General House Security

by HouseWiz, 17 June 2007

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 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