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Is Your Front Door a “Welcome Mat” for Burglars? A Homeowner’s Security Audit
Is Your Front Door a “Welcome Mat” for Burglars? A Homeowner’s Security Audit
Category: Home Security / Essential Guides
Reading Time: 6 Minutes
📌 Key Takeaways
- 76% Risk: ONS data confirms most burglars enter through a door, not a window.
- Lock Snapping: Standard euro-cylinders can be snapped in under 15 seconds. Upgrading to Ultion prevents this.
- PAS 24: This is the gold standard for security testing. Always check for this certification.
- The Solution: A composite door with a solid core and multi-point locking is your best defence.
It is a chilling thought, but it is one every homeowner needs to confront. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a staggering 76% of burglars gain entry through a door, with the front of the property being the most common point of attack.
We often imagine criminals scaling drainpipes or smashing back windows under the cover of darkness. The reality is much bolder. Most intruders are opportunists who simply exploit the weakest point of your home’s primary defence. If your front door isn’t up to standard, it isn’t a barrier; it is effectively a “welcome mat.”
At KJM, we believe real security starts with facts, not fear. Here is how to audit your current door to see if it makes the grade, and why upgrading to British Standards is the ultimate peace of mind.
Table of Contents
1. The 3-Point Security Audit: Is Your Door Vulnerable?
Take a moment today to look at your front door. Not at the colour or the handle, but at the mechanics. Many older uPVC and timber doors suffer from three fatal flaws that modern criminals know how to exploit in seconds.
1. The “Snapping” Risk (Poor Quality Locks)
Look at your keyhole. Does the metal cylinder protrude more than a few millimetres from the handle backplate?
- The Problem: If the cylinder sticks out, it is vulnerable to “lock snapping.” Intruders use common household tools to grip the exposed cylinder and snap it in two.
- The Reality: It takes less than 15 seconds to bypass a standard, older euro-cylinder lock using this method.
2. Sub-Standard Materials (Thin Panels)
Tap the centre panel of your door (the white or coloured bit, not the glass). Does it sound hollow or flimsy?
- The Problem: Older uPVC doors often rely on thin Styrofoam cores sandwiched between brittle plastic sheets.
- The Reality: These panels offer very little resistance and can often be kicked through with brute force.
3. Frame Weakness
Open the door and check the strike plate (where the bolt enters the frame). Is it held in by short screws?
- The Problem: If the frame isn’t reinforced with steel, a crowbar can leverage the door open by popping the frame itself.
2. The Fix: Understanding PAS 24 (The Gold Standard)
You don’t need a moat to secure your home; you just need a door that meets the PAS 24 standard.
PAS 24 (Publicly Available Specification 24) is the official British Standard for enhanced security performance. It isn’t just a badge; it is a series of brutal tests carried out by independent labs.
- Manual Attack Test: Simulated attacks using screwdrivers, crowbars, and chisels.
- Impact Test: Heavy weights swung at the door to simulate kicking and shoulder-barging.
- Hard Body Impact: To ensure the handle and lock cannot be smashed off.
KJM Security Tip
You can tailor your security to your needs. For maximum protection, ask our team about upgrading to Ultion Locks and Laminated Glass when designing your door.
3. Security Snapshot: The Upgrade Difference
See how a modern KJM installation compares to the typical older doors found in many UK homes.
| Feature | Standard Older Door | KJM Composite Door |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Cylinder | Standard Euro (Snap Risk) | Ultion Upgrades Available |
| Locking Points | Single Latch | Multi-Point Hook Lock |
| Door Core | Styrofoam/Hollow | Solid Timber / High-Density |
| Glazing | Clip-in beads (removable) | Laminated Glass Available |
| Certification | Often None | PAS 24 Ready |
4. See Real Security in Action
Watch how the advanced technology inside our upgrade options (featuring Ultion) activates “Lock Down Mode” when it detects an attack:
5. Why KJM Composite Doors Are the Answer
At KJM, we don’t just sell doors; we install barriers. Our range of Composite Doors is designed specifically to combat the statistics mentioned above.
By combining a solid timber core with a durable, weather-resistant outer skin, we provide the weight and strength of a traditional wood door. Better yet, we offer full customisation, allowing you to specify high-security features like laminated glass and advanced Ultion cylinders for total peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PAS 24 is the technical test standard. Secured by Design is a police initiative that recognizes products that meet high standards, including PAS 24. A Secured by Design door uses PAS 24 as its benchmark.
Yes, you can upgrade the cylinder to an anti-snap lock, which helps. However, if the door panel itself is thin or aged, the door remains vulnerable to brute force attacks (kicking). A full replacement is safer for older doors.
Check the inside edge of the door frame. Accredited manufacturers often place a label or kitemark there. If your door is over 15 years old, it is unlikely to meet current PAS 24 standards.
A standard lock secures the door at one point near the handle. A multi-point lock features a series of hooks or bolts that engage with the frame at the top, bottom, and middle of the door when the handle is lifted. This spreads the strength across the entire door frame.
Prioritize Your Home Security Today
Don’t wait for a break-in to upgrade your home’s defences. KJM’s composite doors offer industry-leading security without compromising on style.
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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