How Do Burglars Break Into Properties? A Locksmiths Insight

Burglary remains a real concern across London and surrounding areas. In the last year (2025) the burglary rate in London has been 5.6 per 1000 population. As Barnet based locksmiths attending emergency break-in burglary repairs in North London, greater London and Hertfordshire, we see first-hand how thieves break into houses on a daily basis and more importantly, what homeowners can do to stop it. 

If you’ve ever wondered how do burglars break in UK homes, this guide will walk you through the most common entry methods and the best ways to reduce risk.

Burglary in London: Areas Most Commonly Affected

A number of the areas IKS Locksmiths cover in London are in the top most burgled areas in the UK. The London areas with the highest burglary rates include:

1. Kensington and Chelsea
2. Camden
3. Southwark
4. Hackney
5. Westminster
6. Islington
7. Enfield
8. Hammersmith & Fulham
9. Haringey
10. Tower Hamlets
11. Lambeth
12. Barnet
13. Lewisham
14. Greenwich
15. Richmond upon Thames

If you live in or around Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Islington, Camden or nearby parts of Hertfordshire, preventative security upgrades can make a meaningful difference.

How Thieves Break Into Houses: The Patterns Locksmiths See Most Often

There are clear trends in how burglars break in to properties. Knowing how burglars break into homes can help you prevent the risk of burglary. Most break ins we attend could have been prevented with security measures. We are familiar with the most common ways thieves break into houses.

The majority of break-ins we attend follow predictable weak points:

• Older or poor quality locks
• Doors that lack reinforcement
• Ground-floor window vulnerabilities
• Easy access to rear entrances
• Poor habits (unlocked doors/windows)

In this article from Yale gives tips on how to burglar proof your home. In this post, we share our security advice as independent locksmiths approved by The Master Locksmiths Association.

Thieves look out for particular things when deciding which properties to target. There are certain things that are a green light to intruders.

Understanding how do most burglars break in helps you protect your home before an incident happens.

What Makes A Property a Target for Burglary?

Burglars rarely choose a property at random. Most are opportunists looking for signs that entry will be quick and low-risk.

Common “green lights” burglars look for:

• Vacant properties (no lights, no movement, post piling up)
• Isolated homes or poorly overlooked entrances
• Valuables visible through windows
• Small, high-value items (phones, handbags, laptops)
• Low levels of physical security
• Tools & ladders left outside
• Easy rear access via alleyways, gardens, or side gates

This is why many burglaries in London happen within minutes, especially when entry points are weak.

You can read What Makes Your Home a Target for Burglary here and about Ways to Stop Burglars From Targeting Your Home here.

The 5 Most Common Ways That Burglars Break Into Houses (UK)

The good news? Almost every method below can be prevented with proper locks, reinforcement, and physical security. 

1) The Front Door: How Do Most Burglars Break In?

The most common way for burglars to break into a property is through the front door, usually by exploiting weak locks or poorly secured frames. If you’re asking how do most burglars break in UK homes, the front entrance is often the answer.

Common front-door break-in methods 

Lock Snapping (uPVC doors)

Lock snapping is extremely common with vulnerable UPVC and composite doors. It usually occurs when the lock is not up to the latest standard. This will be something easily visible to a burglar as the cylinder will protrude from the door. Burglars can snap the lock quickly with basic tools.

Prevention:

Lock snapping on UPVC and composite doors can be prevented by: 

• Installing an anti-snap cylinder
• Choose British Standard 3 Star Diamond Sold Secure Rated cylinder. You can read about Why Anti Snap Locks are a Must for UPVC Doors here.
• Add a lock guard where appropriate

Forced Entry (kicking, frame failure, etc.)

This is one of the most damaging ways to break into a house. I do see a considerable amount of access by forced entry. This usually happens when:

• the door is weak
• the frame isn’t reinforced
• glass panels are vulnerable
• hinges and strike plates are insufficient

This ex burglar shows just how quick and easy it can be done.

Prevention:

There are a number of security solutions for reinforcing a weak door to prevent forced entry.

• Birmingham Bar
• London Bar
• Hinge Bolts
• Lock Guard
• Door Security Grilles

Security grilles for house windows and doors are probably the best form of physical security as well as a massive deterrent for burglars.

Lock Bumping and Lock Picking

Lock bumping is a method mainly used by locksmiths but it is good to have high security locks that are resistant to lock bumping for the best security. While less common than snapping or brute force, lock manipulation happens especially with older cylinders. Criminals are always developing new techniques of gaining access.

Prevention:

• Upgrade to high-security locks resistant to bumping and picking
• Use British Standard locks for insurance compliance

It is advisable to have maximum security front door locks resistant to lock picking.

Letterbox Entry

If a lock or thumbturn can be reached through the letterbox, burglars can pull handles or access internal locks.

It is important that your lock is positioned so that it cannot be accessed through the letterbox. Also leaving keys visible through the letterbox is not a good idea. An experienced locksmith will know where a letterbox and lock should be positioned to maintain security.

You can read about How to Make a Front Door More Secure here.

2) Windows: How Do Burglars Break In Through Windows?

There are a number of reasons window security can be compromised.

Windows are a frequent entry point, particularly:

• ground floor windows
• side windows
• rear windows hidden from view
• first-floor windows accessible via flat roofs, bins, or fences

The most common window vulnerabilities

Windows Left Open

This is one of the easiest ways burglars break in. It is common for windows to be left open in the summer, making access easy for the opportunist burglar.

Prevention:

• Use window restrictors
• Always lock windows, even when partially open

Poor Window Security (or none at all)

Another issue is windows without locks or windows being smashed. Windows should always have key operated locks for security and insurance purposes. Windows without key-operated locks are higher risk and may also invalidate insurance claims.

Prevention:

• Install key-operated window locks
• Ensure they meet insurance requirements

Incorrectly Installed Double Glazing

If the beading is on the outside, burglars can remove UPVC windows which have been incorrectly installed.

This is an issue that I have seen on a number of occasions. It is important that the beading on double glazed windows is on the inside and not the outside. Something that is clearly visible and intruders look for.

The beading is to allow the pane of glass to be replaced. If it is on the outside the pane can be popped out in seconds as you can see in the video in this article.

Prevention:

• Check your beading position
• If external, contact the installer and arrange correction – Anyone who has double glazed windows should check that they are beaded on the inside! If it is on the outside contact the company that installed them and make a complaint. This is a great security risk!
• Consider installing security grilles and window bars – Professional window bars installation provides high security. Bespoke security grilles for windows can be designed to look discreet or be used as a feature. Fixed or collapsible security grilles can be an excellent deterrent and prevent access.

Read our Guide to Window Security here.

3) Back Doors & Patio Doors: A Common Break-In Point

Back doors have the advantage to intruders in that they can often be concealed from the main street. This gives an intruder more time to gain access through forced entry and even smashing the glass. Also many back doors can be vulnerable and intruders will seek out patio doors with low levels of security.

Why back doors are targeted

• less visible from the street
• easier to force open unnoticed
• older patio locks are often weak

Common break-in risks

• vulnerable uPVC patio doors – UPVC patio doors without the latest high security locks are a target. Read about How to Make French Patio Doors More Secure here.
• weak multi-point locking systems
• sliding doors that can be lifted off tracks – Sliding doors are perhaps the easiest means of access when they have inadequate locks. They can literally be lifted off the runners. Read about Sliding Glass Door Security here.

Prevention:

• Upgrade to high-security multi-point locks
  
• Fit anti-lift devices on sliding doors
  
• Add door reinforcement & secure handles

4) Garages: An Overlooked Entry Route

Some burglars use garages as a quieter entry route, either to access tools, bikes, or even the home itself (especially if internal doors are weak). Access to a property via a garage is less common but does happen. Find out about The Best Garage Security and How To Burglar Proof a Garage here.

Prevention:

• Upgrade garage locks
• Secure side doors and internal access doors
• Add alarms or motion lighting
• Never leave tools that can help “create” entry

5) Unlocked Doors & Windows: The “Easy Opportunity”

Access through unlocked doors & windows is the least common method of burglary, yet it does happen more often than you would expect. Good habits of locking up when you go out and at night are really important because intruders are opportunists and you could be unlucky.

The worst thing about a burglary without forced entry is that your insurance policy will not pay out if you have not secured your property as specified in your home contents insurance policy. Read our Guide to Insurance Approved Locks here.

Most burglaries are a result of poor attention to detail when it comes to security.

Prevention:

• Lock doors and windows every time
• Use night latches, deadbolts, or auto-lock systems
• Make a routine check before bed and when leaving

Burglary Warning Signs: How to Spot a Risk Early

Quite often there are signs that burglars are targeting an area. Be on the look out for tell tale signs that intruders are looking for opportunities. Some burglary warning signs are:

• Strangers asking for help or to use the toilet
• Cold callers or “survey” visits
• Strangers taking photos of houses
• Unfamiliar vehicles stopping repeatedly
• Odd markings to highlight a target
• Flyers, stickers or build-up post suggesting vacancy

If you haven’t got Neighbourhood Watch set up in your area it is well worth doing.

How to Prevent Burglars From Breaking In: Best Security Upgrades

If your goal is how to stop a burglar from breaking in, these are the most effective actions we recommend as locksmiths:

Quick wins (low cost, high impact)

• Upgrade weak locks to British Standard
• Install anti-snap cylinders on uPVC doors
• Fit window locks and restrictors
• Add motion-activated lighting
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Remove tools and ladders from outdoor areas

Strong deterrents (the upgrades burglars hate)

• Door reinforcement (bars, hinge bolts, lock guards)
• Security grilles for windows and doors
• High-security handles and cylinders
• Access control for blocks or shared entrances
• Roller shutters (especially for vulnerable rear or side access)

Burglary prevention and paying due care and attention to property security are well worth it. A security survey with a locksmith approved by The Master Locksmith Association is free of charge.

If you are in any doubt about your security arrange a comprehensive security survey with an experienced security specialist.

Need Help After a Break-In or Want to Upgrade Security?

Protect Your Home in North London With Trusted Locksmith Security Support

If you’re concerned about how burglars break in, or you’ve experienced a break-in and need urgent repairs, IKS Locksmiths can help.

We provide locksmith and security services across North London, Greater London, and Hertfordshire, including emergency burglary repairs, lock replacements, and proactive security upgrades.

How IKS Locksmiths can help:

• Emergency lock changes after break-ins
• Door and frame reinforcement
• Anti-snap lock upgrades for uPVC and composite doors
• Window security upgrades and grille installation
• High-security lock installation (British Standard & insurance approved)
• Home security surveys and security recommendations

Whether you want to prevent burglars from breaking in, upgrade weak locks, or improve window and door security, our locksmiths can advise on the best options for your property and risk level.

Main image courtesy of Leslie Archard