Introduction
When homeowners think about home security, the front door usually receives most of the attention. It's the main entrance, it's clearly visible from the street, and it's often fitted with the newest lock on the property.
However, many burglaries don't begin at the front door.
Back doors, patio doors and French doors are frequently targeted because they are often hidden from public view, making it easier for an intruder to work without attracting attention. If your rear door hasn't been checked for several years, it could be the weakest point in your home's security.
Fortunately, improving back door security is often straightforward and doesn't usually require replacing the entire door.
Why Burglars Prefer the Rear of a Property
The rear of a property generally offers more privacy than the front.
Unlike the front entrance, the back of a house is often hidden from:
- Passing traffic.
- Pedestrians.
- Neighbours.
- Delivery drivers.
- Doorbell cameras.
- Gate might be unlocked allowing easy access.
This allows an opportunist burglar more time to assess the property and attempt entry without being easily seen.
Check Your Lock Cylinder
The first thing to inspect is the lock cylinder.
Ask yourself:
- Is it a modern snap-resistant cylinder?
- Does it sit almost flush with the handle?
- Is the key becoming difficult to turn?
- Is the cylinder several years old?
- Does it still provide adequate protection?
A quality anti-snap cylinder offers protection against:
- Lock snapping.
- Drilling.
- Picking.
- Bumping.
Replacing an older standard cylinder is one of the most effective security improvements you can make.
Make Sure the Cylinder Is the Correct Size
A surprisingly common problem is an incorrectly sized lock cylinder.
If the cylinder protrudes beyond the handle, it provides additional material for an attacker to grip.
A correctly fitted cylinder should project as little as possible while still operating smoothly.
Correct sizing improves both security and appearance.
Don't Ignore Door Alignment
A back door that has become difficult to lock isn't just inconvenient—it may also be compromising security.
Common warning signs include:
- Difficulty lifting the handle.
- The key becoming stiff.
- The door rubbing on the frame.
- Having to push or pull the door before it locks.
- Draughts around the door.
A dropped or misaligned door places unnecessary strain on the locking mechanism and can eventually lead to gearbox failure.
Inspect the Door Handles
Handles are often overlooked during security inspections.
Check for:
- Loose fixing screws.
- Broken return springs.
- Cracks in the backplate.
- Excessive movement.
- Worn or damaged handles.
Upgrading to TS007 2 Star security handles provides additional protection around the lock cylinder.
When combined with a 1 Star anti-snap cylinder, they achieve a TS007 3 Star security rating.
Don't Forget Patio and French Doors
Rear security isn't limited to a single back door.
Inspect:
- Patio doors.
- French doors.
- Conservatory doors.
- Side access doors.
Make sure:
- Every locking point engages correctly.
- Slave doors lock securely.
- Handles operate smoothly.
- Cylinders are correctly sized.
- The doors align properly with the frame.
A high-security front door offers little benefit if another rear entrance is much easier to attack.
Secure Access to the Garden
Good rear door security begins before someone reaches the door.
Check:
- Side gates.
- Fence panels.
- Garden walls.
- Garage access.
- Side passages.
Restricting access to the rear garden makes it harder for an intruder to work unnoticed.
Never Leave Spare Keys Outside
Many homeowners still hide spare keys near the back door.
Common hiding places include:
- Under plant pots.
- Garden ornaments.
- Fake rocks.
- Sheds.
- Under decking.
- Behind drainpipes.
These locations are well known and are among the first places opportunist burglars check.
Leaving a spare key with a trusted family member or neighbour is a much safer solution.
Timber Back Doors Need Checking Too
If your rear door is timber, don't assume it's secure simply because it's solid.
Check whether it's fitted with a modern British Standard lock.
A BS3621 mortice lock offers:
- Improved resistance to forced entry.
- Hardened anti-drill protection.
- Stronger construction.
- Compliance with many home insurance requirements.
Where occupants need to leave quickly without using a key from inside, a BS8621 mortice lock may be the more appropriate choice, particularly where the door forms part of the escape route.
Keep the Door Well Maintained
Routine maintenance helps prevent security problems from developing.
Check regularly for:
- Loose handles.
- Worn hinges.
- Stiff locks.
- Damaged weather seals.
- Misaligned locking points.
- Failing gearboxes.
Addressing these issues early helps extend the life of the locking system and reduces the chance of emergency failures.
Security Should Be Consistent Throughout the Property
A property is only as secure as its weakest entrance.
There's little benefit investing in a high-security front door if your rear door has:
- An old standard cylinder.
- A loose handle.
- Poor alignment.
- A worn multipoint mechanism.
- Damaged locks.
Every external door should provide a similar level of protection.
Simple Upgrades That Make a Difference
Improving rear door security doesn't always require major expense.
Often, the most effective improvements include:
- Fitting a snap-resistant cylinder.
- Installing TS007 2 Star security handles.
- Correctly sizing the lock cylinder.
- Realigning the door.
- Replacing worn handles.
- Upgrading timber doors with BS3621 or BS8621 locks where appropriate.
- Repairing worn multipoint mechanisms.
These relatively small upgrades can significantly increase the time and effort required to gain entry.
Conclusion
While the front door often receives the most attention, the back door is frequently the first place an opportunist burglar will check. Hidden from public view and sometimes fitted with older locks or worn hardware, it can become the weakest point of your home's security. Regularly inspecting your rear doors, upgrading outdated locks, maintaining proper door alignment and ensuring every external entrance offers the same level of protection will significantly improve your home's overall security and make it a far less attractive target.
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