Home Security Upgrades Every Cornwall Home Should Consider
Written by Cornwall Composite DoorsReviewed by Cornwall Composite Doors installersLast updated July 20266 minute read
Short answer
Worthwhile upgrades include a PAS 24 tested composite front door with a TS007 3-star cylinder, door chains and viewers, security lighting on approaches, and window locks matched to the door's security level. Which upgrades matter most depends on whether a property is isolated, coastal, or in a denser town setting.
Cornwall's mix of isolated rural cottages, coastal holiday lets and town terraces means security priorities aren't one-size-fits-all. This guide sets out proportionate, practical upgrades worth considering for each.
Start with the front and back doors
Doors are the most common point of entry, so upgrading to a PAS 24 tested composite door with a TS007 3-star cylinder and multipoint lock gives the biggest single improvement in most homes. This applies equally to back and side doors, which are sometimes overlooked despite being less visible to neighbours and passers-by.
Windows and glazing
Window locks should match the security level of the doors; there's little point in a highly secure front door if ground floor windows have basic or no locking mechanisms. Toughened or laminated glass in ground floor windows adds further resistance to impact-based entry attempts.
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Visible deterrents
Simple, low-cost additions like door chains, spy viewers, and clearly visible (even dummy) security cameras act as a genuine deterrent, since most burglars specifically avoid properties that look monitored or difficult. Good exterior lighting on approaches and dark side passages also removes the cover that opportunist burglars rely on.
- Door chain and viewer
- Motion-sensor lighting on approaches
- Visible camera or doorbell camera
- Trimmed hedges/fences removing hiding spots
Considerations for isolated and coastal properties
Isolated rural and coastal properties, including holiday lets that stand empty between bookings, benefit particularly from strong physical security since a break-in can go unnoticed for longer. A monitored alarm system or smart doorbell that alerts a phone remotely helps compensate for the lack of passing footfall or nearby neighbours.
Getting the basics right first
Before considering alarms or cameras, it's worth confirming the basics are genuinely in order: a tested door and lock specification, secure windows, and correctly fitted frames. Technology adds value on top of solid physical security, but doesn't substitute for it if the underlying door and lock are weak.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a burglar alarm if I have a secure composite door?
An alarm isn't essential if your doors and windows are properly secured, but it adds a valuable extra layer, particularly for isolated properties or as a deterrent that acts before an intruder even attempts entry. It's a complement to good physical security, not a replacement for it.
Are holiday lets in Cornwall at higher security risk?
Holiday lets can be at slightly higher risk simply because they stand empty between bookings and burglars may notice the pattern. A secure composite door, smart lock or monitored entry, and good exterior lighting are particularly worthwhile investments for landlords managing these properties.
What's the most cost-effective security upgrade?
Upgrading an existing door's cylinder to a TS007 3-star rating is typically the most cost-effective single upgrade if the door and frame are otherwise sound. Where the whole door is dated or damaged, replacing it with a PAS 24 tested composite door offers the best long-term value.
Should I tell my insurer about security upgrades?
Yes, it's worth informing your insurer of any security upgrades, particularly a new PAS 24 or BS 3621 compliant door, as this can sometimes reduce premiums. Keep your installation certificate and lock specification on file in case you need to provide evidence for a claim.
