Most people obsess over their front door… but burglars don’t.
After reviewing thousands of real break‑ins as an ARC Supervisor, the pattern is painfully clear:
Back doors are the #1 entry point for UK burglaries.
Here’s why they’re targeted — and how to fix it.
1. Back doors are hidden from neighbours
Burglars choose the path with the least witnesses.
Rear access = privacy = time to work.
2. Most back doors have weak locks
Even “new” uPVC doors often have:
- Snappable cylinders
- Loose handles
- No hinge bolts
- No anti‑lift protection
A burglar only needs 20–40 seconds to exploit this.
3. Homeowners rarely put CCTV on the rear
Front cameras are common.
Rear cameras? Not so much.
Burglars know this — and they exploit it.
4. Back gates are usually unlocked
An unlocked gate is basically an invitation.
Once they’re behind it, they’re invisible.
5. Back doors often connect to kitchens
Kitchens = valuables:
- Keys
- Wallets
- Phones
- Laptops
- Car fobs
Burglars love “quick‑grab” layouts.
How to protect your back door (simple fixes)
- Fit a 3‑star anti‑snap cylinder (£25–£40)
- Add hinge bolts (£5–£10)
- Install a rear camera with IR that doesn’t blind itself
- Lock your back gate every time
- Add a motion‑activated light
- Keep valuables away from the kitchen door
These small upgrades massively reduce your risk.
For tips like this and more Listen to our podcast:
👉 https://fountain.fm/show/PSUZexS4J5i3ShixkTnA