Fit strong doors, locks and window locks
Most of a house's resistance to break-in comes from its doors, locks and accessible windows.
How
- Solid timber doors should be at least 44 mm thick and hung on substantial hinges (UK police).
- On uPVC, aluminium or composite doors fit a DHF TS 007 Kitemarked 3-star cylinder, or a 1-star cylinder with 2-star handles.
- Multi-point locks only secure the door when locked with the key: lift, lock, remove.
- Fit key-operated locks on all accessible windows, except windows that are fire escape routes.
- When replacing doors or windows, choose products tested to PAS 24:2016 (UK) or your national equivalent. New homes may carry Secured by Design certification.
Safety: Never lock fire escape windows or block an escape route.
Do these first
Sources
- Security in the home. ProtectUK (UK Counter Terrorism Policing), accessed 2026-11