Home Security
Making sure your property is fully protected with home security measures that don’t need to cost the earth. Here are some top tips from The Master Locksmiths Association.
Door and windows Security
Ask a locksmith to review your door and window security (including internal doors to conservatories and garages) to make sure all windows and doors have the most appropriate locks
Are they in good condition and properly fitted?
Incorrectly fitted euro locks can lead to lock snapping. Do they meet your insurance requirements? Do your front and back door have Anti-snap locks fitted? They can protect your euro lock cylinder from being a victim of lock snapping, although you must make sure you have the correct size and lock standard fitted to be truly anti-snap.
Upgrade your Locks to BS3621 British Standard
Have your home locks upgraded to BS3621, a standard which most insurance companies require your locks be fitted to. BS3621 is a British Standard where locks are tested against common burglar techniques such as drilling and picking. Locks that can be upgraded to this include Mortice Locks, Night Latches (Yale Locks ) and Rim Cylinder locks.
Sash jammers: protect UPVC doors & windows
You may also want to install top and bottom bolts on French doors or add sash jammers to UPVC doors or windows. Sash Jammers STOP a door or window from opening.They are easy to fit and cheap and can also be fitted to wooden doors and windows.
French door & patio doors
Before adding additional security any French doors should have the following standard of lock and/or handles fitted: Lock Cylinder should be approved to SS312 Diamond (or at least 3* Kitemark). Door Handles should be approved to SS301 Bronze or TS007 2*. Patlock stops burglars opening doors by holding the internal handles in place.
Digital door viewer
Sees who’s at your door before you open it with a digital door viewer. The advantages of a digital door viewer and common features on most viewers are: Easy to fit and install in a new place or existing door and to remove if you move. They have a motion sensor, LCD display and HD video and image recorders. Take it further with video/audio intercoms. Really useful to the elderly who can converse with visitors without having to leave the comfort of their living room for example and for all of us homeworkers.
Door chains
Another way to check who is at your door before opening is by fitting a door chain. There are now door chains available for uPVC and composite doors which are very simple to fit and not expensive, they can prevent distraction burglaries.
Letterbox security
Prevent “Fishing” by adding a letterbox guard, (letterplate) which can help prevent letterbox fishing where criminals try to remove your house keys through your letterbox.
Security grilles or bars to protect windows
Side windows in a house can be smashed to reach keys and gain entry so consider adding reinforced glass or maybe even block up the window. Security grilles can be fitted to domestic homes.
See the advertisers in Fresh that can help with your security.
“ensure you have adequate contents as well as buildings insurance to protect your home’s valuables.”