The History of Home Security in the UK: From Guard Dogs to Smart Alarms

At Rossells Security Solutions, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses in Leicester for more than 90 years. In that time, we’ve seen security transform from simple locks and keys into complex, connected systems that integrate with smartphones, CCTV, and the cloud. But we’re not just part of this story — we’re living proof of how much things have changed.

Home security has always been about one thing: peace of mind. Yet the way people have achieved that has evolved dramatically through the centuries. From medieval moats and guard dogs, to Victorian locksmithing and today’s smart alarms, the history of home security in the UK is fascinating.

Let’s take a walk through time.

Medieval Defences: Walls, Gates and Watchdogs

Centuries before the first burglar alarm, home security was entirely physical. Castles, manors, and even smaller cottages relied on barriers:

• Moats and stone walls protected the wealthy.

• Timber gates and heavy bolts kept villages secure after dark.

• Watchdogs were the most common form of home protection — alerting owners to intruders and deterring opportunists.

For ordinary people, community was the main security system. Villages often worked together to keep watch, and night-time patrols were common in towns.

The Birth of Locksmithing in Britain

By the 17th and 18th centuries, locksmithing had become an established trade in the UK. Families began to rely less on communal defence and more on locks and keys to protect their individual homes.

• The Yale lock, developed in the mid-1800s, revolutionised household security with its pin tumbler design.

• In Victorian Britain, locksmiths became trusted tradesmen, supplying not just security, but status. A solid lock was a mark of responsibility and prosperity.

At Rossells, we still see the legacy of this era every day in Leicester — Victorian townhouses fitted with original locks that, while beautifully crafted, no longer meet modern standards.

The Industrial Revolution: Security for a New Age

The growth of Britain’s cities during the Industrial Revolution created new risks. Densely packed streets, rapid population growth, and wealth gaps led to higher crime rates.

This was when:

• Window latches and bars became more common.

• Insurance companies began to stipulate minimum security requirements.

• The first police forces were established (London’s Metropolitan Police in 1829), changing the way crime was tackled.

Security shifted from being purely physical to involving responsible oversight and accountability.

Early 20th Century: Mechanical Alarms and Insurance Requirements

By the early 1900s, burglar alarms had made their way to Britain, though they were far simpler than what we know today.

• Systems were typically mechanical bells triggered by a door or window opening.

• They were often unreliable and prone to false alarms, but they represented a new mindset: deterrence through noise.

• Insurance providers started to formalise their requirements, linking cover to specific security standards.

It was during this period — the 1930s — that Rossells first opened its doors in Leicester, providing locksmithing and mechanical security services to homes and businesses.

Post-War Britain: Electronics Enter the Scene

After World War II, the UK saw a rise in suburban living and consumer technology. Alongside this came:

• Electrically wired alarm systems, offering more reliable signalling.

• Neighbourhood Watch schemes, formalised in the 1960s and 70s, where communities banded together against crime.

• The first widespread adoption of domestic safes for valuables.

By the late 1970s, burglary was a major public concern in Britain. This pushed demand for more sophisticated systems that could go beyond bells-only deterrence.

The CCTV Era: Eyes Everywhere

CCTV arrived in the UK in the mid-20th century, first used for public safety and traffic monitoring. By the 1980s and 90s, CCTV became a staple of commercial and residential security.

• Early systems were analogue, grainy, and expensive — usually only accessible to larger businesses.

• Over time, systems became more affordable and digital storage allowed recordings to be kept longer.

• Police and insurers increasingly leaned on CCTV as evidence, cementing its place in crime prevention.

At Rossells, we installed some of Leicester’s earliest commercial CCTV systems. Today, we install HD and IP systems that are unrecognisable compared to their grainy predecessors.

The Rise of Monitored Alarms

From the 1990s onwards, alarm monitoring became the gold standard. Instead of relying on a loud siren alone:

• Systems began linking directly to 24/7 monitoring centres.

• Police or keyholders could be dispatched the moment an alarm was verified.

• Dual-path signalling (using both telephone lines and mobile networks) increased reliability.

Insurers increasingly demanded monitored alarms for businesses with high-value assets. This shift continues today: monitored systems often reduce premiums, while bells-only alarms are no longer considered sufficient for many policies.

Smart Security: Today’s Connected Homes

Fast forward to the 21st century, and home security is now part of the “smart home” revolution.

Modern solutions include:

• Smart alarms controlled via smartphone apps.

• HD CCTV with remote viewing, allowing homeowners to check live feeds from anywhere.

• Motion-activated lighting integrated with cameras and alarms.

• Smart locks and access control, replacing traditional keys with digital fobs or biometrics.

For many homeowners, this means complete visibility and control — whether they’re in Leicester, London, or on holiday abroad.

The Rossells Perspective

What’s striking when you look at this history is how quickly things evolve. Burglars adapt, technology advances, and homeowners must keep pace. That’s why at Rossells we:

• Provide tailored advice based on each client’s risk profile.

• Only install systems that meet British Standards and insurer requirements.

• Offer maintenance contracts to ensure today’s cutting-edge systems stay reliable tomorrow.

We’ve moved from mechanical locks to smart technology, but one principle remains the same: good security is about peace of mind and proactive prevention.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Home Security

So, what’s next? We’re already seeing:

• AI-powered CCTV, capable of distinguishing between a fox in the garden and a genuine intruder.

• Cloud-based monitoring, making systems more accessible and secure.

• Integrated platforms, where alarms, CCTV, lighting, and access control work seamlessly together.

At Rossells, we’re already exploring these technologies and bringing them to our clients across Leicester and the East Midlands.

Final Word

From medieval guard dogs to today’s smart alarms, the story of home security in the UK is a story of adaptation. Criminals evolve — but so do defences.

The lesson is simple: don’t rely on yesterday’s solutions to protect against today’s risks.

At Rossells Security Solutions, we’ve been part of this journey for nearly a century. Whether you need to upgrade your locks, install monitored alarms, or explore smart CCTV, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us today on 0116 262 8899🌐 Visit rossells.co.uk📍 Book your free home security consultation now