Home Security is very important yet it can be one of the last things a lot of people consider when spending their hard earned cash, I have lost count of how many properties I have worked in that are kitted out with all the latest techno gear costing many hundreds of pounds, yet when the conversation with the householder gets around to Alarm systems, etc, they think they are an unnecessary expense, this opinion changes quickly of course once they have been burgled, it is a total false economy.
Start checking how secure your property is by trying to think like a burglar would, where would he gain access, if a door or window is locked how easily can the lock be overcome, is there a ladder free to use in the back garden or garage that isn’t locked or chained up, how dark is it at the back of the house, these are just a few points to consider.
Aside of purchasing a dog, which is the best deterrent against a burglar, you can fit various security devices to make life as difficult as possible for them, the obvious one is an alarm system which can be purchased from most of the larger DIY stores (B & Q are currently selling an expandable wired alarm system for around £60). They are quite easy to install and depending on the type you buy can be fitted in a day. The easier ones to fit are totally reliant on battery power, other types have a 240 volt supply to the alarm panel and a cable to the bellbox with either battery powered or cabled PIRs and door contacts. All these alarm systems will come with detailed fitting instructions and if necessary wiring diagrams.
Security lighting is unpopular with burglars as they obviously would prefer not to be seen. Fitting this is a relatively inexpensive way of guarding your property. (See Security Lights post).
Check all your door locks are in good order and cannot be opened easily if the door has its glass panes broken by a would be intruder.
Window locks are fitted to almost all modern double glazing units and therefore provide good security, the problem is whether you use them or not, I have spoken to firemen about window locks and they said ‘ we tell you to leave them unlocked, the police will tell you to lock them ‘, it comes down to personal choice and circumstance. In my home all family members are of a responsible age and I therefore lock the windows leaving keys accessible in each bedroom and everyone is aware of what to do should a fire occur.
Making sheds and garages secure is again relatively simple to do, install shed / garage alarms which can be purchased again from B & Q for around £10 and fit good quality padlocks, on sheds remove some or all of the hinge and sliding bolt fixing screws and replace them with coach bolts that have a rounded head, there is no point in fitting a quality padlock if the hinges (which are usually external) can be removed easily with a screwdriver.