Crime prevention advice
Date Published: 24/05/2012
HOME SECURITY ADVICE.
1: Windows;
most burglars will want to enter your property from the rear and it is most likely that they will look to force a window to gain entry. Breaking a window will usually be a last resort as this will attract unwanted attention so you should turn your attention to visibly securing them with key operated locks.
2: Lighting;
burglars don't like to be in the spotlight so you should ensure you have outdoor lights fitted that operate on a sensor switch (to save electricity) which activates when movement is detected. Using timer switches can be a good deterrent for an opportunist thief if you are away for a few days.
3: Burglar Alarms;
many homes still do not have a burglar alarm and this should be a basic security measure on all homes. The siren box will act as a visual deterrent to some extent (dummy sirens can also be bought cheaply) and you can choose a system that simply let's off an alarm or one that dials a preset number or a local security company.
4: Doors;
It is imperative that you ensure your external doors are strong, in good condition and secured to a high standard. Fitting a 5 lever mortice deadlock or extra sliding bolts will greatly improve security and French doors - which are much weaker than singular doors - should be fitted with top and bottom mortice locks on both doors.
5: Gates & Fences;
a weak or low fence can make gaining access to the rear of your property much easier. Sturdy 6ft fences make the task a little harder and thorny hedges such as
Hawthorne make a good deterrent. Gates should also be similarly sturdy and locked from the inside with a bolt that is out of reach as a minimum standard.
6: Spare Key;
Never hide a spare key in convenient location, it will be just as convenient for the average burglar too and will hand the house to them on a silver platter.
7: Don't Leave Valuables in Sight;
Fitting blinds or net curtains will make it harder to see into your property. You might be proud of your 40" LCD TV but do you want to advertise it to an opportunist thief?
8: Buy a Safe;
if you have particularly valuable items such as jewellery or large sums of cash in the house then it is a good idea to purchase a safe which can be secured in place in a hidden location. Passports, unused credit cards, etc should also ideally be locked away.
9: Mark Your Property;
so that if you are burgled your possessions can be identified should the police recover them. This can be achieved by etching your postcode, surname and house number/name onto the item, or, where this is not practical, using an ultraviolet marker. There are property identity marking kits available from Crimestoppers and Smartwater. You can also r egister your property free of charge, with
www.immobilise.com
10: Don't Advertise Your Absence;
many people now use social networking websites such as Facebook to tell everyone about their daily exploits. Don't unwittingly give details of when you're going on holiday by mentioning