Security

About Security

Protecting your property, tools, vehicles, and valuables is essential for both tradespeople and homeowners across the UK. Our comprehensive security range includes everything from robust padlocks and chains to sophisticated alarm systems and surveillance cameras. Whether you're safeguarding a building site from tool theft, securing a commercial premises, or protecting your home and family, we stock professional-grade security solutions designed to deter intruders and give you peace of mind.

The security category encompasses products suited to multiple applications – from physical barriers like door furniture and window locks to electronic deterrents such as motion-activated alarms and CCTV cameras. Tradespeople will find heavy-duty site security products including ground anchors and high-security padlocks, whilst facility managers can browse our selection of key cabinets, lockers, and commercial safes. We also stock specialised security for bicycles, motorcycles, and vehicles, recognising that mobile assets are particularly vulnerable to theft.

Quality security products represent an investment that can save thousands of pounds in potential losses. UK crime statistics consistently show that visible security measures significantly reduce the likelihood of theft, making properly secured premises far less attractive to opportunistic criminals. From basic window locks meeting insurance requirements to advanced monitored alarm systems, our range covers all security levels and budgets.

Jargon Buster

• CEN Rating: European standard classification for padlock security, ranging from CEN 1 (basic security) to CEN 6 (maximum security). Higher ratings indicate greater resistance to attack methods including cutting, drilling, and picking.
• Sold Secure: Independent UK testing and certification scheme that grades security products as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Diamond based on their resistance to various attack methods. Gold and Diamond ratings typically meet insurance requirements for high-value items.
• Shackle: The U-shaped or curved metal bar on a padlock that opens to allow attachment. Hardened steel shackles with maximum thickness provide the best cut-resistance, whilst closed shackle designs minimise exposed areas vulnerable to bolt croppers.
• Hardened Steel: Steel that has undergone heat treatment to increase its hardness and resistance to cutting, drilling, and sawing. Essential for quality padlocks, chains, and hasps where physical attack resistance is paramount.
• PIR (Passive Infrared): Motion detection technology used in alarm sensors that detects body heat from intruders. PIR sensors are standard in burglar alarms and reduce false alarms compared to basic motion detectors.
• BS 3621: British Standard for thief-resistant locks, commonly required by insurance companies for home insurance policies. Locks meeting this standard provide a minimum level of security against lock picking, drilling, and forced entry.

Who Uses Security?

Security products serve a wide range of users including:

• Construction & Site Workers: Protecting expensive power tools, equipment, and materials from theft on building sites and in site containers
• Tradespeople: Securing vans, vehicles, and mobile workshops containing valuable tools and stock
• Property Managers: Installing and maintaining security systems, access control, and perimeter protection for residential and commercial buildings
• Facilities & Maintenance Teams: Managing key systems, securing plant rooms, and controlling access to restricted areas
• Locksmiths: Professional installation of locks, safes, and comprehensive security solutions
• Shop & Business Owners: Protecting premises, stock, and cash with alarms, CCTV, safes, and physical security measures
• Landlords: Meeting insurance requirements and duty of care obligations with appropriate door locks, window security, and alarm systems
• Homeowners & DIY Enthusiasts: Securing homes, garages, sheds, and outbuildings against burglary
• Cyclists & Motorcyclists: Protecting vehicles from theft with specialised locks, chains, and ground anchors
• Storage Facility Operators: Providing secure locker systems and access control for self-storage and changing facilities

How to Choose the Right Security

Assess Your Risk Level: Consider what you're protecting and its value. High-value tools, vehicles, or property require higher-rated security (Sold Secure Gold or Diamond, CEN 5-6 padlocks). Insurance policies often specify minimum security standards – check requirements before purchasing. Urban areas and isolated sites typically need stronger security than low-risk locations.

Physical vs Electronic Security: Physical barriers (padlocks, chains, door locks) provide the first line of defence and work without power. Electronic systems (alarms, cameras) offer detection and deterrence but require installation and maintenance. The most effective security combines both approaches – physical security slows intruders whilst alarms alert you to attempted breaches.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use: Outdoor security products must withstand UK weather conditions. Look for weatherproof or marine-grade locks with protective covers, stainless steel components, and sealed mechanisms that won't freeze or corrode. Outdoor alarms and cameras need appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) ratings – typically IP65 or higher for full weather resistance.

Key Management: Consider keyed-alike systems if securing multiple areas with padlocks – one key operates all locks for convenience. For shared access, combination locks eliminate key management but ensure codes are regularly changed. Key cabinets and safes should exceed the security level of what they protect.

Certification & Standards: Purchase products meeting recognised UK and European standards. Sold Secure certification, BS 3621 for locks, and EN standards for safes ensure products have been independently tested. These certifications often determine whether insurance remains valid after a theft claim.

Installation Requirements: Some security products require professional installation – particularly monitored alarms, complex CCTV systems, and high-security locks meeting BS standards. Ground anchors and wall-mounted security need suitable fixing points in concrete or masonry. Battery-powered or wireless systems offer simpler DIY installation where appropriate.

Popular Accessories

• Security Fixings: Coach bolts, security screws, and anti-tamper fixings prevent removal of hasps, hinges, and mounting plates. Essential for outdoor installations where standard fixings could be easily removed.
• Ground Anchors: Concrete-mounted anchor points for securing chains, motorcycles, and equipment. Available as surface-mounted or in-ground designs rated for specific chain weights.
• Hasp & Staples: Mounting hardware that allows padlocks to secure doors, gates, and containers. Choose hardened steel versions with concealed fixings for maximum security.
• Alarm Signage & Warning Stickers: Visible deterrents indicating protected premises. Studies show clearly displayed security signage reduces attempted break-ins even before physical barriers are encountered.
• Lock Lubricants: Specialist PTFE or graphite-based lubricants maintain lock mechanisms and prevent freezing in winter. Avoid general-purpose oils which attract dirt and can gum up precision lock components.
• Security Lighting: Motion-activated LED floodlights illuminate potential entry points and deter intruders. Solar-powered options suit locations without mains electricity.
• Cable Locks: Flexible steel cables secure awkward items or multiple objects together. Often used alongside padlocks for tools, ladders, and equipment.

Safety Information

Installation Safety: When drilling into walls for security fixings, always check for hidden cables and pipes using a detector. Hitting electrical cables can cause serious injury or death. If installing burglar alarms or powered CCTV systems, ensure electrical work complies with BS 7671 wiring regulations. Complex installations may require Part P certification by a qualified electrician.

Fire Safety Considerations: While security is essential, ensure emergency exits remain accessible from inside without keys during occupied hours. This is particularly important for commercial premises and HMOs where fire regulations apply. Thumb-turn locks and panic hardware allow quick escape whilst maintaining external security.

Key Security: Store spare keys securely away from the locks they operate – never hide keys outside where intruders might find them. Key safes should be sited discreetly and feature high-security ratings. Regularly audit who holds keys to commercial premises and consider changing locks when keys are lost or staff leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security rating do I need to meet my home insurance requirements?

Most UK home insurance policies require locks meeting BS 3621 standard on final exit doors (typically front and back doors). For high-value contents, insurers may specify Sold Secure rated window locks and potentially a monitored alarm system. Always check your specific policy wording and inform your insurer when upgrading security, as this may reduce premiums.

How do I protect my tools from theft on building sites?

Use multiple security layers: store tools in robust steel containers or vans secured with high-quality padlocks (minimum Sold Secure Gold or CEN 5 rating). Secure containers to ground anchors with hardened steel chains. Mark tools with UV pens and photograph serial numbers for police recovery. Consider site security alarms with mobile alerts for unattended locations overnight and weekends.

What's the difference between a cash box and a safe?

Cash boxes are portable, lightweight containers with basic locks suitable for temporary cash security or transporting valuables. Safes are heavy, permanently installed units offering serious theft and often fire protection. Safes carry certification ratings (EN standards) indicating exactly how long they resist specific attack methods. For business cash or valuable documents, always choose a properly rated safe over a cash box.

Can I install security products myself or do I need a professional?

Many security products are suitable for competent DIY installation including padlocks, door chains, window locks, and battery-powered alarms. However, professionally monitored alarm systems, complex CCTV installations, and locks requiring BS 3621 certification typically need qualified installation to maintain warranties and insurance compliance. If installing involves mains electricity or structural modifications, consider professional help to ensure safety and proper function.

How weather-resistant are outdoor security products?

Look for products specifically rated for outdoor use with appropriate IP ratings (IP65 or higher means dust-tight and protected against water jets). Marine-grade padlocks with stainless steel components and protective covers perform best in harsh UK weather. Lubricate outdoor locks regularly with weatherproof lubricant and consider protective covers for padlocks in exposed coastal or industrial environments where corrosion accelerates.