Darker Nights - Doors and Windows

Darker Nights - Doors and Windows

Hi Everyone, 

Darker nights are drawing in, and the clocks change this Sunday - 25th Oct

Now is a good time to review home security, this post covers – Doors and Windows

Doors

Don’t leave keys in the back of doors or store than close by in dishes or hooks, as these are locations commonly checked by thieves. They could also be vulnerable to being hooked or fished out of letter boxes or may enable ‘relay theft’ of your vehicle if its keyless entry. 

Do not depend solely on a Yale style rim lock to secure a door, they are unlikely to be strong enough and should be supplemented by locks that are fitted into the door and frame. 

Mortice locks should be British Standard BS 3621

What are BS3621 Locks? How to identify British Standard Locks

Euro Profile cylinder locks should be security rated to Technical Specification TS007 – which are anti snap / anti bump, and they should be fitted flush to the outside of the door, not protruding. 

What is Most Secure Lock To Prevent Lock Snapping? 2026 Guide

Consider fitting a door viewer to enable you to see who is at the door without opening it & door chain

Letter boxes can be protected by simple brushes, ridged guard plates or boxes through to fire retardant bags. 

If purchasing a new external door it should be security rated to PAS 24 (Publicly Available Specification, a testing standard over seen by the British Standards Institution) or equivalent.

Doors directly linking your home to a garage or conservatory should be PAS 24 standard, kept locked and alarmed. 

French doors can be fitted with a PAT lock – www.patlock.co.uk for added security 

Windows

Windows should be fitted with key operated locks; keys should not be left in locks, and iron mongery should be in good working order.

Make sure sash and case windows have weekes stoppers and side hinges fitted to prevent windows being opened fully. Consider two key operated locks for large windows.  

Anti-shatter film can be applied, it will hold glass if place if smashed, slowing entry, a cheaper version of laminated glass.

If your home has large panes of glass, it may be worth considering an intruder alarm so vibration sensors can be fitted, they will trigger the alarm as soon as the glass is hit, before anyone enters the property, contact sensors should still be used. 

Small standalone contact and vibration sensors are also available, however tend to be audible only and not to be linked into an alarm system.

Grills or bars might be an option for some windows

The attached leaflet will provide further information or please contact your local crime prevention team via – Edinburghpreventandintervent@scotland.police.uk

Or visit - Advice - Police Scotland / www.scotland.police.uk/advice

If you are considering purchasing security products Police Scotland would recommend those certified by 

Sold Secure – www.soldsecure.com or Secured By Design – www.securedbydesign.com

If you require assistance from a trade’s person, such as electrician or lock smith you may like to consider the Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme – 

Edinburgh Trusted Trader | Edinburgh Trading Standards / www.trustedtrader.scot/Edinburgh 

If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your premises, please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved. 

Call 999 in an emergency 

Call 101 in an non-emergency or use the Contact Us form at www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us 

Thank you 

PC Campbell