Your front door is the most common entry point for burglars, so it deserves more thought than an afterthought lock. Understanding which security measures genuinely make a difference, rather than which ones simply look reassuring, helps you spend your budget where it actually counts.
British Standard Locks: What to Look For
In short: in the UK, look for a lock kitemarked to BS 3621, the British Standard for thief-resistant locks, which many home insurance policies specifically require for a valid claim. A five-lever mortice deadlock meeting this standard is significantly harder to pick or force than a standard latch lock.
Multi-Point Locking Systems
Most modern UPVC and composite doors use a multi-point locking system, engaging several bolts along the length of the door frame rather than a single point. This distributes force across multiple locking points, making the door considerably more resistant to being forced compared with a single-point lock. If your door only has one lock point, upgrading to a multi-point system is one of the most effective security improvements available.
Door Construction Matters
A strong lock fitted to a weak door offers limited real protection. Solid composite doors generally offer better resistance to forced entry than standard UPVC or timber panel doors, and reinforced door frames prevent the frame itself splitting under force, which is a common way locks are defeated even when the lock mechanism itself holds.
Letterboxes: An Overlooked Weak Point
Standard letterboxes can be a security risk, since they sometimes allow access to internal door handles or keys left near the door. A letterbox cage or restrictor on the inside prevents anything being reached through from outside, and is a cheap, often overlooked upgrade.
Door Chains and Viewers
A door chain or restrictor lets you open the door partially to identify a visitor without allowing full entry, while a door viewer (spyhole) lets you check who is at the door before opening it at all. Both are inexpensive and straightforward to fit.
Smart Locks and Video Doorbells
Smart locks and video doorbells add convenience and visibility rather than replacing strong physical security. A visible video doorbell is a genuine deterrent, since most opportunistic burglars avoid properties where they risk being recorded, but it works best as an addition to strong locks, not a substitute for them. See our guide to home security systems for more on choosing the right setup.
Hinge Bolts
Hinge bolts, small steel pins fitted to the hinge side of an outward-opening door, prevent the door being forced off its hinges even if the hinges themselves are attacked. This is a low-cost addition often overlooked on outward-opening doors.
What Insurers Actually Require
Many UK home insurance policies specify a minimum lock standard, commonly a five-lever mortice deadlock to BS 3621, as a condition of cover for theft claims. Check your specific policy wording, since fitting a lock that does not meet the specified standard can affect a claim even if the door was otherwise secure.
Security Upgrades Ranked by Value
| Upgrade | Typical Cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Letterbox cage/restrictor | £10 to £25 | High for the cost |
| Hinge bolts | £10 to £20 per pair | High for the cost |
| BS 3621 mortice deadlock | £30 to £80 | High, often insurance-required |
| Door chain/restrictor | £10 to £30 | Moderate |
| Multi-point lock upgrade | £150 to £350 | Very high |
| Video doorbell | £50 to £200 | Moderate, deterrent value |
Frequently Asked Questions
What lock does my home insurance require?
Many UK policies require at least a five-lever mortice deadlock kitemarked to BS 3621. Always check your specific policy wording, since requirements vary between insurers.
Are smart locks as secure as traditional locks?
Reputable smart locks from established brands offer comparable physical security to traditional locks, with the added convenience of keyless access, though it is worth checking the physical lock mechanism meets recognised standards rather than relying on the smart features alone.
Is a video doorbell enough security on its own?
No. A video doorbell adds visibility and deterrence but does not physically prevent forced entry. It works best combined with strong locks and a solid door.
Related Reading
About the author: This guide was written by the Routen House editorial team.
