External door with a knob cylinder

[ronniecabers]

As I've mentioned , on new builds thumbturns are compulsory, as are the letterbox shrouds to make it hard as possible for a burglar to turn a thumbturn using the device shown. Honestly most burglars these days will just smash a window to get in if no ones home, and sometimes even if they are, it's just the easiest point of entry.

 

[SFK]

Closed letterboxes are available.

As a DIYer I tend to fit a letterbox hood to reduce easy access to yale locks, thumb locks and even keys on table,

As an example:
https://www.lockshopdirect.co.uk/pr...MIyp3sh-bDggMVz-rtCh39RQgnEAQYASABEgLsw_D_BwE

SFK

 

[JohnHanna]

Is it a plastic door?

In a house (with a back door and windows) or a flat with no other way out?

Show us the outside keyhole please

It is a sturdy wooden door. It is a house. The theory (suggested by a locksmith) is that a burglar breaks in. Then takes their time getting stuff out using the door (as if he's a resident or a mover) without anybody noticing. Pls see picture.

 

[JohnD]

It is a sturdy wooden door. It is a house. The theory (suggested by a locksmith) is that a burglar breaks in. Then takes their time getting stuff out using the door (as if he's a resident or a mover) without anybody noticing. Pls see picture.

Yes, that's quite true. It is supposed to make burglars uneasy if they can't get out in a hurry (hence spare keys should be locked away) and also if they have to climb out through a window, they can only carry away what will fit in their pockets.

As you have a wooden door, you can easily fit a deadlocking latch.
I have one.
Entry from outside always needs a key
Exit from inside (or opening the door to visitors) can be done without a key

It can be deadlocked so the door can no longer be opened from inside (if you know for certain the house is unoccupied, e.g. all occupants go to work, or you go on holiday).

Traditionally, UK homes often had a yale lock, and a separate deadlock lower down, but people get into the habit of not using the deadlock.

If there is a risk of occupants being locked in the house, you can get one without deadlocking. With a wooden door you should protect the letterbox and preferably use laminated glass if a glazed door.

To defeat small children, they are often fitted quite high, out of reach.

As you have a house, you probably have a back door or other means of emergency exit.

 

[JohnD]

Here are some examples of British Standard nightlatches suitable for wooden doors. They mostly have quite big internal knob that is easy to grip. Note that the outside keyhole looks quite big, this is an armour protector against violent attempts. BS3621 is the gold standard in door locks.

ERA BS Night Latch Satin Nickel 60mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. High security lock. Suitable for interior and exterior applications. Supplied with 3 keys and fixings. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

British Standard - Insurance Approved Nightlatches | Safe.co.uk

www.safe.co.uk

There are a few mortice locks that are much more expensive. I think Banham have some. Mine is an old model Chubb that does not meet the BS but is very secure and approved by my insurers.

 

[JohnHanna]

Here are some examples of British Standard nightlatches suitable for wooden doors. They mostly have quite big internal knob that is easy to grip. Note that the outside keyhole looks quite big, this is an armour protector against violent attempts. BS3621 is the gold standard in door locks.

ERA BS Night Latch Satin Nickel 60mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. High security lock. Suitable for interior and exterior applications. Supplied with 3 keys and fixings. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

British Standard - Insurance Approved Nightlatches | Safe.co.uk

www.safe.co.uk

There are a few mortice locks that are much more expensive. I think Banham have some. Mine is an old model Chubb that does not meet the BS but is very secure and approved by my insur