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Your front door protects everything that matters – your family, valuables, and peace of mind. Here’s a sobering fact: 76% of burglars enter through the front door. Let’s address that with practical security measures you can implement today.
The numbers tell a worrying story. When 3 out of 4 break-ins begin at the front door, you need more than a basic lock. The impact extends beyond stolen items – 84% of break-in victims report lasting emotional effects. Many feel unsafe in their own homes for months afterward.
Burglars seek easy targets. They typically spend less than 60 seconds attempting entry. If your door appears robust, most will move along. Simple improvements can determine whether you become a target.
Is Your Door Strong Enough?
Take 5 minutes to check these common weak points:
- Push your door – does it flex or rattle?
- Look for gaps between the door and frame
- Check for loose or rusty hinges
- Test if your deadbolt extends fully
- Look for cracks, warping, or soft spots in the door material
| Material | Cost | Protection | Best For | Key Features |
| Composite | High | High | Main entries | Weather-resistant, maintenance-free |
| uPVC | Low | Medium | Budget builds | Easy clean, good with multi-point locks |
| Wood | Medium | Medium-High | Traditional homes | Natural strength, requires upkeep |
| Aluminum | High | High | Modern homes | Ultra-durable, minimal maintenance |
Composite Doors
The strongest choice for security. Composite Doors resist kicks, drilling, and weather damage. While costly, they last decades with minimal maintenance. Plus, they suit any home’s style.
uPVC Doors
A cost-effective choice. Good security when fitted with quality locks, but can warp in extreme heat. uPVC Doors are simple to clean but might need replacement after 15-20 years.
Timber Doors
Natural strength meets classic style. Solid timber doors withstand force when properly maintained. You’ll need to refinish them periodically to prevent weather damage.
Aluminium Doors
Built for longevity with excellent break-in resistance. Their sleek appearance suits contemporary homes. Though expensive, they’re a worthy investment. While durable, they conduct heat and cold more than other materials.
Top tip: Look for the “Secured by Design” badge. This police certification confirms your door has passed stringent security tests. It’s your finest guarantee of quality protection.
| Lock | Cost | Protection | Best For | Key Features |
| Five-Lever Mortice | Medium | High | Wooden doors | Insurance-approved, pick resistant |
| Multi-Point | High | Very High | uPVC/Composite | 3+ locking points, very secure |
| Deadbolt | Low | Medium-High | All types | Simple, reliable backup lock |
| Smart Lock | High | Medium-High | Any door | Remote control, activity logs |
Five-Lever Mortice Locks
British insurance companies favour these. They grip deeply into the door frame and resist picking. Choose a BS3621 rated model – it’s tested against common break-in methods.
Multi-Point Locks
These secure your door at 3+ points. Ideal for uPVC and composite doors. When you lift the handle and turn the key, steel bolts engage the frame at top, middle, and bottom.
Deadbolt Lock
Add this as a secondary internal door lock. The 25mm bolt resists kick-ins and prying. Seek hardened steel construction and a grade 1 rating.
Night Latches
Use these alongside your main lock, never alone. They allow you to open the door partially to check visitors.
Smart Features to Consider:
- Anti-snap cylinders that break strategically, keeping the lock secure
- Anti-pick pins that jam against lock picking tools
- Anti-drill plates protecting the cylinder
- Anti-bump technology blocking specialist bump keys
| Feature | Cost | Protection | Best For | Key Features |
| Door Bar | Low | High | Inward-opening | Strong kick-in protection |
| Hinge Bolts | Low | Medium | Outward-opening | Prevents hinge attacks |
| Sash Jammers | Low | Medium | uPVC/Composite | Stops door flex attacks |
| Strike Plate | Low | Medium | All types | Reinforces frame |
| Video Doorbell | High | Medium | All entries | Remote monitoring |
| Security Film | Medium | Medium | Windows | Prevents glass breaks |
| Motion Lights | Low | Medium | All areas | Deters night-time attempts |
- Door Bars: A metal bar spanning the frame. Mount it with 75mm screws into the wall studs for kick-in protection.
- Hinge Bolts Steel pins secure your door’s hinge side. Essential if your hinges face outward.
- Sash Jammers are compact, robust locks for top and bottom. They prevent door flex attacks.
- Strike Plates Replace the standard plate with a 100mm steel version. Use 75mm screws to anchor it into the frame.
Your front door is just one part of home protection. First, secure your windows on every floor with sturdy locks and security film. This stops break-ins through glass – a common entry method that burglars use when doors are too tough.
Your garage and side entrances need equal attention. Add a C-clamp lock to your garage door track and upgrade side door locks to deadbolts. Proper lighting makes these areas less appealing to intruders. Install bright LED lights high around every entrance, with motion sensors covering the darker zones.
Smart landscaping plays a key role too. Short shrubs and thorny plants near windows reduce hiding spots while maintaining a tidy appearance. Clear sightlines from the street help neighbours spot unusual activity.
Modern smart locks offer more than basic functionality. They track who comes and goes, send alerts to your phone, and let you give temporary access to visitors. When paired with a video doorbell, you’ll see and speak to anyone at your door, even when you’re away. The footage gets stored, creating a record of all front-door activity.
These smart features connect to your existing security system, giving you a complete view of your home’s safety. The real power comes from how they work together – when someone approaches, lights turn on, cameras start recording, and you get an instant alert.
Security features needn’t create a fortress appearance. Contemporary composite doors suit any style, from period to modern, whilst providing serious protection. Select handles and hardware in finishes that complement your home – brass, chrome, or bronze all offer high-security options.
A well-lit entrance with thoughtful landscaping deters burglars whilst welcoming guests. Low hedges and strategic lighting maintain clear sightlines without compromising kerb appeal.
Your front door safeguards everything precious in your home. Each improvement – from enhanced locks to smart cameras – adds another layer of protection. Start with one upgrade today to protect what matters most.
Ready to enhance your door security? Our expert locksmiths can help:
- Book a security assessment to identify weak points
- Get professional installation of locks and security features
- Schedule regular maintenance to keep your security systems working properly
Visit our quote page to request a free, no-obligation estimate for your security needs. Let’s secure your home the right way – with professional expertise you can trust.