Advice

Security: Quick Advice

Advice for Businesses

In 1993 the British Retail Consortium's annual survey reported there were 57 burglaries per 100 premises, a total of 179,000 burglaries against retailers with the average loss in the region of £1,228 per incident. These figures show that businesses face a much higher risk from burglary that than homeowners. Here is some practical advice to help you secure your business premises, we can provide more information and help on these areas, please call us for details0

Strengthening potential entrances

Installation of grilles and shutters to windows
Fit grilles inside premises for high value goods
Installing a safe to protect valuable items overnight
Secure cages in stockrooms
Install vehicle traps to prevent ram raiders

Advice for the Homeowner

These days it is not uncommon for people to be concerned about the possible threat from burglary, it is important however to remember that around 80% of the burglaries carried out on the home are done so by opportunists and it is nearly always when the property is empty. Here are a few simple precautions to help prevent these and discourage the opportunist thief

Always buy the best level of security you can afford, preferably to BS3621. This level of security is strongly recommended by the Police and Insurance Companies. Always look for the kitemark.

Never leave the key in or near the lock, or where it might easily be seen by a thief.
If in doubt, ask for advice from ourselves or from the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station.
Property marking pens are available allowing you to secretly mark your property with your name and postcode.
If you are going away, cancel the papers, the milk and the post - well in advance. Tell your local police station you are away too.
In addition, ask a friend to regularly check your house and remove any mail or free newspapers that may be accumulating.
Use time switches for lights to come on during the evening while you are away.
If you have a telephone answering machine, do not leave a message saying you're away.
Always ask to see the identity of someone claiming to be from the gas, electricity, water, telephone etc. A genuine person will be pleased you asked and will pass you their card.Look carefully before letting them in.
If there is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in operation locally, join it.

Securing your Home

Front Door Should have a 5 or 7 lever mortice lock which conforms to BS3621 with a cylinder rim lock.
Side and Back Doors again with a 5 or 7 lever mortice lock to BS3621 standard with top and bottom door bolts.
Ground Floor Windows should be fitted with window locks, vulnerable upstairs should also be fitted with locks.
French Windows / Patio Doors Fit appropriate locks to top and bottom of doors.
Sheds and garages should be locked with a padlock or mortice lock.
Security Lighting activated by movement is a good deterrent and can help people who approach your property to see their way.