Top Tips

TOP TEN HOUSE SECURITY TIPS

Fit front and rear doors with a 5, 6 or 7 lever mortice lock. The front door should also have an automatic deadlocking rim lock. The rear door should be fitted with a rim lock and mortice bolts at the top and bottom.
If replacing external doors then ensure they comply with British Standard PAS24. This means they have been tested to a minimum security standard and will resist attack.
Make sure you lock UPVC doors with a key even at night. Do not rely just on lifting the door handle as this does not lock the door and will leave it vulnerable. Adapt your house fire plan to take this into consideration.
Fit locks to windows, particularly on the ground floor and any vulnerable upstairs windows. If a window is part of your fire escape plan then do not fit a key operated lock but do ensure that it is glazed with laminate glass. Replacement windows should be to BS 7950 security standard.
Consider installing a burglar alarm from an NSI (National Security Inspectorate, http://www.nsi.org.uk/) or SSAIB (The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board, http://www.ssaib.org/) registered security firm. If you have one already fitted then set it every time the house is empty and always set the downstairs zone at night.
Keep any side gates locked. A padlock is often a sufficient deterrent and make sure the gate is as near to the front building line as possible.
Fit trellis to the top of all side and rear fencing. If this is supported by planting prickly shrubs it will make a really efficient climbing deterrent.
Lock all tools away in a shed or garage. All fittings to exterior wooden gates and sheds should be fixed with dome headed coach bolts and not screws for extra strength.
Install dusk to dawn or sensor operated security lights. These can be more useful if they can also be operated by a master switch inside the house.
Contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor for more detailed advice or a free house security check.

The Crime Reduction Advisor can be contacted by calling 0845 8 505 505

Top Ten Tips to Avoid Car Crime

Remove all valuables from your vehicle including sat navs, laptops, and mobile phones.
Do not leave anything on show especially cradles for sat navs and sucker marks.
Fit an alarm or immobiliser and use it.
Take care where you park your vehicle and avoid poorly-lit and deserted areas - try to find an area that is covered by CCTV cameras.
When using a public car park, try and use one that has the "Secured Car Park Award"
If you have a garage at home then use it for parking your car and not for general storage. When parked on a driveway fit sensor lights to cover the area where your car is parked.
Make sure you lock your car and take the keys when going to the ticket machine or to pay for the petrol.
At the start of your journey put valuables in the boot.
Keep your keys on your person, not in a handbag or briefcase.
Register mobile phones, laptops, sat navs etc with Immobolise at http://www.immobolise.com/