The Locksmith Journal Sep/Oct 2021 - Issue 76 | Page 13

NATIONAL HOME SECURITY MONTH
As the popularity of smart home products continue to rise , the British Standards Institution launched the BSI Kitemark for IoT Devices . The introduction of this standard provides consumers with a solution to identify trustworthy connected devices , which are safe , secure , and trustworthy . As a professional tradesperson , when fitting smart security devices which have been awarded the IoT Standard , you can feel confident you ’ re providing highly secure solutions to your customers .
When surveying a home for security measures , Yale has put together a list of areas around the home that should be a high priority for investment for homeowners . These include :
Internal Security :
• Ensure high quality windows and doors are fitted with appropriate locks . It ’ s especially important to check the more easily accessible windows , such as those on the ground floor .
• Check if the door handles are starting to become loose . If they are , they will need to be upgraded . To ensure maximum security is met , the handle must have a TS007 2-star rating and be combined with a 1-star or higher rated cylinder .
• Lock snapping continues to be a threat to front door security . As a result , the quality of lock cylinders is more important than ever . Check that the cylinders used are rated at TS007 3-star Kitemark . A cylinder such as the Yale Platinum 3 Star Cylinder offers ultimate protection and comes with £ 1000 guarantee .
• If there are external wooden doors in the property , check the nightlatch is working and locking correctly . If the current latch is a 3-lever design , it ’ s worth suggesting to the homeowner to consider upgrading to a 5-lever night latch . This upgrade will ensue they comply with insurance requirements .
• If you think additional security could be installed in the home , door chains can add protection against opportunists , whereas a letterplate restrictor can help prevent against letterbox fishing , a common tactic used to obtain car keys .
• If their lock requires an upgrade , would they be interested in investing in a smart lock , such as the Yale Keyless Lock or the Conexis L1 Smart Lock , which meets the smart lock BSI standard TS621:2018 .
• Does the home have an alarm system ? Whether it is smart , or a more traditional wired system , a home alarm system can act as an efficient deterrent to any potential burglars .
External Security :
• Does the property have a shed or garage ? Garages are a target for theft , in fact research from Easy Fit Garage Doors revealed one in five UK household burglaries occur through a garage . Using a standalone alarm , like the Yale shed and garage alarm can be useful for alerting the homeowners to any unusual activity in the shed .
• A shed should also be securely locked up with a padlock which is CEN 4 rated and tested to EN12320:2012 . This can provide maximum security and withstand the toughest conditions .
• As gates can provide easy access for burglars to outside areas , security measures for these areas are essential . A weatherproof high security hasp and maximum or high security padlock , which is also weatherproof , can provide a high level of security and help to protect the access to the back of the house .
• If there ’ s a large outdoor area which needs to be monitored , a CCTV system can watch over the area , throughout the day and night . A CCTV system will allow the homeowner to keep a track on their external home security , and act as an active deterrent to a potential intruder . A smart CCTV system also enables them to be able to check any activity on their smartphone or tablet and ensure the system has night vision , so activity in the dark can also be monitored .
Find out more about the security product range available from Yale by visiting www . yalehome . co . uk
For the latest campaign information on National Home Security Month , visit the Yale Home Facebook , Twitter and Instagram pages , follow # NHSM21 , or visit www . homesecuritymonth . com
SEP / OCT 2021
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