October marks National Home Security Month in the UK, a time intended to raise awareness about home safety and burglary prevention. With that in mind, now is the perfect opportunity to check whether your home is as secure as it could be.
There are many components to home security, but one of the most important aspects of protection is the condition of your door and window locks.
At County Secure, we specialise in locksmith services and security upgrades for homes throughout Surrey and beyond. In this article, we explain five clear signs that your locks might need replacing, along with how our team can help through professional door lock replacement, lock replacement service, and installation of premium products such as the Ultion door lock.
Why Locks Matter More Than You Think
Before we look at the warning signs, it helps to understand just how vital locks are in deterring intruders. According to home security statistics, many burglars exploit weak or outdated locks rather than utilising complex break-in techniques. The risk increases if your locks are worn, loose, or out of date. A modern, professionally installed lock is one of the strongest defences your home can have.
At County Secure, lock and hardware security sit at the heart of what we do. We provide locksmith services in Guildford, Surrey, Hampshire and the surrounding areas. Our team offers reliable door lock replacement and specialist lock upgrades using police-approved hardware such as Ultion.
One of the standout products we recommend is the Ultion door lock, which is designed to resist snapping, picking, drilling, and bumping. It even comes with a £5,000 security guarantee. Ultion’s “lockdown mode” and reinforced internal core provide outstanding resistance to forced attacks.
When you combine a high-security lock such as Ultion with expert door lock replacement, you achieve a significantly stronger line of defence. But how can you tell when it’s time for an upgrade? Here are five warning signs to look for.
5 Signs You May Need Door or Window Lock Replacement Services
1. Your Lock Is Difficult to Engage or Feels Loose
If your key sticks, feels wobbly, or requires excessive force to turn, it may mean that the lock mechanism has worn down or become misaligned. Unfortunately, standard residential locks tend to only last for 7 to 15 years, because dust and repeated use over time cause wear and tear, which in turn leads to performance issues.
Another sign of deterioration is if your lock cylinder moves or its brass housing rattles in the door. This could mean the retaining screw has worn or threads are stripped. A loose cylinder provides an easy opportunity for a burglar to tamper with the mechanism, especially if they use snapping or drilling techniques. Even if the lock still functions to some degree, it is still sensible to book a lock replacement service as soon as possible.
More alarmingly, if the cylinder feels loose in the door or the brass housing rattles, it could mean the retaining screw has worn or threads are stripped. A loose cylinder is easier for a burglar to tamper with, especially when combined with snapping or drilling techniques.
2. Your Lock Doesn’t Meet Modern Security Standards
Older euro-cylinder locks or sash locks may not have the anti-snap features, hardened cores, or drilling resistance built into modern high-security locks. The fact is, many standard cylinders can be snapped in under 10 seconds.
If your existing locks are more than a decade old or were never rated to current British Standards or Secured by Design specifications, it’s wise to upgrade them. This is not just about adding bells and whistles — it’s about closing known vulnerabilities.
Upgrading via a door lock replacement to a security level such as the Ultion lock ensures that your locks are aligned with current best practices. As County Secure’s safety and security page states, we recommend Ultion locks specifically because of their resilience and certification.
3. You’ve Experienced or Heard of a Forced Entry Attempt Nearby
If you or your neighbours have suffered break-in attempts that involved tampering with doors or windows, it’s a strong signal that your area is targeted. Attackers often test multiple houses; a weak lock becomes a “soft target.”
Even a failed break-in can damage the internal components of a lock, weakening it for future attacks. After such an event, a lock replacement in Surrey is highly advisable — don’t risk relying on weakened hardware.
When a prospective client approached County Secure after a forced entry near Guildford, we assessed the locks, recommended Ultion replacements, and completed the work within the same day. The client reported feeling much more secure afterwards.
4. You’ve Lost Keys, Moved Home, or Implore Key Control
Losing keys (or having multiple copies made by previous owners or tenants) can compromise your security. If you don’t know who still has a functioning key, your lock is only as strong as the least secure key holder.
Modern systems such as Ultion offer key control via Registered Key Centres (RKCs). Only authorised key centres can duplicate keys, which helps prevent unauthorised copies.
When you move home or rent out a property, it is prudent to request a full lock replacement service to ensure only you or trusted parties hold valid keys. Otherwise, you risk someone with an old key accessing your home undetected.
5. Your Insurance or Local Authority Requires Upgrades
Many home insurance policies stipulate that door and window locks must meet certain standards (for example, BSI standards or police-approved design). Failing to comply may invalidate parts of your policy. If your insurer requires “five-lever deadlocks” or locks to be “TS007 3-star rated,” you might need to upgrade.
Additionally, in certain neighbourhoods or conservation areas, local authorities may impose security requirements on doors and windows. If your property’s lock hardware is insufficient by regulation, it’s more than just a security issue — it’s compliance.
A professionally handled lock replacement in Surrey ensures you meet both legal and insurance obligations without stress.
How County Secure’s Locksmith Services Can Help You
Recognising those signs is only the first step. The next step is to entrust the work to capable, reliable professionals who understand both security principles and local constraints. That’s where County Secure comes in.
Local Expertise: Locksmith Services in Guildford & Surrounding Areas
If you live in Guildford, Surrey, Hampshire or adjacent counties, County Secure is well placed to serve you. We promote our locksmith services in Guildford and surrounding districts, offering same-day assessments and quotes.
Because we already deliver a wide range of door and window services, from repairs to hardware upgrades across Surrey and neighbouring counties, adding lock upgrades is a natural extension of what we do. Our local footprint means quicker response times and a strong local reputation.
Professional Door Lock Replacement & Lock Replacement Service
When you commission a door lock replacement or a more extensive lock replacement service from us, you benefit from:
- A thorough security assessment before recommending specific lock types
- Installation of premium hardware (for instance, the Ultion door lock)
- Precise fitting and sealing to avoid drafts or misalignment
- Aftercare, warranty support, and optional regular maintenance contracts
We also handle emergency lockouts or broken lock failures, so you’re not left vulnerable while waiting for repair.
Our Promise & Guarantees
At County Secure, we strive to be different:
- No call-out charge for non-emergency visits
- Free, itemised quotations
- Fully insured and public liability cover
- Guarantees on work and replacement parts
- Skilled technicians who treat your property with respect
The Ultion Door Lock Advantage
County Secure takes pride in offering Ultion products as an option for our lock replacement service. Here’s what makes Ultion special:
- Anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill resistance built into the core design
- Lockdown mode, activating when forced attack is detected
- Key control via authorised key centres to prevent unauthorised copies
- Certification to British Standards, Sold Secure Diamond, and Secured by Design
- Investment protection via a £5,000 security guarantee (for certain Ultion locks)
When paired with correct installation and quality door hardware, the Ultion lock becomes a robust barrier that most opportunistic burglars will avoid.
Protect Your Home This National Home Security Month with County Secure’s Locksmith Services
National Home Security Month is the perfect reminder to take stock of your home’s safety. If you notice any of the signs described above, such as stiff or outdated locks, lost keys, or recent local break-ins, now is the time to act. Replacing your locks is a relatively small investment that delivers enormous peace of mind.
As specialists in locksmith services, County Secure can help you upgrade your home security with professional lock replacement in Surrey, door lock replacement, and installation of premium locks such as the Ultion door lock.
Protect your home, safeguard your family, and enjoy greater peace of mind with County Secure. Our experienced team can advise on the best solutions for your home and budget.Contact us today for a free, no-obligation security assessment.
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