Moved to new build but want 2ndry lock

[phildelaney]

Hi all,

I've just moved in to a new apartment in a new development, we've already had a few break-ins within the development (not us... yet!!). I wanted to get a very secure secondary door lock fitted that doesn't look too ugly, and that is exteremely secure. Could the experts out there advise me on a lock to buy and get fitted, the front door is about 40-50mm deep. If you need any other info please let me know.

Many Thanks

[Spike666]

A vertical drop bolt aka jimmyproof. when installed correctly works well because you do not have large holes drilled through the door. only 1 hole @1 1/4" deadbolt is great but some doors loose strength when you drill a 1" hoole through it crossbore and a straight 2 1/8" hole. alot of people wont tell you that. the door has to be evaluated properly and a good lock installed properly. thats your best options good luck bud.

[jimmysmith]

you should try to find out how the burglars got into the neighbors homes.. it will tell you a lot about the tyoe of criminal you are dealing with..

9 times out of 10 it is some one in that complex. living amoung you.

it may not even be the lock you need to worry about.. if your neighbors say they have no freaking idea how they got in...then you might have a lockpicker or bumper on your hands..

sadly all you might need is something {a lock} slightly better then the neighbor next to you..

are you even aloud to change your locks living in a complex apartment.

[jimmysmith]

you should try to find out how the burglars got into the neighbors homes.. it will tell you a lot about the tyoe of criminal you are dealing with..

9 times out of 10 it is some one in that complex. living amoung you.

it may not even be the lock you need to worry about.. if your neighbors say they have no freaking idea how they got in...then you might have a lockpicker or bumper on your hands..

sadly all you might need is something {a lock} slightly better then the neighbor next to you..

are you even aloud to change your locks living in a complex apartment.

[lunchb0x]

my favorite lock is a Lockwood 355, only drill one 32mm hole through the door, will take 15-20min to fit the lock and they are verry strong, I have had to replace a steal clad door that was forced open by pulling the bottom corner out, and this was on an inwards opening door, the lock was still holding onto the frame, on the out side its a 201 cylinder so nothing to really tamper with

[Jaakko]

OP didn't meantion where he/she lives so it is quite difficult to know what kind of locks are around there on sale. So for secure lock I suggest Abloy If there ain't no Abloys around then search for anything disc-type lock because they are atleast bump-proof and very hard to pick.

But like others have said you should know how the burglars have gone into the apartment. Usually they won't pick the door lock, they just grab a nice rock and throw it through the window or use a crowbar on the door.

[Shrub]

We need to know where you live so we can advise the best lock range to seek,

We also need to know if its your flat or your renting, if your renting make sure the landlord gives written permission to install a secondry lock,

Locks only keep honest people out so as long as its secure to the door an extra lock is only to slow an intruder down,

[phildelaney]

Thanks for the answers so far people!

Here's some answers for the questions being asked:

I have bought this apartment, and can do anything I want to it.

I live in London UK (East London)

We don't think it was someone at the complex, we have suspicions that the builders that are still on site (that's how new it is) maybe something to do with it. They have spare keys to all apartments (I've had mine changed, so they still have the spare key for my old barrel).

All the apartments have the same doors and the same locks.

What we've heard on how the intruder got into the most recent door, there was hardly and damaged to the lock (picked?? or had a cut of the key, then on the way out, damage the key hole!?!?) They walked out with a Sofa!!, 50" TV, Wii and more, and avoided all CCTV cameras!! Down to the basement, into the car park and off they went.

None of the apartments have been 'smashed' into with a rock. It's a quiet and active complex with all entrances on the outside (in the open-air)

Hope this helps a little more, any more questions need answering, just let me know.

[UWSDWF]

get an alarm system