Home Security Hints

 

Home Security Checks & Tips:

GJ Locks believe that both visual and physical deterrents are the best solution in reducing the risk of burglary. Implementing such deterrents is a one off investment and need not cost a fortune.

Better security, also known as 'Target Hardening' has been proved to be the most effective technique. Most burglaries are committed by 'opportunists' selecting properties that have little, or no obvious signs of security devices, or where they think they will not be seen.

 

 

 

Target Hardening Tips & Advice:

There are some basic steps you can take in order to deter the 'Opportunist Thief' from targeting your property. Remember, the more difficult you make it for them, the more likely they are to go elsewhere.

 

 

Back to Nature: Front and rear gardens are usually the first point of entry for a potential intruder. The rear garden is the most common point of entry, so stopping them entering at this point will stop them entering your property. This is the usual point of escape also.

Some examples are:

  • Make sure that all back and side gates are secured and locked.
  • Ensure that fencing is in good order and ideally at a height of 6 feet. Trellis, or thorny plants, along the top of fencing is a good deterrent.
  • Hedges, prickly bushes and shrubs are ideal around the garden perimeter. The denser the better!.
  • Lock all garden tools, ladders etc; away and out of sight. These are potential entry aids for the intruder and they will use what they can, and what is at hand.
  • Front garden hedges should be kept below 3 feet high. If it's over this height an intruder can use it to hide from view.
  • Install outside security lighting, which is activated by motion sensors.
  • Gravel driveways and paths...no intruder likes to make a noisy entrance!.

Protecting your Property: Make sure that you have the correct locks fitted to doors and windows and be sure you have the locks that your insurance company specify. Additional locks and security products are always a good investment.

Doors & Windows:

  • Wooden outside doors should be fitted with 5 lever British Standard BS3621 2004 mortice locks. If doors are too thin to accept these, then a BS3621 2004 Rim mounted dead lock should be fitted. Main entrance and exit doors should also be fitted with a British Standard Rim Night latch set (Yale lock). Look for the British Standard Kitemark on your locks, it should be clearly visible.
  • Wooden outside doors which are usually secured from the inside, should be fitted with either mounted, or mortice, key operated security bolts, at both top and bottom.
  • UPVC doors should have a minimum of 5 locking points. If it's less, additional locks should be fitted, such as Sash Jammers.
  • All opening windows should be fitted with locks which are operated by key. The amount of locks on each window is determined by it's size.
  • Sash windows should be fitted with Sash Bolts, or if not used secured with security screws from the inside.
  • Sliding patio doors should be fitted with additional key operated security bolts on the opening leaf of the door. Anti-lift devices should also be fitted to prevent the door being lifted from it's tracks. Ideally the sliding/opening door should be on the inside.
  • French (Double leaf) outward opening doors should be fitted with additional key operated security bolts, at the top and bottom of the last closing door. Ideally, but not essential, both leafs should be fitted with security bolts.

Letterboxes:

 

Key Fishing through the letterplate is a real problem especially in the inner-cities. But it can be stopped very effectively with an Anti Key Fishing cover, which can be fitted in minutes. Our key fishing covers are available in the most popular colours: Gold and Satin Silver, and they can be fitted using whichever fiing method you prefer: slot head screw, pozi screw, nail, rivet etc

  • Letterbox restrictors or cages, will prevent anyone from reaching through to release locking devices. They will also prevent theft of property within reach and size of the front door. Such as your CAR KEYS

Alarms:

  • Alarms are always a good investment, and can be relatively cheap to install. It is not true that by having an alarm, a potential intruder will think you have valuables worth stealing. Even a 'Dummy' bell box can be enough to make them choose another target.

General:

  • Ensure that all doors and windows are secure when leaving your property.
  • Do not leave valuables such as laptops, games consoles, jewellery etc; in sight, through doors and windows.
  • Keep car keys, wallets and handbags away from the front door. Secure them away when not in use in a drawer or cupboard for example.
  • When going on holiday be sure to cancel milk, newspaper deliveries etc; Inform a trusted friend or neighbour so they can keep an eye on your property, taking in mail and local papers etc;. Burglars hate nosey neighbours! and even better, have a friend or relative stay while you're away.

These are just a few examples of the most common areas that will help you improve your home security, and help deter the 'opportunist' from targeting your home and property.

For more Information

Call :- 07891 068558