Are You Worried About Burglary?
If so, then you may want to heed the following advice issued by Essex Police.
Burglary & Home Security Advice
Burglary is an awful crime to experience. One in ten burglaries are committed through a door or window being left open. There are easy steps you can take to help prevent your household from being burgled.
Most burglaries happen when a property is left unsecured. Whether you’re popping to the shops or heading out to work, secure your house in the same way. Even if you’re in the back garden, secure your house as burglars look for easy opportunities to take items from open windows or unlocked garages.
Do not leave keys should in the door as these can be used to manipulate the lock, removed and used from the outside to enter.
Strong Door Frames
Good locks keep your door secure but these need to be supported by strong door frames. If you need to replace your damaged or weak doorframe, ensure the door set is certified to British Standard PAS 24. Most of these are fitted with a multi-point locking system comprising of a latch and mortice bolt at the centre, and either a further mortice bolt or hook bolt above and below this.
If your house is fitted with one of these make sure that you always lock the door with a key. Simply closing the door and pushing the handle up won’t stop a burglar. Make sure at all times you fully engage the multi-locking mechanism and that the door is securely locked. Fitting additional locks or security measures to PVCu Doors may invalidate your warranty.
Your Front Door
Your front door or the door you use to come and go should be fitted with at least two locking points. These locks should be to British Standard BS3621 and ideally a night latch and a five lever mortice lock. Rear doors can be fitted with a mortice sash lock and either lockable bolts or mortice rack bolts top and bottom.
Most modern patio doors are fitted with a multi-point locking system which includes locking hook bolts and anti-lift systems. If you have older patio doors you may want to think about supplementing the existing locks with additional patio door locks.
Shared Entrance?
Be extra careful about letting people in through shared entrances. If you don’t know them – don’t let them in, even if they have got a story that sounds genuine. Ensure the door always closes behind you before leaving it.
Restrict access via open windows, even when you’re in the house. If you are indoors, use fanlight windows for ventilation and lock the lower windows. If you do not have these, use lockable window restrictors.
Window Locks
Ensure that all your windows have locks, if you do not have multi-point locking systems. There are a number of good locks on the market which are available relatively cheaply.
Just like your doors, make sure your windows and frames are strong and in good condition and are certified to British Standard PAS24. Ensure any PVCu windows are secured into the frames.
More Advice
We have loads more advice on our website which includes going on holiday, keys, gardens, alarms, CCTV and property marking.