With the onset of the darker evenings, I am often asked for advice on the best way to secure a home. When considering this question, it can be useful to consider the different elements of the home:
Gardens:
One of the first things to do could be to check your garden boundary and look for any weaknesses, such as broken fences. If you are particularly green fingered, you may wish to consider "defensive planting," your local garden centre should be able to give you some good advice regarding the types of plants that can be planted for this purpose. People often ask me about the effectiveness of barbed wire or carpet gripper as a deterrent to intruders. I NEVER recommend the use of these kinds of materials as there are legal implications and there are more effective alternatives available.
Check garden gates too. Make sure they are fitted with either a hasp and staple or rim lock. It is possible to have all locks at your property keyed alike so you don't need to worry about carrying extra keys.
Sheds and garages can be easy targets for thieves. Sheds should be locked with a closed-shackle padlock and security screws should be fitted on hinges. Your garage security can be upgraded in a number of ways:
Doors and Windows:
Make sure that all doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Wooden doors should be fitted with a mortice deadlock or nightlatch that meets BS3621. uPVC doors should have at least three locking points with hook or deadbolts and be fitted with an anti snap TS007 euro profile cylinder with a minimum one star rating. Sliding patio doors should be fitted with an anti-lift device and additional locking bolts. French doors should be fitted with locking bolts on the fixed leaf.
All ground floor and accessible windows should be fitted with key lockable window locks or handles.
Lighting:
Lighting can also help to secure your home. Consider internal timer switches for lamps when you are away from your property for an extended period of time and protect vulnerable external parts of the property with motion activated security lights.
Alarms:
A good quality alarm system can be an invaluable addition to your home security. An external sign written bell box is a visible deterrent and many modern alarm systems are wireless which means they are less intrusive when installing and can be easily extended to outbuildings such as sheds and garages. An intruder alarm system can also be programmed to notify you via your mobile phone upon activation.
Errington Locksmiths based in Milton Keynes have over 18 years experience in the security industry and our friendly, efficient, uniformed, police checked MK locksmiths would be happy to discuss all the available options with you. We offer a FREE security survey so if you would like to check how secure your home is please contact us.
We also offer a 24HR emergency service in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
Gardens:
One of the first things to do could be to check your garden boundary and look for any weaknesses, such as broken fences. If you are particularly green fingered, you may wish to consider "defensive planting," your local garden centre should be able to give you some good advice regarding the types of plants that can be planted for this purpose. People often ask me about the effectiveness of barbed wire or carpet gripper as a deterrent to intruders. I NEVER recommend the use of these kinds of materials as there are legal implications and there are more effective alternatives available.
Check garden gates too. Make sure they are fitted with either a hasp and staple or rim lock. It is possible to have all locks at your property keyed alike so you don't need to worry about carrying extra keys.
Sheds and garages can be easy targets for thieves. Sheds should be locked with a closed-shackle padlock and security screws should be fitted on hinges. Your garage security can be upgraded in a number of ways:
- Additional bolts can be fitted to the top or bottom corners of an up and over garage door.
- A T Bar type lock can be secured to the ground externally
- If your garage gives access to your house, it is also worth considering fitting additional locks to the top and bottom of the adjoining door.
Doors and Windows:
Make sure that all doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Wooden doors should be fitted with a mortice deadlock or nightlatch that meets BS3621. uPVC doors should have at least three locking points with hook or deadbolts and be fitted with an anti snap TS007 euro profile cylinder with a minimum one star rating. Sliding patio doors should be fitted with an anti-lift device and additional locking bolts. French doors should be fitted with locking bolts on the fixed leaf.
All ground floor and accessible windows should be fitted with key lockable window locks or handles.
Lighting:
Lighting can also help to secure your home. Consider internal timer switches for lamps when you are away from your property for an extended period of time and protect vulnerable external parts of the property with motion activated security lights.
Alarms:
A good quality alarm system can be an invaluable addition to your home security. An external sign written bell box is a visible deterrent and many modern alarm systems are wireless which means they are less intrusive when installing and can be easily extended to outbuildings such as sheds and garages. An intruder alarm system can also be programmed to notify you via your mobile phone upon activation.
Errington Locksmiths based in Milton Keynes have over 18 years experience in the security industry and our friendly, efficient, uniformed, police checked MK locksmiths would be happy to discuss all the available options with you. We offer a FREE security survey so if you would like to check how secure your home is please contact us.
We also offer a 24HR emergency service in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
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