Public Servant Lifestyle

It's better to be safe than sorry so make sure that your home has got what it takes to fend off would be intruders. It doesn't have to be like Fort Knox, because according to the advice of the Association of Chief Police Officers if a burglar hasn't gained entry within a couple of minutes he's off to where he can! But there are opportune thieves who will dodge into a property when they see a door open, and be away with something valuable before you can say 'Stop Thief'!

To make your home secure both front and back doors must be strong and sound with good, solid frames. It's preferable if any glass in or around them is laminated so they're not easy broken to gain entry. If you live in a flat make sure the front door is not weak, fit it with hinged bolts that stop it from being pulled off its hinges. And if you haven't already got one, consider having a telephone entry system fitted.

For insurance reasons locks should be five-lever mortise/sash deadlocks for maximum security. But there are also some very capable rim deadlocks that are recommended for doors too thin to accommodate a mortise lock. Ordinary top and bottom bolts are a very good extra precaution, as is a chain so that you can safely identify callers through the gap.

Out-Of-Sight Windows

It is said that a third of burglars gain entry through out-of-sight windows - even small windows where, perhaps, they can push through a child who has been 'trained' to open door catches. Some louvered windows on downstairs cloakrooms are just what the burglar ordered because often the glass 'slats' are easily removed. So glue them in place, or consider replacing them altogether, with something more secure.

Key-operated window locks, particularly on all downstairs windows are important, but remember don't leave the keys in! Visible burglar alarms too, make intruders think twice. There are many types available; some can be installed by a handyman while others need a professional to do the work. Systems should meet BS4737 if professionally installed and BS6707 if it's a DIY job.

There is some doubt these days about the virtue of outside lighting because in certain circumstances it can actually provide the burglar with an obvious advantage. What seems to be better are sensor switches that turn on internal lights making the burglar think twice about his mission.

Lighting

In fact, if you've got lots of money to spend on security you can have installed by professionals a system which will first turn on the bedroom light then, a few seconds later, the landing light, and so on until every relevant light in the house is ablaze. CCTV is also a good deterrent and there are nominally priced systems around that can be installed by most competent DIY enthusiasts, which can even be linked to domestic video recording systems - including very cheaply available webcams linked to a PC - to record potential intruders.

It's also worthwhile indelibly identifying your valuables using a special pen, so the marks only show up in a certain light. Then you can obtain from your local police a special window sticker telling intruders that the house contains 'post coded property' - this makes it difficult for them to sell on the spoils of their misdemeanours.

And remember; don't leave valuables in full view because it's courting disaster.

For more informartion about making your home more secure, why not visit our Home Security section?

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