Q&A: National Home Security Month

PasturesNew

If you're going away and have a porch light, or garden light, that's either on or off - and, when you're at home, it's either on all evening, or some of it ... is it best to leave it off, or on, 24/7 while you're away. They say "leave a light on", but I think for an external light leaving it on 24/7 would indicate something's not right more than not having one on.

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vivatifosi wrote: »

Crikey, my query is a little more straightforward.

For a small budget - say £50 or £100, what are the best investments I can make to improve the security of my home?

The best recommendation we can give is to make sure at least 1 lock on your external doors carries the British Standard Kitemark. In addition to this it is recommended that you have key locks on your windows as secondary security.

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PasturesNew wrote: »

If you're going away and have a porch light, or garden light, that's either on or off - and, when you're at home, it's either on all evening, or some of it ... is it best to leave it off, or on, 24/7 while you're away. They say "leave a light on", but I think for an external light leaving it on 24/7 would indicate something's not right more than not having one on.

Using a timer switch for lamps inside the property, in conjunction with a neighbour/family member to close/open the curtains is also useful when you are away.

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anotherbaldrick wrote: »

Our house has been built to "Secured by Design " type approval

which I understand is a Police initiative to assure good standards of protection , we have also upgraded the intruder alarm . With this are we adequately protected or do we need to consider further precautions, particularly anti-snap, anti-bump cylinders ?

Security standards are evolving all the time, its always a good idea to review your security on an annual basis to check your security products meet current standards. You can also view the latest initiatives on the Secured By Design website.

Former_MSE_Zorica

The following questions are from MSE Towers...


What are the cheapest ways to secure your home?

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MSE_Zorica wrote: »

The following questions are from MSE Towers...


What are the cheapest ways to secure your home?

Itmay sound simple, but the most inexpensive way to secure your home is to makesure you use the locks. Statistics show that 73% of burglars gain entry througha door, and in 3% of these cases the door was unlocked, so make sure you lockup properly – even if you are only popping out for five minutes – otherwise youcould be offering an open invitation to criminals.

Former_MSE_Megan

I’m leaving my house for a week. How can I make it look like someone’s in?

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MSE_Megan wrote: »

I’m leaving my house for a week. How can I make it look like someone’s in?

Rememberto cancel deliveries like milk or groceries and, if possible, ask a trustedfriend or neighbour to pop in each day and draw the curtains and take in anymail or freebie newspapers. If there is no one you can ask to do this, operatinglights or even a television on a timer switch can help to give the impressionyour home is occupied.

Former_MSE_Frederika

I keep a spare key under a rock in my front garden. Would that invalidate my home insurance?

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MSE_Frederika wrote: »

I keep a spare key under a rock in my front garden. Would that invalidate my home insurance?

Thisis something you should check with your home insurance provider. However,leaving a spare key in a hiding place outside your home is not something we’dadvise – you never know who might find it! If you do want to keep a spare keyfairly close to hand it’s worth seeing if there are any trusted neighbours orlocal friends / family who can keep it securely for you in case you ever needit.