How to Secure Your Home: A Complete Guide To Home Security

Securing your home has never been more important. With burglary techniques constantly evolving, this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic deterrents to the latest security innovations, helping you create multiple layers of protection for your property and showing you how to protect your home from break-ins.

Every day in the UK, hundreds of homes fall victim to burglary, with the data for 2025 (up till August) reporting “England & Wales's police forces received 222,402 crime reports about burglary.” What’s more, ONS data shows that the majority of break-ins occur via the front door, with doors at the rear of the property a close second. 

Please note: These stats are not meant to scare, only inform, and various areas will be more susceptible than others.

With this understanding, it's impossible to make any property 100% safe. However, understanding how criminals think and implementing the right security measures can help reduce your risk of becoming a target.

So let’s take a look at how you can secure your home. The key insight that drives all effective home security in the UK is that most burglars are opportunists. They're looking for easy targets; homes that appear unoccupied, poorly secured, or unlikely to attract attention during a break-in attempt. By making your property less appealing, you're already winning half the battle.

The Psychology of Deterrence: Making Your Home an Unattractive Target

Professional security experts understand that effective home protection works on multiple levels. The most successful approach combines visible deterrents that discourage criminals from attempting a break-in with robust physical security that stops them if they try.

Lighting: Your First Line of Defence

Darkness is a burglar's best friend, which is why illuminating your property is one of the most effective security measures you can implement. Focus particularly on your rear garden and side entrances, as statistics show that many break-ins occur at the back of properties where criminals can work unseen from the street.

Motion-activated LED floodlights are particularly effective because they create the impression that someone is home, whilst also startling potential intruders. Solar-powered options eliminate wiring concerns and ensure your lighting remains operational even during power cuts. What's more, motion-activated lights can also warn neighbours and potentially lead to someone nearby calling the police even if you are not there.

CCTV: Real Protection and Powerful Psychology

Modern CCTV systems offer incredible value for money, with wireless options making installation simpler than ever. Consider doorbell cameras like Ring which are easy to install and use, with some systems providing updates and feeds directly to your mobile.

Whatever you choose, even basic systems provide two crucial benefits: 

• They deter opportunistic criminals who spot the cameras
• They provide evidence of a break-in

Interestingly, even dummy cameras can be effective deterrents, though genuine systems offer the additional benefit of remote monitoring through smartphone apps, allowing you to check on your property whilst away.

Alarm Systems: The Sound of Security

Audible alarms remain one of the most effective deterrents because they attract attention. Modern systems can be integrated with smartphone notifications, meaning you'll know immediately if your alarm is triggered.

Even a dummy alarm box can provide deterrent value, though genuine systems offer monitoring capabilities and can be linked to security companies for professional response.

Signs: The Power of Suggestion

Simple measures like "Beware of the Dog" signs have proven remarkably effective, regardless of whether you actually own a dog. Criminals prefer to avoid unpredictable variables, and the possibility of barking dogs is enough to make many think twice.

Similarly, security company stickers or signs on windows and walls such as; "This Property is Protected by CCTV", create the impression of comprehensive security coverage and can make wannabe burglars rethink targeting your home.

Door Security: Your Primary Physical Barrier

As stated above, most break-ins occur through the front door. Often the easiest to access from the street, your doors represent the main entry points to your home, making their security absolutely critical. To this end, modern door security goes far beyond simply having a lock. Instead, it's about creating a comprehensive barrier system that can withstand modern break-in methods. Below we’ll go through various locking systems and security hardware for your external doors.

Euro Cylinder Security: Beyond Basic TS007

High-security euro cylinders remain the foundation of door security, but the landscape is evolving rapidly. Traditional 3-star TS007 cylinders offer excellent protection against picking, drilling, bumping, snapping, and plug extraction. However, new attack methods, including freeze and glue attacks, have prompted updates to the TS007 standard. You can read about the new attack methods in our blog post.

The latest generation of euro cylinders, including those from Federal Lock, is designed to withstand these emerging threats and is often approved by authorities. Federal Lock, which manufactures cylinders for major brands has developed cylinders that meet the updated 2024 TS007 requirements, offering protection against all more modern methods.

These premium cylinders not only provide superior security but also often display visual security emblems that serve as deterrents, as criminals will be aware of the types of locks that may prove trickier than others.

Another benefit, and one that varies, is that some insurance companies also offer reduced premiums for homes fitted with high-security locks and security devices, making any update a smart financial investment as well as a security upgrade.

Door Hardware: The Supporting Cast

Your lock is only as strong as the door furniture that supports it, as criminals can target hinges, handles, or any other part of the door that looks vulnerable. Premium uPVC door handles manufactured from reinforced materials can resist the leverage attacks that criminals use to compromise weaker hardware. 

As for guidance, look for handles with anti-drill plates and reinforced mounting points. Alternatively, speak to an expert at GB DIY and allow us to help you identify the most secure option for your home on 01623 622205. 

Multi-Point Locking

Finally, many products may come standard with security built in, especially if you choose a premium product from a reputable brand. Modern composite and uPVC doors typically feature multi-point locking systems that secure the door at several points along the frame. To use this fully, ensure these systems are always fully engaged by lifting the handle before turning the key—a door that's simply pulled shut isn't truly secure.

Window Security: Closing the Gaps

After your doors, you’ll want to secure your window. Windows represent the second most common entry point for burglars, yet they're often overlooked in UK home security planning. Effective window security combines deterrent measures with practical restrictions on opening.

Key-Lockable Window Handles

Burglars may avoid breaking windows as this causes excessive noise, so instead they will target ways to open them quietly. As a result a lot of insurance policies can request key-lockable window handles, and for good reason. 

These prevent windows from being opened, even if the glass is broken, significantly slowing down any break-in attempt. As an added tip, store your window keys somewhere safe if you’re away or locking up for the night, as a key left in the lock defeats the purpose entirely.

Window Locks and Restrictors

Additional window locks can also be fitted to provide extra security, particularly on ground floor and easily accessible windows. Window restrictors and hinges are one example as they allow for ventilation whilst preventing the window from being opened wide enough for someone to gain entry.

Laminated Glass

When it comes to the glazing used, you can consider upgrading to strengthened glass like laminated glass on ground floor windows and doors. Unlike standard glass, laminated glass holds together when broken, making it more difficult for criminals to gain quick, quiet entry. 

Please note, glass can be one of the more expensive parts of any home project, as the material and installation costs can be expensive, which is worth keeping in mind.

Garage Security: The Forgotten Entry Point

For larger family homes, garages can be a target, both for their contents and as entry points to the main house. Here are some ways you can improve your garage security.

Garage Door Security

The Federal Lock garage door bolt (formerly known as the Enfield garage door lock) provides robust security for garage doors. This garage door bolt has earned certification from Sold Secure following extensive independent testing by this respected security evaluation body. The certification confirms the lock's effectiveness against standard attack techniques, ensuring you receive verified protection that typically satisfies home insurance security requirements.

Internal Garage Security

If your garage connects to your house, treat the connecting door with the same security priority as your front door. Install a high-security lock and consider additional measures like door chains or viewers.

Additional key management can help too. Don't store garage door remote controls in vehicles parked outside as these effectively provide criminals with a key to your garage.

Patio and French Door Security: Addressing the Weak Link

Patio doors and French doors present unique security challenges due to their large glass areas and often lighter construction compared to front doors. However, innovative solutions are making these entry points much more secure.

Handle Security Systems

Traditional patio door locks can be vulnerable to various attack methods, but new security devices that lock over the door handles provide an additional layer of protection. These systems prevent the door handles from being operated even if the main lock is compromised, creating a significant deterrent effect.

Alternatively, consider installing additional locks at the top and bottom of French doors if multi-point locking isn’t already installed.

Smart Security Integration

Finally, a lot of security is moving to the digital world. Modern security systems increasingly offer smartphone integration, allowing remote monitoring and control. Whilst these systems can provide convenience and peace of mind, ensure that any smart security devices are properly configured and regularly updated.

UK Home Security: An Investment in Peace of Mind

Home security represents more than just protection against financial loss; it's an investment in peace of mind and quality of life. Knowing that your home is properly secured allows you to travel with confidence and sleep soundly.

The cost of comprehensive security measures is typically far less than the value they protect, and many improvements add to your property's value whilst potentially reducing insurance costs.

Remember that the goal isn't to create an impregnable fortress; it's to make your home a less attractive target than alternatives. By following the guidance in this article, you'll be well on your way to achieving that goal.

For specific product recommendations and expert advice on implementing these security measures, don't hesitate to contact our team. We're here to help with locks as well as door and window hardware that protects your home.