Electrical safety

First and foremost, since 1 January 2005 electrical work done outside your house has to be notified to your local authority’s Building Control Department before work starts.

If your security lights are attached to the wall of your house (or of your garage or shed, if they’re already wired for electricity), then the work’s not notifiable as long as there are no exposed outdoor connections and you’re not installing a new circuit or extending one from a kitchen, special location (eg bath/shower room, swimming pool or hot air sauna) or special installation (eg garden lighting, floor heating, solar panels). But if in doubt, tell the local authority – that way, you can be sure you’re not breaking any laws.

Fit and forget!

Installing security lighting is all very well, but it’s false security if you have to remember to switch it on at night – after all, you only have to forget once to allow an intruder an opportunity.

Better to get what’s known as dusk-to-dawn lighting. These are controlled by a light-sensitive switch – when it gets dark, the switch operates to activate the lighting system. You can generally adjust the sensitivity of the switch so that the lights switch on before it gets fully dark and switch off again in the morning when the daylight’s strong enough.

Waking up the neighbours?

You may feel it’s wasteful to have the Blackpool Illuminations in your garden all night every night – and it probably won’t make you terribly popular with the neighbours either.

If these are concerns, you’ll want to consider passive infra-red (PIR) lighting. These use infra-red detectors to sense the body heat of anybody coming within range – when that happens, the lights switch on.

Depending on the sophistication of your lighting system, by carefully planning where you site your detectors and your lights, you can set up your security lighting so that you have a few relatively discreet lights by your front door and pathways to help you in at night without disturbing the whole neighbourhood, combined with a bright halogen floodlight to illuminate your whole back garden if there’s someone sneaking around out there.

Sense and sensibility

When positioning your detectors, you’ll need to bear these points in mind:

• Don’t put your dawn-to-dusk detectors in the line of sight of your floodlights, or they’ll be confused into thinking it’s morning and try to switch off the lights as soon as they come on!
• Don’t put your PIR detectors near domestic heat sources, eg boiler flues or tumble dryer outlets
• If your house is close to a public footpath, make sure your PIR detectors are angled so that passing pedestrians don’t keep activating the lights
• Adjust the sensitivity of your PIR detectors so that they’re switched on by humans but not by small animals, eg cats

Why are these points so important? Well, if the lights come on when they’re not supposed to, then you’ll get fed up with the false alarms and be more likely to ignore the lights when there really is an intruder. So it really is worth taking the time to get your lights set up properly.

Screwfix Direct have a whole range of security lighting products. You can find out more here:
Screwfix Direct – security and lighting

Established in 1985 with over 10 years’ online sales experience, The Safe Shop offers unbeatable prices on security products by leading brands such as Chubb Safes and Phoenix Safes, specialising in the supply and installation of security safes and fireproof safes.

Their customers include private individuals and large corporate organisations and they regularly assist councils, schools and government bodies in fulfilling their requirements for security safes and fire safes.

Their large range of security products are designed to protect and secure cash, valuables and jewellery from theft and include numerous independent tests such as Eurograde EN 1143-1. Their tested and certified range of fireproof safes will protect important paper documents and vital computer media such as backup tapes or disks from fire. They also supply lockers and other secure storage solutions.

For safes in the UK, no matter whether you require small home safes, large office safes, deposit safes or even gun safes they are sure that with over 500 models to choose from they will stock the right safe for you.

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Anyone moving house will also benefit from having a detailed inventory of their house contents. Such an inventory is also useful for making insurance claims after a burglary or other unfortunate incident such as a fire or a flood.

A large number of people actually cannot do this. Don’t forget this includes every single item – things like cutlery, clothes, floor tiles, curtains, ornaments.

ThecontentsSafe offers a low cost home/office software inventory solution. The package allows users to complete their own home/office asset list which proves to be invaluable after a burglary or even when moving home (Insurance/Police recommend it).

Details of individual items such as make, model, location, purchase price/from, receipt number, along with photographs or scanned images can be easily stored. Reports can be generated for insurance claims, theft situations or even just keeping track of things when moving home.

Weight and dimensions are also totalled, allowing customers to calculate the lorry or container size required when relocating. There are also specially designed pages for media (games, books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, etc…) and important documents where the user can enter any details (along with contact details) regarding mortgage and insurance policies, stocks and shares, etc. The program also has added benefits such as adding beneficiaries to specific items.

For more information about this product (they offer a free demo so you can try before you buy) please see:
ThecontentsSafe website

A lot of burglaries can be prevented; opportunist thieves are more common.

Spare keys: – Don’t leave a spare key;

• under a doormat
• inside the letterbox
• in a flowerpot.

THESE ARE THE FIRST PLACES A THIEF WILL LOOK!

Leaving your home empty

• Don’t advertise your absence!
• Use electrical time switches to turn lights on and off; use different times each day if possible.
• Don’t let your TV or video show through a window.
• Draw the curtains if you are going out for the evening.
• Get a friend or neighbour to collect mail left in the letter box, adjust the curtains, water the hanging baskets, sweep up the leaves in autumn, clear a pathway through the snow, even mow the lawn!
• Cancel the delivery of milk and papers.
• Mark valuables with your postcode.
• Keep a list of serial numbers of your TV, video, hi-fi, computer equipment, bicycles etc. The numbers will assist both the police and insurance companies.

Remember

Insurance companies may offer lower premiums to people who fit their homes with approved security devices. Some insurers offer discounts for belonging to a Home or Neighbourhood watch scheme.

Your bank or building society may be willing to lend you the money for extra security and add it to your mortgage.

General security tips

You should be extremely careful about letting strangers into your home. If you have done so but then feel uneasy or threatened, don’t hesitate to leave yourself. Make an excuse such as, “I’ll just let the cat in,” and go straight to a neighbour’s house, either bringing them back with you or call the police.

Could a house’s previous owner/tenant still have keys? – Change the locks.

Don’t give Keys to workmen or tradesmen as they can easily be copied.

Use only your surname and initials in the telephone directory or a doorplate / entry system. This will ensure that a stranger will not know whether a man or woman lives at the address.

If you see signs of a break in on returning home, don’t go in. The burglar may still be inside. Go to a neighbour and contact the police.

If you are selling your house, don’t show strangers around on your own. Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone who wishes to view. Only accept viewings by appointment through your estate agent.

When answering the telephone do not give your name or number, just say “Hello”. Never reveal any information about yourself to a stranger and never say that you are alone in the house.

If you receive abusive/threatening telephone calls just put the receiver down next to the phone and walk away. Come back in 5 minutes later and put it back on the hook.

DO NOT LISTEN TO HEAR IF THE CALLER IS STILL THERE

Do not say anything! – An emotional reaction is just what the caller wants. If the calls continue, contact the police.

Most doors are secured with a traditional rim lock commonly referred to as a Yale lock. A rim lock provides good security but should always be used in addition to other locks.

The lock below is a Yale lock that conforms to British Standard 3621.

Mortice Lock

The mortice lock is often a minimum requirement of your insurance company and should be a five-lever device. The lock below is typical and can be installed at a different part of the door and therefore avoid creating a weakness point in the actual door or frame.

Multipoint Locking Devices

The preferred method of securing a door would be by installing a multipoint system. Some insurers will give you discounts on your house contents insurance if such a system is fitted. The cost of installation is higher but this system will make your door fit more snugly and could reduce draughts.

For all your security needs, visit Locks Online:

You will find below advice regarding the choosing of an alarm system. Although this may seem a daunting prospect, by studying the options you may save money and you are more likely to end up with an alarm system that meets your needs.

Police call alarms

These alarms are remote signalling systems that inform an alarm receiving centre and subsequently the police that your alarm has activated. The police do not monitor alarms direct

The Association of Chief Police Officers and the Security Industry Codes of Practice strictly control the installation and monitoring of these systems.

Audible bells only alarms

Audible alarms are the most popular type available. When triggered, a bell or siren will attract the attention of passers by and relies on that person to contact the police.

Choosing a system

You must consider the extra expense of choosing a police call alarm system, compared with the potential loss you would suffer if your home were broken into. Should you decide to have a police call system installed, a recognised alarm installer must install the alarm.

• The Alarms Inspectorate and Security Council: 01704 500897
• The Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board: 0191 296 3242

If you install an audible only system, it is still prudent to contact one of the organisations above and obtain a list of alarm installers, or alternatively, choose a company which is a member of a trade organisation.

Do it yourself systems

Perimeter protection

This type of system utilises sensors on the windows and doors of the property, which detect an intruder as he tries to gain access. These systems can be time consuming to fit neatly and effectively. Every possible point of entry must be covered with a suitable device and will therefore require a significant amount of wiring.

Trap protection

This consists of movement detectors in major risk areas such as the hallway living room or a bedroom. An intruder who gains access cannot move around without activating the system. It is simpler to install than the perimeter system and usually less expensive. Most professional installation companies fit this type of alarm or a combination of both types.

False Alarms

The vast majority of alarm calls responded to by the police are false. This wastes millions of pounds in police time.

The blame for false alarms can lie with installation, the alarm system, or more frequently, how the system is used. If you ensure your alarm system is installed to British/European Standards, it is likely that your system is more of a protection to you rather than a headache to the police or neighbours.

Choose a reputable company, install a quality system, though not necessarily the most expensive or complex. Buy a system that you and your family feel comfortable operating. If your alarm malfunctions, get the installer back straight away to have the fault rectified.

Installing the alarm

Study the installation contract before signing it. You must determine whether you will own or rent the system and what the maintenance agreement is.

An alarm installation, which is installed to British/European Standards, requires that there is a hand-over period to make the user familiar with the operation of the system. Go through the user handbook with the installer. If you do not understand any item ask them to explain until you do.

A good installation should cause no damage or mess to decor, and wiring can easily be concealed.

Noise nuisance

The Code of practice on noise from audible intruder alarms 1982 issued under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 will need to be considered in respect of noise pollution. The alarm should be fitted with an automatic cut off device, which will stop the alarm sounding after 20 minutes from activation a strobe light may continue flashing.

Within 48 hours of installing a new system or taking over an existing system, you should notify the police and /or local authority of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the key holders.

Police response to your alarm

Audible bells only systems

To obtain police attendance an additional indication that an offence is in progress will be required. This will require human intervention such as a member of the public, the owner, or key holder visiting, or viewing tour home or some other contact being made. Calls for police attendance will be by the 999 emergency system as appropriate.

Automatic dialling equipment must not be programmed to call the police telephone numbers. If they are programmed to do this, they will not receive a response.

Calls handled by non-compliant alarm receiving centres will not receive an immediate police response. Only the key holder will be contacted unless supported by additional evidence of an offence being committed.

Police call systems

For police call systems there are three levels of police response when the alarm activates.

Level one: all these alarms will receive an immediate police response.

Level two: following two false calls in a 12 month period, the police response will move to level two. This means that police response is desirable but attendance may be delayed if officers are attending to higher priority calls. This level of response will remain until the system has been free of false calls for a period of three months.

Level three: following five false call in a 12 month period, the police response will move to level three. This means there will be no police response. Level one response will be restored following a three-month period free of false calls where evidence is provided that the original problem has been rectified

Questions to ask

1. Before disclosing your personal details, have you checked the address and credentials of the company?
2. Inspect proof of identity from the representative?
3. Has the company been subject to an independent inspection process?
4. Is the installation of an alarm a requirement of your insurance company and is the company acceptable to the insurance company?
5. How long has a company been trading?
6. Does the company have an office in your locality?
7. Is the company a member of any trade organisation?
8. Will the quotation specify that the installation will be installed to British/European standards?
9. Is there a guarantee and terms of contract to future maintenance?
10. Does the company operate a 24 hour call-out service and emergency attendance within four hours?

About 60% of burglaries happen via a window.

To make your windows less vulnerable:

• Fit window locks
• Install security grates to basement windows
• Ensure windows are locked when the room or house is empty
• Install double glazing – this is harder and more noisy to break

Remember that window locks can hinder escape in an emergency.

Doors

Doors are the favoured route for about 40% of break-ins.

• Fit a BS3621 mortice lock in addition to a standard rim lock
• Install a spy hole
• Fit back doors with BS3621 mortice sash locks
• Hinge bolts to secure the door to the frame
• Too many locks can weaken the frame – avoid too many and concentrate on quality
• Install security glass or double-glazing which is almost impossible to smash to glazed doors
• French windows and patio doors are best secured with a mortice rack bolt or key-operated surface-mounted bolt fitted at the top and bottom of each section.

Conservatories

• Use toughened security glass that is kitemarked and to British Standard BS6206 Class A
• Conservatories with plastic roofs are not advised
• Extend your burglar alarm system to include the conservatory
• Install an additional sensor in the garden
• All conservatory windows should have key-operated locks
• Doors from the conservatory into the garden should have key-operated locks

Garages

If the garage is attached to the house, for example via an internal door, it is worth having your burglar alarm system extended to cover the garage.

• Don’t forget the garage when you are fitting window locks
• Install bolt locks to garage doors
• Fit key locks to windows
• Fit BS3621 mortice sash locks to traditional garage doors
• Detached garages should be fully locked as above as they often include all the tools a burglar requires to force entry into a home
• Consider a motor-driven garage door

Burglar Alarms

There are many different types of alarms on the market. Some you can fit yourself, others you need to have installed by a professional.

Whoever you choose to fit your alarm should conform to the British Standard for intruder alarms. There are three main security organisations in the UK – the National Approval Council for Security Systems, the British Industry Association and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board. Their members can also carry out installations.

Garden Sheds

• Avoid keeping tools that can enable entry into the main house
• Fit metal hinge plates and locking plates to strengthen weak doors

Gardens

• Install passive infrared-triggered lighting
• Provide locks to gates with padlocks
• Construct trellising on vulnerable walls and fencing to increase the overall height

The report will look at your home as a whole and then look at the most vulnerable parts. The surveyor will then advise on what additional or alternative locking will be required. Other considerations will be exterior lighting, garden sheds, boundary walls and fences as well as the overall location of your home.

The most effective opportunity to obtain this information is before you buy your new home so that your house can be made as secure as possible very early after occupation.

The service is also cheaper when included with other survey reports.