Your front door is more than just a gateway to your home — it’s the first line of defence against unwanted intruders. In fact, according to UK crime statistics, nearly 70% of burglars gain access through a door, most commonly the front or back. That makes your entry door security one of the most important features of your home.
But not all doors are created equal. From advanced locking mechanisms to anti-tamper hinges, modern entry doors are equipped with a range of security features that help prevent break-ins and deter criminals.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 7 entry door features that keep burglars at bay, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away.
1. Solid Core or Reinforced Material
The very first barrier to entry is the door material. Many older or low-cost doors are made from hollow wood or thin panels that can easily be kicked in or pried open.
Recommended Materials:
- Solid timber (like oak or hardwood)
- Steel-core composite doors
- Fibreglass reinforced doors
- UPVC with steel reinforcement
These materials offer strong resistance against forced entry, especially when paired with a high-security frame. Avoid hollow doors for front or back entrances, even if they look stylish — burglars know the difference.
2. Multi-Point Locking Systems
Most standard doors use a simple deadbolt or latch, which can be picked, bumped, or broken. In contrast, multi-point locking systems secure the door at three or more points (top, middle, and bottom) into the door frame.
Benefits:
- Stronger resistance to levering and kicking
- Harder to manipulate or force open
- More even pressure across the door, reducing warping
Multi-point locks are now a standard feature in most modern composite and uPVC doors, making them a smart security upgrade.
3. Anti-Snap, Anti-Pick & Anti-Drill Euro Cylinders
Burglars today are equipped with knowledge about lock snapping, a method where the euro cylinder in a lock is broken or extracted, giving instant access to the mechanism.
To combat this, you need:
- Anti-snap locks: designed to break at a safe point, leaving the internal mechanism intact.
- Anti-pick pins: prevent manipulation with traditional lock picks.
- Anti-drill plates: prevent forced access with drilling tools.
When choosing a lock, look for 3-star rated cylinders (as per TS007 British Standards) or locks with the Sold Secure Diamond certification. These are tested to resist real-world burglary attempts.
4. Tamper-Proof Hinges and Hinge Bolts
A secure door is only as strong as its weakest point, and in many cases, that’s the hinge. If your entry door opens outward, exposed hinges can be targeted by burglars who simply remove the pins or force the door off its frame.
Key Hinge Features:
- Concealed or internal hinges (for inward opening doors)
- Security hinge bolts that interlock when the door is closed
- Non-removable hinge pins (for outward doors)
Many high-security doors come with integrated hinge protectors, making it nearly impossible to breach from the hinge side.
5. Reinforced Door Frames
You can have the strongest door and lock in the world, but if your door frame is weak, a burglar can simply kick the entire door in. This is why reinforcing your door jamb and strike plate is essential.
Recommended Frame Reinforcements:
- Heavy-duty steel or hardwood frames
- Strike plates secured with 3-inch screws into wall studs
- Frame reinforcer kits for retrofitting older doors
Reinforced frames can absorb more force and prevent break-ins by increasing the effort required to breach the entry point.
6. Smart Doorbells and Integrated Cameras
While not physically a part of the door, visible surveillance and smart doorbell systems are proven burglar deterrents. Studies show that homes with CCTV or door cameras are less likely to be targeted.
Modern smart doorbells offer:
- Motion detection and alerts to your phone
- Two-way audio to confront suspicious visitors
- Cloud video recording in case evidence is needed
- Night vision and wide-angle view
Even a well-placed dummy camera can act as a psychological deterrent, making burglars think twice before approaching.
7. Double or Laminated Security Glass
If your entry door includes windows or side panels, they must be as secure as the door itself. Intruders often smash glass to unlock doors from the inside.
Avoid single-pane decorative glass, and instead opt for:
- Double-glazed, toughened safety glass
- Laminated glass that remains bonded even if shattered
- Internal window grilles or security film
Security glass significantly slows down forced entry and creates additional noise, which burglars want to avoid.
Bonus Tip: Use Visible Security Badges and Stickers
Displaying a “Protected by CCTV” or “Monitored by Security Alarm” sticker on your entry door or window can be surprisingly effective. Criminals often target homes they perceive as “easy wins” — if your property looks too risky, they’ll move on.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Home Starts at the Door
Your front door is more than an aesthetic feature, it’s the most common access point for intruders. By investing in the right materials, locks, and reinforcements, you send a clear message: This home is not an easy target.
Looking to upgrade your home’s front door security?
Visit AllSecureDoors.co.uk for expert guidance, custom-fit security doors, and trusted installation services that blend style with safety.