BEAT
THE BURGLAR
HOME
SECURITY
There
are a wide range of alarms on the market, both DIY & professionally
installed systems. Although alarms are heard going off all the time, the
'Cry Wolf' syndrome does not necessarily apply - from the burglars point
of view, an alarm is an extra risk and probably not worth taking.
Your local police Crime Prevention Officer should be able to offer advice
on alarms. If you are indoors when someone is breaking in, some alarms
come with a 'panic button' which you can use to set off the alarm, or you
can use the control panel fitted on the wall.
Doors
A wide-angle door viewer is
a good idea, as you can see people outside even when they are standing by
the side of the door. If your door is in a position where a door chain
cannot be fitted ie, recessed, then a 'surestop' is a good idea. These are
fitted onto the bottom of the door so that you can open the door to see
the caller, but stop an intruder forcing his way in. By putting your foot
against the surestop you lock it in position, you can keep on closing the
door and it stops the door from being pushed open from outside. Locks
It is important to look for the Britsh Standards kite mark, as
insurance companies often require it. Check your policy and ask the
insurance company to make absolutely sure. A five lever mortice deadlock
(to BS 3621) should be fitted onto the front and back door. Make sure you
fit the lock, and also the keep that the lock fits into. A high security
night latch can be used in conjunction with a deadlock for when you go to
bed at night.
PVCu windows often have locking positions on
both the side and on the top and bottom of the window. Window bolts are
easy to use - you simply push the bolt in and it locks the window - you
turn a key to unlock it. Automatic locking window locks lock when you pull
the window to. Never leave keys in doors or windows as it gives the
burglar an easy escape route - but remember a window may be your only
escape route in a fire, so keep a key somewhere nearby, but out of sight.
On older patio doors it is often a good idea to fit better quality or
secondary locks that go into the frame, both top and bottom. Patio doors
are quite vulnerable, so ideally, they should be made of laminated glass,
which is very tough. Otherwise, particularly if you are going away for any
length of time, it may be an idea to get a grill fitted. Schemes
such as Neighbourhood Watch are effective, as they turn the fear onto the
criminal. All the locks and alarms which are advisable for home security
can lead to a siege mentality, so it is important that the community acts
together to combat crime. To find out about Neighbourhood Watch in your
area, contact the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station.
Security
Outside the House
A deep border of
prickly shrubs is a good deterrent to intruders. Fit security lights which
switch on automatically at night so that you can see intruders. They are
usually activated by a PIR (passive infra red) switch. Patio doors can be
lifted out using a garden spade, so remember to lock up your tools - don't
make it easy for the burglar. Secure your shed with a good quality
padlock. Steel sheds are very good from a security point of view, as they
are strong and also make a lot of noise if someone tries to break into
them - this should deter would-be burglars. Remember that burglars very
often make the decision to break in from some distance away. Certain
details can influence this decision: like having the gate to the back of
the house right on the front of the building, in a line with the front
door and garage door. If the gate sits back ie, down an alley, this means
there is somewhere for the burglar to hide. Alarm and neighbourhood watch
stickers also make a statement to the burglar as he or she approaches the
house.
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