The weakest points in the security of your home may not be immediately obvious to law-abiding home owners but you can be sure opportunist thieves know these only too well.
Unlocked windows, open garden gates, overgrown bushes, ladders left out and fragile patio doors all delight the burglar who is looking for a quick and easy target. Taking some steps to make access to your property is time well spent. The harder you make it for someone to break in the more likely he is to go and find an easier prospect.
The knowledge that an intruder has been in your home is horrendous not to mention the anger , distress ,outrage and even fear that remains with the victims long after the event. Even if nothing much is taken it is the violation of somebody else helping themselves to your valued and treasures possessions that is justifiably enraging.
An often overlooked weakness can be the garage so here are a few guidelines that might help you avoid being just another case number in the official burglary statistics in your neighbourhood.
Unlocked windows, open garden gates, overgrown bushes, ladders left out and fragile patio doors all delight the burglar who is looking for a quick and easy target. Taking some steps to make access to your property is time well spent. The harder you make it for someone to break in the more likely he is to go and find an easier prospect.
The knowledge that an intruder has been in your home is horrendous not to mention the anger , distress ,outrage and even fear that remains with the victims long after the event. Even if nothing much is taken it is the violation of somebody else helping themselves to your valued and treasures possessions that is justifiably enraging.
An often overlooked weakness can be the garage so here are a few guidelines that might help you avoid being just another case number in the official burglary statistics in your neighbourhood.
· Make sure that garage doors are sturdy and always kept locked. Seems obvious but how often do you see doors left open and valuables on open show. It only takes a few minutes for an opportunist to make off with bikes, tools, equipment etc.
· Ensure the garage door openers are not worn, weak or corroded through lack of maintenance. If all the burglar needs is a strong crowbar then he will make easy work of that. Fitting a new roller garage door and reliable remote operating system is a surer way of beating him.
· Fit an electrically operated opening system from a reliable supplier.
· Modern roller garage doors can be supplied with a security code which only allows you or your family to open it. It has been known for older systems to be capable of being operated by unauthorised persons. Some systems even allow for a change of security codes such as those used in hotels . It’s not much use having a code if it is easily overridden. Make sure the security code isn’t passed to other people unless you can keep tabs on exactly who they are.
· Don’t leave the remote in your car. If your car is stolen then that’s a clear invitation for a thief to turn his criminal intentions to your home as well. Obtain a key chain remote to keep with your keys. That way it will not be out of your possession.
· If there is direct access between the garage and the rest of your house ensure the connecting door is solid and has a suitably sturdy locking system.
· If you are going away on holiday think about a secondary locking system for the garage door. One that can only be operated from inside the garage is a good idea and worth the inconvenience. It would only add a few moments to your final security check and ensure you peace of mind.
· Finally consider fitting an alarm system to your garage. Not all insurance companies provide cover for the contents of garages so providing your own extra security will be money well spent and give you peace of mind.
No comments:
Post a Comment