Home security

dang

Hi all,

So this is my first post,i have been following this web site for weeks now,and have finally signed up to join in the fun with these chat rooms.Anyway back to the post -does anyone have any good tips for home security,i already do the usual stuff like keeping the doors and windows locked,putting the alarm on,having my gates locked,keeping keys out of sight etc so are there any other simple things to do to keep the bad guys away?

Tony_H_3

Yeah, install cctv..... I heard that burgulars are quite shy creatures whom don't like to be caught on film. ;D

RedOnRed

Get a NACOSS installed and serviced burglar alarm. Not cheap, but should be very well installed and you'll get a discount on your home insurance for it.

Also, in this gloomy winter weather, it's quite a good idea to have the light units that connect into your light fittings, which will then randomly switch your lights on and off during the day (when it's as dark as this) and at night. They're about £10 from Homebase.

Nile

Hello Dang

If you don't know your neighbours, make friends with them and ask them to keep an eye on your home (make sure there isn't post sticking out of the letter box etc) when you're at work or on holiday..........and offer to do the same for them. You really can't beat nosey neighbours.

You don't say whether you live in a house or flat. If it's a house with own (not shared) dustbin/wheelie bin, ask your neighbour to put their rubbish in your bin when you go on holiday and park their car on your drive or outside your home...........both will help your home look occupied if a burglar is snooping around.

If you think your home security could be improved, get a locksmith to come and have a look at your home. Consider putting a spy hole and a chain on the front door and always open the door with the chain in place.

If you put a lamp on a time switch (to come on at night when you're not in), a radio left on could also help your home to sound lived in.

We do all the above and also have curtains opening and closing (electrically operated) on a timer switch but it is an expensive option.

We also have security lighting outdoors. The lights are triggered to come on if anyone comes down the drive or back of the house. Also, the system works during daylight hours by giving an audible beep so we know if anyone is near the house. It can be a pain with local moggies wandering past though. ::)

Hope this helps

RedOnRed

If you don't know your neighbours, make friends with them and ask them to keep an eye on your home (make sure there isn't post sticking out of the letter box etc) when you're at work or on holiday..........and offer to do the same for them.  You really can't beat nosey neighbours.

Do you mean join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme?

Nile

We don't have a neighbourhood watch scheme. We're fortunate to have good neighbours who keep an eye on our house.

loopy_lass

unless like some of us who are blessed with neighbours from hell and beyond!!!!! so i got a rottweiler..... YUP! works fine ;-)

get a rottie is my advice.....

;-)

loops

monkeyboy72

I recently had a new 3 piece suite delivered which wouldnt fit through the front door, the only way to get it in was through the front room window, I was gobsmacked how quickly a double glazed window can be removed from the frame simply by (well I wont say in case anyone doesnt know)

Seems crazy that I have spent fortunes on 5 lever locks etc for doors but could get a window out so easily, how can windows be more secure??

VH

I was gobsmacked how quickly a double glazed window can be removed from the frame simply by (well I wont say in case anyone doesnt know)  

They can be removed in a few minutes, but you can't do it from the outside - the pieces which hold the glass in place are on the inside of the window.

dang

An even quicker way through the window is a big brick - no window lock would be any use against that,only way to avoid that one would be re-enforced glass,im no expert but i dont see that coming in cheap,i do like the idea of a angry dog to scare them away though

monkeyboy72

They can be removed in a few minutes, but you can't do it from the outside - the pieces which hold the glass in place are on the inside of the window.

Perhaps there are diffrent types then because the seals on my windows are outside!! on every single window and the back door!!....maybe they fitted all mine back to front?..cant see how though, or perhaps they were cheap >:(