How can I be sure my home locks are secure enough?

With an increase in domestic burglary, it is important to ensure your locks are secure and not vulnerable to break ins.

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In this article we take a look at the different types of front door locks and how you can choose the right one. Getting the right lock helps ensure that your home is as secure as possible.

The importance of finding the right lock

Home security should no doubt start at your front door as this is the gateway to your home.

Recent research has shown that 74% of burglars gained access to properties via a door and of these 29% got in simply by forcing the lock.

Secure and reliable locks are therefore the first line of defence for your home. Investing in strong, solid and suitable lock installations throughout your home will provide increased protection.

The whole point of secure locks is there to protect:

• Your safety

• Your family

• Your home itself

• Your valuable

• All of the home's contents

Whether you are purchasing a new lock or replacing an existing one, when you are choosing one for your home, a number of factors need to be considered.

Good questions to ask yourself

• What kind of door is it that you have i.e. what material?

• What level of security is required?

• What is the quality of the frame that you are fitting it in?

• What are your insurance requirements – do they need to comply to British Standards?

A qualified locksmith can advise on the most suitable solution and ensure that the job is done properly.

What are the different types of front door locks?

There are different types of door locks to improve security, match specific needs, enhance convenience and ensure durability.

As there are many options available, you can choose modern features that better protect your home, belongings, and personal safety.

Mortice lock

These are the most common type for external timber doors. They are embedded (or ‘morticed’) into the door, rather than surface-mounted or clamped.

They can have anything from two to seven levers, increasing in security with every lever that is added. The higher the number of levers, the more difficult it is for intruders to pick, therefore making it harder to force open, enhancing security levels.

It is recommended to have a minimum of a five-lever mortice lock and even better still to have one that is compliant to British Standard BS3621.

To take this further, there are commonly two types of mortice locks:

• Sashlock - These work by using a lock, latch and a set of handles so that you can open and close the door without it locking behind you

• Deadlock - These can only be operated with a key and use a single bolt locking mechanism meaning that when the door shuts behind you it is not possible to open it from the outside without a key

Whatever your thoughts for your home security, we've got you covered. From locksmith prices and guides to door locks through to help with finding lock fitters in your local area.

Multi-point locking system

These are most commonly used for composite and uPVC doors.

A multi-point locking system has a minimum of three locking points, where pins, hook bolts or rollers sit at the top and bottom of the door followed by a latch in the middle.

All three points lock simultaneously with the turn of a key as the multi-point locking system bolts the door into the frame, giving a high level of security.

Nightlatches

These are mounted onto the internal side of the door itself with the latch mounted on the frame.

They are not recommended as the only form of security for an external entry point but can be good as a ‘secondary lock’ to provide additional security for wooden doors.

• Standard nightlatch - Every time you close the door, the nightlatch engages and it will lock behind you

• Key deadlocking nightlatch - This operates in the same way as the standard version, except the bolt from the outside can be deadlocked by inserting the key into the lock after the door has closed

Once the nightlatch has been deadlocked, the latch cannot be slipped using the common method known as ‘card slipping’.

Need a hand with changing your locks or want some guidance with picking something suitable?

A complete guide to changing your locks

Are you changing your locks? Use our planning guide to decide what type of lock is right for your door, security and budget.

Learn more

Cylinder locks

These can be used on composite and uPVC doors and offer security and practicality. Coming in two different shapes, oval and euro cylinders, these can be single or double cylinders.

• Different level internal pins move around inside the cylinder as the key is turned

• Single cylinders are operated by a key on the outside but do not require one for locking/unlocking from the inside

• Double cylinders are operated by keys on both sides

With lock snapping, bumping or cylinder drilling and screwing commonly known methods of entry for burglars, it’s important to choose the right product and remember to check the faceplate for the BS kitemark.

Do you need to replace or repair them?

Protecting your home should always begin by assessing your locks.

There are multiple types that will help to ensure that your home is secure enough to prevent unauthorised access. Once you have decided on your preferred products, it is advisable to have them properly fitted by a professional.

Why choose a Checkatrade-approved locksmith?

When it comes to your home’s security, hiring a locksmith isn’t something to leave to chance.

Whether you’re locked out, upgrading your locks, or improving home security, choosing a vetted professional gives you peace of mind.

Checkatrade members must pass up to 12 checks before joining and are continually monitored, including verification of reviews and qualifications.

Key benefits of choosing a locksmith via Checkatrade

• Tradespeople are vetted with multiple background and qualification checks

• Genuine customer reviews are verified for authenticity

• Ongoing monitoring helps maintain high standards

• Easy comparison of local locksmiths and quotes

• Access to a wide network of trusted, local professionals

• Added peace of mind with guarantees on selected work (T&Cs apply)

Choosing a locksmith through Checkatrade means hiring with confidence - combining verified professionals, transparent reviews, and a streamlined process to help you secure your home safely and efficiently.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

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