What do I need for really good front door security?

[Bluetriangle9]

Two days ago, my neighbours 1930s front door was deliberately rammed by a motorbike & smashed. The person then burgled the house & made a quick getaway. My door is identical & I'm now concerned to beef up my locks. We live in a conservation area so changing the door is not an option. What should I do?

Find out what gave way on the neighbour's door. A photo will be informative.

You can get stronger hinges, and hinge bolts, if that side failed. You need a British Standard mortice deadlock, and you can supplement it with BS nightlatch.

The old style "Yale" type latch your granny could kick in.

You can put an obstacle course of tubs and flowerpots on the approach. When filled with earth they are very hard to shift.

You could add a barricade bar but will probably fail to use it.

Are you neighbours likely to have lots of gold jewellery they get out for weddings and festivals? Or stocks of drugs or pedigree puppies?

This pic is almost the exact door we have. The bottom panelled part of the door is what gave way with the ramming. I've no idea why this particular neighbour was hit upon.

A barricade bar looks like it could only be used if you're at home? The neighbour was out when the hit happened.

I think I know the type of door you mean. A central wooden mullion abuut four inches wide. Wooden styles at each side around the same. And a deep wooden member at the bottom? With two or three wider panels.

Which parts broke?

Can you put plant tubs on the front path?

I've drawn on the pic here, which parts broke. Although it'll look ugly from the inside, I'm now considering covering the interior door panelling with a thick ply - that'd slow down someone trying to smash through. Although my glass top is still vulnerable.

Yes, I shall get some weighty pots to put outside.

'mmm

a motorbike could exceed the kicking a house door is designed to withstand.

Not sure ply would do.
I suppose you could screw or bolt a wooden beam across the inside of the door at the height a wheel might hit it (about 350mm above doorstep). You could use stainless coach bolts. You'll need a drill and a spanner. I can give more details if you want. The materials will not be very expensive.

Visible CCTV pointing at the door
Security lighting by the door
3 Star Platinum locks which cant be picked or snapped
Bolt half way down

In all honesty in a scenario which you describe I don't think there is much you can do. Whoever did that seems pretty desperate and reckless and not your average burglar.