If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. 

• Make sure the doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Doors should be of solid core construction, 44mm thick. 
• Glass panels on or around the door are especially vulnerable, so replace them with laminated glass. 
• Fit back and front doors with a five-lever mortice deadlocks - and use them. 
• Fit all exterior doors, top and bottom, with bolts. Remember to fit all security devices with strong screws or bolts. 
• Get specialist advice on fitting locks to patio doors. 
• Fit both french doors, top and bottom, with a security mortice lock and mortice bolt. 
• Patio doors should have special locks fitted top and bottom unless they already have a multi-locking system. 
• If you’re thinking of buying PVCu or metal framed windows or doors, make sure that they come with good built-in locks and a fitted chain, which can be very difficult and expensive to add retrospectively. 
• Look in the telephone directory for the names of local locksmiths who are members of the Master Locksmiths’ Association. 
• Most front doors are fitted with a rim latch which locks automatically when the door is closed but can be opened again from the inside without a key. For extra protection you should consider installing the following:  

AUTOMATIC DEADLOCK
This locks automatically when the door is closed but, when locked externally with a key, cannot be opened from the inside. 

CHAINS
These help you to speak with strangers at the door without letting them in. Remember, if in doubt, keep them out 

Buy a chain and use it every time you open the door. 

MORTICE DEADLOCK
Fit a five-lever deadlock about a third of the way up the door. One kitemarked to at least BS3621 should satisfy most insurance requirements. 

Fit a deadlock with a key, so a thief can’t smash a nearby panel to open the door from the inside. If the thief gets into the property through a window, he can’t carry your property out through the door. 

HINGES
Check that the door hinges are sturdy and secured with strong, long screws. 

For added security fit hinge bolts. These are inexpensive and help to reinforce the hinge side of a door against the use of force. 

DOOR VIEWERS
These enable you to identify callers before opening the door. 

LETTERBOXES
Never hang a spare key inside the letterbox – an obvious place that a thief will check. 

Consider fitting a letterbox cage which prevents thieves from putting their hand through the letterbox and trying the locks from the inside.