Home Security

Dwelling boundaries - should be maintained such that hedges, trees and so on do not obscure sight of the property to the front and that walls, gates or fences prevent access to the rear of the property. Rear hedges and fences should be a minimum of 6 ft. high

 

External doors - where possible should be solid with mortice locks that are easy to open from the inside without a key. All glass adjacent to doors and locks should be laminated. Door frames should be robust and securely fitted.

 

Sliding patio doors should be fitted with an anti-lift device and security locks at top and bottom. French Windows should have one pair of key operated mortice security bolts or key operated surface mounted bolts.

 

Windows - key operated locks should be fitted to all accessible windows. But be aware of windows that must be used as fire escape routes and the regulations or controls that govern their use.

 

Lighting - correct use of security lighting is a useful deterrent when the property can be overlooked.

 

Occupied rooms - locks should be fitted to the doors, but make sure that locks are easy to open from the inside without the use of a key. Tenants are encouraged to security mark their property and to record details of serial numbers, descriptions, and so on.

 

Alarms - as well as physical security, an electronic intruder alarm deters burglars. Alarm companies should be NACOSS or SSAIB registered, and you should get three quotations before deciding which to buy.