Using the right locks to reduce breakins

When it comes to choosing the best door and window locks in the UK, there are several highquality, secure options on the market. The right locks can significantly reduce the risk of breakins, but no lock is entirely foolproof. However, the strongest locks can act as a strong deterrent and greatly improve your home's overall security.

Here are some of the best door and window locks available in the UK, along with how they help prevent breakins:

5Lever Mortice Deadlock (BS 3621 Standard)

• Brand Examples: Yale, ERA, Union.
• Key Features: A 5lever mortice deadlock, meeting the BS 3621 standard, is the UK standard for secure locks, often required by insurance companies. These locks are embedded into the door itself and are very hard to pick or force open.
• Effectiveness: Highly resistant to picking and drilling, providing a strong defense against breakins.

Multipoint Locking System

• Brand Examples: Yale, Avocet, Fullex.
• Key Features: Typically found on uPVC or composite doors, this system uses three to five locking points that engage when the door is closed and the handle is lifted.
• Effectiveness: The multiple locking points spread the force required to break the door, making it difficult to kick in or force.

Nightlatch (BS 8621 Standard)

• Brand Examples: Yale, ERA, Ingersoll.
• Key Features: Also known as "Yale locks," these are mounted on the surface of the door and are springloaded. Highsecurity nightlatches meet the BS 8621 standard and include features like automatic deadlocking.
• Effectiveness: Prevents intruders from slipping the lock, but for full security, it's recommended to pair it with a deadlock.

Smart Locks (With Insurance Approval)

• Brand Examples: Yale Conexis L1, Ultion Smart, Schlage.
• Key Features: Smart locks allow keyless entry, controlled via smartphones, keypads, or fobs. Look for smart locks that meet the TS007 3star rating and are approved by insurers.
• Effectiveness: Highly secure when paired with traditional locks. Features such as remote monitoring and alerts make it easy to detect tampering or breakins in realtime.

Euro Cylinder Locks (AntiSnap, AntiBump, AntiDrill)

• Brand Examples: Ultion, ABS Avocet, Yale.
• Key Features: Euro cylinder locks are common in uPVC doors. For security, choose cylinders with antisnap, antidrill, and antibump features, such as TS007 3star rated locks.
• Effectiveness: Antisnap features prevent intruders from snapping the lock to gain entry, which is a common breakin method.

KeyOperated Window Locks

• Brand Examples: Yale, ERA, Jackloc.
• Key Features: These locks are mounted on the window frame and require a key to operate, making it harder for intruders to force the window open.
• Effectiveness: Significantly reduces the likelihood of forced entry through windows, especially useful for older or sash windows.

Sash Window Locks

• Brand Examples: Jackloc, Yale, Era.
• Key Features: These are locks specifically designed for sash windows, which are common in older UK homes. They secure the upper and lower sashes, preventing them from being lifted.
• Effectiveness: Prevents the windows from being forced open, a common method of entry for burglars targeting older properties.

Window Restrictors

• Brand Examples: Jackloc, Era.
• Key Features: These restrictors limit how far a window can open, typically by attaching a cable to the window frame. Ideal for upstairs windows to prevent entry while allowing ventilation.
• Effectiveness: Prevents forced entry by limiting the gap that burglars can use to gain access.

Double Glazing Locks

• Brand Examples: Yale, Avocet, Mila.
• Key Features: Doubleglazing windows often have builtin locking mechanisms, but additional locks, such as bolt locks or keyoperated handles, can be added for extra security.
• Effectiveness: Enhances security by securing the windows from both the handle and the frame.

While no lock is 100% burglarproof, highquality locks greatly reduce the likelihood of a breakin. Here’s how these locks help:

Deterrence: Most burglars look for easy targets. Highsecurity locks make it harder and more timeconsuming for them to break in, which may deter them from even attempting.

Breakin Resistance: Locks that are resistant to common methods of attack (e.g., lock snapping, drilling, or bumping) prevent burglars from using these techniques.

Compliance: Many insurance companies in the UK require specific types of locks (e.g., BS 3621) to approve home insurance policies. Using these locks ensures that you meet your insurer's requirements, so your home is fully protected.

Reinforce Doors and Windows: Even with highquality locks, weak doors or windows can still be vulnerable. Reinforce doors with deadbolt strikes and strengthen windows with laminated glass or security film.

Install Security Systems: Alarms, motionsensing lights, and cameras can further enhance the security of your property, providing realtime alerts of any suspicious activity.

In conclusion, the combination of robust door and window locks, paired with additional security features, will significantly reduce the likelihood of a breakin, making your home a harder target for potential burglars.