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Even
if you are fortunate enough not to be a victim of crime, chances
are, you will know someone who is. Burglary is an act that has
far reaching effects. In addition to the break-in, victims often
suffer serious psychological effects resulting in much hardship, a
situation made worse when they have to spend their valuable time
after the event sorting everything out. Today, many are
reluctant to leave their homes, fearing the worst, or even accepting
that it will only be a matter of time before it happens to them.
But it doesn't have to be this way, you do have a choice.
It's
a known fact that almost 80% of burglaries are committed not by
professionals but opportunists, who usually strike when the property
is empty. To these people, poor security is an open invitation,
almost like a 'Welcome' sign, especially so, if getting in and
out with the minimum risk is possible.
I
visit people that have been victims of burglary, upgrading their
security and offering advice. My advertising leaflets states:
'Have You Ever Wondered How Others Might See Your Home?'
This is of course speaking about security and how your view on the
subject may differ to that of a burglar. For example, you may be of
the opinion that as long as your doors are locked and windows shut,
that this is sufficient. But the reality is that you should assess
the security of your property, not necessarily from your point of
view, but from that of the opportunist, and how they see it.
It
goes without saying, that having security, will make your home more
secure. Good locks, strong doors, window locks, an alarm system with
a visible 'alarm box', security lights that automatically come on at
the points of possible entry, are all things that make life difficult
for a burglar. But there is more to it than this, good security not
only makes your home secure, it also sends out strong messages about
your property, so that the opportunist gets a clear message; 'This
one is not easy, if not risky'. No criminal wants to be
caught committing his wicked deeds, so much so that a difficult
'break-in', that could take time, cause a lot of noise, or the risk
of being seen, could be enough to prevent the crime from even being attempted.
This
then is the first step in home security. As you read on I will
cover the different kind of locks and doors that are the best at
preventing crime. But first you should consider the following, that
could compromise your security.
Keys
Never
leave keys under plant pots and doormats; you never know who is
watching when you are leaving the house. Keys left in this way are a
real opportunity, rather like winning the jackpot! The same applies
to keys left within the house. If they can be seen (by, looking
through the letterbox or window), even though the house is locked,
the would be intruder knows that if he was to enter by other means
such as a window, keys left within will provide easy exit through the
front or back door.
The
same applies to keys left on a table near the front door. It's not
unusual for poles or lengths of wire to be used to 'fish' them out
through the letterbox.
Sheds
and Garages
Though
the contents of the garages or shed may not contain items of any
real value, they do very often contain tools and ladders, all the
things required to break into a house. You should lock tools
away within any outbuildings in which they are kept, and secure
ladders with a chain and padlock, to a wall. Also make sure
that your garage and shed are also securely locked.
Extensions
and Garage Roofs
Very
often, outbuildings are located next to, or joined to the
house. Because they are usually single storey with flat roofs,
they are relatively easy to climb onto by means of drainpipes or an
adjoining fence. Once on the roof, there is easy access to upper
floor windows. In this situation, you should pay special
attention to these windows and treat them as you would ground floor
windows, by fitting appropriate locks.
Drainpipes
Drainpipes
can also be used to access upper floor windows. To combat
this, you could apply anti-climb paint to pipes at a level beyond reach.
Windows
All
ground floor windows should have locks fitted to them.
Upvc
windows are especially vulnerable where the glazing bead is fitted
externally. Once this bead is removed, the glazed units can easily be
removed. With windows of this type, consider removing and
refitting the glazed units, using security tape to hold them in
place, or refit them using clear silicone seal applied to each corner
of the frame. Most windows are now fitted with internal
beading, which means that they are very secure in this respect,
however, there are still windows being installed that are not.
If you are considering new windows, check which type you are being offered.
Curtains
and blinds fitted to windows make it difficult for a burglar to see
inside the house. Also, ornaments on the window ledge can also be a
problem to a burglar, as they could make it difficult for them to get
in without making a noise. |
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