Arden Locksmiths
13th March 2009
Locksmith Blog
This week, I think I'll just talk about security. I seem to be going to more and more burglaries and break ins. Probably due to the recession. Either way, now is the time to make sure you have the correct security locks on your doors.
I've been to burglaries all over our usual areas; Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Birmingham, Tamworth and Lichfield.
Below are some pointers, as to what type of security you should have on your doors:
Wooden Doors
Your doors should have at least one BS3621 mortice lock on them. Gone are the days when any old mortise lock will do, now they must be kitemarked, British Standard locks. The standards are changing aswell from BS3621 1998 to BS3621 2004 (the only real difference being the length of the bolt), which is why we always fit BS 2004 as standard.
If you just have a nightlatch (Yale lock), you really do need to get an extra mortice lock fitted to you door.
Something people always forget about are bolts. Just plain old tower bolts. They can be picked up rom any DIY store and are easy to fit, but they're a very effective extra layer of security for when you're in the house.
On French Doors, I would advise having Rack Bolts (or "Star Bolts") fitted top and bottom to both doors. Without these, you would be suprised at just how easy they are to "pop" open.
UPVC Doors
Although these are sold as highsecurity doors/locks, in my experiance, thieves seem to look for these to break into. As a locksmith, I love pvc doors, as I'm usually in in under a minute! Now you really would be alarmed at how quickly and easily these are broken into. Probably 90% or more of the break-ins I go to are on UPVC back doors. More often than not, the victim was in bed when they were broken into.
Undoubtedley the best way of preventing this is to fit sash jammers to hold the door closed and fit Anti-Snap cylinders, which stop the cylinder from snapping in the middle and prevent theives from sticking a screwdriver in to turn the cam and open the door.
Sliding Doors
Poly Locks or Push Locks are a must on these. Dead easy to use, just push them in to lock and just turn key to unlock. A great piece of additional security, especially as these doors are usually at the back of yourhouse and most burglaries get in round the back.
If UPVC sliding patio doors, always worth replacing the cylinder with an anti-snap cylinder aswell.
To discuss any of the above security locks and products, or for a quote, please call me on 07790 779 739
Paul
Arden Locksmiths
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Tel: 0121 682 3628 - Mob: 07790 779 739 - Freephone: 0800 074 0612
