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» IN 1989 THE UK POLICE Service established the Secured by Design ( SBD ) initiative , that aims to improve the security of homes , businesses and public buildings . SBD sets out guidance on how to ensure building security through the correct layout of properties and their boundaries , as well as the specification of key property features that pose risk such as windows and doors . Whilst compliance with SBD is not mandatory , adhering to the standard has been proven by independent research to reduce burglary by up to 87 %, vehicle crime by 25 % and criminal damage by 25 %. It is therefore advisable to follow its principles to achieve a higher level of safety and security for homeowners .
DOOR SECURITY To secure a building , it is vital that all entrance points are specified and installed correctly to offer maximum protection . SBD advises any doorset that provides direct access to the property – including front , rear , garage , patio and balcony doors - should be certified to the PAS 24 : 2016 standard ( or the equivalent STS or LPS standard ). It is important to recognise that all aspects of the entire doorset ( the door , frame , locks , fittings and glazing ) must comply .
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There are additional standards specifically for door locks that the police and insurance companies recommend adherence to . These include British Standard 3621 , British Standard 8621 and DHF TS007 .
Every property is different , so it is vital that the correct doorset components are selected for each individual project – and this will depend on the type of door and the requirements of the building occupants . For example , residential properties with a shared entrance will require a lock that provides keyless egress to ensure safe evacuation in an emergency , so products like the ERA Keyless Egress Nightlatch are ideal .
For properties without a shared entrance , a product with a lockable handle such as the ERA Double Locking Nightlatch provide a suitable solution . These work by ensuring that if an intruder breaks the glazing in the door or adjacent window in an attempt to open the door from the inside , the handle will not turn .
It is also recommended that a high-quality cylinder be combined with a PAS 24 compliant high security door handle to improve the security of the door . What ’ s more , a TS007 2 star handle can be combined
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with a 1 star cylinder to provide the maximum 3 star level of security .
SBD also highlights the importance of installing a door chain or limiter to add a further layer of protection . The door chain or limiter should comply with DHF Technical Specification 003 ( TS003 ) and ideally be SBD certified , such as the Yale WS6 Door Chain . In addition to this , if the door does not have clear glazing or a window next to it , therefore limiting the opportunity for the occupant to identify visitors and control access to the property , SBD suggests installing a door viewer that meets the requirements of DHF TS002 . It should be fitted between 1200mm and 1500mm from the bottom of the door and one should be placed at 1050mm for wheelchair accessible properties .
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Finally , SBD outlines that letterboxes should be of a high standard and comply with DHF TS009 to avoid ‘ fishing ’, where the intruder will use the letter plate to reach personal items such as keys , identification and credit cards contained in wallets and purses .
WINDOW SECURITY
If a window is easily accessible , SBD recommends that it should comply with PAS 24:2016 or STS or LPS equivalents and include a key-lockable hardware unless it forms part of a fire escape route . Installing lockable handles will prevent intruders from being able to open the window from the inside if the glass is smashed and it also limits their exit routes .
For ease , both cockspur handles ( that have a latch on the handle ) and espagnolette handles ( where the locking mechanism is in the vertical edge of the window ) can be easily upgraded with replacement lockable options to increase security .
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