5 security measures you need to take to keep modern thieves out

Unfortunately, thieves are becoming smarter and working out new ways to break into our homes. It means our home security needs to continually improve in order to keep our homes protected from potential intruders. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of security measures you should be taking to keep your home protected.

Secure your windows

Your windows are one of the main entry points into your home and if these are weak or damaged, you’ll be leaving your home vulnerable to intruders. When it’s night or you’re not home it’s important that you keep your windows firmly closed and locked as this will prevent thieves from easily being able to get into your home. It can also void your insurance policies if you keep them open or unlocked.

If there’s noticeable damage to your windows or you know they were installed over 15 years ago you need to start thinking about replacing them. Any damage to the window frame or glazing will create a weak spot in your home that intruders could take advantage of, by upgrading to a modern, double-glazed window you’ll ensure your home is protected all year round.

At Reddish Joinery, we offer three material options for our double-glazed windows, timber, aluminium, and uPVC, and they’ll all offer you exceptional security, energy efficiency, and a plethora of other incredible benefits. You’ll receive total peace of mind thanks to the multi-point locking systems fitted as standard.
For more information about replacing your windows check out our windows FAQs or learn more about maintaining your windows by checking out our window maintenance guide.

Invest in a new front door

When we think of a burglary, we imagine an intruder using a ladder, some rope, or smashing a window but actually, 34% of intruders enter the home through your front door. Keeping your front and back doors locked at all times will eliminate the chance of thieves accessing your home. Leaving them unlocked can void your home insurance and restrict you from making a claim if you were to be burgled.

A replacement front door is certain to improve the overall security of your home and the way it’s installed is important. At Reddish Joinery all our doors are made to measure and expertly installed, eliminating gaps and keeping the door secure. You should never attempt to replace your front door yourself, if it’s incorrectly fitted, you’ll be leaving your home vulnerable to intruders and reduce the energy efficiency of your home.

Old timber and uPVC front doors can pose a particular threat to your home. Timber needs to be appropriately cared for and the older they get the more likely they are to rot or swell within the frame, leaving them weak and easy to breakthrough. Older uPVC doors however were produced with weak central panels that could be kicked through; modern manufacturing eliminated this risk.

At Reddish, we offer timber, uPVC, and composite front doors to all our customers. Each has its own individual benefits and will suit your home differently, but they’ll all offer you the ultimate security and protection thanks to their multi-point locking systems and exceptional durability.

If you’ve got more questions about replacing your front door you can check out our doors FAQs or for information about maintaining your front door view our door maintenance guide.

Think about your locking options

There’s more that goes into your locking systems than you may think, and it can vary from material and manufacturer. Here are some of the most common locking systems that are fitted to our windows and doors.

All our windows and doors are fitted with multi-point locks as standard; they’re commonly operated by a euro locking cylinder. Our windows and doors are fitted with between 3–5-point locks. Multi-point locks are controlled by a key and once they’re engaged, they secure the product into the frame at multiple points eliminating weak spots.

Euro locking cylinders

The euro locking cylinder will engage multi-point locking systems and, on our timber front doors, they’ll also engage the mortice deadlocks when they’re fitted. At Reddish. We use the best euro locking cylinders that are either SS312 diamond approved or TS007 3 Star rated. This means they’re able to protect the lock from snapping, drilling, bumping, and picking which are all common techniques modern thieves use to enter your home.

Ultion locking cylinders

At Reddish Joinery, we’re proud to offer Safeguard composite doors which are some of the most secure and efficient entrance doors on the market. They’re available with Ultion locking cylinders which are one of the most secure locking systems available. The Ultion lock cylinder is SS312 diamond approved and is able to offer protection even after it has been snapped twice!

Deadlocks

Our timber doors can be fitted with either 3 or 5 lever mortice deadlocks, they’re operated with a key that can be used on both the interior and exterior of your home. When the door is locked a bolt is inserted into the door frame which helps secure the door in place.

Install a Ring doorbell or security camera

Your security system can be just as important as your locking system and home improvement products. Although a security camera or ring doorbell won’t prevent someone from getting into your home, they can deter an intruder from even attempting. Modern thieves are actively keeping an eye out for video cameras around the exterior of your home, and you don’t need to go for the top-of-the-range design there are some great options available on Amazon.

Having a security camera installed is also great in the unfortunate event someone does get into your home as you’ll have evidence that can be used when prosecuting the intruder and the footage can help the police when they’re attempting to identify them.

Install motion-activated lights

A motion-activated light is useful for many reasons including reducing your energy bills whilst making your lighting more convenient for you. A motion-sensing light can act as a deterrent against intruders especially those who operate at night or in the early hours of the morning. If a thief makes an attempt to get close to your home the light will illuminate them, making them noticeable to neighbours and passers-by. Intruders will often reconsider when they’re not able to be masked in the dark and shadows.
Improve your security with Reddish Joinery

If you want some more advice on security measures, you could be taking to improve the security of your home then don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team at Reddish Joinery. Give us a call on 01619697474 or contact us online. If you’re looking for a replacement door or windows, we’ll be more than happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.