There are few things more important than feeling safe in your own home, which is why protecting it from break-ins and vandalism should be a top priority.
There are a number of ways of doing this from ensuring that sufficient intruder alarm systems are in place, to installing CCTV to collect evidence of a robbery at the same time as providing a visual deterrent. There should also be a focus on reducing the vulnerability of any potential entry point, such as windows, garages and, most obviously, front and back doors.
Burglar-proofing your doors and windows, a common sense approach
While security features have consistently improved in the majority of homes over the last couple of decades, a door that’s vulnerable to a swift kick or a crowbarring will always be attractive to an opportunistic thief. It may seem like stating the obvious, but ensuring that you have a door that can withstand a bit of force should be made a major priority. Any form of hollow wooden door is instantly at risk, and should be replaced, by either fibreglass or solid wood. Try to avoid large window sections that could easily be smashed to gain entry. A door could be made of titanium metal, but if insufficient attention is paid to the hinges then it will make no difference to an intruder. Firstly, hinges should not be on the exterior of the doorway, where they could be attacked by a chisel, screwdriver or other levering tool. Secondly, many doors will be hung by only three hinges. Adding an extra hinge between the existing top and middle ones, and another between the middle and bottom, will greatly increase the combined strength – particularly if they are made from stainless steel. As with hinges, a door is only as strong as its locks. With this in mind, investing in a solid deadlock is the best way to ensure that the door is not vulnerable to being pried open. It’s not just the quality of the bolt itself, however. Paying attention to the strength and durability of the strike plate is also important, with metal housing recommended. Additional bolts at the top and bottom of the door will always help to strengthen it, too.
Additional security options
While strengthening the physical integrity of the door is a key priority, there are a number of additional steps that can be taken to further improve security.
By installing an intruder alarm and displaying a bell box on the outside of your property, a burglar instantly knows that the house is protected and is less likely to attempt a break in. It makes sense for a burglar to choose to break into an unprotected house rather than a protected one. The visible nature of an alarm makes an opportunistic intruder think twice. Most intruder alarms include an automated dialler, this will ring designated telephone numbers in an event of alarm activation. Installing an intruder alarm system, especially a monitored alarm system, provides the very best peace of mind that your home, family and assets are protected and there are a variety of options available from pet friendly detectors to wire free alarm systems and wired systems. A site survey (offered at no cost from Jensen Security and Fire Systems) is fully recommended so the most appropriate security solutions can be advised based on your specific individual needs.
CCTV (closed circuit television) has become a necessary tool to help reduce crime, protect public and private spaces, homes, businesses and organisations. CCTV can provide instant alerts when trouble occurs, ensuring that crime against people, theft and vandalism are all substantially reduced. CCTV technology can be used in both internal and external environments to observe and protect people, property, vehicles and valuables. There are a variety of options to both domestic and commercial customers around CCTV installation- all cameras are networked and multi-mega pixels to allow a clear picture and offer full compability with computer systems. There are options to include accessing your CCTV system on the go with an easy to install smartphone app.
Access control and door entry systems can range from keycard controls, to being able to hear and see who is trying to enter the premises. Door entry systems allow for strict access control, meaning that key card access can be granted to authorised persons, and cancelled automatically in the event of theft or loss.
Jensen Security and Fire Systems provide a wide range of high quality security options including those outlined above for homes and businesses throughout the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the East of England, the Midlands and beyond. From intruder alarms, to full CCTV and door entry systems tailored to your needs, our expert team are on hand to provide advice and assistance as to the ideal setup for you. Get in touch today to arrange a free site survey, or to find out more, call – 01733 391888.
