If you aren’t the security conscious type – and have been guilty of leaving your house keys in the local pub more than once- then it might be time to consider making more of an effort to keep your home (and family) safe and secure.
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Be safe
Whether you are trying to protect your home or your business premises then it’s a good idea to have a chat with your local police station for advice. You should also seek out a security specialist, such as Security Direct UK who stocks a wide range of grilles and shutters for the protection of all types of and is used by Merseyside Police and the NHS, among others.
Some commercial properties need to look like a fortress in order to deter criminals. Shutters are also a good idea for protecting garages and sheds although most domestic property owners don’t want their homes to look too intimidating so security grilles might be a better option.
Living in a rural area
Although crime in most rural areas is lower than in the cities, slow police response times and the remote location of a property often means that homeowners will have to rely on their own security measures to protect their homes. The Thames Valley Police Country Watch website has some useful ideas for country dwellers.
Country Watch Alerts work in a similar way to Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the cities, and can often prevent a crime. If you have a long driveway, then electric gates are a good method of preventing access to your property. Sensor lights in your garden are also a great idea, just be aware that foxes and other animal visitors may set off your lights as well, as the criminal fraternity.
Tips for city dwellers
The Metropolitan Police website advises that as burglary can be: ‘financially costly and emotionally devastating to victims, by taking just a few simple measures you can reduce the chances of it happening.’
Always lock any outbuildings. Many people forget that side gates are perfect for unobtrusive entry, so these should always be secured. The website also advises use of timed lights when you’re away from home. Invisible alarm systems are wonderful, as the burglar won’t always realise that they have triggered the alarm, so they may get caught in the act of committing a crime.
Be careful who you talk to
If you have just invested in some expensive jewellery, or a smart new car don’t shout about it from the rooftops. The local pub really can be a goldmine for information for criminals, and you never really know who’s eavesdropping your conversation. You can protect your home by installing all types of security devices, but if you keep on informing others about your possessions or when you’re likely to be away from home, then you’re only issuing an invitation to the unscrupulous.
Sometimes too much protection can also issue an invitation to criminals, they may ask what are you so anxious to protect, and try and gain access to your house but a simple and visible alarm is an excellent deterrent, as are secure windows and doors. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help in the fight against crime within your local community.
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