Doors and Windows

Secure doors and windows will greatly enhance the security of a property. However, the strongest doors and windows will be of no use if you do not lock them whenever necessary. A sound routine should be established to prevent a thief taking advantage of an open window or insecure door.

• Before replacing locks, check the condition of the door or window. It may be better to invest in a good quality door or window instead.

• If you need to replace a door, door frame or window, please check with the supplier that it complies with the British Standard PAS 24-1:1999 for security doors or British Standard 7950 for windows. Suppliers of these standards of doors and windows can be found at www.securedbydesign.com

• All external doors should be fitted with a lock or locking mechanism which meets either British Standard 3621 or British Standard EN 1303 for cylinder locks.

• Patio doors are potentially vulnerable. An anti-lift device should be installed to prevent sliding patio doors from being lifted out of their tracks.These are available at DIY stores, but a cheaper alternative may be a piece of wood secured along the full length of the bottom or top track on the inside. Locks fitted to patio doors should also meet the standards highlighted previously.

• Window locks are strongly recommended for ground floor windows and all other windows that are easily accessible from the ground.

• If you don't have a glass panel in the door or some other way to check who is calling, fit a door viewer (spy hole).

• Never hang a spare key inside the letterbox. This is an obvious place that a thief will check. Letterboxes should be at least 400mm (16inches) from any locks. Consider fitting a letterbox cage or other restrictor which prevents thieves from putting their hands through the letterbox and trying the latches from the inside.