Home Security, Why Wouldn\'t You?

1. ‘Home Security’
‘Save Money and Keep Secure’
There are many things that can be done to make sure that your dwelling is as secure as
possible. We will talk about security from the outside in, and what other measures can
be taken to further enhance your family’s security and safety.
One thing that needs to be realised is that if a burglar is really determined to get in,
then the odds of them succeeding are high. However, the more prepared and aware
cceeding
you and your family are, the much harder it will be to penetrate your castle.
Let's start with your general yard and landscaping
Any criminal will look for an easy target. This means that they will select a property
where they can gain access without being easily seen and get out quickly. The
approximate time for a typical break in is no more than four minutes. Criminals don’t
break-in
want to be caught, so time is of the essence.
Let's discuss fences first…
first……
If you do have a fence, is it the type that can be seen through? If not, can a potential
criminal gain access, and be completely shielded from view? If you have a rear or side
lane way, is this fencing secure and difficult to scale?
1. Trim or remove bushes, trees, and any other plant or obstruction that may be hiding
ushes,
your plain view of the street. Also, trim back any tree branches that may give access
to windows and roof.

2. This procedure also needs to be carried out in the side and rear yards. What we are
achieving is as much visibility of the entire yard as possible.
Consider planting a low bougainvillea, roses, or a shrub with sharp thorns along fence
lines, and under windows. This will make any access difficult, as criminals do not like
being scratched as they work. Wounds can provide forensic evidence for police
investigation.
1a. Are your gates locked? Secure gates should always be locked and maintained.
2. Keep your lawn maintained. Unmown lawns tell the criminal that you could be
away.
3. Keep all sheds locked and secure, with tools out of sight and no ladders left around
that could be used to assist with window or roof entry.
4. Is your street number easy to see? It should be illuminated and at least six inches
high, and placed on your curbing or wall/fence for easy recognition.
5. Is your electrical box secured with a padlock? If not, your power switches are
within easy reach of a potential burglar.
6. Are your bins out of sight or locked away? Do you leave new product boxes
outside? For example, if you have recently bought an expensive item such as a
computer or TV break the box down and dispose of in the recycling bin.
7. Are your vehicles always locked and as close to the house as possible? Vehicles are
a prime target as they are usually accessible from the street, and often have items such
as DVD players, GPS Sat Navs, iPods and so on. Items like these should always be
removed and secured.
There are some digital scrambling devices available to criminals and this means that
they can access some makes and models of vehicles even when it is locked. If you do
not already have car alarm, consider installing one. Talk to your insurance company
first as policy discounts may apply if you install approved car alarm systems.
Let's look at the house
8. Are there security screens on the windows and doors? Aluminum or steel doors are
preferred. Are the security doors always locked?
9. Can all doors be opened with the same key? This can be handy for the owner, but
keys should always be counted and accounted for.

3. 10. Double sided locking handles are recommended for patio and sliding doors. These
ensure criminal access is made even harder.
11. What quality are the window locks? Always install the best that you can afford,
and never pick the cheapest, you may come to regret it in the future.
12. Do you have window security screens that can be left open during summer?
13. Do you have a secure bolt system on your internal manhole/s?
14. Do you keep cash in your home? If so, think long and hard about why you do
this. Is it really necessary to keep cash in the house? If yes, then purchase a safe. The
best choices are safes that are extremely heavy and cannot be moved or carried easily.
Install a safe that is either, or molded into your brickwork, or sunken into the wall or
floor.
15. Where are all your possessions kept? Are they secure marked? Do you have an
inventory? As well as an inventory, it is a really good idea to photograph all your
insurable items. If you are burgled you can prove to the insurance company what you
once owned and it also provides the police with an accurate record of your stolen
items.
16. Do you have a security alarm system? If so, it is a good idea to have it monitored.
We will cover systems in the next chapter. Make sure that the system has been
maintained checked and reset/adjusted at least every one to two years. You should
have sticker’s clearly visible showing that you do have a system in place.
17. Do you have security/movement lights? These are essential to home security.
Ensure that full coverage is given to all risk areas including front doors, back doors,
sheds, carports, garages, patios, gardens, pathways, pools, fences, and even the house
roof.
Also, ensure that the lights are well out of reach (usually they are not). If they are
within easy reach then ensure that the lights have a cage or secure fixing so that they
cannot be tampered with or broken.
18. Do you have security cameras? Consider these as a wise investment – we will
talk more about these in the next chapter.

4. 19. Do you have a telephone extension in your bedroom or a mobile phone? Can you
lock your bedroom door in the event of a home invasion?
20. Do you keep your keys/car keys in a safe place? Are they secure? Don’t keep them
on a key hanger near your door.
21. It is essential to change all locks when you move into a new home. Also, do not
give keys to tradesmen. This is an unnecessary security risk as keys can be easily
duplicated.
22. Try not to give tradesmen, or anyone who does not really need to be in your home,
any internal access.
23. Having lights on inside at night can illuminate you and your family and make
observation from the outside easier. Criminals often do their reconnaissance at night,
and when your lights are on and the curtains are open, they can see almost every
detail that is needed to make an offence on your property possible.
On the other hand, if you have your 'inside lights off' (for example whilst watching
TV), and your 'outdoor lights on', this would then give you a clear sight of your
outside perimeter, thus deterring a criminal with intention to burgle.
24. If you are away for the day or any period of time close your curtains or blinds. If
burglars see valuable equipment in open view you are more likely to become a target.