This new year, you’re adamant that things are going to be different.
You’ve promised yourself you’ll finally use that gym membership. You’re determined to stick to your budget this year. Maybe you’ll even tackle that pile of books gathering dust on your bedside table. But now you’ve made resolutions for 2026, have you thought about your home security?
After the chaos of Christmas, with deliveries coming and going, visitors popping round and perhaps a few too many festive gatherings where you left your doors unlocked, January is the perfect time to take stock.
Burglars know that many homes are full of new gadgets after Christmas, and they’re counting on you being too distracted by planning for the 12 months ahead to address your security weaknesses.
The good news is that improving your home security doesn’t require a complete overhaul. These practical resolutions are ones you can actually keep, that will help you keep your home, family and possessions safe and secure in 2026.
Audit your locks and keys
When did you last think about who has keys to your home? If you’re like most homeowners, the answer is probably ‘not recently’. Over the years, you’ve likely handed out keys to various people, like your dog walker, cleaner or neighbour who watered your plants during your holiday a couple of years ago. Then there are the keys from previous relationships, the spare set you gave to your now-teenage children’s babysitter, and the ones you can’t quite remember giving out at all.
Your new year security audit should start with a simple list. Write down everyone who has keys to your property and when they received them. You might be surprised by how long the list becomes.
And if you’ve moved into your property within the last few years, there’s another consideration. How many people had keys before you? Previous owners, their families, estate agents, builders, decorators… the list of people with potential access to your home could be extensive.
Now, ask yourself, do all these people still need access? If you’re unsure who has copies or you’ve lost track over the years, changing your locks might be the wisest resolution you make this year.
While you’re thinking about keys, take a moment to examine your locks themselves. Like everything else in your home, locks wear out over time. If your key sticks, grinds or needs jiggling to work properly, your lock is telling you it needs attention. These aren’t just annoying quirks. They’re signs that your lock’s internal mechanisms are wearing down, making it easier to pick or force.
Many Nottingham homes still have locks that predate current British Standards. If your locks were fitted before 2007, they probably don’t meet BS3621 standards that most insurance companies now require. These standards exist because older locks simply aren’t secure enough against modern burglary techniques. Finding out your insurance won’t pay out after a break-in because your locks didn’t meet the latest standards is a new year surprise nobody wants.
Fix those niggling security problems
The back gate that doesn’t quite latch properly.
The shed lock that takes three attempts to open.
The window in the spare room that won’t lock because the handle is loose.
We’ve all got those annoying little security problems you’ve grown used to and keep meaning to fix.
They’re the security equivalents of that dripping tap or squeaky floorboard.
January is the perfect time to stop procrastinating. These seemingly minor issues create genuine vulnerabilities for your home. The temperamental gate latch might fail completely when someone gives it a firm shake. The dodgy shed lock could be picked by anyone with basic tools. The window that won’t secure properly is essentially an open invitation to would-be thieves.
Winter weather has a habit of exposing problems you might have missed. If you’ve noticed drafts around doors, it could indicate the frame has shifted or warped, which often means the lock isn’t engaging properly with the strike plate. Moisture damage around windows might have weakened the frames, making them easier to force.
Some of the most common issues we see in January include euro cylinders that need upgrading to anti-snap locks, door frames that have been weakened by previous attempted break-ins and multipoint locking mechanisms that aren’t engaging properly because doors have dropped slightly. These aren’t expensive fixes, but ignoring them could prove costly.
Upgrade vulnerable entry points
While your front door might have decent locks, what about your other entry points?
Burglars often target patio doors, conservatories and side entrances, because they know these typically have weaker security. They’re often less visible from the street, giving intruders more time to work undisturbed.
Sliding patio doors are particularly vulnerable. Many older models have locks that can be forced in seconds, and the doors themselves can sometimes be lifted out of their tracks with ease. Anti-lift devices and additional patio door locks can transform these weak points into barriers. If your patio doors date back more than ten years, they almost certainly need a security upgrade.
French doors and conservatories present similar challenges. The multiple opening points and large glass areas make them attractive to burglars. Multi-point locking systems that secure the doors at several points along their length make a massive difference. For older conservatories, upgrading the locks is usually much more cost-effective than replacing the entire structure.
Don’t overlook your garage side door, either. These often have the flimsiest locks in the entire property, yet they often store tools that a burglar could use to break into your main house. A proper five-lever mortice lock here is a worthwhile investment.
For homes with older sash windows, which are common in many Nottingham properties, specialist sash window locks allow you to secure your windows while still using them to ventilate your home. This is particularly important for upper floors where insurance companies often require locks, but you still want to let some fresh air in.
And if your euro cylinder lock protrudes from the handle housing, it’s vulnerable to snapping, an attack method that takes seconds and makes little noise. Anti-snap cylinders cost only slightly more than standard ones but provide significantly better protection.
Secure your garden and outbuildings
Your shed might seem like a low-priority target, but consider what might be inside: lawnmowers, power tools, bicycles and ladders. While these items are valuable, they can also be used to break into your main property. We regularly see cases where burglars have used stolen garden tools to force entry through a window or patio door.
A quality padlock is just the start. The hasp it attaches to needs to be equally robust. There’s no point in an expensive lock on a hasp that can be unscrewed or levered off. Window grilles prevent easy access, while ground anchors can secure valuable items like motorcycles or ride-on mowers. If your shed contains high-value items, consider a shed alarm. They’re surprisingly affordable and effective.
Leaving any ladders accessible is essentially providing burglars with the means to reach your upper windows. So, lock them away if possible, or at least chain them horizontally to a wall where they can’t be used as easily.
Winter storms often damage fences and gates, creating easy access points. January’s mild weather makes it perfect for repairs before spring. While you’re at it, check that your gate locks and bolts still work properly. They often seize up over winter.
Security lighting is about more than just sticking up a basic sensor light. Position your lights to eliminate hiding spots and ensure they cover all approach routes. LED bulbs will help keep your running costs down, so don’t skimp on coverage. Motion-activated lights are most effective when positioned to surprise intruders, rather than lighting their way.
Create a home security routine
Small daily habits can make a big difference to your home security.
So, get into the routine of checking all your doors are locked before bed. Never leave keys in locks where they can be accessed through letterboxes or cat flaps.
Combine your basic security checks with other off jobs around your home. When you check your smoke alarms, test your window locks, too. When you clear autumn leaves, check your security lighting still works properly.
Most importantly, make sure everyone in your household understands basic security. There’s no point in you being vigilant if your teenager regularly leaves the back door unlocked.
How can Grays Locksmiths help?
The best time to improve your home security is before you need it. After all, prevention is better than cure. So, while your new year motivation is high, act at least one of these resolutions. Taking a few of these small steps now could save you significant stress and expense later.
At Grays Locksmiths, we offer comprehensive home security advice and solutions to help you prioritise your improvements. Call us on 0115 942 2315 to see how we can help.