Rogue Traders and Security of your home

From Southam SNT


Dear All,
Recently we have had some calls from members of the public concerned about possible Rogue Traders and Security of their homes.
Many burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who simply enter homes through open windows or unlocked doors.

Implementing home security measures is the best way of reducing the chance of being burgled and, for a relatively low cost you can protect your property and make it difficult for a burglar.

Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes, and see where opportunities exist for your home to become a target.
To complete the Home Office, home security self-assessment form please find attached the form below.
SELF ASSESSMENT FORM
Below is some simple advice to follow in regards to your home security:
Doors:

• Keeping your doors locked, even when you are at home, is vital for good home security.
• Keep keys out of sight, and reach, from cat flaps, letterboxes, and downstairs doors and windows Please don’t be tempted to keep a spare key hidden outside; this is an open invitation to thieves
• Make sure doors and door frames are in a good condition.
• Wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm thick Wooden front doors should be fitted with a 5-lever mortice deadlock, and an automatic deadlocking rim latch (both to BS3621). Wooden back doors should be fitted with a 5-lever mortice lock (BS3621), and key operated mortice bolts top and bottom (BS3621)
• When replacing doors invest in door-sets, which are certified to British Standard PAS24-1: 1999

Windows:

• An open window may let in more than a cool breeze. If you open a window for an air, make sure you close it when you go out.
• To limit the windows opening, consider fitting restrictors to downstairs windows Ensure all ground floor windows, and any that are easily accessible from a flat roof, are fitted with window locks
• When replacing windows invest in ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950

Lights:
The right lighting, correctly positioned can be a real deterrent to a burglar. Lighting allows a property to look occupied, and removes the offender’s cover of darkness. Be wary not to light an offender’s path, only illuminate areas which are overlooked, and where an offender is likely to be seen.

• A constant level of lighting provided by a dusk-to-dawn sensor light is ideal at the front of the house. By lighting the front doorway it removes the cover of darkness, and allows callers to be identified at night
• At the rear or to the side of your property, passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor light will draw your or your neighbours’ attention to any activity
• Homes that do not look occupied after dark are a target for burglars, especially in the winter months. Use energy saving lights with timers to make your home look occupied

Alarms:
It is nationally recognised that burglar alarm systems are an effective burglary deterrent, and alarm systems are highly recommended to prevent crime. Offenders avoid anything that may draw attention to them as they strive to work anonymously.

If you already have an alarm system, take advantage of it and ensure that it is set when you leave the property and when you go to bed.

• If you are considering investing in an alarm system, we recommend that you obtain 3 quotes from at least 3 security companies who are subject to independent inspection by a recognised body, either NSI (The National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
• There are essentially 2 types of alarm system:
  
  1) An audible only system, which will sound a bell or siren to attract attention and help deter any potential burglary. This system should comply with the current recognised British or European standards
  
  2) A monitored system will, in addition send a signal to a central monitoring station that can alert the police.
  
  
  Both systems can be programmed to dial direct to a key holder.
• Having a pet does not prevent you from having an alarm system. This is something you should discuss with your installation company
• When investing in an alarm system, ensure that you have bell boxes positioned at both the front and rear of your property.
• The police will attend when they receive notification from a central monitoring station that a police approved monitored system has been activated. In addition they will attend a 'bells only' audible alarm if additional information is received indicating that an offence is in progress
• An alarm system is not a replacement for the usual security measures and is not an alternative to good doors, windows and locks. Alarm systems form part of a security package to help make your property less inviting to a thief, complimenting the other security features

If a company approaches you to assess your security, treat them with suspicion and always obtain at least three different quotes from different companies.
Any further questions or queries please contact us here at Southam,
Kind Regards,
SOUTHAM FARM WATCH
Southam Police Station
High Street
Southam
Tel : 01926 415000
Email : southamfarmwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk