British Standard and have a BS number displayed on them. This means they have been extensively tested to make sure they are as strong and difficult to break as possible.
5 Lever Mortice Deadlocks are one of the most popular types of locks for front and back doors and can be operated from inside or outside the house. There are 3 lever versions but these have fewer locking points and are classed as less secure.
Another option is a multi-point locking system. These are common in UPVC and composite doors and can also work for French and patio door styles as they work with timber and aluminium as well. With more locking points, they are harder to break but operate from a single lock mechanism.
Protecting your home with locks
There’s no substitute for quality door and window locks, so why not check yours are up to standard today?
If you’d like advice about the security of your home, contact us for a no-obligation, complimentary security audit.