Protecting your home

There are few things in life that are more important than our homes and families, yet there is little information available to help us to protect them effectively. Here are some tips on how to improve your home security from our very own local security expert, Paul Howe.

It is encouraging to hear that the local crime rate has fallen over the past few years. While this is good reason for you to feel secure in your home, you should remain aware that criminals are opportunists who will take advantage of any chance to steal from you. With this in mind, there are four key principles you should consider when protecting your home and family, which are deter, detect, delay and react...

Deter:

“Make them choose next door!” Visible deterrents, such as closed windows and doors, a good perimeter fence and gates, visible CCTV and an alarm box may just be enough to put them off. In addition, signage, such as warning stickers in windows may well be enough to dissuade them. For larger, higher value homes, security patrols and/or a professional keyholding service will act as an excellent deterrent to criminals.

Detect:

“Forewarned is forearmed!” The presence of an intruder alarm is usually more than enough to detect a criminal in the act. Aside from being more reliable than ever, modern intruder alarms are relatively low-priced, creating a cost-effective solution for any homeowner. Either you can arrange for your alarm system to be monitored by an alarm receiving centre (ARC), or simply by the use of an auto-dialler, which will automatically call any telephone numbers you choose with a pre-recorded message during an activation.

Modern CCTV systems are also relatively good value and are a real option for homeowners. These can be monitored remotely for maximum security, or may simply provide recorded footage should an opportunist try their luck! The positioning of CCTV over likely points of access, such as gates and driveways will act both as a deterrent as well as capturing evidence for the police should the worst happen.

Delay:

“Buy some time” There are many ways to delay the progress of intruders apart from closing and locking your windows and doors. Some people may be put off the idea of surrounding their home with fencing due to the negative image. However, by choosing good quality fencing and gates, you can add real value to your property, whilst effectively keeping wrongdoers out. Automated gates also serve as an effective method of securing your home by requiring either a pin number or electronic device to gain access. By delaying the intruder, you buy time to react to their presence, provided you have a reliable detection system in place (or watchful neighbours!)

React:

“Catch them if you can!” You could have the best physical security available, but it does not mean anything if there is no reaction to an alert. Take the $100m Antwerp Diamond Heist in 2003 in which a maximum-security vault was raided and was not discovered for two days, allowing the thieves to drive all the way home to Italy completely unnoticed. You cannot always be home, and let’s face it, experienced criminals will wait until you have gone away before visiting your home to see what they can take. You may therefore wish to consider the use of a reliable local keyholding and alarm response service. For a small annual fee, you can employ a professional security company to respond to alarm calls on your behalf. This way there is always someone available if you cannot be there, and they will have the training and experience to deal with difficult situations should they arise.

There are many companies out there providing security services, some of which may be much more reliable than others! Remember to research the company you choose, and make sure you check their references carefully!

Good home security is common sense! By following these simple principles, you will be able to leave your home safe in the knowledge that it is better protected than most. Remember to deter, detect, delay and react when considering your home and family’s security. Please feel free to contact the author if you would like any further advice on your home security by calling 01264 391538 or emailing [email protected].

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”