Advice on easy to use door security

LocoLoco

Hi all, I'm hoping the hive mind can help me out.

I'd like to install some additional security to my front door.  My son has learning disabilities so anything I put on needs to be relatively straightforward and easy to use so that he can get out if there's an emergency.  The usual sliding bolts can be difficult for him to manage.  At present we have just a normal lock (the kind you lift the handle to lock with a key) and a chain.  I'm putting up one of those door security cameras (the kind you can access from your phone).  Does anyone have any suggestions of any other kinds of locks or security devices that I could look into?  I can pay someone to install them so they don't need to be easy to fit, just easy to use.  The aim is to make it harder for someone else to get in, rather than to stop anyone getting out.

Many thanks for any responses.

FreeBear

Assuming you have a modern composite or uPVC door, they are pretty much resistant to casual intruder attacks. Someone determined to get in will succeed using brute force if need be.. All you can do is minimise the points of attack - With eurocylinder locks, make sure they are flush fitting externally - This stops someone from easily snapping the lock and gaining entry.

If the door is secure, an intruder will look for other weak points to gain entry, windows being an easy target. Short of turning a house in to a fortified bunker, your options are limited.

Doozergirl

That lifting of the handle should activate several locking points up and down the height of the door?  You shouldn't need any more secure points adding to it.  You can put a better cylinder on though.  

I'm not a lock expert, but there are star ratings on cylinders that show the security. They vary from one star to three, with three being the most secure.  The length of the barrel also needs to fit the lock, which is where my eyes start glazing over, but that's what Freebear is talking about when he says that it needs to appear flush externally.  

Norman_Castle

This seems to be a simple explanation of euro lock ratings. https://www.lockshop-warehouse.co.uk/info/choosing-security-products/kitemarked-euro-cylinder-standards/
Uprating the barrel and handles is simple to do and gives you the same ease of use that you currently have. Are you concerned about a specific type of attack?

twopenny

After a burgulary they came and installed a bolt that was activated with a key.

It was simple to turn and I left the key in unless I was going away.

https://!!!!!!.com/j7zzytw6

LocoLoco

Thank you so much, everyone, I feel reassured after reading your responses.  It seems that all of those things you mention (multiple lock points, flush fit etc) are already in place and the repair team have said it's the most secure kind of lock you can have so I feel better that it's quite difficult to get through.  I'd assumed someone would be able to get through it quite easily but it seems that isn't the case so I do feel less anxious than I did.  Norman Castle to answer your question, yes, I'm concerned about one particular individual getting in.  Threats have been made (along with other incidents) and I've informed police, housing association and so on but everyone's at a point now where they can't do anything more unless he does something more, which has been making me feel unsafe.  But as it seems he'd have to make quite an effort (and I presume a lot of noise) to get through the door I do at least feel now it would give me time to call the police should that be needed so I feel a bit better about it (and, of course, I'm hoping they're just threats and they won't be acted on, but I feel better knowing I've taken as many precautions as possible). 

Many thanks for the help and information, I do appreciate it.

Rodders53

Multipoint door latches can be altered to lock when door is closed (requiring a key to open, the external handle doing nothing) or to stay open so both handles will open the door.  

The difference is due to a 'split spindle' or not on the handle mechanism.  Check how yours is set up. 
Downside: you can potentially lock yourself out if you forget the key.
Upside: no need to remember to lock the door when getting back inside.

You then can choose to lift handle to fully lock multipoint / deadlatch with key outside and either key or a thumbturn handle inside.  (Thumbturn may be thought better for fire escape purposes).

greenface2

If youre more concerned of your safety while you are home then have a look at sash locks too . if your upvc has a panel then they can be a weak point and kicked through fairly easy and quick unless a reinforced panel is fitted . apart from them point others have covered the rest . stay safe