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How can I improve the security of my home?
Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. They may see something of value through the window, notice that the windows are not fitted with locks, or see an open window so they don't even need to use force to gain entry.
Look at your home through the burglar's eyes - are there dark corners where they could gain access to your property without being seen? Have you fitted strong locks on all exterior doors and windows?
For a relatively small outlay and by being cautious you could make your home more secure and feel more confident that you won't be a victim of burglary. Reduce the risk of burglary by making sure you follow these simple precautions.
Doors
You must ensure that your front and back doors are secure. This means making sure that the doors and frames are in a good condition. Doors should be made of solid core construction - 44mm thick. If you can kick a hole in a recessed panel, a burglar can too.
Front and back doors should be fitted with 5-lever mortice deadlocks (BS3621). Add a good automatic dead-latch cylinder lock (rim lock) to the front door and mortice rack bolts or surface mounted key operated press bolts to the top and bottom of the back door. Add hinge bolts at the hinge edge of both doors.
A deadlock can only be operated with a key, so a thief can't smash a nearby panel to open the door. This also means that if a thief does gain access to the property though a window they can't carry your property out through the door. The deadlocks should be used all the time and never leave the keys in the door.
Glass panels on or around the door, especially near locks, are vulnerable so replace them with laminated glass.
It is advised that the letter box is sited at least 400mm from any locks.
Add a door viewer to enable you to identify the caller before you open the door. Always answer the door with the chain on, but do not leave the chain on when you are in the house.
Never leave keys in a hiding place outside in case you get locked out. Leave them with a neighbour.
Do not leave car keys on display when you are not in; it's too much of a temptation.
Patio Doors/Double French Doors
Fit patio door locks at the top and bottom of the opening section of the patio door. There should be a minimum of three locking points. The lock should comply to BS EN 1303 Grade 3. Depending on the door, fit an anti-lifting device to prevent the opening door being lifted and removed.
Fit security press bolts or mortice rack bolts to the top and bottom of both french doors. Add a 5-lever mortice sash lock (BS 3621) on the first opening leaf.
Windows
All ground floor windows and windows that an intruder could reach by climbing must be made secure by fitting key-operated window locks. These should always be locked when the house or the room is left unoccupied. DIY shops sell inexpensive key operated locks to fit all types of windows. You may have to get a qualified locksmith or the installer to fit locks to replacement PVC(u) or metal frame windows.
Sash windows
Fit key-operated sash stops to the upper window. The maximum opening should be 130mm.
Casement (hinged) windows
Close the windows and gently press at each opening from each corner. If there is any movement, fit two locks per window near the corners on the opening side. If not, fit a lock near the opening edge. Casement locks make it impossible to open the windows without the key. Purchase locks that secure the frames together rather than the handles or the stay bar.
If you are replacing windows, consider laminated glass. Use glazing mastic, not putty, to bond replacement glass to wooden frames for strength. If replacement PVC(u) windows are purchased, chose ones with security features such as internal beading, hinge protection and key locking, handle operated shoot bolts to BS 7950.
Remember to remove the keys from the locks and to keep them nearby but out of sight.
If valuables are visible through the window, it is advisable to put up net curtains especially if the window is close to the footpath.
Lighting
Good lighting can deter a thief. You can help make the property less vulnerable by fitting exterior automatically activated Photo Sensitive Cell (PSC Dusk to Dawn) lights at the front and back to give good constant levels of illumination. All external lighting units should be placed where they are difficult for intruders to reach or designed so that bulbs are hard to remove.
Most burglaries happen when a home is empty, so make it look like you're in. Fit timer switches to lamps in different rooms set to come at different times.
Property
Postcode your property
Marked property can deter a thief because it is more difficult to sell. Mark items with an indelible identification showing your postcode and the number of your house using an etching tool or an ultra violet marking pen. Only use UV marking when other methods would reduce the value of the object. If using a UV pen mark the object where it is not in direct sunlight or is regularly touched. Mark your valuables using the postcode followed by your house number. Make sure that you make potential thieves aware that your property is postcoded by putting 'Burglar beware - our property is postcoded' stickers in downstairs windows. These are available from your local Community Safety Unit.
Take photographs of all valuable jewellery and silverware against a plain background and ruler. Keep a note of television, D.V.D, video, hi-fi, home computer and camera equipment serial numbers. |
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