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3. EXTERNAL LIGHTING
The introduction of good security lighting
will deter and detect intrusions or other
criminal activity on the property, it can also
be used to increase a feeling of safety.
• Place lighting around the front, side
and rear of the property
• Using lights operated by sensors can
make intruders feel vulnerable and
observed
• Strong and poorly installed lighting
can cause problems with CCTV and
reduce visibility
4. OUTBUILDINGS AND GARAGES
Garages attached to residential
properties are becoming a popular choice
for criminals as they can provide access
to the property through an unsecure door.
If they can’t access the property, then the
garage and unsecure outbuildings can
provide tools to help gain access to the
property or even your car.
• Connecting doors to the property
from the garage should be the same
level of security as the front door
• Consider using a garage defender as
these can be bolted into the ground
and stop it from being opened
• Outbuilding should be checked for
signs of decay as this could provide an
easy opportunity to remove items
• Use strong padlocks and non-return
screws on hinges on outbuildings
5. CCTV
With modern day 21st century
technologies, it is possible to allow
intelligent / analytical software to perform
24hr monitoring of the property and
inform the end user of potential threats.
• Understand vulnerable areas of
the property and know the systems
capabilities
• Installation requirements should be
identified, and sourcing of a qualified
and appropriate company is highly
recommended
• Consider employing CCTV trained
Security officers for commercial and
residential properties to monitor
potential criminal activity
6. SECURING THE DOORS
Doors are the most common entry
points for burglars, the majority of the
time people simply forget to the lock the
doors of the property.
• Replace old and rotten doors and
install five-lever mortice locks
• Fitting hinge bolts and security hinges
will help reinforce the door against
attack
• When buying a door ensure its
certified to British Standards
• Make sure door hinges are secure
with strong long screws
7. SECURING THE WINDOWS
Installed window locks are only effective
if they are used. If the measures fail to
deter the burglar at first, then the objective
is to impede.
• Window locks should be fitted on
ground floors, baloneys and flat roofs,
locked and the keys removed
• All windows should be certified to
British Standards
• Upgrading the glazing will help delay
potential intruders to meet EN365
and or LPS1270 to prevent handheld
manual attack (Security level subject
to glazing specification)
• Consider installing shock sensors/
vibration alarms on the windows
8. ALARM SYSTEM
Even if residential owners are leaving
the house to go to the local shop’s
potential intruders can be in and out
within 10 minutes with your prized
possessions.
• Experienced burglars can identify
‘dummy alarms’
• Arm the system at night and
understand the system capabilities
• False alarm should always be
investigated as there may a fault in the
system
• External bells and sirens should not
operate more than 20 minutes
9. PROTECTION OF ASSETS
Fitting various protection methods
within the property will leave the intruder
increasing the risk of being caught.
• Ensure safes is securely bolted to
the floor, as intruders will find a way
of removing the safe and deal with
opening it later
• Take photos of the expensive
items and keep with the insurance
documents
• For larger items, consider using a
forensic marker that identifies your
items
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | JAN/FEB 2019
• Secure cages, stock rooms and
consider additional protection for
high value items
• Staff training is recommended on
key security and responsibilities for
locking doors and windows
10. WI-FI SECURITY
Hackers can break into the properties
network and gain access to confidential
data, emails and even CCTV. Information
can then be used to either steal from you
or commit crimes in your name.
• Make sure the latest internet security
software has been installed and
activated
• Don’t reveal personal information
on line including updates on social
media about holidays and current
locations
• Regularly change your passwords
• Smartphones are also a target for
spyware and viruses
THE NEXT 10 YEARS…
The role of a locksmith has evolved
over the last 10 years and is still
considered one of the most traditional
and respected professions. New
technologies have a massive effect on
the industry and Locksmiths now have
to understand access control, alarms and
CCTV as all systems are now integrated.
It’s impossible to predict the future but
adapting, understanding and defeating
the criminal will always be the best
defence.
Blackstone Consultancy security
specialists are on-hand to provide
advice and guidance on securing
and protecting both residential and
commercial properties.
Visit www.blackstoneconsultancy.com
for more information.