5 Common Home Security Weaknesses and How to Fix Them

Front doors

Front doors are one of the most targeted entry points for burglars. According to the Office for National Statistics, 76% of household burglaries in England and Wales occurred through access to a door, and in 24% of cases where entry was gained the door was unlocked. Weak locks, thin frames, and glass panels can all contribute to putting your property at risk. Understanding these vulnerabilities helps homeowners improve security, protecting people and property.

Security solutions for front doors

• Door locks: Door locks, such as multipoint or cylinder locks, provide several locking points along the door frame, making it much harder for intruders to force the door open. High-quality locks, such as Yale smart security locks, are essential for deterring break-ins. Look for locks that meet TS007 3-Star standard, or composite doors certified PAS24 and Secured by Design. These are tested to resist snapping, drilling, picking, and other attack methods.
• Door bolts: Door bolts at the top or bottom of the door can prevent it from being forced open even if the main lock is compromised. This creates maximised security, as they act as a secondary layer of defence against kick-ins. To check if your cylinder needs replacing, a quick and efficient method is the £1 coin trick. If your cylinder protrudes more than the depth of a £1 coin, it may be vulnerable to lock snapping.
• Door chains and restrictors: Door chains and restrictors allow the door to be partially opened while still providing protection. This lets homeowners safely identify visitors and reduces the risk of forced entry. Door peepholes are also an effective option for checking who is standing outside of the door before opening. Research revealed that only 11% of people change their locks when moving into a new home, so installing chains and restrictors adds an extra layer of security.

Windows

Windows, especially on ground-floor or accessible options, are common points of forced entry. Weak locks, single-pane glass, or unmonitored access makes them a prime target for burglars, emphasising the importance of having efficient home window security. According to Aviva, around a quarter of people admit to leaving upstairs windows open when going out, putting their property at risk.

Security solutions for windows

• Window bars: Metal window bars provide a physical barrier against forced entry. Designed to maintain aesthetic appeal while providing strong protection, especially for vulnerable ground-floor windows, they ensure safety is prioritised.
• Window locks: uPVC window locks are designed to secure modern double-glazed windows, preventing them from being forced open. These locks are simple to use and cost-effective, offering added peace of mind for homeowners.
• Window restrictors: Window restrictors limit how far a window can open, making it harder for burglars to climb through. If they manage to open your window, this design adds an extra layer of protection. Restrictors can be added to both uPVC and traditional windows to maximise security without compromising ventilation.

Side and back gates 

Side and back gates provide easy access points for burglars and are often overlooked. Weak or unlocked gates can allow intruders to reach your garden, or even back windows and patio doors. With darker evenings approaching, and only 35% of burglaries occurring during daylight hours (UK Region Security Statistics 2025), burglars have more opportunities to act unseen. Visible methods to deter them are therefore especially important for peace of mind and protecting your entire property.

Security solutions for gates

• Gate bolts: Gate bolts provide a simple but effective way to reinforce gates against forced entry. They prevent easy opening from the outside and can be paired with padlocks for added protection.
• Gate locks: The type of gate lock you use should depend on the material and style of the gate. Mortice locks are recommended for wooden gates, while rim locks are a better option for metal or surface-mounted gates. Both provide a secure locking system that is harder to tamper with and offer much greater strength than basic latches.
• Security cameras and motion-activated lights: Adding visible CCTV cameras or motion-activated lighting near a side or back gate can deter intruders before they even attempt entry. Gates are often in areas not always easily visible from the inside of homes, so cameras and lights provide extra monitoring and visibility.

Garage doors

Providing direct access to valuable tools, vehicles, or even a route into the main home, garage doors are often targeted by burglars. According to UK Region Security Statistics 2025, the average cost of property damage per burglary is £1,006 and stolen items average £2,775, making garages an expensive target. Weak locks, outdated mechanisms, or doors left unsecured can leave garages vulnerable, so securing them is crucial to protect your property and its contents.

Security solutions for garage doors

• CCTV cameras: CCTV cameras placed above or near the garage door can help you monitor this area from inside your home or when you’re away. These cameras can also act as a deterrent for intruders, and footage can provide evidence if necessary.
• Garage door locks: Specialist garage door locks, such as mortice locks or additional padlocks, can reinforce weak locking mechanisms. Strong locks prevent forced entry and add an extra barrier beyond the standard door system.
• Automatic door openers: Modern automatic garage doors often come with rolling code technology, which changes the access code each time the remote is used. This prevents burglars from intercepting codes and gaining entry.

Patio doors

Patio and French doors are particularly vulnerable because of their large glass panels. Certain styles, such as sliding doors, are a common target as they can be lifted from their tracks to access your home. These doors are often located at the back of the house, out of sight from the street, making them an attractive target for burglars. Securing these doors properly is essential to reduce risk.

Security solutions for patio doors

• Patio door bolts: Patio and French door bolts added at the top and bottom of doors make it much harder for intruders to force them open. The bolts can strengthen the overall frame and be particularly useful on double doors. Some patio door kits include these bolts as part of a complete security solution, making maximising protection simple and easy.
• Door locks: High-quality locks, such as multipoint or cylinder locks designed for patio doors, are essential for preventing forced entry. These locks secure multiple points along the door frame and resist prying or lifting attempts if burglars manage to get into the back of your home.
• Alarm systems: Alarm security systems can be installed on patio doors to alert homeowners if the door is opened or tampered with. These systems can scare off any potential intruders and alert homeowners so they can act quickly, enhancing security and providing peace of mind.

Discover home security at IronmongeryDirect

This guide has explored the key home security weaknesses and how to fix them, highlighting the importance of protecting people and property. We’re supporting National Home Security Month by helping homeowners stay safe and secure with our complete range of home security solutions at IronmongeryDirect, including door locks, window security, and CCTV and alarms.

FAQs

Why are front doors one of the most common home security weaknesses?

Front doors often have weak locks, thin frames, or glass panels that make them easier for burglars to force open. 76% of burglars enter through the door and in 24% of cases where entry was gained, the door was left unlocked. Securing doors with high-quality locks and bolts can reduce this vulnerability and protect your home, all while offering peace of mind.

How can I strengthen my windows to prevent break-ins?

Windows, especially on the ground floor, are common entry points and an easy target for burglars due to weak locks or single-pane glass designs. Installing uPVC locks, window restrictors, or even metal bars can help to prevent intruders from gaining access.

How can I make my home more secure?

Enhancing security in weaker areas such as doors, gates, and windows can significantly improve the safety of your home. For example, fitting secure locks and bolts on doors and gates, as well as installing outdoor alarms and CCTV cameras, can help reduce the risk of burglaries.

Why are garage doors a vulnerable entry point?

Garages often store valuable items and may offer direct access to the home. Weak or outdated locks can be easily accessible for intruders, so adding specialist locks and CCTV cameras works to significantly improve security.

How can patio doors be secured?

Patio doors can be made more secure by using patio door bolts and high-security locks, such as multipoint and cylinder locks. Installing an alarm system to alert homeowners about potential break-ins and scare off intruders will further enhance security. Sliding doors can also be an especially easy target for burglars, as attempts can be made to move them off their tracks to gain access, so adding additional security measures is essential.

How often should I review my home security?

You should check all of your home security systems, including door locks, bolts, windows, CCTV cameras, and alarms at least once a year. Regularly reviewing these can identify any weak spots or worn components before they become a security risk. As October is National Home Security Month, now is the perfect time to review your home security and begin making timely updates or repairs to ensure your home remains well-protected.

This blog was written with support from Yale.