New research recently conducted by the door and window hardware manufacturer HOPPE UK has highlighted how much more security-conscious younger generations are than those over 65.
The survey of more than 2,000 people revealed that over half (53%) of 18-24-year-olds would feel safer in their homes if they had more secure doors and windows, compared to just 15% of those over 65.
The research also found that the majority of people (30%) feel unsafe when they are at home alone at night. This figure rises to 37% for those living alone and 38% for women.
The survey also revealed that nearly a third (29%) of respondents had been victims of crime in the last year, including burglary, theft or vandalism. This figure rises to 38% for London residents and 31% for renters.
David Hopgood, Managing Director at HOPPE UK, said: “We commissioned this research as part of our ongoing commitment to product innovation and development. We were keen to understand how people view security in the home and how we can help them feel safer with our premium products.”
Their research shows that over three-quarters of homeowners aged 18-34 worry more about their home security as the clocks return. Whereas 60% of those over 65 said they don’t tend to worry more.
The difference in perceptions and also feelings is enjoyable to read about, especially when it comes down to the security of your own home. Unfortunately, levels of security have increased over the years, and our perceptions and fears about our security have also grown with this.
What is interesting to note from this research is that ALL respondents reported their front door as being their first priority if they were looking to improve the security of their homes.
This is probably the most obvious as it’s the one thing (besides an open window) that is the most visible. Plus, it’s the one thing no matter how OCD we are, we check, what seems to be like 100 times a day, to make sure we’ve locked it, or shut it properly, or whatever else we do when we feel the need to go back and check that everything is safe and secure.
The good news is that upgrading your door’s security doesn’t have to cost the earth; in most instances, it also doesn’t mean you need a new front door.
So what are some of the options?
There are several security options available that can be added to your existing door.
A common one is the installation of a deadlock which prevents the bolt from being opened from either side. It also stops thieves from working through the gap between the frame and door when trying to force entry.
Another option is to install a high-security lock which uses a five-lever mortice cylinder rather than a three-lever mortice cylinder like most standard locksets do today. This makes them much more difficult to pick or break into without destroying them. If you have an older style deadlock or regular lock on your door and want to upgrade its security, there are many ways of doing this – but only if you know what type of locking mechanism your door has first!
Changing and adding simple things can help. Such as more secure door handles and locking mechanisms, door latches, door viewers (peepholes), door jammers and even outside lighting (sensors are especially effective on the darker nights).
We’d also recommend that if you want to upgrade the security on your front door, you also look at the rest of your home. Sometimes it’s not just the obvious things which we think of and can remember. Having a security check carried out by a professional will help. We look at every angle and include outhouses etc. Making recommendations, not to scare you but to give you the complete picture.
Of course, with security levels being heightened, so are trust levels. We assure you that all our locksmiths are CRB checked and fully qualified at Tyne Tees Locksmiths. We’re a family-run business and work with our residential and commercial customers to offer you the best home security and customer service.
If you would like us to carry out a security check on your home, please get in touch with an emergency locksmith at Tyne Tees. We are a trustworthy company that provides excellent locksmith services in Newcastle and its surrounding areas.
