Should I Lock my Door at Night?
In a Hurry? Here's the Key Info
- Always lock your doors at night: 42% of UK homes are left unlocked; 73% of burglaries enter through doors.
- Main reasons: Protects against opportunistic break-ins, keeps family, children, and pets safe.
- Enhance security: Use quality locks, door chains, spyholes, secure windows, and conservatories.
- Extra measures: Security systems, alarms, and outdoor lighting deter burglars.
- Insurance: Leaving doors unlocked can invalidate claims—locking is essential.
- Special cases: Avoid locking internal fire doors or young children’s bedroom doors for safety.
- Key tip: Don’t leave keys in locks—store them safely out of sight
Should I Lock my Door at Night?
Yes, you should always lock your door at night.
Locking your door at night may seem like a simple part of your nightly routine, but a shocking 42% of people in the UK leave their home unlocked at night, only locking the door if they leave the home overnight. 77% of burglars enter a property through a door, and in 10% of these cases, the door was left unlocked. Additionally, 56% of burglaries happen in the dark, and in 69% of cases, someone was home at the time the burglary occurred. These statistics alone should be all the evidence you need to lock your door every night.
Why Locking Your Door Matters
Locking your door provides an additional layer of protection and reduces the risk of someone entering your home. Simply locking your home can make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe.
Two-thirds of break-ins occur via the front or back door, or through ground-floor windows, so a quick check of all entry points each night can go a long way towards preventing a potential burglary.
Your front door is the most common target for burglars, so security is crucial in keeping your home safe. Whilst crime rates vary across the country, no one is completely immune to opportunistic threats.
Unlocked doors are easy targets, and with 19% of burglaries taking place between 6pm and 10pm, when visibility is lower, it’s important that you take steps to reduce your risks.
Home Security Tips for Night-time
There are several steps you can take to enhance your home security at night, beyond simply locking your doors. These tips are especially beneficial for those living alone, those in secluded areas, or those who live in places where burglaries are common.
Security Systems
63% of burglaries happen to people without a basic home security system. Outdoor security cameras are one of the most effective ways to secure your home. Both wired and wireless security systems have their benefits. They are excellent deterrents and, if the worst were to happen, they provide footage for the police.
A burglar alarm is also a fantastic deterrent and can offer peace of mind when locking up for the evening.
Outdoor Security Lighting
Security lights are a great way to boost your home security. They illuminate anything moving too close to your home and remove the cover of darkness from those attempting to break in.
Door & Lock Enhancements
Your front door lock is the first line of defence against intruders, so having a high-quality, functional and secure lock is essential. It’s also a good idea to check your insurance policy for approved lock types—these often meet high security standards and help ensure your coverage remains valid.
Leaving your door unlocked overnight can allow unwanted individuals to enter your home. Consider enhancing your door’s security with features like a door chain or spyhole.
Windows & Conservatories
Secure windows can prevent another means of entry into your home. Sturdy locks are standard in most modern uPVC windows, and the stronger your windows appear, the less likely someone is to attempt entry through them.
Your conservatory or patio door security is just as important as your front door and windows. Quality installation and secure locks can help keep your home protected.
Family and Indoor Safety
Keeping your children and pets safe is essential. If you have children who sleepwalk or often wander the house late at night, it can be dangerous. They could get into drawers, climb on furniture or even open the front door if it’s left unlocked.
Indoor security cameras, child-proof windows and doors, and an alarm system are all useful for keeping an eye on young children.
Pet cameras are great for monitoring pets whilst you’re at work or away. They also add a layer of security, as they often record movement. With pet ownership increasing and cases of dog theft on the rise, pet cameras can reduce the risk of your pet being stolen. Pet locks may also be helpful for pets that get into rooms or cupboards they shouldn’t.
Insurance Considerations
What many people don’t realise is that not locking your doors—especially at night or when leaving the house—can actually invalidate your home insurance. A report from MoneyPages stated that almost 19% of insurance claims rejected were due to homeowners not taking reasonable care. Something as simple as locking your door could be the difference between receiving full compensation or having your claim denied.
Special Considerations
Internal Fire Doors
Sometimes doors should not be locked—specifically internal fire doors. Locking a fire door can pose significant safety risks. A locked bedroom door can prevent emergency services from entering rooms efficiently and may affect their ability to rescue occupants. Fire and smoke alarms will alert you to danger, but locking fire doors can be hazardous. Test batteries regularly, including those in carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CO is invisible and odourless, making it impossible to detect without an alarm.
Bedroom Doors
There are both pros and cons to locking your bedroom door at night. It can provide additional security and privacy, but you should consider whether the benefits outweigh the risks—such as delayed escape during a fire.
Key Safety
You may be in the habit of leaving your key in the lock at night once you’ve secured your home, but this is not recommended. A burglar may be able to use it to gain entry, either via a nearby window or the letterbox. It’s best to leave them in a designated safe spot which cannot be seen from the front door or windows.
Child Bedroom Doors
Although it might seem like there are extra security benefits, it’s not recommended to lock your child’s door at night, especially if they are under 11. This is important for their safety in case of accidents or emergencies.
Calling a Professional Local Locksmith
At Keytek Locksmiths, we recognise how crucial home security is for your peace of mind. With years of experience in locksmith services, we aim to provide reliable solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of professionals ensures high-quality service, whether you need a bedroom door lock or any other security solution. We prioritise your safety and satisfaction, offering efficient and effective locksmith services to protect what matters most to you.
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How safe is your neighbourhood?
Kim is Keytek’s longest-serving security blogger, with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the security industry. Over the past 9 years, she has built trusted relationships with locksmiths and security professionals across the UK, giving her exclusive insight into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in home security. From traditional burglary prevention methods to cutting-edge smart home solutions, Kim covers it all. As part of her role, she regularly reviews the newest home security gadgets on the market—including smart doorbells, security cameras, and more—bringing readers honest, practical advice on how to protect their homes. Kim’s passion for security was sparked during her time at the University of Chester, where she learned first-hand how vulnerable student housing can be to break-ins. That early experience inspired a lifelong interest in home protection, eventually leading her to join the team at Keytek. Today, Kim combines her deep industry knowledge with a love for writing to deliver helpful, accessible content for homeowners across the UK. You can read all of her expert advice and top security tips at Keytek.co.uk, where she shares everything from seasonal safety guides to reviews of the best security products on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I lock my bedroom door at night?
Locking your bedroom door at night has many benefits with few drawbacks. While some may worry about exiting quickly in an emergency, there are steps to reduce this risk. Locking your bedroom door can enhance security but be cautious if you have young children at home, as such locks could delay escape during emergencies like a fire.
Does locking my door at night affect my home insurance?
Yes. If you fail to secure your home at night by not locking your external doors, your home insurance claim may be invalidated if a break-in occurs.
Can I leave my keys in the door?
It’s important to have a specific place for your keys at night. Whilst locking your doors is essential, leaving keys in the lock can make it easier for intruders to gain access, especially if they can reach them through glass or a letterbox.
Should there be a lock on my child’s door?
For children under 11, you should avoid locking their bedroom door to ensure their safety in case of emergencies or accidents. Their wellbeing should come first, even over the added security of a locked door.