Does this type of door lock exist?

owen22

Hi,

The flat above us (we're on the ground floor) was burgled last night...

Our neighbour forgot to lock the mortis on the communal front door :doh: and so the thieves were able to let themselves out with her stuff by simply turning the yale nightlatch.

I know you can get nightlatches that have a key on the inside so you can deadlock the latch from the inside (so burglars cannot simply break the glass in the front door and reach inside) but I wondered if there was one that automatically deadlocked when closed from the outside when leaving the property... i.e. one where someone without a key would be unable to exit the front door from the inside, even if the mortis was unlocked?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yale-Locks-Nightlatch-Standard-Security/dp/B004J33YKM/ref=pd_cp_diy_0

^^^ This says the latch "automatically deadlocks on closing the door"... is this what I want??? :think:

I know this might create a bit of an added risk in case of a fire but there wouldn't (shouldn't) be anyone inside either of our flats without a key.

Thanks.

ic

owen22 wrote: »

I wondered if there was one that automatically deadlocked when closed from the outside when leaving the property... i.e. one where someone without a key would be unable to exit the front door from the inside, even if the mortis was unlocked?

Sounds like a fire hazard to me, either locking automatically, or as you describe all flat owners locking it by key. It should be possible to exit without a key at all times. You can keep your individual doors locked, but not the communal door.

http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/mobile/communal.htm

When evaluating communal entry security, Fire Regulations must take precedence over all other considerations. If in any doubt, consult your local Fire Officer as well as your local police Crime Prevention Officer.

owen22

Hmm... I wonder what Yale mean when they say the one I linked to "automatically deadlocks on closing the door".

Surely the fire risk is the same whether it's a communal door or just one to my own flat? Does this mean the mortis lock for my own front door (which opens into the communal hallway) must have a handle or thumb-turn on the inside?

Myser

It's fine to have an internally locking nightlatch on your own door however, on a communal door, means of exit from the inside must be quick and safe in the event of evacuation or emergency.

teneighty

You could get a mortice latch with key operation both sides but I think you'd be very misguided to even consider it.

What if your neighbour runs out of their flat in panic forgetting their key, they could be trapped in the hallway to meet a very unpleasant fiery end.

owen22

Don't get me wrong guys, I don't want to do anything that will jepordise anyone's safety ... just want to make sure I'm protecting my property to the maximum!

Just wondered if that kind of lock exisited but can understand the reasons why, even if it does, it would not be advisable...

Thanks to the folks that replied!

ic

You say your neighbour forgot to lock the lock, so the burglars could get out - how did they get in in the first place?

leveller2911

Similar lock below and cheaper too.The inportant thing to look for is BS3621.This will be acceptable to the insurance company.Double locking means that when you lock it from the inside if someone breaks the glass they can't just turn the knob and come in. I would also say that with the old type "Yale" (cylinder nigh latches) latch were easy to enter as you could trow back the bolt easily and on these you can't.

When you leave you slam the door and its locked but to double lock it you must put the key in an turn it in the opposite direction to opening and its then double locked from the outside.If a burglar breaks the glass he still can't enter.

This would be fine on "your" door but as mentioned not the communial door, but I think you know that. If you do buy one there are 2 backsets (distance from edge of door to centre of keyhole) 40mm and 60mm if the door stiles (long upright timber,if it has them) god for the 60mm backset as this gives you more distance between the lock and frame, stops any knuckle crunching as you lock/unlock it.
If you look on the link it also shows the fitting instructions which may help if you decide to DIY.
http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/products/locks_latches_and_security/night_latches/3484/era_bs36212004_double_locking_nightlatch/570331

owen22

ic wrote: »

You say your neighbour forgot to lock the lock, so the burglars could get out - how did they get in in the first place?

Through our garden, up onto the flat roof over our bathroom and into the flat above through her bathroom window.

Our house is a victorian terrace but unlike us she didn't have the screw-in type of bolts so they were easy able to force her sash window.

ic

So even if you did have the front door locked, the burglars were in and could help themselves? OK, perhaps they might not be able to get away with larger items, but they could've gone out the way they came in.