10 Essential Tips to Improve Your Home Security
July 30, 2025
Home security comes in several different forms. You cannot rely on one preventative measure or method of security to keep your home safe from unwanted burglaries and intrusion. Instead, you need to utilize all the best ways to enhance the security of your home to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Here are ten tips for improving your home security
1) Install Deadbolt Locks on Your Front Door
Traditional homes do not have advanced locking mechanisms built into their front doors. Even something as simple as a deadbolt may not have been installed in your front door. If that’s the case, you must install a deadbolt to significantly increase your front door’s security.
Doors with deadbolt locks cannot be forced back, which means burglaries and unwanted intrusions are much more challenging to pull off. As long as a strike plate is installed along with the deadbolt, it should do a great job of preventing forced entry through your front door.
Mortice locks offer the deadbolt mechanism needed.
2) Lock the Windows
Lock all the windows in your home. If you have windows with no locking system installed, please hire a professional locksmith company like SMS Locksmiths to perform the installation.
Window locks prevent intruders from sliding or folding windows. They likely will not try to break the glass because they don’t want to make noise or draw attention to themselves. So, the likely scenario is the intruders will leave your property once they realize they cannot slide open the windows.
3) Install an Alarm System
An alarm system is a modern technological security device to prevent unwanted people from entering your home. It requires you to enter a passcode each time you enter your home to prove you are not an intruder. If the passcode is not entered fast enough, a loud alarm will emit, and the police will be notified.
The alarm system is equipped with motion sensors and infrared technology to know when someone has opened the front door. How is that for security?
4) Turn on the Outside Lights
Turn on your home outside lights at night to keep everything bright on your porch and driveway. Burglars and intruders are less likely to attempt to break into a home if they think people in the neighbourhood can see them.
Motion sensor lights are a more technologically innovative option. The motion sensors activate the lights when they detect movement on your property. Intruders will remain unaware of the motion sensor lights until they turn on after the intruders cross the sensors. This usually sends the intruders into a panic and makes them run away.
5) Talk to Your Neighbours
Having a good relationship with your neighbours can help keep your home safe.
For example, if your neighbours know who you are, they will recognize unfamiliar or unauthorized people on your property when you are not around. That could prompt your neighbours to notify you or the police to prevent unwanted intrusion into your home.
6) Cover Your Windows
Do not let people see through your windows because they may discover any valuables you may have inside your home.
Install drapes or blinds over your windows to protect your privacy and limit the temptation for a burglar to break into your home.
7) Install Barriers
Front yard and backyard barriers may slow down intruders and deter them from getting close to your front or back doors.
Some of the best examples of barriers include wooden fencing, chain link fencing, thorny shrubs, and tall hedges. If a burglar attempts to cross one of these barriers, they will only waste more time and increase the risk of getting caught.
8) Install CCTV Security Cameras
Installing surveillance cameras or CCTV security cameras can create a constant video feed of activities in front and back of your home.
Modern CCTV security cameras let you monitor the video feed anywhere on your laptop or smartphone. Then you can call the police if you see unwanted intrusion or strange activity at your home when you’re not there.
9) Install an Internal Garage Door
The outside garage door must be strong and fully functional. However, there are times when you might leave open your garage door and walk away for a few minutes. Unfortunately, that leaves your home open for burglary and intrusion.
Installing an internal garage door with a mortise locking system would be a good idea to prevent intruders from entering your home through your garage area.
10) Lock Your Interior Doors
Excellent home security does not only involve locking your front and back doors. It also involves locking the interior doors, especially those leading to rooms with valuables in them. The more locked doors you have in your home, the more time thieves will waste and the less likely they will reach your valuables.
Contact a Professional Locksmith
Would you like to discuss the most viable ways to enhance the security of your home? Call the professional locksmiths of SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 or email us at locksmith@smslocksmith.co.uk.
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
 If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
