HOME SECURITY
HOME SECURITY
Crime Prevention - Your Home
Many burglaries are opportunist crimes. A burglar only needs to spot an open window or an unlocked door or gate to make their move. Look at your home through the burglar's eyes. If you think your security looks poor, chances are so will a thief. The good news is that it doesn't take much to improve security and put off thieves. Money spent on realistic security is a good investment; it will last a long time, can add value to your property, can benefit your insurance cover and most of all give peace of mind that being a crime victim is not inevitable.
Effective Security
Faced with a wide range of products it is often difficult to know how effective they are. It is true to say that given time, sophisticated power tools or inside information security may eventually be beaten. Good prevention denies the use of normally available tools, increases the risk for the thief perhaps by increasing the noise, effort and time to steal, or reduces the value to the thief.
Doors
If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Two thirds of burglars gain entry through a door. Remember, quality locks and bolts are only as strong as the door and the frame to which they are fitted. Wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm (1 ") thick. Check that the frame is well fixed, and if weak or rotten replace it. Glass panels on or around doors are especially vulnerable, so it’s worth replacing them with laminated glass.
If you replace a door it is better to buy a new "door set" remember to fit all security devices with strong screws or bolts. If fitting locks to a standard door fit a 5-lever mortise lock tested to BS: 3621 plus a BS: 3621 night latch, you may be able to find them in Cyprus.
Patio doors
Patio doors are especially vulnerable to break-in by levering off the tracks. When buying ask for the sliding section to be on the inside and for anti-lift blocks. Even if both doors slide anti lift blocks will work. They fit in the top track and fill the gap above the door stopping burglars lifting the doors off their tracks. Any competent handyman or carpenter should be able to make a wooden block to fit the length of the top track and prevent lifting. Multi-locking systems are recommended or have mortise security bolts with removable keys at the top and bottom of both doors. Existing patio doors can be fitted with additional security bolts to stop lifting or forced entry.
Door viewer
If you don’t have a window in the door or some other way of checking who is calling, fit a door viewer. Look through this to identify callers before you open the door.
Door chains
These allow the door to be opened a short distance to allow checking of identification. They can stop callers pushing their way in, but must be securely fixed to avoid screws being pulled out. They do not contribute to security of a locked door against burglary.
Hinges
Check that the door hinges are sturdy and secured with strong, long screws. For added security, fit hinge bolts or security hinges. These are inexpensive, help to reinforce the hinge side of a door against force and protect the hinge if your door opens outwards.
Mortise deadlock
Mortise locks fit into a slot cut into the edge of the door and usually can only be opened with a key. These should be upgraded to 5-lever locks tested to BS: 3621 which you may be able to find in Cyprus. The locks are based on a range of standard measurements so, with careful matching, replacement is easy. The deadlock means a thief can’t smash a nearby glass panel to open the door from the inside or, having entered through a window, cannot carry your belongings out through the door.
Rim lock or Night latch
A rim lock is screwed to the face of the door and latches automatically when you close the door unless held open with the snib. Unless it also has the term deadlock attached, it can be opened by turning a knob.
Automatic deadlocking rim lock
This locks automatically when the door is closed and is more secure than other types of rim latch. It needs a key to open it from both the inside and the outside.
Ideally both types of lock should be fitted to a door at roughly one third spacing. Both being used to secure the empty home and just the night latch for regular use during occupancy.
Windows
Windows are a popular point of entry for burglars through breaking glass or just being left open. If you are replacing windows, consider using laminated glass in ground-floor and accessible windows such as those above a flat roof. Ground floor opening windows and easy to reach windows such as above a flat roof or near a drainpipe should have locks unless used as a fire escape in which case laminated glass still provides security. Even small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks. If a thief can get their head through, with a bit of effort the body can follow.
Grilles, Shutters & Window Protection
Consider fitting security grilles or shutters to vulnerable windows - but only if these windows are not escape routes in case of fire. Glazing may be further protected with the addition of accredited adhesive window film.
Gardens, gates and fences
Identify your private property with fences, gates, walls or planting. A thorny hedge along the boundary of your property can put thieves off. But make sure that passers-by can still see the front of your home so that a burglar can't work without being seen. Prevent easy access to the back and sides of your home by locked gates, 2 metre minimum fencing or walls. Trellis topping also makes climbing difficult. Burglars don't like gravel; it's noisy to walk on. Security lighting should make offenders feel vulnerable and observed, should illuminate high risk areas and allow occupiers to see persons approaching. Security lighting should not cause light pollution, annoy neighbours or blind occupiers from identifying callers. Remove and secure items that may be used to break in or climb up. Ladders and garden tools should be locked away.
Garages and sheds
Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools to steal or use to break into the house. Do not leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. Fit strong padlocks and hardware to shed and garage doors, making sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in. Fit locks or bars to windows. Lock ladders inside your garage or shed. Consider lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor to secure tools and equipment. Gardens tools and machinery should be permanently marked, your home telephone number would suffice.
YOUR POSSESSIONS
Property Marking
Marking your belongings will help you and the police identify them if they are stolen. It can make it difficult for the thief to dispose of the property and may provide the vital evidence for prosecution. Items should be permanently marked and this may be achieved in various ways. Also place some notice on the boundary of your property or near the entrances to advertise the fact that all property inside is security marked. Visible marking such as engraving on the undersides of objects is good and ultra violet permanent marking pens are now available
Marking items does not mean that no other measures should be taken. Always keep a list of valuables and describe. Keep lists and photographs safe with your insurance policy and update any record or database if you sell or dispose of items.
Computers
With computers so integrated with our domestic lifestyle and more people working from home the data and hours of lost effort are equally if not more valuable as the technology. Security enclosures and cables are available for desk-tops, laptops and digital video projectors. Back-up data regularly and store safely away from the computer. Use passwords and activate firewalls for Internet connections, particularly if using wireless networks.
Cars, caravans & boats
Whilst car security has improved they remain a valuable target and mass production can mean that loopholes in security can become common knowledge and additional security is required. Keys can be obtained through burglary and threats to owners. Caravans, trailers and boats can be easily stolen and their appearances changed. Tracking devices can be hidden and activated following theft to allow early trace and recovery by the police. Wheel clamps and hitch locks should be fitted to trailers and caravans. Some property marking products can be used to identify trailers, boats and caravans.
Choosing an Intruder Alarm
It is important to understand that intruder alarms should not be installed instead of taking physical measures to secure your home. Rather they should be seen as having some deterrent value and a means of summoning help if those physical measures are breached.
Types of Alarm Systems:
There are two main types of alarm systems:
- Audible only
When the alarm is activated it operates an internal and/or external siren to call attention to the property and encourage the offender to leave.
These systems can be DIY or professionally installed.
- Remotely Monitored System
When the alarm is activated it sends a signal to a central monitoring station who in turn will automatically call a keyholder of your choice. These systems require professional installation and there will be a fee for the monitoring service.
Important Points to consider
Before disclosing personal security details, check the address and credentials of the company and proof of identity from their representative.
Obtain written Quotations from at least two companies.
Ensure that the quotation specifies that the installation will be to European standards for that relevant security system. Also does it include the terms of maintenance and monitoring contracts?
Does the company operate a 24-hour call-out service and emergency attendance?
Is the installation of a security system a requirement of your insurance company and if so, is the security company acceptable to your insurer?
Using your alarm system
The installing technician should explain the operation of the system to you when the installation is completed. Read any instructions and ensure you and members of your family who may use the system are familiar with setting and unsetting the alarm.
Arrange for a responsible person to hold keys to your home and be able to operate the alarm so that any alarm activation may be dealt with if you are not available. Where audible-only systems are installed it is beneficial for neighbours to be aware of the installation and to give mutual help by reporting any activation that appears to be accompanied by criminal or suspicious activity.
Any false alarm should be investigated and the cause corrected or the system modified. External sirens and bells should not operate for more than 20 minutes. Remember that excessive noise from alarms and frequent false alarms can irritate neighbours and could lead to complaints under environmental and noise legislation.
Please note
When investing in an intruder alarm for your home or business it is advisable to have it professionally installed. It is not advisable to deal with cold callers or telesales enquiries – you should avoid doing doorstep or telephone business.
We are grateful to Chimes Security for this advice.