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How Secure is your Home - Part 2

Flats/apartments

If the front door is less than 4.5 metres (15') above ground level, security advice is the same as for ground floor front doors. If the front door is higher than this (for example, most flats on the second floor or above), in the interests of fire safety the front or final exit door should not be fitted with a lock that needs a key to open from the inside. For example, you should not use standard mortice deadlocks if they can be operated from inside. You should fit locks that comply with British Standard BS 5588: these allow you to release the lock with a single action (turning the handle or thumb turn) to leave the flat.

Security measures for wooden front doors

1. Doors should be solid timber (not hollow) a minimum of 44 mm (13/a'") thick, supported by three 100 mm (4") hinges. The frame to be of sound timber, securely bolted or screwed to the walls every 600 mm (23") around the whole frame.

2. Fit a good automatic dead-latch cylinderlock (rim lock) about a third of the way down,avoiding joints in the timber.

3. Fit a good 5-lever mortice deadlock with boxed staple (conforming to British Standard BS 3621) about a third of the way up.

4. Strengthen the door frame by fitting a `London bar' to support the locking points and a `Birmingham bar' to reinforce the hinges.

5. If your front door opens outwards, fit hinge bolts at the hinge edge approximately 150 mm (6") below the top hinge and 150 mm (6") above the bottom hinge.

6. Recessed or decorative panels should be a minimum of 9 mm ( ? ") thick to resist attack.

7. Fit metal plates on both sides of the door to reinforce the area around the mortice lock. This will increase the door's resistance to forced entry.

8. Fit any glass panels within or to the side of the door with laminated glass. You can strengthen existing glass by adding security film to the inside face. Fit glass from the inside to guard against putty or beading being removed. If this is not possible, use glazing mastic, which is stronger than putty. You could also fit a decorative metal grille on the inside face of glazed panels.

9. Fit a door viewer and door chain or limiter and always use them before opening the door to callers.

Note: Check your home contents insurance policy. These recommendations are a minimum requirement for insurance and your company may require more security.

How Secure is your Home - Part 3