Home security - protecting your home...
It is hardly surprising that the number of domestic burglaries rises in the summer months. As temperatures rise, people throw open their windows and doors to let some fresh air in, with little thought to the security of their home.
According to the British Crime Survey (BCS) 2006-07, households with no home security measures were almost ten times more likely to have been victims of burglary than households where there were simple security measures in place, such as deadlocks on doors. Here we look at easy ways to make your home more secure.
Windows and doors
Statistics show that two thirds of burglars gain entry or remove items through doors, so the most obvious way to protect your home is to make sure your doors and windows are secure. With this in mind, start by making sure your external doors and their frames are strong and sturdy, as well as checking they have not been damaged by everyday wear and tear. If you are worried about any wooden doors, these can be made stronger by fitting a steel strip and plates to the door frame and around the lock.
Don't forget to check the hinges too – a sturdy door is no defence if a burglar can easily take it off its hinges, so make sure hinges are robust and attached to both the door and the door frame using long, strong screws. Finally, check the locks, as most insurers insist on five-lever mortise deadlocks on external doors. If your locks aren't up to scratch you could be invalidating your insurance.
Around 30 per cent of burglars gain access through a window, so your next step should be to check that all windows and their frames are in a good state of repair, particularly wooden frames which are susceptible to rot, and metal frames which may be prone to rust. Easily visible locks put a thief off targeting your house, as they won't want to break the glass and risk attracting attention. Key-operated window locks can be purchased from a DIY store and should be fitted to all downstairs windows and easily-accessible upstairs windows. Don't forget that skylights needs locks too. Double glazed windows are usually fitted with an integral locking system. Before fitting extra locks to PVC-U or metal windows, check that the warranty won't be effected.
Although it can be tempting to leave doors and windows open in the summer, figures show that in one in five burglaries the perpetrator doesn't even have to use force to gain entry. Although most burglaries occur when no one is home, many occur while there is someone in the house, so you mustn't assume that just because you are home it is safe to leave your doors and windows open. Also bear in mind that if a thief enters your home through an open door or window, your insurance company may refuse to pay out.
Securing the Perimeter
Of course there are a number of steps you can take to stop a would-be burglar from getting anywhere near your house in the first place. Make sure you check fences regularly and repair any gaps or weak spots. You could also consider attaching trellis to the top of your fencing, which will look attractive while also providing a flimsy structure that an intruder would find it difficult to climb over. Using gravel on driveways and paths can act as a deterrent, as the noise will alert you to visitors approaching your house. It is also a good idea to keep shrubs and plants trimmed back so that there are no handy hiding places where a burglar could lurk while planning how to overcome your security measures. Additionally, a few well placed prickly plants can put a potential intruder off venturing onto your property.
It is also important to remember to protect the possessions in your garden as well as those inside your home. Furniture, ornaments and gardening equipment are obvious targets, so make sure that anything valuable is locked away. Thieves will use anything to try and gain entry to your home, so tools left lying around could easily be put to good use by an opportunist burglar. You might be surprised at the lengths a burglar will go to – even wading into ponds to steal ornamental fish and digging up valuable plants and shrubs!
Security Equipment
Burglar alarms are great for scaring away a thief in the process of trying to enter your home – police statistics show that 60 per cent of burglaries on homes fitted with burglar alarms are unsuccessful. Just the sight of an alarm will often put a burglar off even trying to enter your home. Prices for getting a burglar alarm installed by a reputable company start at around £450, but the cheaper alternative is to buy a simple system and fit it yourself, with prices ranging from around £50 to £300. For the elderly or those living in more remote areas, a monitored alarm might be a good idea. Here, signals from the burglar alarm are sent via telephone lines to the company responsible for the alarm, who will check if the alert is genuine and then notify the police.
Alternatively, a CCTV system can act as a good deterrent, and even if a thief is not perturbed, with good quality video footage the police stand a better chance of catching the culprits. Again prices start at around £50, but remember, you get what you pay for, and grainy pictures are about as useful as no pictures at all! A cheaper alternative is movement activated security lights, with prices starting as low as £5!
Although there are a whole range of security devices on the market, protecting your home needn't break the bank. If you think a fancy alarm system is a waste of money, a dummy alarm box fixed to the outside of your house can be just as effective in deterring would-be burglars. Also, a simple outside light with an energy saving bulb is a low-cost alternative to movement activated security lights. Even a simple device like a spyhole in your front door can offer you some protection while also showing thieves that you are security conscious. Another cheap choice is home security stickers, such as CCTV warnings or Neighbourhood Watch stickers, which will make a potential thief think twice about targeting your home.
Going on Holiday
Another reason that summer is the prime time of year for burglars, is that people across the UK head off on holiday leaving their homes unoccupied. But every time you go away, whatever the time of year and even if it's only for a day or two, remember that a house that is obviously unoccupied is a tempting target for an opportunist thief. With this in mind, it is worth spending the time taking a few extra security precautions before jetting off on your holidays, so that while you're away you can concentrate on enjoying yourself!
You know that sinking feeling you get when you've only driven five minutes down the road and then you realise that you forgot to check whether all windows and doors were locked and the security alarm is set? We've all done it! Make life easier by giving yourself a little reminder, maybe a post-it note stuck on the inside of the front door, so that it's the last thing you see before you leave the house!
If you have milk or newspapers delivered, remember to cancel these for the duration of your holiday, as a build up could easily indicate to a burglar that no one is home. It's also a good idea to ask a neighbour to collect your post, as a pile up of post could easily be spied through a nearby window. A few 24 hour timer plugs could be a good investment, as you can set a few lights and perhaps a TV or radio to come on for a set amount of time each day, making it seem like someone is home. And make sure your home contents insurance is up-to-date, so that if the unthinkable happens, at least you will be able to claim some compensation.
Internal Security
Finally, if the worst comes to the worst and a burglar does manage to get into your home, there are still things you can do to protect your possessions. Try and make sure anything valuable is out of sight. Of course, making sure expensive equipment like plasma TVs and stereo systems can't be spied through a window means that a burglar might not be tempted into your home in the first place. But once a thief is in your home he wants to take what he can and be in and out as quickly as possible – he won't want to waste time looking through drawers and cupboards looking for things to steal.
You could consider removing the risk from the equation altogether for a few select items by removing them from your home and placing them in a safety deposit box. Alternatively, why not buy a safe for your home, with prices starting at around £25. For larger items, or those that are in regular use, security marking won't stop your things being taken, but will mean that if police are able to recover your possessions they will quickly and easily know who to return them to.
Your security code should consist of your house number (or the first three letters of your house name) and your postcode. Permanent marker pen can act as a deterrent if you mark your possessions in a prominent place, but if you don't want to effect the appearance of the items, you could use an ultra-violet marker pen, which will be invisible to the naked eye once the ink dries. You can also get special markers for fine china and porcelain, which leave an indelible mark on top of the glaze and therefore shouldn't affect the value.
So whether you're going away or staying home this summer, take the time to review the security of your home, giving you piece of mind to relax and enjoy the break!
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Showing posts with label home security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home security. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
A security checklist for windows and doors
Is your home safe in the summer months? A Security Checklist: Windows and Doors
Police officers are called out more regularly to burglaries in the summer because people become far more lax over their security – giving thieves the perfect opportunity to strike!
With the summer months upon us home-owners naturally have their windows and doors open more often, and the amount of time that we all will spend in the garden, perhaps entertaining guests with Barbeques, will grow.
Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, highlights how an investment in new windows could help home-owners to protect their homes from thieves.
Why does the amount of burglaries that the Police are called out to in the summer grow? Answer – Because people are less cautious when they are out in the garden having fun.
A report just issued in May this year by leading insurance organisation, Endsleigh, highlighted that in some UK cities, the chances of a home being broken into have more than doubled. ‘Burglary hotspots’ – the cities most at risk – include Nottingham, Leeds, Hull and London. People living in Guildford, Swindon and Dundee on the other hand were the least likely to be broken into.
With so many security products available on the market today, it’s often quite overwhelming when deciding what to buy. But there are many simple and cost-effective ways for home-owners to protect their property which will ensure that you don’t become a burglary statistic.
Be Cautious!
Windows and doors that are left open offer an easy access route into your home for thieves. Make sure that you are cautious and shut your windows and doors when going out, even if you are just in the garden for a long period, perhaps gardening. It could mean the difference between losing and keeping your valuables. However, it is not always the only option, as any thief will tell you! Many have perfected the art of breaking in through closed doors and windows – it sometimes only takes a brick and/or a screw driver.
Many homes already have modern windows but if you are thinking of updating your windows and doors it’s always worth asking about the security features of the products. All reputable double-glazing companies will be able to tell you what security standards their products meet and with all companies having to comply with general British Performance Standards, such as making sure that the products are wind and water tight, enhanced security features will be an additional incentive to buy – so any salesman will enjoy discussing them with you! Here’s a few to think about.
Check your locks meet standards
The double-glazing industry has come a long way over the last 15 years. Most companies now fit sophisticated locks as standard onto both windows and doors. In the past, windows were fitted with cockspur handles which were inefficient and easy for burglars to crack open because they did not have secure internal locking capabilities.
The industry then went on to use Espagnolette handles – favoured over the cockspur ones for their internal locking mechanism – that have a push down lock which could be opened with a key.
The lock that is most favoured today however is the sophisticated shootbolt lock. Again fitted with an internal locking mechanism, the shootbolt lock is often fitted as standard by some of the UK’s leading double-glazing companies. Some even combine the Espagnolette handles with the shootbolt lock to offer more comprehensive window locking functionality.
Check the type of Glass available – and the fitting
In addition to locks, it is vital that when selecting your new windows you ensure that the glass used by the company meets not only industry standard FENSA regulations concerning light and heat consumption, but it is also advisable to ensure that the glass is beaded internally. This means that all glass is fitted and held in from the inside which stops people gaining entry into the property externally.
It is also wise to check with your manufacturer what type of glass panels are used in the double-glazed doors. Many people opt for PVC doors – most are internally beaded and look attractive on the front of your house. However, although the door may look quite striking, it is worth looking into what type of material the company uses for the glass panel as this also presents would-be burglars with an entry point into your home.
Composite doors are also becoming increasingly popular with UK home owners – this is because they are low maintenance, look attractive and offer an enhanced level of security as they are made from tough fibre-glass.
Doors have standards too!
In addition to the FENSA regulations that govern window manufacturing, door manufacturers also have strict criteria which they must meet. Recent talks between door users, manufacturers, industry bodies and standards institutions have resulted in two new standards being developed.
1) PAS 23 – General Performance Requirements – A performance standard for door sets, which certifies that a particular door set is fit for purpose. Tests at this level could include scratch resistance and checks to see whether or not the door is watertight.
2) PAS 24 – Enhanced security performance requirements for door assemblies – Tests are conducted on the door to show that the door, frame, lock and hardware can withstand the common methods of burglary. If the door passes this test, it is know as a ‘door with enhanced security’ and is accepted to be the minimum police requirement. Tests at this level can range from human body impact to test resistance against a range of different forces, as well as human tampering using a range of typical ‘house breaking’ tools.
Installing new windows and doors comes at a price so it is always advisable to shop around. Remember that you always get what you pay for – what you are spending on products you will reap in rewards, knowing that your home is safe. You may also be able to benefit from reduced home insurance premiums – saving money whilst avoiding the ever growing burglary statistics!
For More information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Police officers are called out more regularly to burglaries in the summer because people become far more lax over their security – giving thieves the perfect opportunity to strike!
With the summer months upon us home-owners naturally have their windows and doors open more often, and the amount of time that we all will spend in the garden, perhaps entertaining guests with Barbeques, will grow.
Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, highlights how an investment in new windows could help home-owners to protect their homes from thieves.
Why does the amount of burglaries that the Police are called out to in the summer grow? Answer – Because people are less cautious when they are out in the garden having fun.
A report just issued in May this year by leading insurance organisation, Endsleigh, highlighted that in some UK cities, the chances of a home being broken into have more than doubled. ‘Burglary hotspots’ – the cities most at risk – include Nottingham, Leeds, Hull and London. People living in Guildford, Swindon and Dundee on the other hand were the least likely to be broken into.
With so many security products available on the market today, it’s often quite overwhelming when deciding what to buy. But there are many simple and cost-effective ways for home-owners to protect their property which will ensure that you don’t become a burglary statistic.
Be Cautious!
Windows and doors that are left open offer an easy access route into your home for thieves. Make sure that you are cautious and shut your windows and doors when going out, even if you are just in the garden for a long period, perhaps gardening. It could mean the difference between losing and keeping your valuables. However, it is not always the only option, as any thief will tell you! Many have perfected the art of breaking in through closed doors and windows – it sometimes only takes a brick and/or a screw driver.
Many homes already have modern windows but if you are thinking of updating your windows and doors it’s always worth asking about the security features of the products. All reputable double-glazing companies will be able to tell you what security standards their products meet and with all companies having to comply with general British Performance Standards, such as making sure that the products are wind and water tight, enhanced security features will be an additional incentive to buy – so any salesman will enjoy discussing them with you! Here’s a few to think about.
Check your locks meet standards
The double-glazing industry has come a long way over the last 15 years. Most companies now fit sophisticated locks as standard onto both windows and doors. In the past, windows were fitted with cockspur handles which were inefficient and easy for burglars to crack open because they did not have secure internal locking capabilities.
The industry then went on to use Espagnolette handles – favoured over the cockspur ones for their internal locking mechanism – that have a push down lock which could be opened with a key.
The lock that is most favoured today however is the sophisticated shootbolt lock. Again fitted with an internal locking mechanism, the shootbolt lock is often fitted as standard by some of the UK’s leading double-glazing companies. Some even combine the Espagnolette handles with the shootbolt lock to offer more comprehensive window locking functionality.
Check the type of Glass available – and the fitting
In addition to locks, it is vital that when selecting your new windows you ensure that the glass used by the company meets not only industry standard FENSA regulations concerning light and heat consumption, but it is also advisable to ensure that the glass is beaded internally. This means that all glass is fitted and held in from the inside which stops people gaining entry into the property externally.
It is also wise to check with your manufacturer what type of glass panels are used in the double-glazed doors. Many people opt for PVC doors – most are internally beaded and look attractive on the front of your house. However, although the door may look quite striking, it is worth looking into what type of material the company uses for the glass panel as this also presents would-be burglars with an entry point into your home.
Composite doors are also becoming increasingly popular with UK home owners – this is because they are low maintenance, look attractive and offer an enhanced level of security as they are made from tough fibre-glass.
Doors have standards too!
In addition to the FENSA regulations that govern window manufacturing, door manufacturers also have strict criteria which they must meet. Recent talks between door users, manufacturers, industry bodies and standards institutions have resulted in two new standards being developed.
1) PAS 23 – General Performance Requirements – A performance standard for door sets, which certifies that a particular door set is fit for purpose. Tests at this level could include scratch resistance and checks to see whether or not the door is watertight.
2) PAS 24 – Enhanced security performance requirements for door assemblies – Tests are conducted on the door to show that the door, frame, lock and hardware can withstand the common methods of burglary. If the door passes this test, it is know as a ‘door with enhanced security’ and is accepted to be the minimum police requirement. Tests at this level can range from human body impact to test resistance against a range of different forces, as well as human tampering using a range of typical ‘house breaking’ tools.
Installing new windows and doors comes at a price so it is always advisable to shop around. Remember that you always get what you pay for – what you are spending on products you will reap in rewards, knowing that your home is safe. You may also be able to benefit from reduced home insurance premiums – saving money whilst avoiding the ever growing burglary statistics!
For More information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Beginner's guide to double glazing
Beginner’s guide: Five Good Reasons to get New Windows
We all probably think we know the arguments for double glazing – but do we? Glazing and window technology has moved on, there are green issues to take into account and security issues to consider. Here are five great reasons to replace your windows with double glazing – a low cost investment with many benefits:
1 – Energy savings mean money for being green
Investing in double glazing will save you roughly a quarter of your heating bills, potentially hundreds of pounds a year. Houses with single-glazed windows lose about two thirds of the heat they generate during a day through their windows. Double glazing can significantly cut this heat loss, sometimes by as much as 50 per cent. And for those of us who are concerned about the environment, reducing domestic energy consumption is going to play a major part in cutting down the greenhouse gas emissions we produce. With the government’s new home information pack (HIPs) regulations coming into force in August, people with properties with four or more bedrooms will need to make sure they are as energy efficient as possible. Getting double glazing means you will use less energy to generate heat for your home, and play a part in reducing the total power demands of our society.
2 – First-rate security
As any cat burglar will tell you, the easiest entry points for intruders into people’s homes are the windows and doors. Old windows often utilise primitive locks, and are easy for criminals to force their way through. There have been many advances in window locking mechanisms in recent years, and modern double glazed windows come with built in multi-point locking systems as standard. This is, as well as high grade toughened glass, so an upgrade might be the best way to secure your home. It’s also possible to install simple fire-exit windows if you require.
3 – Add some style to your home
Getting new double glazing is a great opportunity to kit your home out with the latest frame designs – adding a touch of class to your property, as well as increasing its value. Most double glazing companies will offer you a good variety of styles, from diamond and square lead patterns, to coloured glass and bevel effects. Frame finishes include softwood, hardwood, timber and even aluminium, and don’t forget it’s not just square windows you can get – specialties such as French windows and patio doors look great too. Fitting in stylish new windows is a great way to complement other home improvement work you’re doing.
4 – Reduced noise pollution
If you live near a busy road or near an airport, you’ll know all about the stress of noise pollution. Double glazing can significantly reduce the sound that comes through your windows, and turn your home into a much more peaceful environment. If reducing noise pollution is your main motivation for getting new windows, your best bet is to get aluminium frames installed as they provided the most rigidity of the different options available.
5 – Low maintenance
Modern double glazing firms install and deliver ready-made windows into your home, which require minimal effort to maintain for many years. Most companies offer high quality PVCu frames that will not rot or discolour, and never need painting – unlike their old wooden counterparts.
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! www.windowquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
We all probably think we know the arguments for double glazing – but do we? Glazing and window technology has moved on, there are green issues to take into account and security issues to consider. Here are five great reasons to replace your windows with double glazing – a low cost investment with many benefits:
1 – Energy savings mean money for being green
Investing in double glazing will save you roughly a quarter of your heating bills, potentially hundreds of pounds a year. Houses with single-glazed windows lose about two thirds of the heat they generate during a day through their windows. Double glazing can significantly cut this heat loss, sometimes by as much as 50 per cent. And for those of us who are concerned about the environment, reducing domestic energy consumption is going to play a major part in cutting down the greenhouse gas emissions we produce. With the government’s new home information pack (HIPs) regulations coming into force in August, people with properties with four or more bedrooms will need to make sure they are as energy efficient as possible. Getting double glazing means you will use less energy to generate heat for your home, and play a part in reducing the total power demands of our society.
2 – First-rate security
As any cat burglar will tell you, the easiest entry points for intruders into people’s homes are the windows and doors. Old windows often utilise primitive locks, and are easy for criminals to force their way through. There have been many advances in window locking mechanisms in recent years, and modern double glazed windows come with built in multi-point locking systems as standard. This is, as well as high grade toughened glass, so an upgrade might be the best way to secure your home. It’s also possible to install simple fire-exit windows if you require.
3 – Add some style to your home
Getting new double glazing is a great opportunity to kit your home out with the latest frame designs – adding a touch of class to your property, as well as increasing its value. Most double glazing companies will offer you a good variety of styles, from diamond and square lead patterns, to coloured glass and bevel effects. Frame finishes include softwood, hardwood, timber and even aluminium, and don’t forget it’s not just square windows you can get – specialties such as French windows and patio doors look great too. Fitting in stylish new windows is a great way to complement other home improvement work you’re doing.
4 – Reduced noise pollution
If you live near a busy road or near an airport, you’ll know all about the stress of noise pollution. Double glazing can significantly reduce the sound that comes through your windows, and turn your home into a much more peaceful environment. If reducing noise pollution is your main motivation for getting new windows, your best bet is to get aluminium frames installed as they provided the most rigidity of the different options available.
5 – Low maintenance
Modern double glazing firms install and deliver ready-made windows into your home, which require minimal effort to maintain for many years. Most companies offer high quality PVCu frames that will not rot or discolour, and never need painting – unlike their old wooden counterparts.
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record! www.windowquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
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