Table of contents

1.  External Boundaries
2. External Security
3. Physical Security
4. Audio and Visual security

 

 

1.External Boundaries

 

Home security can be a huge challenge,  there's soo many methods and products available choosing the correct ones can be a headache.

Firstly look at the shrubs, trees and bushes surrounding the property, are they over grown, covering doors and windows and higher than six feet ?                        If so then they need to be trimmed down and thinned out as they could potentially give unwanted cover to a potential burglar, and not forgetting street lighting can be very help full and free !

Secondly, have a look at what else surrounds the property, walls and fences.  Fences need to be checked for broken or loose panels, fence panels that slide into a concrete posts can be secured to the post using fence anchors. this stops the panels from being forcefully lifted out.

Any external access such as gates can be secured easily using a simple lock and padlock approach, a simple method that will stop a burglar from easily gaining access.

   

 

2. External Security

Lighting up those dark areas.

Security lighting is a fantastic method to have to help secure the external areas of your property.

Security lighting can be set up in various ways, they can activate based on timers, day/night or motion.

Security lighting stops burglars having the ability to move around the boundaries unnoticed in the dark, when a security light activates it has proven in many cases to deter the burglar making them leave the immediate area.

Security lighting is also extremely helpful for the homeowner during the dark winter months so can serve multiple purposes.

 

3. Physical Security

Windows, doors and Locks

Windows are a huge part of our homes and although most homes have double glazing installed, unfortunately it can still be compromised fairly easily and of course this also gives the burglar a sneak peak into our homes.

Curtains and blinds can help stop a burglar looking through the window and electronic shutters are becoming more popular in the UK.                                              Security glass can also be installed, this is a direct replacement of the existing window panes and can be highly effective against physical damage.

Windows can also be forced open even whilst locked, its recommended to always shut and lock windows when possible but there are extra measures that can be installed such as sash jammers and window restrictors.

These methods are designed to help stop windows from being forced open and are a very cost effective method.

 

Every home has a door and every door can be opened.                                                      However, installing the correct door and frame can have a huge affect on the physical security of your home.

One of the most noted secure doors are steel doors with either a composite of wooden coating, other very popular and secure doors are composite and solid timber doors.                                                                                                                                             However if you are thinking of upgrading your doors make sure you check the frame itself, the frame needs to be just as solid as the door itself and use security rated hinges.

 

Every home has a door and every door has a lock, but not every lock is secure against burglary.

Anti snap locks are a revolutionary product that can help secure your doors instantly.  Lock snapping and lock bumping are methods that burglars have been using for years, it takes less than 60 seconds to complete and is a very quiet form of attack.

Anti snap locks are designed with a sacrificial point away from the locking mechanism, this means once the lock is under attack part of the cylinder breaks off leaving the locking mechanism still intact and protected from further attack.

They also have other functions that can stop more sophisticated attacks such as bumping and raking. choosing the correct  anti snap lock is very important,    once changed realistically they will not require replacing again the entire time you live at that property.

 

Security Bollards are a fantastic physical method used to secure vehicles.            Many types are available, from electronic barriers and gates, telescopic bollards, fold down bollards and more.

These methods were once considered extreme but are now proving more and more popular. Criminals are finding increasingly new technical ways of stealing vehicles but parking barriers still offer a fantastic form of security as only extreme, time consuming physical force will bypass them.

 

4. Audio and Visual Security

Professional grade burglar alarms are one of the best forms of modern deterrents.

First used back in 1853 they have revolutionized home security. Burglar alarms offer one of the first barriers of security as they have a visual impact that should be noticeable from the property boundary.

Modern professional burglar alarms have external bell boxes with flashing Leds inside that offer a visual deterrent from a distance. The bell boxes should be installed on the front and rear of the property and possibly on the sides depending on size and location.

Burglar alarms can be designed and installed to suit each and every home.  Most modern systems also have the ability to be self monitored meaning the home owner has the ability to receive notifications on the vent of an activation and also the ability to arm and disarm the system remotely via a smart phone.

Remember security is there for a reason and if the correct methods are used and installed properly you stand a huge chance in keeping the burglars away.      If you are unsure about the types of home security you require make sure you speak to a reputable security expert and seek two or three opinions.                       A professional security expert will spend the time looking around your home to advise on methods that could improve your security.

We supply and install all of the above Security methods and more.

We cover the West Midlands but will happily offer advice wherever possible.

Thanks for reading

Jack Fairbotham                                                                                                                                      West Midlands Security and Fire