The Locksmith Journal Jan-Feb 2018 - Issue 54 | Page 52

52 • SECONDARYSECURITY
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TAKING A SECOND LOOK AT SECONDARY SECURITY

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THE LATEST CRIME SURVEY FOR England and Wales indicates that levels of both domestic and non-domestic burglary have remained fairly consistent over the past few years , having steadily decreased throughout the noughties . The statistics also estimate that homeowners are now four times less likely to be burgled than they were in 1995 , and that around a third of reported break in attempts were unsuccessful .
Whilst the increase in security awareness and adoption of security systems is widely accepted to be behind this improvement , police report that most break ins still occur through a door , either by kicking it in or forcing the lock . With most customers still relying on one or two primary locks to secure their door , it ’ s time to give secondary security products a second look . Not only will this help maintain the currently low levels of burglary , it also offers locksmiths the opportunity to gain additional sales .
A DOORWAY TO SECURING SALES Rack bolts are a good first step for securing wooden doors top and bottom . Internal doors can also benefit from using door bolts or locks as it slows and inconveniences any would-be intruders . Multi-purpose door bolts perform a similar job to rack bolts and are ideally suited to patio doors , which are often used by burglars to remove bulky items . As the name implies , they also have a wider range of applications , and can be fitted to wooden , composite or metal doors that are either hinged or slide . Sterling ’ s surface mounted multi-purpose door bolt features a reversible bolt which slides into a concealed fixing , with the added flexibility of enabling an optional ventilation position .
Any locksmith will appreciate that it ’ s no use fitting strong security products to a weak door or frame , so advise your customers on additional steps they can take to strengthen their doors . Glass panels in doors are particularly vulnerable , so police advise fitting laminated glass which is much stronger . Locksmiths without a relationship with a local glazier / installer could consider carrying a roll of security film to stick over existing glass , which makes it harder to break .
A DOOR WITH A VIEW
Security chains are a simple yet effective security solution for preventing unwanted visitors from forcing their way in through an open door . Sterling ’ s range of door chains is suitable for fixing either to timber , composite or uPVC doors . Standard or heavy-duty options are available . A choice of either a chrome or brass finish means the Sterling door chains complement a wide range of existing door furniture .
Teamed with a security chain , a door viewer is essential for helping customers decide whether to open the door in the first place . Smart technology is playing an increasingly central role in both business and private lives and the digital revolution is making its way into secondary security systems . Combining a door bell and electronic door spyhole , the new door eGuard 8200 system from Burg-Wächter allows home owners to easily see who ’ s on the other side of the door , without the need for an expensive entry phone system .
A high quality 4 ” TFT screen provides a large clear image , whilst the infra-red capable camera boasts a 105 degree angle lens , to give a wide view even in low light conditions . In addition to activating a live feed , a still image is recorded whenever the door bell is pressed . The last 25 images can be stored on the device ( plus up to 2,000 on an 8GB micro-SD card ), allowing owners to keep a record of who called , even while they were out .
The door eGuard 8200 is compatible with most doors ( 38mm-110mm ) and is a direct replacement for existing spyholes
( 14mm-26mm ). There are no fiddly cables to route around the frame or inside the door , as power is supplied courtesy of 4x AAA batteries , which are easy for the home owner to replace .
A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
After doors , the second most common entry point for burglars is a ground floor window . These should be secured with key-operated window locks to prevent them being opened , even if the glass is smashed . Sterling offers a range of additional window locks and sash jammers , many of which are also suitable for doors .
For customers looking for an integrated solution , Sterling also produces direct replacement uPVC locking window handles . Featuring a gradated spindle for easy fitting , Sterling ’ s locking handles are available with inline and offset options to suit all applications . The strong die cast handles have been subjected to extensive endurance and corrosion resistance testing to ensure they operate regardless of the weather and frequency of use . These window handles also provide a perfect opportunity for consumers to upgrade to new more contemporary designs .
Police recommend that any ladders should be secured to prevent them being used on upper windows that may not be locked . A ground anchor and locked cable / chain is ideal for securing ladders either inside or outside , are easy to fit and can make a useful additional sale for locksmiths .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | JAN / FEB 2018 Sponsored by Lockex 2018 - Security & Fire Safety