How to Protect Your Home from Break-Ins: A Locksmith’s Guide
By Midlands Locksmiths: Your Local MLA-Approved Locksmiths
When it comes to home security, prevention is always better than cure. At Midlands Locksmiths, we’ve helped countless homeowners secure their properties, often after a break-in that could have been prevented with a few simple upgrades.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or want to improve your current security, here’s our professional guide on how to protect your home from burglars and opportunists.
1. Upgrade Your Door Locks
Your front and back doors are the most common entry points for burglars. If your locks are old or standard issue, they’re vulnerable to techniques like:
- Lock snapping
- Lock bumping
- Lock picking
To protect against these methods, we recommend:
- Anti-snap locks – Designed to break in a safe way that prevents access.
- High-security cylinders – We stock and fit brands like Ultion, and ABS.
- Professional fitting by an MLA-approved locksmith – It’s not just about the lock; it’s how it’s fitted that counts.
2. Reinforce Your Doors and Frames
Even the best lock won’t help if the door itself is weak or poorly fitted.
- Opt for composite or solid timber doors.
- Fit hinge bolts, security chains, and spy viewers for added protection.
- Reinforce wooden doors with a London bar or frame reinforcer.
- Fit Mortice locks top and bottom of a wooden door along with a B.S nightlatch
3. Secure Your Windows and Patio Doors
Don’t overlook windows – they’re often easy targets, especially if they’re left unlocked or on a latch.
- Add window locks to the ground and accessible upper floors.
- Upgrade to laminated or toughened glass.
- Apply security film to glass as a cost-effective extra layer.
- Use anti-lift devices on sliding patio doors.
4. Don’t Forget Outbuildings and Side Gates
Sheds, garages, and side entrances are often weak points:
- Use strong padlocks and hasps on sheds and gates.
- Fit garage door defenders or interior locks.
- Install a ground anchor to secure valuable tools, bikes, or motorbikes.
Burglars often break into sheds to get tools to break into your property!
5. Embrace Smart Security
Smart devices not only add convenience, but they’re also effective deterrents.
- Video doorbells like Ring monitor activity and allow two-way talk.
- Smart locks offer keyless entry and tamper alerts.
- Motion-activated lights keep vulnerable areas well-lit.
6. Make Your Home Look Lived In
Going away? Don’t make it obvious:
- Use light timer switches to mimic someone being home.
- Ask a neighbour to move your bins or take in parcels.
- Avoid posting about holidays on social media until you’re back.
7. Change the Locks When Moving Home
You don’t know who has a copy of the keys. Whether it’s a previous owner, tradesperson, or neighbour – play it safe and have the locks changed.
We can even key alike all your locks so one key fits every door, convenient and secure.
8. Book a Professional Security Check
Sometimes, the weak spots aren’t obvious. We offer home security surveys to help you identify:
- Old or vulnerable locks
- Access points burglars look for
- Recommendations for the right upgrades
Why Choose Midlands Locksmiths?
We’re Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) approved, meaning we’re fully vetted, qualified, and inspected for quality and trust. We offer:
- Expert key cutting
- Ultion key cutting while you wait
- Car key programming
- Lock supply and fitting
- A mobile locksmith service covering Coventry, Leicester, and the West Midlands
Ready to Upgrade Your Home Security?
Contact us today for honest advice and expert service. Our mobile locksmiths are on the road daily, ready to help with anything from lockouts to full home security upgrades.