The Best Types of Locks for London Homes: Security, Durability, and Technology

The Best Types of Locks for London Homes: Security, Durability, and Technology
When it comes to protecting your home in London, choosing the right type of lock is a crucial decision. Whether you live in a Georgian townhouse in Islington, a modern apartment in Canary Wharf, or a terraced house in Croydon, your locks are your first line of defence against intruders.

At Locksmith CO, we work with homeowners, landlords, and tenants across London to install and upgrade locks that are secure, durable, and compliant with insurance requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of locks for London homes, including traditional mechanical options and modern smart technologies—helping you make the right choice for your property and peace of mind.

Why Lock Quality Matters in London

London is a vibrant, densely populated city—but it’s also a target for opportunistic theft and burglary. According to recent police data, residential break-ins are among the most common property crimes in the capital, and often occur due to:

• Weak or outdated locks
• Easily bypassed uPVC door mechanisms
• Lack of multi-point or secondary locking systems
• Non-compliant hardware not meeting British Standards
• Upgrading to the right lock can:
• Improve your home’s physical security
• Lower your insurance premiums
• Prevent common attack methods like lock snapping, bumping, or drilling

1. 5-Lever Mortice Deadlocks (BS3621 Certified)

One of the most recommended options for front and back doors in London homes is the 5-lever mortice deadlock, especially when it is British Standard BS3621 certified.

Key Benefits:

• Installed within the door itself, making it harder to tamper with
• Complies with most UK home insurance policies
• Offers high resistance to picking and forced entry
• Requires a key to lock and unlock from both sides
• These are particularly suitable for wooden doors, often found in older London properties.

Pro Tip: Look for the BS3621 kitemark stamped on the faceplate of the lock—this guarantees it meets insurance-approved standards.

2. Night Latches (Yale Locks)

Night latches, often referred to as “Yale locks,” are common in many London homes—particularly flats and converted Victorian properties.

Key Benefits:

• Mounted on the inside of the door, with automatic locking
• Offers convenient access and exit without using a key inside
• Can be combined with a mortice deadlock for extra protection

However, standard night latches offer limited security on their own. For higher protection, we recommend the BS8621 high-security night latch, which includes:

• Reinforced casing
• Deadlocking features
• Key operation from both sides

These are ideal for shared entrances and HMO properties.

3. Euro Cylinder Locks (Anti-Snap Design)

Euro cylinder locks are most commonly used in uPVC and composite doors, and are often found in newer builds or modernised homes throughout London.

The Risk:

• Standard euro cylinders are vulnerable to lock snapping, a technique used by burglars to break the cylinder and gain entry in seconds.

The Solution:

• Anti-snap Euro cylinders are designed with built-in break lines that sacrifice the outer portion of the cylinder under force, protecting the locking mechanism inside.

Key Benefits:

• Compatible with multi-point locking systems
• Available in anti-pick, anti-bump, and anti-drill versions
• Easy to upgrade without replacing the full mechanism

Locksmith CO recommends 3-star TS007-rated cylinders for maximum resistance to tampering.

4. Multi-Point Locking Systems

Multi-point locks secure a door at multiple positions (top, middle, and bottom) using a single key turn. They are typically found in:

• Composite front doors
• uPVC patio doors
• French doors and bi-fold units

Key Benefits:

• Spreads force across the door frame, making forced entry more difficult
• Often includes hooks, deadbolts, and roller cams
• Compatible with high-security cylinders

When combined with an anti-snap euro cylinder, multi-point locks provide one of the most secure options for external doors in London.

5. Rim Cylinder Locks (for Night Latches)

If your property has a night latch, it likely uses a rim cylinder on the outside for key access.

Key Benefits:

• Easy to replace or upgrade without removing the full night latch
• Available in anti-snap and high-security designs
• Compatible with modern key control systems

These are an affordable upgrade option if your existing cylinder is worn, or if you’ve lost your keys and need to restrict old copies.

6. Smart Locks and Keyless Entry Systems

Technology is rapidly transforming home security—and smart locks are becoming increasingly popular across London. These systems offer keyless convenience and enhanced control over who can access your home.

Key Features:

• PIN code, fob, fingerprint, or smartphone access
• Remote lock/unlock from your mobile device
• Activity tracking (who entered, and when)
• Temporary access codes for guests or cleaners

Ideal for:

• Airbnb hosts and rental properties
• Busy households with multiple occupants
• People seeking modern, low-key entry systems

Brands such as Yale, Ultion Smart, and Nuki offer reliable smart lock options that can often be retrofitted to existing doors.

7. Patio Door and Window Locks

Many break-ins occur through rear patio doors or ground-floor windows, especially in quiet residential streets.

Upgrade Suggestions:

• Patio door bolts to prevent sliding access
• Sash jammers and locks for tilt-and-turn or casement windows
• Key-operated locks for uPVC window handles
• Security film or laminated glass for extra protection

Window security is often overlooked but plays a vital role in your overall home safety strategy.

Choosing the Right Lock for Your London Property

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to home security. Your ideal lock depends on:

• The type of door or window
• The location and crime rate in your area
• Your home insurance requirements
• Whether you prefer keyed or keyless access
• Your budget and long-term security goals

At Locksmith CO, we offer on-site assessments to help you identify weak points and recommend the most effective lock upgrades for your property.

Need Help Choosing or Installing the Right Lock?

Locksmith CO provides:

• Lock upgrades and replacements across all of London
• Installation of BS3621 mortice and euro cylinder locks
• Smart lock fitting and setup
• Full home security audits
• Emergency repairs and burglary damage assistance
• 24/7 support with rapid call-out times

Call Us Today on +44 20 3885 1735
Or visit https://locksmithco.co.uk to request a quote or book a lock upgrade.

Your home’s security starts with the right lock—trust Locksmith CO to help you choose and install the best one.