HOME SECURITY ALARM
Helen Li
SMQT
2016-06-07 15:56:27
HOME SECURITY ALARM
No special skills are required, but some experience of electrical work would be an advantage when fitting a burglar alarm.
It is estimated that as many as 60% of burglaries are made by entry through unlocked windows and doors, so it makes sense to check that you have secured all your doors and windows before going to bed or leaving the house. An intruder alarm provides additional peace of mind and a simple smoke alarm gives advanced warning in the event of fire. All the equipment you need is available for you to fit yourself.
Securing your home against burglary is more about common sense than making your house into a fortress.
It is estimated that as many as 60% of burglaries are made by entry through unlocked windows and doors, so it makes sense to check that you have secured all your doors and windows before going to bed or leaving the house.
An intruder alarm provides additional peace of mind and a simple smoke alarm gives advanced warning in the event of fire. All the equipment you need is available for you to fit yourself.
2 - Basic security Contact your local Crime Prevention Officer at the nearest police station for advice on how to protect your home from intruders.
Most burglars are opportunists looking for lapses in home security but there are measures that can be taken to improve home security and make life difficult for even the more resourceful intruder:
• Always fit the best-quality security devices you can afford. Choose fittings that carry a British Standard Kitemark as recommended by the police and insurance companies.
• Always remove the key from a lock and place it out of sight and reach of an intruder.
• Leave a light on and the radio playing when you go out for the evening.
• Buy one or two time switches and set them to operate some lights when you are away on holiday. Remember to cancel regular deliveries such as newspapers and milk. It is a good idea to inform your neighbours and the police that you are away.
• Make an invisible identification mark such as your name and postcode on your valuables using a special property-marking pen.
• Do not rely on ordinary window catches to keep intruders out - really determined burglars will simplybreak the glass and slip the catch.
Special key-operated locks are available to fit most types of window, from traditional sliding sashes and casements to modern metal-framed windows and patio doors. Keep keys out of reach of the window but where you can reach them in an emergency.
If you are going away,
1. Leave a key with a trusted neighbour who will check your house regularly and ask him or her to collect the post and free newspapers.
2. Upgrade your windows by fitting locks particularly to ground-floor and basement windows, and to others that can be reached easily without the aid of a ladder.
3 - Windows - Sliding sash windows Wooden sliding sash windows are often secured wit
h a cam or fitch fastener placed at the centre of the sash meeting rails. These look attractive and are reasonably efficient but a burglar can unlock them with nothing more than a strong knife, so when choosing locks, look for those that have a removable key.
4. - Windows - Wooden casement windows Wooden casement windows are hinged down one side afastened to the fixed framewith a lever or cockspuhandle. A casement stay is often used to hold the window in the open position. A number of simple devices are available for securing casements:
Fitting instructions are usually supplied with window locks and bolts - as each lock differs in detail, it pays to read the manufacturer's recommendations before you start work.
• Replace old cockspur handles with new lockable ones - these are made for left or right-hand opening.
• If you want to retain your original cockspur handles screw a lock (or a pair of locks) to the fixed frame. A keeper plate, screwed to the casement, latches automatically when you close the window and is released with a key.
• Secure the casement stay with a simple key-operated lock. A threaded stud, which can be used to replace the original stay peg, passes through a hole in the stay arm. Screwing a locknut onto the stud prevents the stay from moving. Keep keys out of reach of the window but where you can reach them in an emergency.