General House Security

Windows

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 Spy hole
  • Fit back doors 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 Standards 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 pad locks
  • Construct trellising on vulnerable walls and fencing to increase the overall height.


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This entry was posted on Sunday 17 June 2007 at 13:35 UTC and is filed under Security Wizard. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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