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| 1. |
The most basic form of security
for a front door is the night latch, the
simplest type of rim lock. It is operated by a cylinder, and is opened
by turning the knob on the inside, or with a key from outside. It
is convenient, and has the advantage that the door locks automatically
as it is closed; but it is only screwed to door edge and door frame,
so can be kicked in, and the tongue can sometimes be tripped by a
flexible piece of plastic. A basic night latch is also vulnerable
on a door with a window in it, or nearby: a burglar can break the
glass, reach in and turn the knob to open the door.
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| 2. |
Greater security is provided
by a deadlocking rim lock; like the basic night latch, it locks automatically
as the door is closed, but can then be "dead-locked" by
giving the key an extra turn. The lock can't then be opened again
without the key, even from the inside; so the break-the-glass-and-reach-in
approach is foiled. But like all surface-mounted rim locks, it's still
vulnerable to two or three well-aimed kicks, or blows with a heavy
hammer. |
| 3. |
The solution to this is to
ensure front doors are also fitted with a mortice lock. It is designed
to be recessed into the edge of the door, with a bolt which engages
in a slot which is recessed into the doorframe. This means it is much
stronger, and will resist a kick-in attack. A mortice deadlock is
operated only by a key, from inside or outside the house. |
| 4. |
A different type of mortice
lock is preferred for back doors and side doors, which tend to be
opened and closed much more often in normal domestic life. It's called
a mortice sashlock, and incorporates a spring latch with a handle
on both sides so people can come and go easily without having to use
a key. But is also has a key-operated deadlock for use at night, or
when the house is empty. |
| 5. |
Most mortice locks have a
lever mechanism; that is, the key operates a series of levers which
open or close the bolt. Simple two-lever and three-lever locks are
cheap, but are also easy to break into; for real security, a five-lever
lock should be regarded as the minimum acceptable. |
| 6. |
The British Standard for
door locks, BS3621, guarantees that a lock has a minimum of 1,000
key variations (known as "differs"), and is proof against
picking, drilling, cutting or forcing. Most insurance companies now
specify BS3621 locks must be fitted as a condition of home insurance
policies using lower-specification locks could invalidate your insurance
policy. |
| 7. |
There are different types of
lock for wooden doors with narrow "stiles" (the upright
part of the door); for aluminium doors; and for upvc doors (where
a mutli-point locking system is preferred). Make sure you buy the
right lock for the right type of door. |
| 8. |
Back doors and side doors
should also be fitted with bolts at both the top and bottom of the
door. Simple surface-mounted bolts are vulnerable in a door with a
window, however, or even a cat-flap - it is too easy for a burglar
to reach in and open them. The best type is the door security bolt,
(also called a rack bolt) which is recessed into the door and door
frame, and operated by a key. Rack bolts are essential for outward-opening
French windows or doors, where a burglar can gain access by removing
the exposed hinge pins. Hinge bolts, which engage automatically as
the door closes, are also a good idea. |
| 9. |
Don't forget that there are
also special window locks available for all types of windows (casement,
sliding or sash, wooden, steel, aluminium or upvc - again, make sure
you choose the right type); and patio door locks for patio doors.
In high crime areas, or for particularly security-conscious people,
there are additional features like anti-jemmy strips, and reinforcing
bars to resist kick-in attacks - plus, of course, alarm systems and
security lighting. |
| 10. |
Remember garages, sheds, greenhouses and conservatories
are also targets for theft; as are ladders, garden tools, garden furniture,
mowers, cycles, motorcycles, trailers, boats, caravans and so on.
All of these can be protected by a variety of padlocks, security chains,
ground anchors and purpose-designed locks. Wherever there's a security
risk, Havlins can advise you. |
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