Door & Window Security

Introduction

Theft is a risk facing nearly all premises, and a suitable level of physical security should therefore be provided to all accessible external doors and windows.

There are many different forms of locks and related British, European and other security test standards. This document, therefore, provides some general advice on door and window security at typical commercial and domestic premises.

Risk Assessment

Criminals usually look for the easiest way into premises. With this in mind the general aim should be to provide all doors and windows with a comparable level of physical security, but with variations made having regard to various risk factors, e.g.:

  • What is behind or close to each door or window, i.e. what theft attractive goods are present/where are they kept?
  • The degree of accessibility and possible concealment for criminals. Note. Accessible doors and windows should be regarded as those that could be reached by an intruder standing on adjacent ground or an external staircase; or that could readily be reached by climbing, e.g. via adjacent single storey roof areas, bay windows, porches, pediments, adjacent soil/drainage pipes, walls or trees, etc.
  • Strength of construction of the building in comparison to any doors/windows
  • The nature of any manned guarding or other human presence on site
  • The nature of any electronic security, i.e. intruder alarm/CCTV systems on site

Door and Window Security – General

There are a number of factors that contribute to good door and window security, e.g.:-

  • Condition
    Doors/windows and frames should be in good condition, of good fit, well secured to the building structure and any gaps around the frames filled with mortar or frame sealant (to conceal the frame fixings). 
  • Construction
    Timber doors/windows should be of external grade (and for doors a min thickness of 45mm/1¾”) with hardwood generally stronger than softwood. For PVCu or metal doors, especially if glazed, the manufacturer’s intended use should be observed. Weaker doors/windows, or specific areas of them, can be improved by adding secondary steel sheet facings/linings, or steel bars, grilles or mesh.
  • Door Hanging
    Inward opening doors are less resistant to being kicked/barged open than outward opening ones, but can be improved by fitting a second lock or internal bolts or drop in braces. Outward opening doors/windows can be made more resistant to hinge tampering by fitting hinge bolts.
  • Glazing
    Any glazing needs to be well secured i.e. no loose or perished putty/beading. If any glazing is toughened glass (despite its name, a safety not security material) security can be improved, and still meet safety requirements, by replacing it with laminated glass.

Procedural Security

The effectiveness of any security measure is always dependent upon proper use, so:

  • All doors and windows should be adequately secured whenever premises are left unattended, and in homes when the occupants retire to bed at night. (Keep keys close at hand in case emergency exit is required)
  • Don’t leave spare keys under mats, etc
  • Don’t label keys with your address
  • Where premises are open to the public, don’t leave unlocked padlocks or keys to doors/windows in their locks or otherwise unattended
  • After locking up, don’t leave keys in locks or within sight or reach of glazing

Insurers Minimum Security Requirements

When insurance is sought against theft its provision may be conditional upon the premises providing a certain level of physical security, often termed ‘Minimum Security Requirements’ (MSR’s). MSR’s tend to concentrate on the fitting and use of common locks on typical doors and windows and may vary according to the insurer, type of property, e.g. domestic or commercial, or the type of insurance contract.

Key Action Steps

  • Review current physical security at your premises, including any outbuildings
  • Check whether any insurer MSR’s apply; and if so that you do comply, or that you have their agreement for any alternative arrangements
  • Seek independent crime prevention advice, e.g. from the police
  • Source doors/windows or security devices from competent suppliers/locksmiths, e.g. respectively, a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) or Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)
  • Review security in the event of any loss. If you do not do so are at high risk of a repeat incident

Door Security – Locking

Locks typically used on entry/exit doors vary according to the door type, e.g.:-

Hinged single leaf doors.  These are usually locked by:

  •  Timber doors – a 5 lever mortice deadlock with boxed striking plate, or rim cylinder deadlock, in either case certified as meeting BS 3621. Note. Treat ‘stable type’ doors as two separate doors. 
  • Metal frame doors – a pin cylinder operated mortice swing (MS) lock.
    Note. Security can be improved by fitting a reinforced striking plate in the hollow frame and a cylinder ‘rose’ to prevent a wrench being used to grip and twist the (usually protruding) lock cylinder.
  • PVCu doors – a 5 pin cylinder lock, securing a system of moving boltwork having at least 3 locking points.
  • All Types – a padlock; but choose a type with a closed shackle securing a heavy-duty staple with externally non-removable fixings, and ideally certified to a security standard, e.g. CEN Grade 4 or above.

Hinged double doors.  These are usually adequately secured by:

  • The 1st leaf being secured at top and bottom by rebate bolts, key operated mortice rack bolts or surface mounted key lockable bolts
  • The 2nd leaf as a hinged single leaf door

Sliding doors.
These are usually locked by either a mortice or cylinder ‘hook’ or ‘claw’ lock, cylinder lock and moving bolts or a padlock. Patio style doors should have an anti lift device in the top rail and may benefit from a key operated patio door lock at the base of the centre rail.

Roller shutter/panel doors
These are usually locked by padlocking the internal operating chain in place, or fitting cylinder lock pin bolts through the side runners. Any wicket gate should be treated as a hinged single leaf door.

Doors not used for entry/exit purposes
Unless used as emergency exit doors, see below, these doors should be locked as above or by lesser locks supplemented by internal bolts (key lockable if adjacent to any glazing), padlocks or drop in braces, etc.

Emergency exit doors
These doors are often relatively weak but, subject to strict controls to ensure unlocking at all times when the premises are in use, extra visible security devices, e.g. bolts, or secondary protection may be appropriate. If in doubt seek advice from the fire brigade or your insurers, and always record any such measures in your fire risk assessment.

Window Security – Locking
All accessible opening windows should be fitted with key lockable handles or separate window locks. Larger windows (an opening edge greater than 1m long) can be improved by fitting a second lock. Windows not required to open may be screwed shut.

Sources of Further Information 

Your local police Crime Prevention Unit

Glass & Glazing Federation Tel 0870 042 4255 or see www.ggf.org.uk

Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). Tel 01327 262255 or visit www.locksmiths.co.uk

The RISCAuthority (the UK insurers’ technical advice body) see www.riscauthority.co.uk 

 

Source – Aviva