Use a room-by-room checklist to record doors, windows, locks, lighting, alarms and everyday security habits for property-specific follow-up.
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024 7522 4730Homeowners often ask what else they should check after a lock repair, replacement or break-in. The answer depends on the complete property rather than one product.
This is a practical starting checklist you can print, use while walking around your home, and adapt to the construction of each opening. Some checks concern everyday routines; others may require a locksmith, door specialist, glazier or alarm installer.
Front Door Security
Police.uk advises securing both doors and windows. Start with the front door because it is a final exit door you use every day, then check every other accessible opening too.
[ ] Lock type — Is your main lock a BS3621-rated mortice deadlock (wooden door) or an independently certified anti-snap euro cylinder (uPVC/composite door)? Check the complete doorset and any written policy requirement before choosing. See the lock upgrade service for options[ ] Euro cylinder — If you have a uPVC or composite door, identify the exact cylinder and its current certification rather than relying on a brand name. Police.uk recommends a TS007 3-star cylinder when a euro cylinder is changed. I explain the options in the anti-snap lock comparison[ ] Letterbox position — Can someone reach keys or the inside release through the opening? If so, move keys and ask whether a compatible internal guard is appropriate for the complete doorset[ ] Door chain or limiter — A suitable device can let you check a caller without opening the door fully. Choose one that is compatible with the door and the resident's access and escape needs[ ] Door viewer (peephole) — Can you see who is at your door without opening it? Check compatibility with the door and obtain a current supplied-and-fitted quote for the selected viewer[ ] Door reinforcer plate — On a compatible timber door, a correctly fitted plate may reinforce the lock area. The door and frame need checking before one is specified[ ] Hinge-side security — If your door opens outward, check the exposed hinges and ask whether compatible hinge bolts would add support on that side[ ] Frame condition — Is the door frame sound and is the lock aligned with its keep? A stronger lock cannot compensate for a badly damaged door or frame[ ] Strike plate fixings — Check that the strike plate or keep is secure. The correct fixing type and length depend on the doorset, frame and surrounding constructionBack Door Security
Back doors need the same complete-door check as front doors, including the lock, cylinder, hinges, frame, glazing and daily locking routine.
[ ] Inside release — Identify whether the door uses a key, thumb-turn or another release. Do not change it without considering household access, emergency escape and any fire-safety requirement[ ] Top and bottom bolts — On a compatible door, correctly fitted shoot bolts or rack bolts can add locking points. Check that each one engages without damaging the door or frame[ ] Sliding-door retention — Check the condition and adjustment of a sliding door and ask whether a compatible anti-lift device is appropriate[ ] Visibility — Can neighbours see your back door? If not, consider cutting back high hedges or adding a motion-sensor light[ ] Key storage — Never leave the back door key in the lock. Store it nearby but out of sight and out of reach from windows or cat flapsWindow Security
Police.uk's window-security guidance advises locking windows and paying particular attention to openings that are easy to reach. It does not establish one timeless entry percentage, so inspect accessible windows first and then check every other window.
[ ] Window locks — Do the handles and locking points engage correctly? The suitable repair or upgrade depends on the window type and condition; see the window-security guide[ ] Sash jammers — On compatible uPVC frames, a correctly fitted sash jammer can add a separate locking point. It is not a substitute for repairing a failed main mechanism[ ] Window restrictors — Choose a restrictor for the intended safety and ventilation use, follow its instructions, and do not assume that a partially open window is secure[ ] Basement and cellar windows — Include low or otherwise accessible openings in the assessment. Bars or grilles need specialist advice so they do not compromise an escape route[ ] Bathroom and kitchen windows — Check that each one closes and locks, and follow the Police.uk advice to secure accessible windows when the home is unattendedPatio and French Doors
Patio and French doors have their own tracks, passive leaves, glazing and multipoint hardware to check. I cover those parts in the full guide to patio and French door security.
[ ] Multipoint lock — Is the multipoint locking system working properly? Lift the handle and check that all the bolts engage[ ] Anti-lift devices — Check whether a sliding panel has excessive movement and whether a compatible anti-lift pin or block is appropriate[ ] Auxiliary lock — A separate keyed patio door lock may add another layer where it is compatible. Obtain a current quote after the door and existing hardware have been assessed[ ] French door bolts — French doors should have flush bolts or rack bolts top and bottom on the passive leaf (the door that stays closed)[ ] Glazing — Identify the existing safety and security glazing specification. If it is being replaced, ask a competent glazier which documented product is suitable for that doorset and locationGarage Security
Record what is stored in the garage and, if it is attached to the home, include the connecting door in the assessment. See the full guide on garage and shed security.
[ ] Garage door lock — Identify the door type, existing lock and emergency-release arrangement before choosing an additional lock such as a compatible defender[ ] Garage door bolts — Additional bolts inside the garage door, top and bottom[ ] Internal door — If the garage connects to the house, assess the complete connecting doorset and any required fire-resisting or self-closing performance before changing its lock or construction[ ] Window covering — If your garage has windows, consider covering them so thieves cannot see what is insideShed and Outbuilding Security
[ ] Padlock quality — Compare current independent certification and choose a padlock compatible with the hasp, door, frame and any written policy requirement. A shrouded shackle can reduce exposed tool access[ ] Hasp and staple — The hasp (the plate the padlock goes through) should be heavy-duty and coach-bolted through the door, not just screwed on[ ] Shed bar — A compatible bar across the door is one way to distribute locking points rather than relying on a small hasp alone[ ] Ground anchor — For bikes and power tools, a suitable ground anchor may provide a fixing point for a compatible chain. The base, product, installation and current price need checking before work[ ] Record your tools — Keep an inventory, photographs and serial numbers, and follow current police or insurer guidance for property marking or registrationLighting and Visibility
[ ] Motion-sensor lights — Consider lighting at relevant approaches after checking coverage, glare, neighbours, power, maintenance and the manufacturer's instructions[ ] Timer lights — If using timer switches while away, set and test them safely in accordance with the device instructions[ ] Garden visibility — Keep hedges below 1 metre at the front to maintain sightlines from the street. Cut back any bushes that provide cover near doors or windowsAlarms and CCTV
[ ] Alarm system — If you choose an alarm, keep it active, maintained and appropriate to the property. See the evidence-bounded guide to alarms and CCTV[ ] CCTV / video doorbell — A camera may record activity within its actual field of view, but it does not prevent crime or replace physical security. Check positioning, privacy, image quality, retention and export before relying on footage[ ] Alarm maintenance — Test and service an existing alarm in accordance with its instructions and contract; do not rely on a disconnected or faulty systemHabits and Routines
These are practical routines that do not require new hardware.
[ ] Lock up every night — Check all doors and windows before bed. Make it a routine[ ] Keys away from doors — Keep keys out of sight and out of reach from doors, windows, letterboxes and pet flaps while preserving safe household access and escape[ ] Valuables out of sight — Do not leave laptops, phones, or tablets visible through windows[ ] Post and deliveries — Ask a neighbour to collect post and parcels when you are away. Piled-up post signals an empty house[ ] Social media — Avoid posting holiday plans or live holiday updates publicly. Wait until you are home[ ] Spare keys — Do not leave a spare in an obvious outdoor hiding place. If considering a key safe or changing who has access, ask about suitable lock-change options and check any insurer or care-provider requirement[ ] Bins and packaging — Keep access routes clear and avoid leaving packaging that unnecessarily displays newly purchased itemsWhat to Prioritise If You Cannot Do Everything
If your budget or time is limited, use the inspection findings to order the work. A sensible starting sequence is:
Identify and repair faults in any door, frame, window or lock that does not close and engage correctlyCheck the front-door specification — the suitable cylinder or mortice lock depends on the complete doorsetConsider suitable lighting after checking the approaches, coverage and neighbouring propertiesMake accessible windows close and lock correctly using hardware suited to each window and any escape requirementStart the habit of checking doors and windows every nightFor a professional security assessment of your Coventry home, call 024 7522 4730. I can record the observed condition, identify items that need specialist input and provide property-specific options. You can also check the current price list for listed work.
About Albert
I'm Albert, the independent locksmith behind Local Emergency Locksmith. These guides separate cited standards and public guidance from the checks that can only be made at the actual door. If you need a locksmith in one of the listed coverage locations, call me on 024 7522 4730 — I'm available 24/7.