DOORS & WINDOWS
A
t this time of year, homeowners often look to make upgrades to their property to give it a new lease of life for the season ahead. After a cold, dark winter season, it’s the perfect time for a spring clean – whether that’s a fresh lick of paint, new furniture additions or even an extension to boost the value of a home. A recent survey commissioned by specialist home insurer, Homeprotect, revealed that 75% of Brits planned to spruce up their home at the start of this year, with nearly 15% look to upgrade their home security. With a further study from the Office of National Statistics highlighting that 76% of burglars enter through a door, with 59% gaining entry through the front of a house, it’s clear that home security upgrades should be at the top of the spring to-do list.
Karl Woolley, head of product for Yale Retail, says: “When targeting a property, opportunists will always find the easiest point of entry, in many cases, the front door.
Don’t forget the front “The front door can become neglected over time, with homeowners assuming criminals will try and access the home through a more discreet location, i.e. the back garden, which is typically not the case. Opportunists can spot an inferior door lock with just a quick glance, so it’s essential for merchants to ensure they offer the highest quality door lock products to ensure heightened protection for homes. “The British Standards Institution (BSI) has a useful rating system which allows trade professionals to quickly decipher which cylinder products offer the highest level of protection. The most secure cylinders available in the UK market are classed as ‘3 star’ rated and TS007 Kitemarked, which signals to the trade, and to criminals looking for a home to target, that the product can provide protection against a range of cylinder attack methods, including lock snapping.”
He adds that, with lock snapping still a prevalent break-in tactic for opportunist thieves, it’s important for merchants to stock up on these high quality cylinder products,
LOCK IN SECURITY SALES
Karl Woolley, head of product for Yale Retail, speaks to BMJ about the opportunities merchants have in home security.
Yale’s Linus L2 Smart Lock, to cater to this growing trend.”
Opening up opportunities Whilst doors continue to be the most common form of entry into homes for opportunists, windows are another key target for seasoned criminals. According to studies, one in five burglars gain entry through a window, with thieves often taking advantage of lacklustre security in the form of unlocked or even open windows to access homes.
such as the Yale Platinum 3 Star Cylinder, that offer several lines of defence including Anti-Snap, Anti-Pick, Anti-Bump, Anti-Screw, Anti-Pull and Anti-Drill.
Woolley continues: “Whilst there is still a definite need for high quality mechanical security solutions to protect homes, we have also seen a huge increase in demand for smart security products, with smart locks being a suspected category of growth for 2025. “Homeowners are investing in smart home products for convenience and peace of mind, with smart locks allowing homeowners to check in on their property remotely, ensuring their home is protected when they can’t be there. With research estimating that by 2027, more than half of UK homes will be classed as ‘smart homes’, it’s a great time for merchants to consider investing in smart locks, such as
March 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
“Of course, education in keeping windows closed and locked is paramount to reducing these prevalent threats, particularly with the warmer months on the horizon,” explains Woolley. “Merchants should also ensure they are stocking up on a selection of high quality window locks so trade professionals can suggest an upgrade if locks are starting to look worn or are not providing sufficient protection for the home.
“Beyond locks, window sensors are another valuable addition to a home’s security setup. Windows sensors, like our Yale SensCheck system, are able to alert homeowners via a smartphone, as soon as motion is detected, to offer an extra layer of protection to this ‘at risk’ area. This ‘smart’ upgrade to the traditional window lock provides both a secure and convenient way of updating a homeowner’s window security ahead of the spring season, also offering ample upsell opportunities.” BMJ
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