Security
How Secure is your Property?
We offer a completely free, no obligation, 'Security Peace of Mind Check Up'. We can advise you on how to improve your home security measures, and how these can be best implemented. You can be assured that all checks are carried out with total integrity, and completely free of charge.
To Book a 'Security Peace of Mind Check Up'... call 01392 461200
There are some basic steps you can take to deter the opportunist thief from targeting your property. Remember, the more difficult you make it for them, the more likely they are to go elsewhere.
Back to nature:
Front &rear gardens are usually the first point of entry for a potential intruder. The rear garden is the most common point of entry, so stopping them entering at this point will stop them entering your property as this is the usual point of escape also. Some examples are:
- Make sure gates are secured and locked
- Ensure that fencing is in good order and ideally 6 feet high. Trellis along the top of fencing is a good deterrent.
- Hedges, prickly bushes and shrubs are ideal around the garden perimeter. The denser the better.
- Lock all garden tools, ladders etc; away and out of sight. These are potential entry aids for the intruder.
- Front garden hedges should be kept below 3 feet high. If it’s over this height an intruder can use it to hide from view.
- Install outside security lighting, which is activated by movement
sensors. - Gravel driveways and paths. No intruder likes to make a noisy
entrance.
Devon Protecting Property:
Make sure you have the correct locks fitted to doors and windows and be sure
you have the locks that your insurance company specify. Additional locks and
security products are always a good investment.
Doors &Windows:
- Wooden outside doors should be fitted with 5 lever British Standard (BS3621) mortice locks. If doors are too thin to accept these, then
a BS3621 Rim mounted dead lock should be fitted. - PVCu doors should have a minimum of 5 locking points. If it’s less, additional locks, such as Sash jammers should be fitted.
- Doors which are usually secured from the inside, should be fitted
with mortice security bolts at the top and bottom. - All windows should have locks, which are operated by key. The
amount of locks on each window is determined by its size. - Patio doors should have locks that prevent the frame being lifted off
it’s tracks, or slid open. The sliding part of the door should always
be on the inside.
Letterboxes:
- Letterbox restrictors or letter cages will prevent anyone from
reaching through to release locking devices.
Alarms:
- Alarms are always a good investment, and can be relatively cheap
to install. It is not true that by having an alarm, a potential intruder
will think you have valuables worth stealing. Even a ‘dummy bell
box’ can be enough to make them choose another target.
General:
- Ensure all doors and windows are secure when leaving your property.
- Do not leave valuables such as laptops, games consoles, jewellery
etc; in sight, through doors and windows. - Keep car keys, handbags and wallets away from the front door.
Secure them when not in use in a cupboard or drawer for example. - Be sure to cancel milk, newspapers etc; when going on holiday,
and inform a trusted neighbour or friend so they can keep an eye
out. Burglars hate nosey neighbours!
These are just some examples of the most common areas that can improve
your home security, and deter the ‘opportunist’ from targeting your home.
