Secured by Design accreditation explained

What Secured by Design accreditation actually means for a door

If you are choosing a new front door, you will likely come across the term Secured by Design (SBD). According to the Office for National Statistics Crime Survey for England and Wales 2025/26, 48% of domestic burglaries involve entry through a door, either forced or unlocked (ONS, 2026). SBD accreditation directly addresses this vulnerability.

SBD is a UK police-owned crime prevention initiative, managed by the Secure by Design team within the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI) organisation. Accreditation means the door has passed physical security tests defined in the SBD standard, including resistance to forced entry, lock manipulation, and hinge attack. SBD-accredited doors carry the SBD logo and are listed on the official SBD website, which consumers can check. The standard applies to both new-build doors and replacement doors, but the certification differs for each.

How SBD accreditation differs from PAS 24 and other door security standards

PAS 24 is a British Standard test for enhanced security performance of doorsets. SBD requires PAS 24 compliance as a minimum for residential doors. SBD goes beyond PAS 24 by also requiring the door to meet additional police-recommended design features, such as hinge security, cylinder protection, and glazing resistance.

Other standards like BS 7950 (for timber doorsets) or LPS 1175 (for physical attack resistance) are not automatically SBD-compliant. Only doors tested to SBD’s specific requirements qualify. The key difference is that PAS 24 tests the hardware, while SBD tests the complete door assembly as installed.

The specific security features an SBD-accredited door must have

An SBD-accredited door must include several specific security features. These are defined in the SBD standard and verified during testing.

• Cylinder protection: A cylinder that resists snap, pick, and bump attacks, typically meeting TS 007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond standard (Secured by Design, 2026).
• Hinge security: Hinges that cannot be removed from the outside, or security hinges with fixed pins and anti-jemmy features.
• Glazing: If the door has glass, it must be laminated or toughened to a minimum thickness and tested to resist impact from a crowbar or hammer.
• Locking system: A multi-point locking system with at least five locking points, meeting SBD’s minimum performance requirements.
• Door construction: The door leaf and frame must be of a minimum thickness and material density to resist forced entry for at least three minutes of sustained attack.

How to verify a door is genuinely SBD-accredited (installer and product checks)

To confirm a door is genuinely SBD-accredited, check the SBD online product directory at securedbydesign.com. This lists all currently accredited doors, including specific models and manufacturers (Secured by Design product search, 2026).

For standard doors, no specific installer certification is required beyond the product being SBD-listed. The installer must fit the door exactly as tested. Any deviation, such as different hinges or a different cylinder, voids the accreditation. If the door is part of a new-build or major renovation, ask the developer or contractor for the SBD compliance certificate issued by the local police crime prevention officer.

Quick numbers SBD door costs, savings, and insurance discounts

The direct answer Is an SBD-accredited door worth the extra cost for a UK homeowner?

For most homeowners, yes. The insurance discount alone can offset the premium within 2–4 years, based on average home insurance premiums of £200–£400 in 2026 (ABI, 2026). The burglary reduction data, showing up to 75% lower risk, means the door pays for itself in avoided theft and repair costs, even without insurance savings.

For homes in high-burglary areas, as defined by local police crime data, SBD accreditation is a strong deterrent and may be required by some insurers for cover. For homes in low-crime areas, the security benefit is still real but the financial case is weaker. The homeowner should weigh the premium against their own risk tolerance.

How to choose an SBD-accredited door trade-offs between materials, style, and budget

The security performance is equivalent across all materials if the door is SBD-accredited. The choice depends on budget, aesthetic preference, and energy efficiency requirements.

• uPVC doors: Lowest cost (£500–£900). Good security performance, but limited aesthetic options and shorter lifespan (15–20 years). Suitable for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Composite doors: Mid-range (£800–£1,500). Better insulation with a U-value around 1.0–1.4 W/m²K. Wider style range and longer warranty (10–15 years). The most popular SBD choice.
• Timber doors: Highest cost (£1,200–£3,000). Natural appearance, but require regular maintenance and have lower thermal performance (U-value 1.4–2.0 W/m²K) unless specially insulated.
• Aluminium doors: Premium option (£1,500–£3,000). Excellent security, slim sightlines, and high durability. Best for modern homes but cost-prohibitive for many.

How to choose the best front door for your home

For most homeowners, an SBD-accredited composite door offers the best balance of security, cost, and energy efficiency. If your budget is tight, a uPVC SBD door still provides full security certification. If appearance matters most, timber or aluminium options offer more design flexibility.

Understanding door U-values and energy efficiency