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Security

Master Locksmiths Association

The Master Locksmiths Association provides advice and information door lock types and door lock and key problems. 

Visit www.locksmiths.co.uk for more information or to read the below guides:

Find an MLA approved locksmith near you

Age UK

Age UK provides information and advice on keeping your home secure, including improving your home security, such as:

  • Fitting locks with keys to all downstairs windows, and windows that might be easier for burglars to reach – such as those above a flat roof.
  • Keeping window keys out of sight to anyone peering in, but somewhere easy to reach in case of an emergency.
  • If you're having new windows fitted, ensure they come with good locks as it can be tricky to add better ones later.

Visit Age UK for more information about home security and crime prevention.

 

Beading on the outside of windows

Older style windows may also have beading on the outside to hold the glass window pane in place. This beading can be removed to replace broken glass, but it can also be perceived as a security concern.

Good condition windows with beading should not need replacing, however, if your windows are older, have beading and lack trickle vents, it may be time to think about replacing them with more modern ones.

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Windows and Doors for more information about replacing your windows.

Age UK

Age UK provides information and advice on keeping your home secure, including improving your home security, such as fitting your door with:

  • a five-lever mortice deadlock with Kitemark BS 3621 (you should get one of these on any back doors too)
  • an automatic rim latch lock (also called a 'night latch')
  • a peephole to check who's there before opening the door
  • a door chain to speak to whoever is there without having to open the door fully
  • locks such as hinge bolts for additional security

A door chain can be helpful – but avoid leaving it on all the time if there's a chance family, carers or emergency services might need to get in.

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk for more information about home security and crime prevention

 

FENSA - How secure is your back door?

Your backdoor is an important part of your property and you should make sure it is as secure as possible to protect your loved ones and valuables.

Read FENSA's guide to secure back doors

 

Communal Front Doors

Communal front doors and shared entrances are only effective when they are closed and secure.

Your communal front door should always lock behind you. If it doesn’t then you should report it to your management agent or landlord so that it can be repaired.

Be aware of others when entering and exiting your property to make sure that people don’t follow you in or enter the building before the door closes behind you and never buss anyone into the building that you do not know or are not expecting – even if they are expected by another resident.

Audio-visual entry systems enable residents to see and talk to anyone who is trying to gain access into the building before they are let in.

Communal doors should be robust, security accredited and fitted with a good self-closing arm with magnetic locks. It should also be linked to the fire alarm and electronic access control system.

Keeping the outside of your property well maintained doesn’t just protect your property from damage, it can also make your home safer and more secure.

Properties that look run down can be more vulnerable to theft and vandalism, or make it appear as if someone vulnerable lives inside.

To keep your home safe and secure:

Keep your garden looking tidy. Regularly trim bushes and mow the lawn to show that someone is actively caring for the property.

Install timers for lights. Using timers or smart plugs to turn on lights at different times can make it appear someone is home – even when you are out.

Hold your mail. Don’t let mail build up at your door step. If you are away from your home, you can use the Royal Mail Keepsafe service.

A Keepsafe will help keep your home and identity safe by holding onto your mail in a secure premises while you're away. Your mail will be delivered when you return home.

Park in the driveway. If possible, keeping a car parked in the driveway suggests that the home is occupied.

Use smart home devices. Consider using devices like smart doorbells or security cameras that allow you to monitor your home remotely.

Check out the Good Home Lincs webpages on Smart Homes for more information about how technology can help to keep you and your home safe and secure.

 

Criminal traders

If your home is in need of maintenance, you may be a target for criminal traders.

Criminal Traders aim to convince you that you require urgent maintenance to your house or garden.

They will cold call and pressurise you into a quick decision, offering to carry out repairs to the house, such as roofing, guttering or damp proofing and in the garden, cutting trees and hedges.  Often, they offer a special price if you agree there and then; frequently this price increases when they start the work. 

They can try to scare you into having work done by saying your home is unsafe in some way.

 

Avoid being caught out by cold-callers
  • keep your front and back doors secure at all times
  • if someone comes to your door, observe this code:
    • stop - are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment?
    • chain - secure the door bar or chain before opening the door
    • check - ask for and double-check the caller’s ID
  • if they offer to do work on your property say “No, thanks” and shut the door
  • do not keep large sums of money at home

If a cold caller is at your door, call 0808 2231133 for advice. If you feel unsafe, call 101.

You can also report a cold caller through the Lincolnshire County Council website.

Age UK

Age UK provides information and advice on keeping your home secure and improving your home security.

Visit the Age UK website for more information about:

  • Home security devices that can help prevent crime and help you feel safer
  • Securing garages, sheds and passageways
  • Protecting valuables
  • What to do if you go on holiday
  • What to do if you get an unexpected doorstep caller
  • What you should do if you’ve been burgled

If you think you’ve been burgled when you arrive home, don’t go inside unless you’re sure the intruder has gone.

Dial 999 and ask for the police straight away. If you don't need an emergency response, call 101 to report the burglary.

You can register your valuable possessions online for free on the Immobilise Property Register. This website helps police identify owners of lost or stolen property.

Victim Support offers free practical and emotional support to people who have experienced crime, whether or not you report it to the police.

 

Lincolnshire Police

Lincolnshire Police provides advice and information about Protecting your home from crime, and how to keep your home safe and secure from burglary and damage.

Visit www.lincs.police.uk for more information and advice about:

  • Window and door security
  • How safe is your flat?
  • Keeping burglars out of your property
  • Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure
  • Protecting your property against vandalism

Antisocial behaviour takes many forms, from aggressive, noisy or abusive behaviour to neighbourhood disturbances involving drugs or animals.

Your neighbourhood can be an area where you live, work, or visit often.

If you’ve witnessed antisocial behaviour, please report it to Lincolnshire Police.

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