HARDWARE & SECURITY
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.” 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.”
Additional and existing locks And relax…
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 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
MAR/APR 2020
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