Start with your locks
Your front door cylinder is the single most important investment.
- Upgrade to an SKG*** cylinder with anti-core-pull protection
- Install a multi-point lock (NEN 5096) on the front door
- Add auxiliary locks on back doors and patio doors
- Reinforce strike plates with security screws
Beyond the front door
Burglars look for easy entry points beyond the obvious one.
- Install window locks on ground-floor windows
- Add motion-activated lighting around entry points
- Trim shrubs that hide windows from the street
- Use timer plugs to make the home look occupied
The PKVW standard
PKVW (Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen) is the Dutch police-endorsed standard for burglary-resistant homes. Many insurers offer premium discounts for PKVW-compliant properties.