The Locksmith Journal 97 June 2024 | Page 66

COMMUNITY SECURITY

Neighbourhood Watch research finds burglary is one of UK ’ s most feared crimes

» THE CRIME AND Community study , commissioned by Neighbourhood Watch found that after antisocial behaviour , burglary is one of the most feared crimes , with 52 % of Brits noting it as a top concern .
ERA , which has over 185 years of experience in the development and distribution of home security products , is working with Neighbourhood Watch , as part of their longstanding eight-year partnership , to highlight the study .
Sumier Foster-Shah , Product and Customer Support Manager at ERA , says : “ With over half of the Crime and Community survey ’ s 28,000 + respondents voicing concerns about burglary , door manufacturers and fabricators
are well placed to share home security advice and guidance with their valued customers .
“ Offering the latest certified solutions , such as ERA ’ s TS 007 2 * Berwick Handle and 1 * Cylinder , along with our 3 * Invincible Cylinder and TS 008 Nu Mail Shield , can go a long way to providing not only maximum protection for homes and families but that allimportant peace of mind too .
“ Smart home security devices , such as our TouchKey solution , alongside our traditional mechanical hardware are all tried and tested security solutions that window and door manufacturers can offer to homeowners that will help protect their property .”
John Hayward-Cripps , CEO of Neighbourhood Watch , says : “ The results from our latest survey found that burglary remains a significant concern for people across the UK .
“ This comes as no surprise , as it is thought that a burglary takes place every 106 seconds which is why prevention remains a primary focus for Neighbourhood Watch .”
In light of the survey , ERA and Neighbourhood Watch are reminding homeowners of its WIDE ( N ) burglary prevention initiative . The campaign , made up of five simple steps , provides key information for keeping homes protected .
W : WINDOWS : Keep your windows locked I : INTERIOR : Put inside lights on a timer / smart bulb D : DOORS : Double or deadlock your doors E : EXTERIOR : Put outside lights on a sensor ( N ): NEIGHBOURS : Keep an eye out for your neighbours
www . ourwatch . org . uk www . eraeverywhere . com

BURG-WACHTER HELPS COMMUNITY ‘ A LLOT ’

» TOUCHBASE CARE IN FOLKESTONE applied for Burg-Wächter ’ s ‘ Secure Community Scheme ’ after looking online for support for the group ’ s community allotment . Being chosen for this award meant that Burg-Wächter was able to provide Touchbase with a donation of locks and hasps to help keep the allotment equipment locked away and secure when people aren ’ t there .
Touchbase Care is dedicated to improving the quality of life for their neurodivergent and disabled members by providing a range of support , advice , and training opportunities to develop abilities , learn new skills , encourage social inclusion and enabling them to live independently . One way they do this is through their community allotment where members learn to grow salads and vegetables which are then used for the group ’ s healthy lunches .
After receiving the group ’ s application , Burg-Wächter assessed the type of security products they would need and
decided on a set of locks including hasps and padlocks to keep storage sheds closed and secure .
Jim Lockey , Funding and Compliance Manager at Touchbase Care , said : “ Our allotment is located in the Kent Downs , close to a public footpath , and we have invested a lot into our equipment , so we want to be able to keep it secure . A lot of our tools have been adapted for our disabled and neurodivergent members and this means they are able to work more independently in the allotment . Thanks to Burg-Wächter we are now able to safely lock these away and know that they are secure when we ’ re not there .”
The Secure Communities Scheme is an ongoing initiative , which has already helped over 100 regional causes through the provision of over 2,000 pieces of security equipment . If the initiative is run by or supports the local community , and it has a specific security need , Burg-Wächter would like to hear about it . Successful applicants will each receive a tailored security kit to help secure property , premises , equipment , or storage areas to the value of £ 150 - £ 200 at retail price .
For further details of the scheme and rules of entry head to www . burg . biz / uk / community /
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JUNE 2024
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