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