Home Security Tips: How to Keep Your House Safe from Burglars in Bishop’s Stortford

Keeping your home secure is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and property. While Bishop’s Stortford is a great place to live, no area is completely immune to opportunistic crime.

As a local locksmith in Bishop’s Stortford, we regularly help homeowners upgrade their security after attempted break-ins — and many of these situations could have been prevented with a few simple measures.

Here are practical, effective security tips to help keep your home safe from burglars.

1. Upgrade to Anti-Snap Door Locks

Many homes still have older euro cylinder locks that are vulnerable to a method known as lock snapping.

Upgrading to British Standard anti-snap locks significantly improves your protection. These locks are designed to resist forced entry and meet insurance requirements.

If you’re unsure what type of lock you currently have, a professional locksmith in Bishop’s Stortford can assess it quickly.

2. Always Lock Doors and Windows — Even When You’re Home

A surprising number of burglaries happen because doors or windows were left unlocked.

• Lock doors even if you’re just popping out briefly

• Remove keys from inside locks

• Close and lock windows at night

• Secure side gates and garages

Burglars often look for easy opportunities — don’t give them one.

3. Install Motion Sensor Lighting

Dark entrances and side paths provide cover for intruders.

Installing motion-activated security lights:

• Deters unwanted visitors

• Alerts you to movement

• Makes your property less attractive to criminals

Well-lit homes are far less likely to be targeted.

4. Reinforce uPVC and Patio Doors

uPVC doors can become misaligned over time, weakening the locking system.

Common issues include:

• Doors not locking properly

• Loose handles

• Faulty multi-point mechanisms

If your door doesn’t feel secure, it probably isn’t. A local locksmith can repair or upgrade the mechanism before it fails completely.

5. Don’t Advertise That You’re Away

When going on holiday:

• Avoid posting travel plans publicly on social media

• Use light timers

• Ask a neighbour to collect post

• Keep bins in their usual place

An overflowing letterbox is a clear signal that nobody is home.

6. Secure Sheds and Garages

Garages and sheds often contain valuable tools — which burglars sometimes use to break into the main house.

Upgrade weak padlocks and consider:

• High-security hasps

• Closed shackle padlocks

• Additional internal bolts

7. Change Locks When Moving Home

One of the most overlooked security steps is changing locks after moving.

You never know how many copies of the previous keys exist — former owners, tenants, cleaners, contractors.

A same-day lock change in Bishop’s Stortford gives you peace of mind from day one.

8. Consider a Key Safe for Controlled Access

If you regularly allow cleaners, carers, or family members access, a professionally installed key safe is much safer than hiding spare keys under plant pots or doormats.

Choose police-approved key safes and have them properly fitted.

9. Check Your Locks Meet Insurance Standards

Many insurance policies require:

• 5-lever mortice locks on wooden doors

• British Standard (BS3621) locks

• Anti-snap cylinders on uPVC doors

If your locks don’t meet these standards, your policy could be affected.

A professional locksmith can advise on compliant upgrades.

10. Book a Home Security Check

Sometimes small improvements make a big difference.

A security assessment can identify:

• Weak entry points

• Outdated locks

• Door alignment issues

• Additional reinforcement opportunities

Preventative upgrades are always cheaper than burglary repairs.

Keep Your Bishop’s Stortford Home Safe

Home security doesn’t need to be complicated — but it does need to be taken seriously.

If you’d like advice, lock upgrades, or a security check, our experienced team provides trusted locksmith services across Bishop’s Stortford and the wider CM23 area.

📞 Call 01279 260222
Available 24/7 for emergency locksmith services and security upgrades.

Protect your home. Protect your family. Act before a problem occurs.