Security in the Home – Infographic

HOME SECURITY What You Need to Know The consistently high burglary statistics in Ireland means that it's now more important than ever to focus on securing the home as much as possible in order to prevent unwanted visitors. po0000000he Statsoo0000g0000 20 13 to 2014 - saw a 47 increase in reported residential burglaries. Over 50% of burglars enter through the rear of the home. 2 out of 3 burglaries 1-0 are residential. Front door 27/. Rear door 25%. The most likely entry point for a burglar is a door. Rear window accounts for 28%. On average 20% of intruders enter through an unsecured door or window; this reached almost 30% in June 2014. (16% through an unsecured door and 13% through an unsecured window). Over 200 cases of car keys fished from letterboxes in 2014. Cash and Jewellery account for 72% of the total value of items stolen in residential burglaries. Overall there was €27.6 million worth of goods stolen during residential burglaries in 2014. [Source: An Garda Siochána May 2015] 00 Ways to Omprove Your Home Securityoo0o Secure Doors and Windows Consider replacing ordinary or toughened glass with laminated glass (two pieces of glass bonded together). This is much more difficult to break through as it is shatter-proof and will therefore delay a forced entry attempt. The window handle should not be the only means of keeping the window closed There should be a locking system fitted within the framework and the handle used as a means of engaging the internal locking system Doors should be fitted with a multipoint security locking system securing the door in as many as eight places along the length of the door. Further enhance the security by using a handle which protects the cylinder against the latest methods of forced entry. The cylinder itself should be anti-pick, anti-snap and anti-bump as a minimum. TSO07 is the latest Kitemarked security standard for replacement lock cylinders and protective door furniture. To meet this standard your door cylinder and door furniture must have a combined star rating of 3 stars. Letter boxes should have an internal cover plate and not be at floor level Mail should be allowed to drop down so that it can't be retrieved from the outside. Consider fitting a spy hole and a Safe T Catch. A Safe T Catch is the ultimate in security against unwanted callers, including, of course, criminals. The rigid bar is much stronger than a chain and offers great resistance against forced entry. It's also visually more attractive as, unlike a chain it remains hidden from view until used Don't leave keys in the door, as they can be turned or stolen through the letterbox. Windows should have internal beading to avoid the glass being removed from the outside. Some systems which have external beading are secure because the glass is adhered to the frame or secured by special tamper-proof clips. Outside Lighting These should be motion sensored and timer activated. Tip Security lights should be fitted high enough so that they can't be easily disabled. Also protect the cabling of lights to avoid any tampering Multiple exterior lights are more effective than a single high power light. They create fewer shadow areas and act as a back-up should one bulb bloW. Tip 2 Tip 3 Motion sensors should be positioned so that animals don't activate the lights every time they move past them. ww.w.ww www Security Alarms Statistics show that homes without an alarm are 2 - 3 times more likely to be burgled. 60% of attempted burglaries fail when there's a security alarm. There are two main types of alarms: audio only or a monitored system. Monitored Alarms As the nominated key holder being contacted as soon as the alarm is set off. A police response actioned as soon the alarm is set off. Monitored systems are more expensive so do some research to find an alarm solution that suits your needs and property type. Wireless glams can generally be installed easily without the need for an electrician plus if you are living in a rental property they can easily be removed and taken with you The downside is that they tend to be a bit more expensive and are battery operated so you will need to regularly check them You can also link certain alarm systems to your smart phone so not only can you use your phone to switch it on and off but you can also use it to view your home remotely through any cameras you may have built into your system. po00oChecklist For a Secure Homero poo Don't leave anything of value like laptops, cameras and car keys in view. This will only encourage a burglar. Make sure you lock windows and doors when you leave the house. Don't leave a spare set of keys under a flowerpot or doormat. It's surprising how many people do and burglars are aware of this too. If you've just bought a new piece of electrical equipment, don't leave the packaging outside in view. This suggests that there is an expensive item inside worth stealing Make sure any sheds or outhouses are secure not only to protect their contents but burglars will often use tools found in sheds to gain access to properties Make sure that garden fences and access gates are secure and in good repair. Do not let anyone you're not expecting into your house until you have fully checked their ID. p000000Advice from the Expertso Sergeant kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit advises: 1. Burglars like easy opportunities. A good rule of thumb is the three minute delay test. If you can deny entry for three minutes or more - the likelihood is that the burglars will go elsewhere. 2) Robust doors and windows, properly fitted with quality locking systems present a good physical barrier to the burglar. 3. When away, leave a key with a trusted neighbour. Get the neighbour to collect your post and your deliveries if you have not already cancelled them. They might even leave their spare car in your drive way. Set up or join a community crime prevention programme like neighbourhood watch or community alert. There's security in numbers. 4. po0000000oleferencesooo000g00000 gardaie/Controller aspx?Page= 15309 wickes.couk/home-security huffingtonpost.com/jason-alderman/choosing-the-right-home-a_b_4268390html senatorwindows.ie/ SENATOR WINDOWS senatorwindows.ie