Changing the locks + adding some on new home

thesaint

G_M wrote: »

If you don't change (all) the external locks you have to accept the risk posed by the fact that the following people have keys to your home:

* the estate agent (he kept an extra set)
* the previous owners (just in case they forgot something and need to pop back
* their teenage daughter
* their daughter's boyfriend (currently in prison, but due for release soon)
* the baby-sitter
* the weekly cleaner
* the decorator they used 5 years ago who never returned the key
* his mate down the pub who paid him £20 for a copy

And remember your insurance won't be valid for theft if there is no forced entry........

The point is, that this alarmist, and rarely happens.

Your point about insurance is incorrect.

[Deleted User]

Consider fitting Avocet ABS cylinder locks. The average cheap euro cylinder can be snapped easily by burglars.

missprice

thesaint wrote: »

The point is, that this alarmist, and rarely happens.



Your point about insurance is incorrect.

From http://www.confused.com/home-insurance/articles/how-keys-can-invalidate-your-home-insurance-policy


Homeowners may think that locking the doors and windows of their property is enough to keep it safe from burglars but is it?

Most homes usually have several keys covering front doors, back doors, side doors, and windows as well as garages, sheds and outbuildings. But with so many keys to keep track of, it could be easy for one to end up in the wrong hands. And if this does happen, and someone breaks into your home using a key, will your home insurance cover you?

The answer is no, according to insurer Churchill, which confirms that for burglary claims to be paid out, forced entry must be proven so a homeowner would not be covered if a key is used.

Maybe you, or your child, lost a key and it was traced back to your home. Or you may have given a key to a friend, neighbour or ex partner.

Either way, The Association of British Insurers (ABI) say policies usually exclude theft by members of the family, and this could extend to an ex-partner or neighbour if a key has been given to them by you.

A number of other insurers also say a break-in or burglary of this type would be treated as an act of deception, rather than theft, and as such may not be covered under a home insurance policy. And the ABI say that in the event that money is stolen there must be signs of forced entry.

But if you are unlucky enough to be burgled by someone who has gained entry using a key, some insurers – including the Co-operative - will look at the case ‘favourably’ Their home insurance also covers the cost of replacing and installing locks: “Keeping keys safe is extremely important, if you lose or have your door key stolen, it can be tempting to simply get another cut and forget about the lost one.

G_M

thesaint wrote: »

The point is, that this alarmist, and rarely happens.

Your point about insurance is incorrect.

Alarmist? Maybe.

In the same way that advising someone to take out travel insurance because there is a possiblility of getting sick/robbed on holiday is alarmist.

Given the modest cost of the travel isurance premiums, and modest cost of changing locks, compared to the costs/agravation of getting sick or robbed, both are sensible.

You may be right about the insurance, but I'd read the policy wording caefully before deciding!

chockydavid1983

Thanks again for your replies guys.
I think what I will do is change the existing locks now (maybe with the Avocet ABS cylinder locks that LeeUK suggested) and then later, instead of getting locks for any internal rooms, just get more secure front and back doors at some point.

Cheers,
Chris.

cjones1212

G_M wrote: »

Advice on euro locks. Types. Sizes etc

anti-snap? anti-pick?

http://www.bernards.co.uk/oval_euro_cylinders_faq.htm

http://www.upgrademylock.com/upgrade-my-lock/how/

Thanks for these links! I found the second one useful- I needed to upgrade a few doors in the house including the bathroom and living room. I got some bargains on upgrademylock.com so thanks again. Door Furniture Direct (these supply swarovski door handles- I was sold haha) and Wickes!! Great Stuff!!