HOW TO BURGLARPROOF YOUR DOORS – Burglarproof your doors if you want to deter those wanting to break into your home and rob you of your possessions. Your external doors are the front line defenses against would be burglars. There is nothing worse than coming home and discovering you have been the victim of a burglary. Many victims never really feel safe and in extreme cases actually move house. There are however a number of measures you can take in order to avoid being burgled. In this guide we provide you with some advice and tips for increasing the security of your doors.
Step 1
There are a number of external doors on the market, from standard timber doors, UPVC doors and even doors with steel plates that are clad in either timber or UPVC. Do consider the type of front and back external door you have. You could replace these with better quality doors in order to prevent a break-in.
Step 2
Examine your existing locks and consider replacing any locks that are old and don’t provide much in the way of security. A burglar likes nothing more than an easy lock to break. There are many types of locks on the market including mortise lock and deadbolt locks.
Step 3
When you buy new locks take a look at Sliding Bolt Action locks or Bolt Locks that use an Alan-Key. You could fit one of these at the top and bottom of the door for added security.
Step 4
Many times, when a burglary has occurred, the burglar has managed to kick the door in, but not from the lock side, but rather from where the hinges hold the door in place. This is a weak area of the door but you can remove the old hinges and fit with new heavy duty bolt hinges. This will require you to drill into the door frame to accommodate the bolts. These are very effective and when you close the door two steel bolts, on each hinge, slide into the frame, making it extremely difficult for a burglar to kick the door in.
Step 5
There are occasions where a burglar will try and enter a home in broad daylight and when the occupants are at home. To help reduce this risk it is advisable to fit a heavy duty door chain and a security viewer. The security viewer will allow you to see who is at the door before you open it. Just remember if you do open the door then put the safety chain on first. Just because the person standing there may look respectable and harmless doesn’t mean that is the case.
Step 6
Think about fitting a Panic Alarm right near the door. If you do happen to find someone at the door trying to force their way in, then you can easily activate the alarm which will generally scare most would be burglars off.
Step 7
Get the right advice on all types of security devices for your doors and windows by taking a trip to your local Police Station. Ask to have a chat with your local Crime Prevention Officer. These people have a wealth of knowledge that will help you to better protect your home. In most cases a Crime Prevention Officer will come and visit your home and assess the security and then advise you on ways to increase it if necessary.
