what would you do ??

[ELC]

firstly new guy so please be gentle - don't flame too much !

Recently there have been some new flatted developments/conversions going up in my area. The builder is fitting new European sized euro sashlocks (key outside/thumbturn inside but also letterboxes).The letterboxes may be the recommended distance from the t/turn I've not checked yet. What would you fit to improve the security/get insurance approval. Would you fit a deadlock above or below the sashlock?

[Shrub]

Below normally but you could also just change the euro for a double keyed one

[Keyring]

I never really thought about it before, but I have to relate my experience now someone has jogged my memory. For the whole of my childhood, until I was about 20 I lived with my parents in a bungalow. I never had a key to the house. Whenever I got home, I just put my hand through the letterbox, and turned the knob on the inside of the door. My parents saw me do this all that time, and never changed the system!

Still in those days, you could...... (trails off into sickening nostalgia...)

[toomush2drink]

You could get a letter box guard to prevent access to the thumbturn.

[raimundo]

thumb turns could be just round knobs with some very light knurlling (you spell it) instead of the flat sided thing that can so easily be gripped by a tool. do ya think the thumbturns could be capped with something, or replaced entirely?

[gee252]

Get a big rottweiler to sit at your side of the door that will help to protect your thumbturn

[ELC]

Does changing the euro to a double get the insurance approval? Or will they insist on a 5 lever deadlock? Or does it depend on the insurance company?

[Al]

You need to be careful about the building /fire regulations when fitting deadlocks or swapping to K&K. Have you been asked to upgrade the security by a tennant?
There is a new standard published for key and turn security locks which the insurance may accept, this has to be installed as a complete unit though.
Mean time fit a steel letterbox protector.

[ELC]

There have been a couple of break-ins that I have been made aware of via the letterbox and at least one attempt at a forced entry. What is this new unit you speak of Al?

[Al]

New standard is BS 8621:2004, thief resistant with keyless egress.
I believe it's been ratified now but not many manufacturers have products certified yet.

[ELC]

Thanks Al, I'll keep an eye out for the products. In the meantime I'll stock up onthe letter box guards.