Secured By Design
Secured by Design is the official UK Police initiative supporting effective
crime prevention and security standards for a large range of products.
In order to help you improve the security at home, we have drawn up a list
of recommendations and precautions. If you take the time to assess the
security of your home, follow the advice provided and take positive action,
you will greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Most domestic burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves, who pick
a home that looks unoccupied, has little or no obvious security, and where
they think they will not be seen.
Composite Doors
If your front and back doors are not
secure, neither is your home. Two thirds
of burglars gain entry through a door.
Make sure the doors and frames are
strong and in good condition. Doors
should be made of solid core construction,
at least 44mm thick and fitted with
‘high security’ deadlocks that carry the
British Standard BS3621.
A high security lock is devalued if the
door or frame is weak. Consider installing
door sets (including door, frame, locks
and hinges) that are certified to British
Standard (BS) PAS 24-1 and are of
enhanced security. For a comprehensive
list of SBD approved manufacturers
using a range of materials, please visit
www.securedbydesign.com
Remember to fit all security devices
with strong screws or bolts and to
manufacturer’s instructions.
Identify Callers
If you don’t have a window in the door
or some other way of checking who’s
calling, fit a door viewer, vision panel
or spy hole and be sure to use it. Ask
for a proof of identity; officials will
not mind you calling their office for
confirmation and if there is any doubt,
keep them out.
Sliding Patio Doors
If purchasing sliding patio doors, ensure
the sliding door is on the inside, has
anti-lift devices and locks fitted to the
top and bottom or a multi-locking
system. Ask the supplier for their
high-security specification.
If the sliding door is on the outside, it
may be easily removed from its track
unless anti-lift blocks and additional top
and bottom locks are fitted.
Letterboxes
Ensure that letterboxes are positioned
at least 16” (40cm) away from locks.
Fitting a letterbox restrictor and keeping
keys out of easy reach will prevent
burglars reaching through or ‘fishing’
for keys.
Door chains
Be aware that whilst door chains
allow you to talk to callers, they don’t
necessarily prevent burglaries.
Door locks
Doors are safest if fitted with a BS:
3621 5-lever mortise deadlock
one-third of the way to the bottom of
the door, and a BS:3621 rim latch
lock one-third of the way to the top.
If fitting new locks to UPVC doors check
with the supplier/manufacturer that it
will not affect any warranty. Multi-point
locking involves several hooks or bolts
holding the door into the frame. The lock
cylinders which can be replaced should
be tested to BS EN 1303 Grade 3.
For more information on Secured By Design please see our PDF.
Why not visit the
Secured by design website