Take a quick guess how many burglaries in the UK involve a criminal entering via a front door? What do you think, maybe 25%?, possibly even one in three burglaries: 33%? - wrong on both counts I'm afraid. The actual answer is that a staggering 62% of criminals enter a home through the front door! > Stat Source
The follow-up question is then: why are so many front doors so vulnerable? Read on to find out!
Why Too Many Of Our Doors Are Failing To Protect Us
In this post, we are going to state the top 10 home security mistakes we as homeowners are making and what to do to avoid them. Before we start at number one, we encourage you to review your own doors. Have a think about how old they are, when they were last inspected, and the level of security that they offer. Complacency is an understandable issue, and we all can be guilty of neglecting to check up on things around the home, but when it comes to home security, this is just something we can't afford to do.
Mistake 1 - Poor quality door locks
Traditional single-cylinder locks have had their day. An experienced criminal can easily pick or bump single-cylinder locks, and if you've not yet done so, you should upgrade them with high-security multi-point locking devices. Once you've fitted your home with reinforced blocks, you are up to 60% less likely to be targeted by a burglar.
Mistake 2 - Leaving doors unlocked!
Shockingly, up to 10% of all burglaries in the UK result directly because of the fact that one or more doors were simply left unlocked. Obviously, we don't need to spell out the fact that these break-ins are entirely avoidable. To avoid this costly error, get into a solid routine of always checking your doors when you leave your home and making sure your doors are always locked as well as your windows. Many modern smart devices have the ability to alert you if you left doors open.
Mistake 3 - Sub standard quality materials
Many front, back, and side doors on the cheaper end are not built to the same standards with the same security innovations that are featured in dedicated home security doors. Common design flaws include no reinforced panels, cheaper softwoods, and non-toughened glass. If you take a close look at a designated security door sold by a home security specialist such as J.K Security Doors, you will find a remarkable difference in the features that are built in. Front doors that are reinforced can reduce forced entry by up to 33%.
Mistake 4 - Insecure door frames
This is an all too common area that's neglected, and it's understandable as it's not an area that often comes to the front of mind. Even the strongest, most secure doors that have been fitted with all the latest security innovations are not enough to withstand entry if the door frame that they are housed in isn't tough enough. Reinforced frames and door jammers prevent kicks-ins, and you can even opt for anti-kick plates. Door frames in the UK are supplied with certification standards in the same way that front and back doors are, and this is incredibly helpful, as you can quickly and easily determine the level of security offered by a door frame by checking the security rating.
Mistake 5 - No communication devices or peepholes
Intercoms and peepholes are more effective than you might imagine at deterring criminals. If you choose to install a wide-angled peephole or camera surveillance equipment, you are sending a strong message to would-be criminals that they are unwelcome and that your home is not an easy target.
Mistake 6 - Neglecting side and back doors
You've installed a high-security front door that's reinforced with robust innovative locking mechanisms, so what does a criminal do? - They simply go and check your back and side doors to see how secure they are. Make sure that Sylvania equipment and alarms cover all your doors. Be sure to choose only high-quality side and back doors, as well as strong, sturdy door frames.
Mistake 7 - Ignoring worn out hardware
Do you have door handles that are loose? Are your door hinges in need of replacement? Worn-out hinges, handles and locks are weak points in your home defence. Hardware should be replaced just like worn-out front doors. Be sure to include hardware on your annual home security checklist.
Mistake 8 - Not upgrading to smart technologies
Modern smart security systems have sensors and monitoring devices that integrate with your smartphone. This allows homeowners to check in real time if there are intruders in the home and check that doors are locked. Smart security systems have the added benefit of potentially reducing your insurance premiums too.
Mistake 9 - Poor external lighting
If your home is secluded, then unfortunately it can be a prime target for burglars. If you fit time-sensitive lighting around your front, back and side doors, you'll be making it much, much harder for criminals to stay hidden while they attempt to break in. Motion sensor lighting also helps protect against antisocial behaviour and can just make it easier for you to see what is happening outside your home when it is dark.
Mistake 10 - Forgetting to regularly check and maintain doors
Our number one tip would be to set a calendar alarm in January to prompt you to check all your doors and home security in general. Once you've committed to an annual security audit you can be safe in the knowledge that you are not neglecting any area of home security.
Book your free no obligation security assessment with J.K Security Doors
The team at J.K Security Doors would love to assess your home security and help you make sure your home is protected this winter. You can book your free no obligation security review by clicking the link > Here
J.K Security Doors stocks and installs a comprehensive range of carefully selected high security front doors, garage doors and shutters.
For an accurate no-obligation quote, contact J.K Security Doors right now on > 0203 302 4011
Rounding up Frequently Asked Questions Relating to home security
Q: What is the top, most easy to avoid security mistake made by UK homeowners?
A: This is sadly an all too common mistake but one that is easily avoided – always, always lock your doors! Second on the list is poor-quality locking mechanisms. Older locks can be breached by experienced criminals. A comprehensive solution will involve deadlocks, secure frames, high-quality doors and the latest high-performance locking mechanisms.
Q: How often should you replace the front and back door?
A: A typical front and back door should last up to 15 years if it's of average build quality. If you have a budget option, or if it is showing signs of early and weather damage, it may need replacing after 10. If you're tall and unsure as to the level of security your current doors offer, security specialists such as J.K Security Doors in London offer no-obligation consultation sessions where they can assess your current security setup and advise accordingly.
Q: Should you swap my traditional locks for new smart locks ?
A: Modern smart locks offer unbeatable performance when compared with older traditional-style locking mechanisms. However, a point of caution: a lock is only ever as good as the doorframe that it's inserted into. Be sure to also upgrade door frames at the same time as your locks. And that is to say nothing of the door quality itself, if your current door is not reinforced or built from high-quality materials and sold by a security specialist, you should seriously consider upgrading your door too.
Q: How do you ensure that your side and back doors have the same level of security as your front door?
A: Home security is only ever as robust as the weakest element. You can choose the strongest, most secure front door on offer from a security specialist, but then if you neglect your side and back door, obviously a criminal will choose those entry points instead. Side and back doors should have reinforced frames and be fitted with high-quality locking mechanisms. Also make sure alarm systems cover all doors and not just the front door.
