Home ›

Hints & Tips

Windows

Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or an alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar.

Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. Windows would probably have to be the most popular choice for burglars to gain access to your home or business.

In some older homes it can be as simple as slipping a bread and butter knife between two panes in your window, sliding your latch across then that's it, you window is unlocked. This sort of thing can be easily prevented and can also be inexpensive as well as effective. You can use things as simple as a piece of dowel placed diagonally across the top pane while sitting on the lower pane to prevent the window from sliding upwards when not in use (for vertically opening windows). Or the same thing except with the dowel resting horizontally preventing the pane from opening sideways (for horizontally opening windows).

You may even also choose to spend some money on window security. This sort of thing can include keyed lockable mechanisms that can lock you window at various heights or widths. Or, you may even want to spend even more money to get your windows hooked in to an alarm system so that if it breaks or opens when set will trigger an alarm. Even if you just put a sticker on your window advertising an alarm system this can be enough (even if you don't have one!).

For window security though, one of the most important things is to remember to keep them locked or at least shut when they are not in use. Lots of homes get broken into because a bathroom or toilet window is routinely kept open or unlocked. These are favourite entry points for would-be burglars.

Overall though, when you are leaving your house or business make sure you check your windows are locked and shut. Once you get into the habit it will become routine and you won't even have to think about it any more, it will be second nature! Just this simple checking could save you, your possessions and your family heartbreak and trouble that could have been easily avoided.

 

Industrial Security

"Prevention is better than cure. Deter rather than detect"

Consider your own premises:-

Boundary walls, fences and gates are your premises first line of defence against crime. Are you sure they are adequate, in a good state of repair? Do you allow goods to be stacked against a perimeter fence to form a step ladder for persons to easily dispose of your property over the fence?

Doors and windows of business premises are particularly vulnerable and once inside, a thief can choose his method of exit with your property. Are they secure from both entry and exit.

Good locks are a strong deterrent and resist many forms of criminal attack. Are the ones fitted to your premises of high quality, fitted correctly, and in good working order.

 

Holiday Checklist

Going away on holidays? Good for you, but there a few things you should make sure you remember to do before you do go. Make sure your home appears normal from the outside when you are not there, this includes lots of simple little things like:

  • Making sure your mail gets stopped or a neighbour collects it for you.
  • Leaving a television on and maybe your air conditioner on a low setting. (in summer)
  • Making sure someone parks in your driveway while you are away.
  • Making sure your lawn is kept mown.
  • Leave a number where you can be reached with a neighbour in case something does go wrong.
  • Leave your curtains or blinds open to what they usually are.
  • Making sure you don't talk about your trip in public places where strangers can hear and find out where you live.
  • Conceal your address on you luggage tags so somebody can't just pick the address off your tag at the airport or in transit.

Before you leave make sure you go through the house one last time and check all of the windows and doors again.
Timers can be really great for if you are going away. They can make a house look and sound like there are people there when there isn't. Try to imagine a burglar creeping up to your house and then a light and radio come on. I think he would be too worried that somebody was home to bother trying. Timers are easy to use and can be bought in almost any hardware store. They can be used for basically any electrical appliance including TV, radio, lights, air conditioner etc.

Overall just make sure you do most of these simple things when going away then you can enjoy your trip without those nagging doubts like, "Did I remember to lock that window?" Think smart before you leave and you should be able to enjoy your holiday instead of worrying the whole time