Blog Post

Door security & advice

Simon Gabriel • April 20, 2016

Old door? New door? Bad door?

Door repair service

The importance of a front door.
Doors are the focal point of our homes, especially our front door. The front door is what everyone walking past your house will see, what guests will see and what potential buyers will see. Just like your front garden, it has a chance to leave a lasting impression and will be the first to impress.
Besides being impressive, it is also the main entrance to your home, your place of safety, the place you keep your shoes and laptops. For these reasons, and many more, your front door should be of good quality and good finishing. It deters could be burglars by having good locks, makes someone think twice before attempting. Most burglaries we have seen happen through the front door, a minority from the back door and windows.
This means that the front door you have is largely responsible for your safety - Your phone, laptop, shoes, handbags, pets, jewellery and most of our worldly possessions. So it clearly makes sense to install a safe front door and some decent front locks.

Fitting good doors & locks.
Your home security is made up of two obvious options - Doors & Windows. Unless someones planning on going through your wall (which lets be honest, would be an extraordinary tale) if your windows and doors are secure it's going to be very difficult for someone to make it in.
We highly advise that you check the width of your front door, regardless of if your renting or own this one is a must. Your front door width needs to be at least 44mm wide. Keep in mind that the width of your door is what is stopping someone sticking their leg through your door. We've seen many burglaries and it does make us sad, it's our job to make people safe . A lot of burglaries we have seen the door has been kicked in, from what we've seen it hasn't been incredibly difficult, no tools were used, just kicked.
This can be secured by placing a London bar and a Birmingham bar, one sits on the frame and one sits on the door itself, both reinforce the door against kicking.
Make sure you have a Kitemarked 5 Lever BS3621 lock, this will be visible on the plate. This lock goes by a few names "Bottom lock" "Chubb lock" - Mortice deadlock:
For the best burglary deterrent installing an Anti drill Face-plate to the Mortice lock is advised, this not only looks impressive, but will deter attacks on your Mortice lock.
Checking window locks
If you have sash windows a single Sash-Jammer in the middle simply wont do. Especially ground and first floor windows, having just one on each window is very risky. The best is to have a key operated bolt from the inside of the house, that bolt should go straight into the frame. Attacks are very limited on these locks as its on the inside of the house and its a key operated bolt so without a key, slipping it just wont work.
If you have UPVC windows and the handles are key operated those are great, very hard to open from the outside. If they aren't key operated consider changing them out, it's a simple process and inexpensive when employing a professional to do.
At SMS Locksmiths we handle all theses aspects. We have an emergency door installation team on standby and a locksmith to attend to the locks. We take pride in every aspect of our work.
Check www.smslocksmith.co.uk/door-repairs
Locksmith Prices:
www.smslocksmith.co.uk/ pricelist

By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham , help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times . Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
When you’re locked out, you need help fast – but who do you call? It might be tempting to ring the first number you find online, often a national call centre , but choosing a local locksmith can make all the difference. The Problem with National Call Centres Big national firms often outsource work to subcontractors. That means long wait times, unclear pricing, and poor communication. You might end up paying more for a job done with less care. Why Local Locksmiths Are Better 1. Faster Response Times A local locksmith like SMS Locksmith is nearby and can often be with you in under 30 minutes . 2. Transparent Pricing We don’t believe in hidden fees or inflated charges. What we quote is what you pay. 3. Personal Service You're not just a ticket number – we care about your safety and satisfaction. Our locksmiths are local, polite, and highly experienced. 4. Local Knowledge We know the area, the types of doors and locks common in homes, and how best to secure them. Whether you’re in Worcester Park , Twickenham , Chelsea , or Clapham , we’ve got your area covered.  Next time you need a locksmith, go local. Choose SMS Locksmith for expert service and complete peace of mind.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Feeling safe in your own home is non-negotiable. Whether you live near Twickenham Green or closer to the stadium, basic home security steps can go a long way in preventing break-ins. As your trusted Twickenham locksmith , we’ve put together a quick checklist to help you protect your property. Check All Entry Points Burglars often look for easy access through back doors, garages or windows. Make sure all entry points are fitted with quality locks – and don’t forget your shed or side gate . Upgrade to British Standard Locks Many older locks don’t meet insurance standards. Our Twickenham locksmiths can upgrade your locks to British Standard quickly and affordably. Don’t Hide Keys Outside That flower pot or fake rock is the first place a burglar will look. Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors. Instead, consider a secure key safe or trusted neighbour. Install Outdoor Lighting Motion-activated lights are a simple but effective deterrent – and they also make it safer when returning home after dark. Book a Security Check If you’re unsure where to start, we offer free security assessments across Twickenham. We’ll point out vulnerabilities and offer affordable fixes. Want help securing your home? Contact our expert Twickenham locksmith team today.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea , where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’ve just moved in or simply want to feel more secure, here are the top 5 reasons to consider a lock upgrade. 1. You’ve Just Moved In Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, you can never be sure who else has a copy. Lock replacement ensures that only you have access to your new Chelsea home. 2. Your Current Locks Aren’t Insurance Approved Many insurers require locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks don’t comply, it could invalidate your insurance in the event of a break-in. 3. You've Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Entry After a burglary or even an attempted one, upgrading your locks is essential. We recommend anti-snap and high-security locks that resist drilling, picking, and bumping. 4. Peace of Mind Simply put – upgraded locks help you sleep better at night. Knowing that your home is secure with robust, professionally fitted locks offers lasting peace of mind. Need help upgrading your locks in Chelsea? Visit our Chelsea Locksmith page and get in touch today for expert advice and quick service.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea, where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make.
April 1, 2025
A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe.  Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
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