Clearview National April 2020 - Issue 221 | Page 56
Outdoor Living
A third of the UK public
neglect door security
» ENSURING ALL ENTRYWAYS IN A
home are secure is usually the first thing that
comes to mind for many homeowners. Yet,
research shows more than a third of Brits
do not put measures in place to improve the
security of their home’s entryways despite
findings showing that 67% of burglars break in
through a door, while 21% manage to get in by
opening an unlocked door.
This was discovered after bifold door
manufacturers Vufold surveyed the UK public
asking them “What do you do to make your
doors more secure?” The responses to this
survey revealed that Brits may not be doing
enough to increase the security of their
entryways despite a wide range of stringent
measures that could be taken.
ENSURE GLASS DOORS
HAVE LAMINATED GLASS
Large glass doors such as bifolds have become
a popular addition to many people’s homes but
some people may be put off glass doors in fear
that an intruder could smash the glass to gain
access into their home. However, laminated glass
can enhance the security of glass doors.
Rick Collins, director at Vufold, explained:
“Laminated glass involves bonding two panes
of glass together with plastic interlayers. This
makes it difficult to shatter and, even if a
breakage occurred it would stay in place.”
Despite this option, less than 5% of
respondents took this precaution.
Katherine McEntire, safety expert at
SafeWise, added: “Most criminals do not want
to make sound or cause a scene, so they will
not try breaking the glass first.”
As well as laminated glass to prevent entry,
intruders can also be prevented from removing
bifold doors from their frames by installing high-
security hinges, a roller system and tracks.
FITTING SECURITY LIGHTS
AND DOOR ALARMS
Security lights can warn off burglars
and alert homeowners to suspicious
activity – this measure was installed by 8%
of respondents. However, security lights
are only so effective. They cannot prevent
anybody from breaking in and could even
entice intruders.
Katherine adds: “A security light above a
door can only ward off intruders if it mimics
human activity. Keeping a light on all day and
night might actually attract attention. A better
deterrent is getting to know your neighbours
and asking them to watch for suspicious
activity, especially if you leave town often.”
Nearly one in ten respondents had fitted
door alarms to add extra security but they
must be kept up-to-date to be effective.
Research shows that an ‘old battered alarm
system’ could give burglars the impression
that it’s no longer used or broken.
Katherine said: “Most security mistakes
boil down to simple negligence such as,
owning an alarm system but never arming
it, leaving access codes out or not keeping
them secret, and not using strong passwords
or changing them frequently, especially if you
have smart devices (e.g. cameras) in your
home.”
ADDITIONAL AND EXISTING LOCKS
Most respondents focused on locks to
improve door security, whether it was checking
their original locks or fitting additional ones.
Over a quarter of people ensured their
existing door locks met British standards
(BS3621). This is a standard set by the British
Standards Institute (BSI) for thief resistant locks
which are tested against common burglary
techniques such as drilling and picking.
Most doors have these locks fitted as
standard, however it is easy to check if existing
locks conform to BS3621 – simply look for
the British Standard Kitemark (BSI) on the
faceplate of the lock (this is viewable when the
door is open). The specific standard number
(BS3621) should always be stamped on the
plate.
However, only 15% of respondents had
installed extra locks.
Rick said: “Most bifold doors can be fitted
with a multi-point locking system which
can provide at least three times the level of
security given by a single deadbolt or mortice
lock.”
AND RELAX…
While some of these solutions may be more
effective than others, they can all increase the
security of your home’s entryways and help
to prevent break-ins, giving you peace of mind
when you’re out of the house and allowing you
to relax when at home.
As well as taking these extra steps to
improve safety, it is important to remember
the basics such as ensuring all doors and
windows are locked and secure when leaving
the house.
www.vufold.co.uk
56 » A PR 2020 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M