Ten Top Tips To Prevent Burglary
· Perimeter Security– Fences or hedges should be 2 metres high to the rear and 1 metre to the front. Garden gates leading to the rear should be flush with the building line.
· Natural Surveillance - Maximise the ability of others to keep an eye on your home. Keep tree canopies pruned up to 3 metres from the floor and hedges and shrubs to 1 metre high.
· Door Security - Ensure all external doors are over 44mm thick and are fitted with a mortise lock to BS 3621. Consider extra mortise bolts for rear doors and multipoint locking for PVCu doors. Examine your door for weakness in design or construction. If replacing doors consider the PAS 23/24 security standard.
· Stop Chain Check - when you answer the door. Fit and use a door viewer and a door chain and don’t let strangers in until you are sure of their identity.
· Windows – Fit and use window locks on all ground floor/vulnerable windows. Consider laminated glass and/or glass alarms for vulnerable windows. If replacing windows consider the BS 7950 security standard.
· Security lights, particularly at the side and rear of the house, deter intruders and promote surveillance.
· Don’t help the burglar. Chain ladders and wheelie bins to a solid post away from the house and lock all garden tools away.
· Fit a burglar alarm – Always use an installer who is registered with NSI or SSAIB & who will fit a system to BS4737 or 6799 (wire free).
· Property Marking. This can deter the offender by making stolen property harder to sell. Always put up stickers to advertise that property is marked
· Make your home look lived in. Leave a radio on & use timer lights. |
