National Home Security Month 2017: Ask your questions

Former_MSE_Andrea

What's it about?

According to home security organisations burglaries increase as nights get darker. With this in mind this time each year is dedicated to National Home Security Month. The people behind it have agreed to help answer your questions throughout the month.

What to do

Do you have a burning question on how to keep your home safe and avoid an insurance claim?

Or do you just want to know the top tips, tricks and insider hacks?

If you haven’t already, join the forum then click reply to ask your question

The National Home Security Month team will aim to dip in and out of the Forum to answer your questions on this thread.

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National_Home_Security_Month

Hello from the National Home Security Month team!
We're here to provide you will information on all things home security from product help, home hints and advice. Please post any questions or queries you have on the thread and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
Thanks!

Cinders:

Hi, can you make any recommendations for reliable home security alarms?

beaker141

External Lighting ?

Is there a proven view and recommendation on keeping the exterior of your property illuminated?

Does it prevent burglary (and why) or does it make it easier for them to see ?

Is it best to be permanently lit - or better on motion activated?

Front, back and side or just certain areas?

National_Home_Security_Month

Cinders: wrote: »

Hi, can you make any recommendations for reliable home security alarms?

Hi, thank you for your message.

There is a range of home security alarms on the market from wireless devices to hard wired systems. While wireless devices tend to be more expensive, they are also easier to install and you don't have to hide cables throughout the house. Wireless devices can also move with you if you chose to move home in the future.

{Text removed by MSE Forum Team}

Biggles

National_Home_Security_Month wrote: »

An example of a reliable wireless kit is the Yale EF-series of alarms.
If you'd like a smart alarm where you can control, configure, arm and disarm your device all from a smartphone, Yale's Smart Home alarm range is the one for you.

MSE Andrea, is the 'National Home Security Month' guide employed by Yale? If they aren't fully independent, we should have full clarity if they are going to start making recommendations.

National_Home_Security_Month

beaker141 wrote: »

External Lighting ?

Is there a proven view and recommendation on keeping the exterior of your property illuminated?

Does it prevent burglary (and why) or does it make it easier for them to see ?

Is it best to be permanently lit - or better on motion activated?

Front, back and side or just certain areas?

Hi,
A recent research study from the University of Loughborough found that exterior lighting has a direct effect on reducing the likelihood of you being burgled. When coupled with an effective alarm system and window locks, homes were nearly 3x more protected against burglary.

Exterior lights with motion detectors are most effective as they don't allow potential thieves to see into your property from the street but will light up once they approach your home, alerting you to an intruder.

The best place to install devices is where the main access point is, be it the side of your home, or front driveway etc. However, we recommend lighting be installed by all entry points to the home. Thanks.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hi Biggles, we're discussing this. Thanks!

Upsy_Staffordshire

We are looking at getting a front door for our new house when we move in. I've been trying to decide whether a PVCu, wooden or composite door would be best. I've heard that composite doors are the most secure - is this correct?

Thank you

National_Home_Security_Month

Upsy_Staffordshire wrote: »

We are looking at getting a front door for our new house when we move in. I've been trying to decide whether a PVCu, wooden or composite door would be best. I've heard that composite doors are the most secure - is this correct?

Thank you

The choice of door material would not necessarily have a huge effect on the level of security, it will be the hardware that is fitted to the door that's important - i.e. the lock and handle.

When it comes to door locks, if you opt for a timber door, ensure these are secured with a mortice lock and/or nightlatch that meet British Standard BS3621. Now many insurance companies insist on a British Standard mortice lock to secure your property and some even offer a discount off the normal premium if your property has a higher degree of security, which can be achieved by installing a lock conforming to BS 3621.
If you choose a PVC-u or composite door, upgrade the cylinder to a British Standard, TS007 Kitemarked model. Make sure this has anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-snap features. To improve the strength of a cylinder, you can also install a cylinder pull.

You can also consider fitting a door chain or limiter that restricts the door opening. If you opt for a door that has a letterplate, invest in a letterplate restrictor that conforms to TS008 standard to help prevent lock manipulation and key fishing attacks.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Keep your questions coming everyone