Below is useful information to help you protect your home
against theft.
Gates and locks back to top
The golden rule is to make sure you have secure locks fitted on exterior doors. There are many types of locks available on the market. When you’re fitting locking systems, it’s always vital to consider how people would escape if there was a fire.
Mortise Deadlocks back to top
A 5 lever mortise deadlock is always a good choice for the front door. Mortise locks must comply to British Standard 3621 kitemark.
Yale and Rim Locks back to top
If you have a Yale lock on your front door, make sure there’s also a mortise deadlock fitted. A Yale lock can be opened without a key – and a thief could also gain entry by breaking any nearby windows and reaching inside.
Integral Multi-Point Locking Systems back to top
These secure systems are operated by a combination of lifting the door handle to activate bolts, then locking in place. They should always be fitted by a professional.
Patio Doors back to top
Patio doors are vulnerable. Unless they are already fitted with a multi-point locking system, they should be fitted with an anti-lift device, so they can’t be lifted out of their tracks. Bolts should be fitted at top and bottom.
Windows back to top
All windows should have a secure lock which can only be opened with a key.
Louvre windows are extremely vulnerable as the individual glass slats can be easily removed. The slats can be glued into place to provide some extra protection – though complete security cannot be guaranteed unless the window is replaced altogether.
Gates back to top
Any gate leading to the side or back of the property should be at least two metres high. It should also be kept locked at all times – most burglars gain access through the back of a property because they will not be seen.
 Gardens back to top
If you’re really serious about security, consider a surrounding brick wall at least two metres high. For extra security, you could add trellis fencing to the top of the wall.
You could also think about planting defensive thorny shrubs or bushes around the perimeter of a property. Plants such as these form an effective deterrent – and they’re so much more attractive than barbed wire or broken glass. If plants or trees are used to act as a natural barrier they must be kept pruned to less than one metre at the front, so that they don’t block the view of the property from neighbours.
Putting down gravel may seem an unlikely way to discourage intruders – but it really does work, because of the noise it makes when walked on!
Lighting back to top
Ensure all outside lighting is in good working order and consider installing security lighting. “Dusk till Dawn” security lighting is more cost effective than motion sensors, as it gives an even spread of light and avoids dark areas. Also, white light is better than yellow, which distorts colour.
Sheds back to top
Sheds should be well built and if the wood becomes rotten, or glass is broken, replacements should be replaced. A mortise deadlock or padlock should be used. Windows should have key-operated locks or be nailed shut if they are never opened.
Tools and Items Left Outside back to top
All tools and ladders should be locked away. If they are stored in a shed, make sure you keep it locked. All garden furniture and ornaments, should be security-marked with the property number and postcode so that, if anything is stolen, it is more likely to be identified and returned.
Neighbourhood Watch back to top
Neighbourhood Watch is a nationwide crime prevention initiative run in conjunction with the police and the Home Office. The police believe that a vigilant community is a vital element in the fight against crime.
If you’re interested in getting involved with Neighbourhood Watch, contact your local crime prevention officer or local Neighbourhood Watch Association.
 Home Security back to top
Keys should be hidden away – not left within reach of a door or window. It’s well worth giving thought to where you store wheelie bins as they can provide a ‘foot up’ to an open first-floor window.
Try not to leave packaging outside for too long before collection for recycling – this is an advertisement to burglars that you’ve just bought something new!
An obvious one... but it still happens: don’t leave your spare key under the front door mat or outside of the property.
Making a Property Looked Occupied back to top
The majority of burglaries happen in unoccupied homes – so it’s worth taking some simple steps to make your home look occupied while you’re out or away:
Do not allow newspapers, milk bottles or mail to build up. Any regular deliveries should be cancelled. The Post Office offers a "Keepsafe" service to store post at the sorting office while you’re not around.
If someone has a spare key to the property you could ask them to go in regularly to turn lights on and off and open and shut the curtains. You could also invite a neighbour to park on the drive.
You could also install timers to lights – or even TVs and radios – so they are switched on and off randomly while you’re away.
Finally, beware of leaving a message on your answer machine which tells callers you’re away.
Alarms back to top
 Audio-only alarms – it goes without saying that burglars tend not to hang around if an alarm is ringing! But it’s important to make sure your alarm doesn’t go off regularly when there isn’t an incident – or it’s likely to be ignored when a real burglary occurs.
Monitored alarms offer an extra level of security because assistance will be sent to the property as soon as the alarm is triggered. You should be aware that the police will only monitor alarms which have been installed by a company compliant with the Association of Chief Police Officers’ security policy.
Alarms are controlled by a key or keypad and it is usually possible to select coverage of particular parts of the property. Home alarms can also be fitted with panic buttons, allowing a householder to call for assistance if an intruder is in the house – even when the alarm itself is switched off.
CCTV back to top
You can monitor your home and its surroundings using CCTV, either from within your home or remotely.
Anti-Vandal Paint back to top
Consider using anti climb paint on your property. The paint creates a permanently greasy surface restricting climbing. It should only be applied above two metres from the ground – and don’t forget to post warning notices.
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