A s the nights draw in, thoughts turn to home security. A growing number of British homeowners are choosing to upgrade their front doors with tech-enabled “keyless” smart locks, which allow them to be opened by phone, fob, fingerprint or a number pad.

But you need to make sure you have the right lock for the door – and that your insurance isn’t invalidated by installing it.

What are they?

They allow you to get into your home without a key, instead using a code, a phone, a fingerprint, a voice assistant such as Siri or facial recognition to give you entry.

Some can be operated remotely via wifi so that if a tradesman calls to do work, you can let them in wherever you are. Many offer a combination of several options.

In South Korea, and some Scandinavian countries, they are becoming the norm, says Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), a UK trade body. In the UK they are more common on offices, but interest is increasing.

Skilled burglars can pick typical traditional locks.…