There has arguably never been a more important time to improve your home security than today. Concern over crime rates in the UK go far beyond vandalism; every day nationwide, close to five hundred break-ins are reported. These worrisome numbers are all the reason why you should upgrade your garden gate lock ASAP. For example, do you have a padlock installed?
Gates that lock are great, but you can always do more to keep that gate secure. If you are considering investing in a gate lock, like a padlock, but don’t know where to start, read on. We reached out to Locks & Hardware, who are ironmongery experts in the gate lock and home security industries. Find out what their expert advice entails below and make sure your outdoor gate locks inspire confidence rather than adding to concern.
Why Padlocks Remain A Practical Choice For Garden Gates
For many of us, padlocks are seen as a generic security add-on. We think of using them on things like storage containers and small sheds, but we rarely see a padlock as the #1 lock for a garden gate. However, when used correctly, a garden gate padlock can be just as impactful as any standard gate that locks. In some cases, padlocks can be so hard to break through that they are a better choice!
Padlocks are a simple, easily installed solution to your home security worries. If you feel like your home lacks perimeter protection, then adding a padlock to your garden gate is a great place to start.
- Padlocks make excellent standalone additions to your home security setup
- When installed correctly, padlocks are just as effective as a lock for a garden gate
- Invest in a high-security padlock, and you can look forward to long-term protection
- Convenient to take on and off, too, padlocks are ideal for on-demand security
- So long as you buy a quality padlock, these are highly reliable for everyday use
- Given the UK weather, though, invest in a weather-protected gate lock!
Everyday Uses Of Padlocks For Gate Security In The UK
When we spoke with Locks & Handles about padlocks, we had some questions. How can a padlock be better than standard garden gate locks? What kind of uses can they provide? What are the main benefits of a garden gate padlock? Some examples include:
Protecting Your Perimeter
The first and most obvious benefit and use of a padlock for gates that do not lock is the perimeter support. With a padlock, you can make sure that your garden is inaccessible to anyone who tries to open your gate without first unlocking the padlock. So long as you keep the key in a secure place, that should not be possible.
Protecting Your Storage Space(s)
Another benefit of having a padlock is that it can be added to other furniture and equipment in your garden. You could add it to your shed, storage box or any other appliance you use in your garden. Easily installed to just about any opening, a padlock makes forcing the lock open near impossible.
Securing Seasonal Entryways
Do you have a garden gate that you rarely use? Or a side entrance? Perhaps even a holiday home or a temporary rental? Padlocks help to protect these further. Installing a padlock means that nobody can enter through these gates. As such, you can help to keep less-used entrances and properties safe.
Reduce Unwanted Entry
From nosy cold-callers to people looking to case your property for a future break-in, padlocks make it much tougher for unwanted entrants to get into your garden. When used as your gate lock, padlocks stop someone from being able to walk into your garden until you make it accessible by removing the padlock.
Keeping Children & Pets Safe
Children and pets both have a habit of being exploratory. With a padlock, though, you make it so that pets and children cannot simply open the gate and wander off. It also means that any potential perpetrators cannot come in and interact with your children and/or pets.
Non-Permanent Protection
Lastly, you can find that having a padlock is a great way for mobile, temporary protection. If you go to the effort of installing a high-security lock system, you might find that it is ill-suited to your lifestyle or to others. If you install locks, you might find that some customers are uncomfortable with the lock type you install. By having a padlock, these can be easily fitted and removed on demand, avoiding any permanent changes to your gate. For some, that portability is the #1 benefit of using a padlock.
Secure Your Garden Gate Easily With A Padlock
As you can see, then, padlocks are more than just a nice little extra. They can be used as a standalone home protection. When installed onto a gate and with the key kept out of reach in a safe place, you can reduce the risk of unwanted entry to your property significantly. At the same time, padlocks can be easily removed or replaced, making them a much more cost-effective alternative.
Again, just make sure you buy a weather-protected, durable padlock so that your investment lasts for longer and offers the level of protection desired. For most homeowners, padlocks are ideal, so why not consider trying one out and see if it offers the peace of mind you are looking for?
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
