The Policia Nacional has issued advice to homeowners in Spain on improving the security of their front doors, including one component officers say should be replaced periodically.

In a video shared by the force, an officer demonstrated how a simple piece of plastic can potentially be used to open a door that has merely been pulled shut rather than properly locked.

The warning highlights the importance not only of locking doors fully when leaving home, but also of ensuring that locks themselves provide adequate protection against attempted break-ins.

And according to police, the lock cylinder, known in Spain as the ‘bombin’, deserves particular attention.

‘Just as you change the mattress in your home from time to time, you should do the same with the security elements of your door, especially the cylinder,’ the officer explained.

Police recommend combining a certified high-security cylinder with a high-security protective escutcheon, provided the existing locking system allows it.

Consumers replacing their locks are advised to ask a locksmith specifically for a certified high-security cylinder.

The Policia Nacional points to recognised certification standards including DIN EN 1303, SKG and VdS BZ+, which can provide an indication of the security offered by the product.

Simply having a lock is therefore not enough, as the quality and age of its components can also affect how difficult the door is to compromise.

Police have also highlighted the benefits of a double-clutch cylinder, known as a ‘bombin de doble embrague’ in Spain.

Unlike some conventional cylinders, this allows a key to unlock the door from outside even when another key has been left inserted on the inside.

That feature can be particularly important for elderly or dependent people and those using telecare services.

If somebody inside the property suffers an emergency but has left their key in the lock, a relative or carer with another key can still gain access from outside.

The Policia Nacional therefore recommends this type of cylinder in homes where someone may need assistance.