The winter holidays are the time of year burglars know houses will be empty for the longest stretches, and dark evenings give them extra cover. Most break-ins are opportunistic, so a few practical steps around your doors, windows and lighting make a real difference before you head off for the break.
As builders working across North London terraces, semis and flats, we see the same weak points again and again. Fixing them properly is often cheaper and more effective than adding extra gadgets on top of a house that already has gaps in its basic security.
Check your doors and locks first
Front and back doors are still the most common entry point. On older Victorian and Edwardian properties across Barnet, Haringey and Islington, original doors and frames can have worn hinges, tired frames or locks that no longer meet current standards.
- Fit British Standard BS3621 five-lever mortice locks on external doors where possible
- Check hinge bolts and door frames for rot or movement, especially on older timber doors
- Make sure French doors and patio doors have secondary security bolts, not just the main lock
- Do not leave spare keys under mats, in plant pots or on strings through letterboxes
- Fit a door chain or viewer if you do not already have one
Do not overlook windows and side access
Ground floor and basement windows, especially at the rear or side of the property where neighbours cannot see, are common targets. Sash windows on period properties can look secure but often have weak original catches. Consider discreet secondary locking on sash windows, and make sure any side gate leading to the rear garden has a solid lock rather than a simple bolt.
Use lighting and timers sensibly
A house in darkness for two weeks over Christmas is an obvious signal that nobody is home. Timer switches on a couple of lamps, set to come on at different times in different rooms, are far more convincing than one light left on constantly. Outside, a working porch light and, ideally, a PIR sensor light at the rear discourage anyone loitering near doors or windows after dark.
Sort out deliveries and visible clutter
Parcels piling up on the doorstep are a clear sign nobody is in. Ask a neighbour to collect post, or arrange a safe place or locker delivery while you are away. Move ladders, wheelie bins and garden furniture that could be used to reach an upstairs window, and make sure any side access to scaffolding, if you have building work in progress, is properly boarded and locked overnight.
If you are having building work done over winter
If your extension, loft conversion or renovation is underway when the holidays arrive, talk to your builder about how the site will be secured while work pauses. Openings should be temporarily boarded, scaffolding access ladders removed or locked, and any valuable materials or tools stored securely or removed from site. A reputable contractor will have a clear plan for this rather than leaving a part-finished project exposed.
We always agree a site security plan with clients before any holiday shutdown, covering boarding, scaffold access and material storage, so an unfinished project never becomes an easy target.
Simple habits that help all year round
- Keep an inventory and photos of valuables in case you ever need to make an insurance claim
- Register expensive items on a free property marking scheme
- Trim back hedges and shrubs that give cover to anyone approaching doors or windows unseen
- Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property and vary visible signs of activity
If your locks, doors or windows need attention before the holidays, or you want a full check over as part of a wider renovation, Hozea Construction can help. Get in touch for a free, fixed-price quote on 07969 378509.
Common questions
- Do I need planning permission to change external doors or windows?
- In most cases replacing like-for-like doors and windows is permitted development, but if your North London property is in a conservation area or is listed, there may be restrictions on materials and style. Check with your local planning authority before ordering replacements.
- Are smart locks worth fitting?
- Smart locks can be useful for convenience and remote monitoring, but they should supplement, not replace, a solid British Standard mechanical lock. The physical strength of the door and frame still matters more than the technology fitted to it.
- What is the single most effective security upgrade for an older London terrace?
- Securing the rear of the property is usually the highest priority, since back gardens and side returns are less visible from the street. A solid side gate lock, secure rear door and PIR lighting cover the areas burglars are most likely to target.