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OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
A visible deterrent gives criminals the first indication that you have an awareness around security . So what is a visible deterrent ?
This is as simple as having well maintained walls , fences and hedges at the front . They should be a maximum of 1 metre in height , to maximise surveillance and minimise hiding places to ensure criminals are on view from both the home and street .
Alternatively , railings or picket fencing can be used . Hedges , trees and bushes should be regularly cut back . As a general recommendation , shrubs should be selected to have a mature growth height no higher than 1 metre , and trees should have no foliage or lower branches below 2 metres .
At the rear and sides of your home , taller boundaries are recommended , with fencing at a minimum height of 1.8 metres and topped with 0.3 metres of trellis to make climbing over more difficult .
Side gates should be a minimum of 1.8 metre high , robust and capable of being locked . Use prickly plants , such as pyracantha or climbing roses , to protect fencing , easily accessible windows and drainpipes .
LIGHTING AND PATHS
With the nights starting to draw in it is important that you have some lighting around your property . Energy efficient LED bulbs are the most energy efficient and they give off a good
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white light . At the side and rear of your property you can install a switched light ( one you switch off and on as you need it ) or one that is automatically activated by heat or a motion sensor , commonly referred to as ‘ PIR lights ’. You can find lots of examples on-line or in any local DIY store . Just a wee note of caution , when doing any alterations or additions , think about light pollution and is this going to impact on my neighbours ?
Gravel driveways or pathways can be attractive and help you hear the noise of approaching footsteps . Energy efficient dusk to dawn external lighting at the front and rear of your property will provide added security , as thieves do not like to be seen .
PHYSICAL SECURITY - SHEDS , OUTBUILDINGS AND GARAGES
It is important for buildings of all types to be physically secure to deter criminal activity and reduce crime , and this includes sheds and outbuildings . People often pay less attention to garages , sheds and other outbuildings , however these are vulnerable as they are generally not very secure and also contain expensive equipment and tools with which a burglar can use to assist them to gain entry into a home .
You should therefore ensure that all external outbuilding doors are of solid construction with suitable locks or a close shackle padlock and lock bar fitted to it . Consider fitting non-returnable screws or coach bolts to the hinges . There are
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external containers available which are designed for the secure storage of mopeds , scooters , motorcycles or bicycles and other property which have attained Police Preferred Specification .
Locks should be fitted to all outbuilding windows and ideally a shed should have no windows . Consider a battery-operated shed alarm . They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren . Please keep it out of the reach of young children .
Garage doors can be vulnerable and you can make them more secure by installing additional security , such as padlocks , to provide multiple locking points or using floormounted locking T-bars .
If you have a door connecting the garage to the house make sure this has the same level of security as your front door , with locks that meet BS 3621 , or fitting a door that has achieved Police Preferred Specification . Whilst it ’ s great to get the right lock , if the door is worn out or badly maintained then you should be replacing the entire doorset .
Do not forget that ladders and tools left outside can be used to assist burglars to break into your home . Ensure they are well secured , or alternatively stored in a garage or shed .
Garden rooms / offices have become increasingly popular due to changes to working practices and commuting patterns . Whilst working from home in a dedicated garden
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office has many advantages , these offices have become a target for burglars . Whilst most are well constructed , with multi-layers of timber and insulation , the doors and windows are always going to be the main target to gain entry . Opportunist theft is the biggest threat to your garden office , so it ’ s really important the doors and windows are tested and importantly certificated to withstand an attack . All offices have valuable equipment – anything small and portable and that can be easily concealed are favourites with burglars . Laptops and mobile phone are easily removed and shouldn ’ t be left in the garden office overnight and they may also hold personnel and commercially sensitive information .
PHYSICAL SECURITY - HOUSE
We advise that doorsets – door , frame , locks , fittings and glazing – which allow direct access to your home achieve our high security standard , Police Preferred Specification .
Easily accessible windows , including easily accessible roof lights and roof windows , should also meet Police Preferred Specification standards . Both door and window frames must be securely fixed to the building fabric in accordance with the manufacturer ’ s instructions and specifications .
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80 OCTOBER 2023 |
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM |