Recent Break Ins in the Area: Why Ring Doorbells Alone Aren’t Enough

Thames Locks would like to alert residents that we have responded to a rising number of break-ins and attempted burglaries in the local area over the past few weeks. Many of these homes had Ring doorbells or similar smart cameras installed, yet intruders still managed to enter the property with ease.

We want to reassure our community that we are here to help but we also want residents to understand the limitations of relying on a doorbell camera alone.

What We’re Seeing in Recent Break-Ins

During several recent call outs, the same pattern keeps appearing:

1. Burglars are entering through rear and side doors

In nearly every case, the intruder avoided the front door entirely, making the doorbell camera ineffective.

2. Weak or outdated locks are being forced quickly

We’ve seen:
• Standard euro cylinders snapped within seconds
• Mortice locks that failed due to age
• Patio doors with no secondary security

A camera cannot compensate for a weak lock.

3. Many cameras weren’t recording at the time of the break-in

Often due to:
• Low battery
• Poor Wi-Fi signal
• Motion detection lag
• The device being knocked off the door

Burglars know how to avoid or disable cameras.

4. Footage alone does not prevent entry

In multiple cases, homeowners received alerts after the intruder was already inside.

Ring Doorbells Are Helpful But They Are Not Security Devices

We want to be very clear:
Ring doorbells are useful, but they are only a support tool, not a barrier, not a lock, and not a deterrent for determined burglars.

With break-ins increasing locally, relying on a doorbell camera alone is not enough to keep your home secure.

What Thames Locks Recommends for Local Residents

To help protect your property, we strongly advise:

1. Upgrade your locks

Install modern, high-security anti-snap and anti-drill locks on all external doors.

2. Secure rear and side entry points

These are the most common weak spots targeted in recent break-ins.

3. Reinforce doors and frames

Even a strong lock fails if the frame splits under pressure.

4. Install window locks

Especially on easily accessible ground-floor and rear windows.

5. Use a layered security approach

Cameras should be an addition, not your main defence.

Free Local Home Security Check

Because of the recent spike in burglaries, Thames Locks is offering free security checks for residents in the affected areas.

We will assess:
• Condition of your locks
• Strength of your doors and frames
• Patio and rear door vulnerabilities
• Window security
• Recommendations for immediate improvements

There is no obligation, this is purely to help keep our community safe.

Concerned About Your Home’s Security?

If you’d like a free assessment or advice on upgrading your locks, contact Thames Locks anytime. We’re here to support residents and strengthen home security before another incident happens.

Stay safe,
Thames Locks

07967 969210