IronmongeryDirect, which has been supplying architectural ironmongery to tradespeople for over 40 years, issued a new guide as part of National Home Security Month. It offers advice to tradespeople on how to secure property using traditional security methods.
Basic guide to securing a property
A recent survey of 733 tradespeople by IronmongeryDirect found that 86% said their customers only asked them to fit security products after a break-in to their property. At the same time, research by the National Home Security Month campaign shows that a home is five times more likely to be burgled if no security measures are in place against those with two or three measures taken.
Certain areas of a property are more vulnerable to a break-in than others, with doors and windows obviously being the most susceptible, while dark areas outside provide the ideal cover for intruders. To address these vulnerabilities, there are various products available to help keep a building safe and secure, with an extensive range available from IronmongeryDirect.
Main entry doors
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), forcing locks is the second highest method of entry for burglars (with open or unlocked doors being the primary means). So, it’s no surprise that the IronmongeryDirect survey revealed that 64% of tradespeople scored door locks as the most effective way of securing a building, and 72% said door locks are the most popular security product they fit for customers.
External timber doors are best secured with a mortice lock, and the addition of a nightlatch gives an added measure of protection. Products vary in price but all should meet British Standard BS3621.
PVCu doors are commonly used for front and back entrances on properties, which feature a Euro Profile cylinder that works in conjunction with a multipoint lock. The cylinders should meet British Standard BSEN1303 and feature anti bump, pick, screw and drill protection, making them very difficult to be broken. For maximum security however, cylinders that are T S007 3 star rated, which is the industry approved standard, offer complete door security featuring anti bump, drill, pick, pull and snap protection.
Windows
The survey found that 67% of tradespeople said their customers were concerned about window security, with window locks being the second most popular security measure they fit for customers.
There’s a wide range of window locks available including locking and non-locking fasteners, locking bolts and pins, and window restrictors, all designed for different applications.
External boundaries and dark areas
The two most popular methods of securing external boundaries and dark areas around a property are security lighting and CCTV. In fact, almost a third of tradespeople responding to the IronmongeryDirect survey said that security lighting was the third most popular product they fitted for customers.
CCTV is no longer as expensive as it used to be and with additional features such as night vision, it is an effective security method. Furthermore, with the increasing number of people embracing smart security systems to link their locks, alarms, smoke detectors and so on it is now possible to integrate CCTV as an extra precaution, whereby users can view a live feed from the cameras on a smartphone or tablet using an app.
Outbuildings and garden
A report from the ONS revealed there were 730,000 thefts from gardens and outhouses between April 2015 and March 2016, equating to 2,000 each day.
With that in mind, the same door, gate and window lock principles should apply when it comes to securing outbuildings and gardens. Additionally, during the summer people are more likely to leave belongings such as barbeques in their garden overnight, so securing them using a heavy-duty padlock and chain can help reduce the risk of valuable items being taken.
Gateways
Usually positioned at the side or back of a home, a gateway makes for an easy entrance for potential intruders if not secured properly. A sturdy gate bolt fitted with a weather proof padlock for instance is an ideal way to prevent easy access, but strong hinges are also required to ensure it can’t be easily broken down. Wall spikes can also be used to deter climbing on walls and gates to prevent access to other property entry points.
For more information, visit IronmongeryDirect.com or call its team of specialist advisors on 0808 168 28 28.
