Home security on a budget

The basis of home security is a good set of locks on doors and windows. Starting with the front door here are some of the kinds of locks you should consider fitting to ensure your home is secure. Or if you have locks fitted already, use this guide to take a look at them and see whether they are good enough.

Locks are your 'first line of defence' and it is important that they look strong (to deter burglars) and are actually strong (to stop burglars if they are not deterred).

• The mortice deadlock is one of the most common types of door lock. It needs a key to lock it and to open it. Mortice denotes that the lock is set into the door. The levers inside the lock are pushed up in relation to the shape of the key to allow the bolt to move. The more levers the better but five is the maximum for residential locks currently. The deadlock is the bolt which slides into the doorframe to secure the door.
• Mortice sash locks have a deadlock, but they also have a latch bolt. This means that the door can be opened from the inside with a latch when the deadlock is not engaged. It is still secure from the outside.
• Rim locks are like mortice deadbolts but are surface-mounted rather than recessed into the door. The box contains a lock and a latch. Rim locks are usually fitted where the door is too thin to admit a mortice but they are less secure.
• Key operated multi-point locking systems are found on modern uPVC and composite doors. They bolt the door into the frame and lock it at various points.
• Night latches secure the door as soon as it’s closed. They can be opened from the outside by a key and can be deadlocked from the inside by sliding a ‘snib’ button into place. This type of lock is fitted to the surface of the door.

All these types of locks can be found in DIY chains like B&Q, Homebase or Wickes.

Securing doors

Fit a five-lever mortice dead lock which conforms to British Standard 3621 or European Standard EN 12209.

Avoid glazed panels if you can but if you do have them make sure they are laminated or toughened glass.

Fit a spy hole and a chain limiter.

Fit a five-lever sash lock half way up the back door and make sure it conforms to the appropriate British or European standard. Supplement the lock with mortice sash bolts at the top and bottom of the door.

Use extra locks on French windows and patio doors, such as multi-locking system. These kinds of doors are a burglar’s favourite way to get into your home.

Securing windows

Modern windows will probably have latches that are already fitted with locks. Older windows may not so you may need to retro-fit locks. Sash locks are fine, but you will need to keep the keys to hand in case of emergency.

Fit window alarms which are much cheaper than a full-on alarm system. They are triggered by vibrations on the window glass and have sirens which emit 100 decibels. You could also install exterior dummy alarm boxes. You need to make them look as authentic as possible. Make sure they have LED lights.

CCTV systems fitted in a visible location make a great deterrent. There are many budget systems available. You could also consider fitting dummy cameras which can be had for as little as £10 online.

It is not all locks, bolts and cameras when it comes to security. Your garden can help you make the house secure.

Plant spiny shrubs like pyracantha, berberis or holly on boundaries. Don’t plant them so that they can be used to shield an intruder trying to break in.

Gravel drives making a satisfying crunching sound as they are walked on. Things that create noise deter intruders. You could also fit some external lighting for added peace of mind.

Finally, when you’re out at night or away for a while fit a timer so that your interior lights come on at various times and in different rooms.

Stay safe!