Crime always makes headlines wherever it occurs, and Britain is certainly no exception. The latest reports suggest that there is at least one case of burglary every minute here in the UK. So, how do these burglaries actually occur and what can we all do with homeowners to ensure our homes are well protected without spending exorbitant amounts of cash on home defence and, in the process, making our homes look like military facilities rather than beloved places of comfort?
Criminals usually gain access to properties via a door of some description, so the very first action we need to take as concerned property owners is to assess how effective our doors are at deterring (and resisting) would-be criminals. The good news is that replacing doors or reinforcing them with good-quality locks is actually a very cost-effective measure, one that has a number of added benefits, as we shall explore in this article.
Stating the case for upgrading Doors & Locks
Recent research from UK insurance providers has data showing roughly three quarters of burglaries feature forced entry via a door. So, just how do criminals get through your average home door?
- Breaking / removing substandard quality locks and locking mechanisms
- Busting open flimsy frames with a shoulder barge or crowbar
- Breaking through a main panel of a door (either with help from a tool, or a targeted kick)
Here’s some more detail for you on the specific techniques and methods used to gain forced entry of homes by breaking poor quality door locks across the UK:
Lock Picking
The romanticised image of a sophisticated lock picker delicately manipulating pins with surgical precision is but a figment of the imagination. Nevertheless, lock picking certainly is a genuine threat, particularly against standard cylinder locks found in millions of UK homes.
Burglars who try this technique do so because they’ve had repeated success with it and the items / tools required are simple. Standard euro-cylinder-style locks are particularly vulnerable to this technique, and the entire process can take an experienced criminal a couple of minutes; a lot depends on its quality. What makes this method especially insidious is that it is silent, so even your neighbours don't know if you're home or being broken into when you're away.
Lock Bumping
Perhaps even more concerning than traditional lock picking is a technique known as lock bumping. Bump keys are specially cut keys that can open multiple locks of the same type, and the process is shockingly easy: insert the bump key, apply pressure, then strike hard.
The impact then transfers through the key. Standard household locks, particularly those protecting composite and uPVC doors, succumb to this technique with all-too depressing regularity. And guess what? Bump key sets are easier to obtain than you would imagine, meaning any criminal with a bit of determination can get hold of them if they so desire.
Lock Drilling & Snapping
Drilling and snapping locks with consumer grade power tools is a quick and straightforward activity for your average home burglar. In the case of cheap locks, targeting locking pins and cylinder cores can be enough to destroy the internal locking mechanism and allow criminals to simply open the front door and walk right through.
Cylinder snapping with a pair of mole grips or adjustable pliers is a technique which exploits a design flaw in standard quality euro-cylinders, where excessive force can cause the cylinder to break at its weak point. this technique is sadly so effective that it can defeat poor quality locks in mere seconds. uPVC doors fitted with standard euro-cylinder blocks are particularly vulnerable.
Forced entry (Crowbars, Sledgehammers, Kicks)
The reality of most burglaries is far removed from the sophisticated techniques we see in films on TV. Given the opportunity, a standard door can be breached with just a bit of brute force. Though crude this may be, your average criminal doesn't really care about being stylish or sophisticated when they're carrying out crime.
Crowbars are very easily obtained and just as easily used against a doorframe that's unprotected. Standard wooden frames, even when paired with reasonable locks, splinter and fail when attacked at the strike plate. Composite doors, despite their modern appearance, often rely on frames that simply cannot withstand determined prying. The leverage advantage provided by a crowbar means that even a relatively small person can generate enormous force at the crucial failure points.
For truly determined criminals, sledgehammers make short work of hollow doors and substandard frames. The technique requires literally no skill. Most shocking of all is that a simple kick can defeat a door if the frame hasn't been properly reinforced.
Conclusions Drawn
With this knowledge it's impossible to escape the reality that standard doors and locks are leaving our homes vulnerable for criminals to exploit. If this has left you feeling that making the decision to upgrade your doors is the correct one, keep reading this article to find out what you should be looking for when shopping for home security doors in the UK.
How dedicated home security doors keep your family protected
Modern, dedicated home security doors transform your home from a vulnerable target into a property that simply isn't worth a thief's effort. The biggest deterrent you can choose is one that makes a would-be thief decide your home simply isn't worth the time and risk to even attempt a break-in. Here is what dedicated home security doors have to offer over standard doors:
Reinforced Frames & Locks
Remember the adage that a door is only as strong as its weakest component. Multi-point locking systems represent the best defence against intrusion, as they are incredibly effective at distributing a force across multiple points.
These sophisticated mechanisms make the use of crowbars practically ineffective, and when door frames are reinforced typically with steel or aluminium, they become almost impenetrable.
Drill & Pick Resistant Locks
The latest security locks from home security experts such as J.K Security Doors in London incorporate anti-snap cylinders that are built to separate and keep the core mechanism intact.
Anti-bump locks utilise magnetic, electronic, and/or mechanical systems that are not vulnerable to ‘bumping’, rendering bump keys completely useless. Drill-resistant hardened steel plates and anti-drill pins stop cutting tools in their tracks.
High strength metals
Steel home security doors are completely resistant to brute force entry. The sheer tensile strength, impact resistance, and durability of high grade steel mean they have the ability to withstand sledgehammer and crowbar attacks, as well as kicking, of course.
Aluminium security doors are a practical alternative to steel security doors, combining impressive strength with a number of practical advantages, not least of which is their lighter weight. Aluminium is also not prone to rust and corrosion.
Additional Layers of Security
Modern home security doors are much stronger than the sum of their individual components, and hidden hinges eliminate a particularly vulnerable point.
Security glass and strengthened windows in the form of laminated and toughened glass are a fantastic choice for those looking for extra natural light without compromising on security levels.
Alarm systems and CCTV are very effective deterrents too; it is best to speak to a security specialist and ask for recommendations of systems which are suitable for your home specifically, as well as your particular needs.
The Power of Deterrence
Security specialists will be quick to tell you that prevention is always better than cure. The majority of burglars are quick to abandon any attempt at forced entry within a couple of minutes as soon as they are met with a robust defence.
Dedicated home security doors make a very persuasive argument for thieves to leave well alone. Visible security features such as strong door frames, multi-point locking systems, and alarms communicate visually that your property is very well protected. Experienced criminals are quick to look for evidence of increased home security and tend to turn their attention towards softer targets as soon as there are measures in place which increase risk.
Home Security Doors - Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a thief still get through a home security door?
Professional-grade home security doors are incredibly difficult to breach. Given all the time in the world and all the tools at their disposal, yes, a criminal could break through a security door, but a professionally installed security door meets industry standards for quality and strength, so you can be sure that your home is very well protected if you do choose to install one.
- Can you purchase home security doors which actually look attractive?
The short answer is yes! In 2025 there are a number of brands and product ranges of dedicated home security doors that look incredibly attractive and will match the style of your home. There are also a countless number of options you have when it comes to the finish colour of your door as well as plenty of optional extras to make it truly your own.
- Are dedicated home security doors worth their ticket price?
The cost-effectiveness of installing dedicated security doors comes down to how much you value home security. Do you know friends or family who have been burgled? Do you live on a street in a relatively high crime rate area? Will your insurance company give you a discount if you choose to install dedicated security doors? If your answer to any of these questions is yes then installing security doors may well be a very prudent investment.
Increase security in your home with J.K Security Doors
J.K Security Doors understands that effective home security requires expertise and experience. The team at J.K Security Doors stocks a comprehensive range of home security products which can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Click here for your free, no obligation home security consultation session:
We'd love to meet you, please come and visit us at: > 22b Lower Road, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 5LH
Call our expert, friendly team right now on > 0203 302 4011
Will drop us an email for further information > info@jkdoors.co.uk
