What locks do police recommend?

Police typically recommend independently certified, high‑security locks: for UK homes, look for BS 3621 five‑lever deadlocks and TS 007 3‑star or SS 312 Diamond euro cylinders on PAS 24 doors; for U.S. homes, choose ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolts with reinforced strike plates and, ideally, UL 437 high‑security cylinders. For bikes and motorcycles, police favor Sold Secure Gold or Diamond‑rated D‑locks, chains, and ground anchors; for vehicles, robust steering‑wheel locks and anti‑theft measures against keyless entry are advised. Below is a detailed, jurisdiction‑aware guide to what police and crime‑prevention units most commonly recommend and how to verify products.

United Kingdom: Police‑endorsed standards and lock types

Across UK forces, guidance usually references the national police initiative Secured by Design (SBD) and independent standards that products should meet. The following standards are the benchmarks police and crime‑prevention officers cite most often.

• Secured by Design (SBD): The official Police Preferred Specification scheme for security products and building components.
• BS 3621 / BS 8621 / BS 10621: British Standards for thief‑resistant locks on external doors (BS 3621 for key both sides, BS 8621 for keyless egress inside, BS 10621 for locks with additional hold‑back features).
• TS 007 (3‑star) and SS 312 Diamond: High‑security euro cylinders resistant to snapping, drilling, bumping, and picking. A 1‑star cylinder must be paired with 2‑star protected door furniture; 3‑star or SS 312 Diamond cylinders need no additional star furniture.
• PAS 24: Door and window security performance standard for complete door/window sets, common on modern uPVC and composite doors.
• Sold Secure (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Diamond): Independent attack testing and ratings widely referenced by police for padlocks, bike/motorcycle locks, chains, and anchors (Gold/Diamond preferred for higher risk).
• LPCB (e.g., LPS 1175): Ratings for security grilles, shutters, cages, and doorsets in higher‑risk environments.

Choosing products tested to these marks helps ensure you’re aligning with police‑backed benchmarks rather than relying on unverified marketing claims.

Door recommendations (UK)

For typical UK properties, police guidance differentiates by door material and escape requirements, aiming to balance burglary resistance with safe egress in a fire.

• Timber front/back doors: Fit a BS 3621 5‑lever mortice deadlock and consider a BS 3621 cylinder rim deadlatch (nightlatch). In flats where keyless internal escape is required, use BS 8621 variants (thumb‑turn inside).
• uPVC/composite doors: Ensure a PAS 24‑rated multi‑point locking doorset with an anti‑snap euro cylinder rated TS 007 3‑star or SS 312 Diamond. Avoid sub‑standard cylinders vulnerable to “lock snapping.”
• Sliding/patio doors: Choose PAS 24 sets with anti‑lift devices; add auxiliary locks or security bars where legacy doors remain.
• Secondary security: Fit a door viewer, letterbox restrictor that prevents fishing, and a strong door limiter/chain tested to a recognized standard.

Upgrading cylinders and strike plates can markedly improve resistance to common attacks without replacing the entire door, but full PAS 24 door sets offer the best overall package.

Windows, sheds, gates and safes (UK)

Police stress securing accessible windows and outbuildings, which are frequent points of entry, and properly rated padlocks and hasps for exterior use.

• Windows: Use key‑operated locks on all ground‑floor and accessible windows. New/replacement windows should meet PAS 24. Consider laminated glazing and lockable handles.
• Sheds and outbuildings: Pair a heavy‑duty security hasp/staple with a closed‑shackle padlock rated Sold Secure Gold (or at least Silver); add a ground anchor and chain for high‑value items.
• Gates: Use weather‑resistant, high‑security padlocks (Sold Secure Silver/Gold) and robust hinges/bolts with coach screws or security fixings.
• Safes: Choose a cash/valuables safe tested to EN 1143‑1 or EN 14450 (S1/S2), installed to manufacturer guidance; consult an MLA locksmith for correct anchoring and insurance requirements.

Applying equivalent or higher resistance at secondary entry points helps eliminate the weakest link, a common factor in opportunistic burglaries.

United States: Police and crime‑prevention guidance

U.S. police departments and crime‑prevention units typically emphasize robust deadbolts, proper installation, and layered security, anchored by widely recognized standards and best practices.

• ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolts: Highest residential grade; look for a 1‑inch throw bolt and hardened inserts.
• UL 437 high‑security cylinders: Adds resistance to picking, drilling, and pulling; often used with Grade 1 deadbolts.
• Reinforced strikes and long screws: Use heavy‑duty strike plates secured with 3‑inch screws into the framing, not just the jamb.
• Solid or reinforced doors/frames: Solid wood, metal, or reinforced fiberglass doors with proper hinges and security pins.

Proper installation frequently matters as much as the lock grade; many forced entries exploit weak frames or short screws rather than the lock itself.

Door and smart‑lock recommendations (US)

Police generally support smart locks when they do not compromise mechanical strength and are installed alongside Grade 1 deadbolts and reinforced hardware.

• Exterior doors: Fit a single‑cylinder Grade 1 deadbolt with 1‑inch throw; avoid double‑cylinder deadbolts unless code permits and fire egress is addressed.
• Strike plate upgrade: Use a heavy‑duty strike with at least four 3‑inch screws into the stud; reinforce hinge side similarly.
• Smart locks: Choose models with ANSI/BHMA certification (Grade 2 minimum; Grade 1 preferred) and retain a robust mechanical deadbolt. Keep firmware updated and use strong, unique app credentials.
• Garages/sliders: Add auxiliary locks, door defenders, or track‑blocking devices; secure the emergency release on garage doors.

Combining mechanical strength with secure digital controls yields convenience without sacrificing break‑in resistance.

Bicycles and e‑bikes

Bike theft is often opportunistic; police advocate high‑rated locks and good locking technique to increase effort and time for thieves.

• Primary lock: A Sold Secure Gold or Diamond‑rated D/U‑lock sized to leave minimal internal space when locked.
• Secondary lock: A Sold Secure Gold chain or second D‑lock to secure the other wheel and accessories.
• Locking method: Secure the frame (and a wheel) to an immovable stand, fill the shackle, keep locks off the ground, and position keyways facing down.
• Register and mark: Record the serial number; in the UK use BikeRegister (police‑approved) and in North America Project 529 or local registries; apply tamper‑evident markings.
• Location: Choose busy, well‑lit, CCTV‑covered areas; at home, use a ground/wall anchor and indoor storage where possible.

Two strong, independently rated locks and disciplined technique are proven to deter most opportunists and some prepared thieves.

Motorcycles and scooters

Police recommend layered, visible security backed by independent ratings to defeat both roll‑away and attack‑tool thefts.

• Chain and anchor: A 16 mm+ hardened chain rated Sold Secure Gold or Diamond, secured through the frame or a solid part to a ground/wall anchor (preferably SBD‑approved).
• Disc lock with alarm: Adds immediate deterrence; choose a Sold Secure‑rated model and use in conjunction with a chain, not as the sole device.
• Cover and immobilization: Use a plain cover to reduce targeting; consider Thatcham‑approved trackers/immobilisers (S5 with driver ID where appropriate).
• Parking choices: Park in secure, well‑lit, overlooked areas; at home, keep machines out of sight and within locked enclosures when possible.

Combining a ground‑anchored chain, an alarmed disc lock, and discretion on parking significantly reduces risk.

Cars and vans

Vehicle crime trends have pushed police to recommend visible mechanical deterrents alongside electronic countermeasures, especially for keyless vehicles and tool‑laden vans.

• Steering‑wheel locks: Use robust, full‑cover or bar‑type locks tested by Sold Secure or listed by SBD; visible deterrence matters.
• Keyless theft prevention: Store fobs in certified Faraday pouches/boxes; disable passive entry if possible; keep keys away from doors/windows.
• OBD and immobilisers: Consider OBD port locks/relocation and Thatcham‑approved trackers/immobilisers (e.g., S5 with driver recognition) for high‑risk models.
• Vans: Fit additional deadlocks, hook locks, or slamlocks on cargo doors; add internal tool safes and catalytic‑converter locks/marking.

Mixing visible hardware with electronic safeguards addresses both opportunistic and organized theft techniques.

How to check a product is police‑recommended

Verification protects you from weak products that use vague marketing terms. Use official databases and credible trade bodies.

• Secured by Design: Search the SBD database for Police Preferred Specification products and door/window sets.
• Sold Secure: Check product ratings (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Diamond) for locks, chains, padlocks, and anchors; pick the highest rating practical for your risk.
• British/European/UL/BHMA listings: Confirm BS, PAS, TS 007, SS 312, EN 1143‑1/14450, UL 437, and ANSI/BHMA certifications on data sheets, not just packaging.
• Qualified installers: In the UK, use Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) members; in North America, look for ALOA/licensed locksmiths; ask for installation to standard.

Documented certifications and competent installation offer assurance far beyond brand reputation alone.

Installation and usage best practices

Even the best lock underperforms if installed poorly or used inconsistently. Police advice emphasizes fundamentals that close common gaps.

• Fitment: Use long screws into studs for strikes and hinges; align and shim properly to prevent binding and ensure full bolt throw.
• Layering: Combine quality locks with lighting, CCTV/video doorbells, alarms, and signage; avoid relying on a single measure.
• Key control: Don’t leave keys near doors/windows; use coded key tags; change cylinders if keys are lost or you move home.
• Maintenance: Lubricate locks with appropriate products; replace worn cylinders/strikes promptly; test smart‑lock batteries and firmware.
• Egress and compliance: Choose BS 8621/thumb‑turn or code‑compliant options where required; never compromise fire escape routes.

Attention to these details often yields bigger real‑world security gains than an incremental upgrade in lock rating alone.

Summary

Police recommend locks that are independently tested and correctly installed: in the UK, BS 3621 deadlocks and TS 007 3‑star or SS 312 Diamond cylinders on PAS 24 doors and windows; in the U.S., ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolts with reinforced strikes and UL 437 cylinders. For cycles and motorcycles, choose Sold Secure Gold/Diamond locks and anchors; for vehicles, combine visible steering‑wheel locks with countermeasures against keyless and OBD attacks. Always verify certifications via Secured by Design, Sold Secure, and standards bodies, and pair strong hardware with good installation and layered security.

What locks do police recommend for doors?

To sum up the key advice from police authorities for securing your home’s doors:

• Timber Doors: Install a BS 3621-certified five-lever mortice deadlock for top-notch security.
• uPVC and Composite Doors: Equip your door with a robust multi-point locking system.

What lock cannot be picked?

No single lock is definitively “unpickable,” but high-security locks with advanced internal designs, like Medeco or EVVA MCS, resist traditional lock picking techniques by employing features like rotating pins, unique keyways, and complex internal mechanisms. Electronic locks, such as August Smart Locks, are also considered “unpickable” in the traditional sense because they require software hacking rather than physical tools to be opened. Finally, a half deadbolt can be considered unpickable because it lacks a keyhole on the exterior, making it impossible to access with picking tools. 
High-Security Mechanical Locks 

• Medeco: Opens in new tabThese locks feature specialized rotating pins and unique keyways that traditional picking tools cannot manipulate effectively. 
• EVVA MCS: Opens in new tabKnown for its magnetic locking system, which prevents the use of physical pick tools. 
• Other high-security brands: Opens in new tabLocks from companies like Mul-T-Lock, Assa Abloy, and BiLock are also designed to be extremely resistant to picking. 

Electronic & Smart Locks 

• Smartphone-controlled locks: Locks like the August Smart Lock, which use a smartphone for access, are virtually unpickable by traditional methods because they don’t have a physical keyhole for tools to engage with.

Keyless Locks 

• Half deadbolts: These are a specific type of internal deadbolt that only have a locking mechanism on the inside of the door, with no external keyhole to pick.

Why They Are Difficult to Pick

• Complex pin designs: These locks often use multiple pins that require precise alignment, sometimes with rotating elements, that are beyond the capabilities of standard lock picks. 
• Restrictive keyways: The internal shape of the keyway can prevent the insertion of most picking tools. 
• Internal mechanisms: Some locks incorporate internal locking plates or rolling bearings that prevent manipulation of the pins, even if a picker could reach them. 

What do police recommend for home security?

When leaving your house, it is recommended that all ground-level windows and windows accessible by exterior fire escapes be secured and the vent stops engaged. Secure basement windows with grills or grates. Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.

Are 1 star locks anti-snap?

One star cylinders do not need to meet this standard, that’s reserved for the 3* cylinders. However, a one-star cylinder can still feature protection against an attack by snapping. It’s important to remember that this feature doesn’t turn the cylinder into a 3* product, but it’s extra protection at a lower cost.