There is a third aspect to your security, monitoring your property to alert either you or the emergency services of attempts at illicit entry. Nowadays it’s all about being Smart.
The basis of home security is a good set of locks on doors and windows.
There are several types of lock to choose from.
The mortice deadlock is one of the most common types of door lock. It needs a key to lock it and to open it. Mortice denotes that the lock is set into the door. The levers inside the lock are pushed up in relation to the shape of the key to allow the bolt to move. The more levers the better but five is the maximum for residential locks currently. The deadlock is the bolt that slides into the doorframe to secure the door.
Mortice sash locks have a deadlock, but they also have a latch bolt. This means that the door can be opened from the inside with a latch when the deadlock is not engaged. It is still secure from the outside.
Rim locks are like mortice deadbolts but are surface mounted rather than recessed into the door. The box contains a lock and a latch. Rim locks are usually fitted where the door is too thin to admit a mortice and are less secure.
Key operated multi-point locking systems are found on modern uPVC and composite doors. The system bolts the door into the frame and locks it at various points.
Night latches – sometimes referred to as Yale Locks although Yale is a brand name – secure the door as soon as it’s closed. They can be opened from the outside by a key and can be deadlocked from the inside by sliding a ‘snib’ button into place. This type of lock is fitted to the surface of the door.
Securing doors
Fit a five-lever mortice dead lock which conforms to British Standard 3621 or European Standard EN 12209.
Avoid glazed panels if you can and ensure that where you have glazed panels they are laminated or toughened glass.
Fit a spy hole and a chain limiter.
Fit a five-lever sash lock half way up the back door and make sure it conforms to the appropriate British or European standard. Supplement the lock with mortice sash bolts at the top and bottom of the door.
Use extra locks on French windows and patio doors, such as multi-locking system. These kinds of doors are a burglar’s favourite way to get into your home.
Securing windows
Modern windows will probably have latches that are already fitted with locks. Older windows may not so you may need to retro-fit locks. Sash locks are fine, but you will need to keep the keys to hand in case of emergency.
Fit window alarms - much cheaper than a full-on alarm system. They are triggered by vibrations on the window glass and have sirens which emit 100 decibels.
Good deterrents include a visible alarm box connected to a good alarm system, CCTV camera systems and exterior lighting.
There are several types of alarms. These are bells-only alarms, dialler burglar alarms, smart-house security systems and monitoring contracts. They can either be traditional wired systems, or wireless. What you choose will depend on budget and location. You could also install exterior dummy alarm boxes. You need to make them look as authentic as possible. Make sure it has an LED light. Which has some great advice on alarms.
CCTV systems fitted in a visible location make a great deterrent. You can keep an eye on your home and loved ones as well as monitoring for intruders. You can buy cameras on their own, or as part of a whole security package. Costs range from around £20 for one wired camera with a night-vision range of 5 metres, to around £450 for a vandal-proof camera. You will need to purchase equipment to accompany the camera, depending on what type you choose, such as connectors and a digital video recorder (DVR) to store and view footage. Again, Which has some great advice on the topic.
Exterior lighting provides a great night-time deterrent. Security lighting can be passive infrared, which illuminates when triggered by movement to deter intruders. Dusk to dawn lamps can remain on all night to provide added protection. Exterior lighting will light up fences and paths for safety and help to keep sheds and outbuildings secure.
It’s always a good idea to have alarm systems, CCTV systems and exterior lighting professionally installed for best results. This will also help the next time you are negotiating premiums with your insurance company.
There are now alternatives to the traditional burglar alarm system. A new wave of smart home security systems has hit the market. Smart systems combine many of the features of a traditional burglar alarm with the ability to monitor, control and interact with your home from an app on your smartphone or tablet. A smart home security system is a set of an internet-connected security gadgets, which typically include a combination of wireless security cameras, sirens, motion detectors, door locks, and sensors that detect when a door or window has been opened. You can also connect lighting, heating, blinds etc.
Welcome to the future of home security!
