The SheffLOCK Home Security guide gives you tips on how to best keep your home secure, such as improving door & window lock security, how sash jammers work to how a poorly fitted lock can lead to break-ins.
The main security advice for your home is to speak to SheffLOCK with regards to the security products that you have fitted to your doors and windows.
In terms of some general security advice we suggest:
Ask a locksmith to review your door and window security (including internal doors to conservatories and garages) to make sure all windows and doors have the most appropriate locks:
Are they in good condition Properly fitted? – incorrectly fitted euro locks can lead to lock snapping And meet your insurance requirements Concerned about lock snapping? Read our guide here
Euro Cylinder fitted incorrectly on front door. A euro cylinder lock that has been poorly fitted is at risk of being snapped.
Add anti snap locks to your front & back doors. They can protect your euro lock cylinder from being a victim of lock snapping.
Although you must make sure you have the correct size and lock standard fitted to be truly anti-snap.
How a anti snap lock prevents burglary.
We gaurantee the best price for ULTION anti snap locks in South Yorkshire.
Consider upgrading your door handles when you change your locks. Standard door handles offer little protection and can be broken in seconds.
We highly recommend that 2 star Lock Lock door handles are fitted with 3 star Ultion anti snap locks to provide you with 5 star protection. This is the highest standard of protection available.
Have your home locks upgraded to BS3621, a standard which most insurance companies require your locks be fitted to.
BS3621 is a British Standard where locks are tested against common burglar techniques such as drilling and picking.
Locks that can be upgraded to BS3621 include Mortice Locks, Night Latches ( Yale Locks ) and Rim Cylinder locks.
If you live in a block of flats or apartment the standard BS8621 is recommended which allows anyone to exit in an emergency without needing a key.
Lock Advice – Contact us at SheffLOCK for friendly advice or visit our advice pages about approved locks.
You may also want to install top and bottom bolts on French doors or add sash jammers to UPVC doors or windows.
Sash Jammers STOP a door or window from opening. They are easy to fit and cheap and can be fitted to wood doors and windows.
Sash Jammers are relatively cheap, we can supply and fit sash jammers.
Before adding additional security any French doors should have the following standard of lock and/or handles fitted:
The lock cylinder should be to approved TS007 3star standard. Door handles should be toapproved TS007 2star standard.
Patlock stops burglars opening your door. If you have French or patio doors you may want to consider adding a Patlock which ensures the door cannot be opened by holding the internal handles in place.
We recommend fitting the 2 star Lock Lock Door handle with the Ultion 3 star anti snap euro cyclinder lock
Sees who’s at your door before you open it with a digital door viewer.
The advantages of a digital door viewer and common features on most viewers are they are easy to fit and install in a new place or existing door and easy to remove if you move.
Ideal for apartments and flats where you can find out who’s at the front door and remotely allow them access.
Maybe of use to the elderly who can converse with visitors without having to leave the comfort of their living room for example.
Another way to check who is at your door before opening is by fitting a door chain. There are now door chains available for uPVC and composite doors which are very simple to fit and not expensive, they can prevent distraction burglaries.
We recommend making sure your door chain is “Police Approved” which means the chain is accredited by Secured By Design.
The cost of purchasing a Police Approved door chain is from £20 and you may want to consider getting it professionally fitted.
We can supply and fit approved door chains.
Adding a letterbox guard (letterplate) can help prevent letterbox fishing where criminals try to remove your house keys through your letterbox. Letterbox-Guard-prevents-Fishing A Letterbox guard can stop thieves ‘fishing’ for keys
Advantages
Prevents letterbox fishing & lock manipulation (opening door lock through the letterbox ) Letterbox guards can be fitted to uPVC, wooden and composite doors. We recommend that any letterbox guard is approved to TS008 standard.
Price – Letterbox guards that are accredited to TS008 can cost from around £30 to purchase, excluding fitting.
Side windows in a house can be smashed to reach keys and gain entry so consider adding reinforced glass or maybe even block up the window.
Security-Grilles-fitted-to-Home-Window. Security Grilles can be fitted to domestic Homes
Decorative grilles and bars can also vastly improve the security of a home without being detrimental to the aesthetics.
Types – There are various types of security grilles from fixed to collapsible. Difficulty to fit – We recommend get fitted by an expert
Benefits– ideal way to add extra security and stop people breaking a window and being able to gain entry through it.
A remote CCTV system is an effective way to keep a watchful eye on your property while you’re not there.
The only thing worth highlighting is that you shouldn’t confront any intruders you see via your remotely accessible security and should simply notify the police.
For guaranteed police response you will require a professionally installed and monitored alarm system.
Alarms can be very effective but you need to change the code regularly to gain maximum benefit from them.
Dusk to dawn or sensor lighting to the front and back door of your home will deter potential thieves and help you gain entry into your home in the dark
Solar PIR lights can be fitted with two screws and no mains wiring.
Benefits – helps keep areas light when motion is sensed. Burglars don’t like the light as they don’t want to be seen so fit them high enough so that they will not be damaged.
Consider installing a number of light timers around the house so it appears someone is home, as opportunist thieves can often approach houses that look like nobody is at home
Light Timers used in Home. Light Timers to deter burglars
Easy to fit – Light Timers are usually easy fit as they simply plug into power socket without any need for complications installations.
Benefits – can make it seem like the property is occupied
Home safes are becoming cheaper, so you may want to consider asking SheffLOCK locksmiths to specify and install a security safe.
Fireproof safes are available so you can store important documents such as a passport, drivers license and digital media.
Ensure you purchase the correct rating of safe and ensure it’s professionally fitted as this will dictate the amount of cash/jewellery covered by your insurance company.
Look for independent approval such as the AIS logo or Sold Secure approval when purchasing a safe, as this usually automatically means the safe is insurance approved.
While you are reviewing your security it is also worth considering when your keys were last replaced.
Do past owners or tenants may still have access to your home? and has anyone may had copies of your keys made without your knowledge.
a) One Key for all your door locks = Keying Alike. So you only have one key for your front and back door locks consider having your locks keyed alike, this means if you ever lose your keys you will only have to replace one key.
b) Keys Cannot be copied = Patented Keys. Prevent anyone from copying your keys by fitting a patented system, this means keys can only be copied with proof of ownership.
Make sure you source a good quality lock to protect your garden shed and its contents if you have one.
Use a Sold Secure approved padlock, that is independently tested against numerous criteria, to prevent break-ins.
A shed shackle can prevent items from being stolen during break-ins on wooden sheds. Chain the items you want to keep safe (e.g. power tools or bikes) to the shed shackle to keep them safe.
Review the exterior of your property to make sure there are no broken windows or access to your property through garages or conservatories.
Lock any tools and items such as ladders away.
Statistics show that thieves are increasingly breaking into homes to steal car keys so don’t make it easy for them by leaving keys in view
Car keys at home Don’t leave your car keys on view
If you have lost your car keys we recommend the cheapest and fastest way is to use the services of an auto locksmith.
Read our article on Keyless car theft here if you have a keyless entry car
Consider your own influence on the level of security for your home and make sure you don’t indulge bad habits such as leaving keys in locks or in view that you and your family may have.
Simple tips to remember;
Take a note of this number for SheffLOCK: Sheffield Locksmiths 0114 442 6200 and put the number in your contacts list on your mobile phone.
If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being locked out of the house someone will be able to help you get in out of the cold as soon as possible.
Using a SheffLOCK locksmith ensures that locks and security equipment are fitted correctly and safely in accordance with current standards and regulations.
A locksmith can help with apartment, flat & office lockouts. If you are locked out of your home, flat or office a SheffLOCK locksmith can pick the lock open securely without damaging the lock. Common lockout problems we can help with are:
A SheffLOCK locksmith will be able to unlock and gain entry to all types of door locks including the following:
As a 24-hour emergency locksmith we pleased to open your door.
If your door lock is broken or damaged, SheffLOCK locksmiths will be able to open the door and advise on replacing your broken lock, if necessary they can also help on upgrading your locks.
As door lock replacement is a specialist area, SheffLOCK can help with the following:
If you have snapped your key in the door lock, SheffLOCK locksmiths can remove the snapped key and open the door by doing the following:
UPVC doors change shape slightly in hot conditions and require adjustment. Try not to force it to lock and call us to re-aligned your upvc door
Do not keep forcing a uPVC handle up to lock it – you should be able to just lift it, if not adjustments are all that is needed usually!
After being locked out you may need to replace your keys, a SheffLOCK locksmith can replace any type of key even if the key is broken. Once the door is opened the SheffLOCK locksmith can cut a new key by hand to suit your lock.
For advice on getting keys cut please see our key cutting guide page.
To prevent you from being locked out of the house or flat again, we recommend the following:
If you do get locked out a SheffLOCK qualified & vetted locksmith should be able to get you back in without damage (unless the lock has broken) with as little inconvenience as can be done.
All SheffLOCK locksmiths have been vetted and have nationally recognised qualifications to ensure you get the highest level of service.
A SheffLOCK locksmith will be able to help if you have lost your keys and are locked out of the house, if your keys are lost, a locksmith who does key cutting can cut a new key immediately for any type of door or window lock.
You could be locked out of your house/flat and lost your front door or back door keys, or even just need some replacement UPVC window or door keys, had your keys stolen or been a victim of a burglary.
If you lose your only set of house keys that may contain either your front or back door key the following advice will help:
A SheffLOCK Locksmith can cut you a new key without having the original.
The locksmith can change & replace locks to keep you in compliance with BS3621.
Have a spare key cut to save time and cost if you lose your keys again.
If you have lost your front or back doors key for your house, the solution a SheffLOCK locksmith will:
If you have lost the key to a uPVC door then your local SheffLOCK Approved locksmith will be able to:
Window keys are one of the cheapest and easiest keys to cut. If you have lost your window key, a locksmith will be able to provide a new key for all types of window locks such as keys for uPVC window locks and keys for window handle locks.
If you have lost the key to your garage door lock and need a replacement garage door key cutting this is a very simple job.
Garage door keys are cheap and fast keys to replace due to them being easy to cut.
Garage doors keys are usually slightly different in appearance to normal house keys, but a SheffLOCK locksmith will have no problem in cutting a new key for you.
A local Locksmith can fit, replace and change all types of door locks such as:
BS3621 locks have a British Standard Kitemark on the metal face plate of the lock in the edge of the door and come in a variety of sizes to replace standard locks.
BS3621 standards locks are found on doors where the door and door frame are made of wood.
Ground floor exterior doors usually have BS3621 Standard Lock and can be fitted on interior doors. Doors above ground floor are tested to BS8621 which is the same security level and would also carry a BSI kitemark symbol.Mortice Lock & Cylinder Rim Locks can be required to meet BS3621 or BS8621. Door Lock Replacement & Change A locksmith can replace and fit all door lock types usually found on residential/commercial properties, which are the below three types of door locks:
(often referred to as a Yale type lock)
There are many different types of night latches with sizes, which are mostly used on front and back doors.
Night latches a locksmith can change: A locksmith can replace all types of night types, including the rim cylinder and even upgrade your existing rim lock, such as below: Standard Traditional Night Latch Deadlocking night latch Auto dead locking night latch Double locking night latches Unsure about the type of night latch to fit or change? See our guide to night latches here. A Yale Nightlatch Type Lock What a nightlatch looks like About Night Latches How it operates: Pull or ‘slam’ door shut (the door is latch locked) and requires a key to open from outside On the inside: the latch part of the lock is retracted usually by operating a small lever or handle. Should NOT be the only lock on the door Standards: to meet BS3621 & BS 8621 – Read our BS3621 Lock guide here Door types: Used on front/back and other entrance doors and mainly wooden doors Leading manufacturers of Nightlatch locks: Yale Ingersoll Era Price of Night Latch Lock Replacement The cost of a nightlatch replacement lock can be found on our locksmith price list here
This type of lock is normally fitted inside the door, they are difficult to pick open as the lock mechanism is fitted in the door frame. There are only two sizes available. A ERA Mortice Lock What a mortice looks like | Image provided by ERA Security usually ranges between 2 lever and 5 lever British Standard – the more levers usually means the more secure the lock is. Insurance companies prefer this standard as it means the lock has been tested against popular types of attack for a certain period of time. Should ensure your property or business is secure if attacked. Standards: to meet BS3621 – Read our BS3621 Lock guide here Door Types: Mortice locks are commonly found on wooden doors & sometimes aluminium Leading manufacturers of Mortice locks: Union (formally Chubb) Yale Era Asec Securefast Price of Mortice Lock Replacement The cost of a replacement mortice lock can be found on our locksmith price list here Types of mortice lock are: The main types of mortice locks you will find on your home’s locks are as follows: Mortice Sash Lock Fitting A mortice sash lock is normally fitted to a wooden door on a domestic home, sash locks are opened by using a key and the handle. Has a handle – a mortice style lock with a handle is called a sash lock. A lever operated mortice sashlock on wooden door A sashlock has a handle | Image provided by ERA The handles operate the latch on the lock which keeps the door shut when pushed or pulled closed. Standards: to meet BS3621 ( a BS 3621 lever lock has to have a minimum of 5 levers ) Levers: available in 2 lever, 3 lever to 5 lever Mortice Sash lock ( 7 lever is available ) Door Types: commonly found on wooden doors Note: As a rule of thumb the more levers a mortice sash lock has the more secure the lock is Mortice Deadlock Fitting & BS3621 Mortice Deadlock A Mortice Deadlock is commonly fitted to a wooden home front door, and can only be opened with a key, it locks on the inside and outside. Does NOT have a handle – a deadlock does not have a handle and is always operated by a key, opened from one of both sides by key. A lever operated mortice deadlock on wooden door A deadlock has no handle | Image provided by ERA Standards: to meet BS3621 ( A BS 3621 lever lock has to have a minimum of 5 levers ) Levers: available in 2 lever, 3 lever to 5 lever Mortice dead lock ( 7 lever is available ) Door Types: commonly found on wooden doors Note: Again, the more levers a mortice deadlock has the more secure the lock is. Price of Mortice Deadlock Replacement The cost of a mortice deadlock replacement lock can be found on our locksmith prices page
This type of lock is very popular and found on many different types of door locks and security applications. ABS SS312 3 Star Euro Lock Cylinder with key Euro-Lock Cylinder found on front/back doors Door types a euro lock cylinder is found on: UPVC Aluminium shop front doors Timber multipoint door locks Apartment doors Key switches that operate roller shutters on business premises and much more. ABS Euro Lock Fitted to door A fitted Euro lock cylinder on a front door Euro locks come in an array of sizes and security levels and different finishes to suit application and hardware fitted or required. Standards of Euro Lock Sold Secure SS 312 for cylinders only TS007 for cylinders only BS 3621/8621 for tested lock case, cylinder and security furniture tested all together What is the most secure Euro Lock Standard? The most secure standards for euro cylinders are: SS 312 Diamond – this is considered the highest test that a cylinder can be attack tested to. TS 007 3 star – this has also been attack tested. Sold Secure SS312 Diamond Logo Sold Secure SS312 Diamond Standard 3 Star Kitemark Logo TS007 3 Star Logo Advantages of Euro profile cylinder locks They sometimes have a thumb turn on the inside so exiting the property in an emergency is easy, and can be done without a key. These locks can also be keyed alike to suit (1 key works all locks if required.) Leading manufacturers of Euro locks: Era Yale Asec Evva Union Mul-T-Lock Avocet/ABS Brisant Federal
There are many standards of locks EN1303, BS3621, BS8621, BS10621, TS007 & 3-star, Kitemark, PAS3621, SS312 Diamond.
What do these lock standards mean? What minimum requirement your insurance requires? Whether to go for a higher security standard for peace of mind.There are many different sizes of locks, fitting an incorrectly sized euro cylinder can lead to lock snapping.
If you need a locksmith for your home, a locksmith approved by SheffLOCK can help. Have your lost your house keys or locked out the house a locksmith can open your locks quickly. We are Emergency Locksmiths offering a 24 hour call out service to help urgently with door and lock opening, lost house keys, changing and repairing locks.
To keep your business safe a locksmith can install access control systems, CCTV systems and alarms, security bars & grilles. Find a locksmith to help improve your business security. All SheffLOCK locksmiths are vetted with Criminal Records Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service We are inspected with regular inspections. SheffLOCK are fully qualified passing nationally accepted qualifications.
A Locksmith Can Help You With
( Out of hours & 24 hour ). Should you be locked out your home or apartment during the normal ‘out of hours’ period. As emergency locksmiths we offer a 24-hour call out can help with opening locked doors & replacing lost keys. As Emergency locksmiths, we can also help with burglary repairs and changing locks.
A popular service of locksmithing is to supply and fit Door and Window locks (UPVC), SheffLOCK can fit replacement locks, change and also repair faulty or damaged locks.
SheffLOCK can also give home security advice such as replacing any locks with anti-snap locks or upgrading your locks to BS3621 standard to meet insurance requirements.
As well as locks and keys, SheffLOCK approved locksmiths can advise on improving security for your home and business. They can supply and fit alarms, CCTV systems, master key systems, security grilles, gates and shutters. Call our friendly SheffLOCK locksmiths to talk about your enquiry.
