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Home security

Figures from the British Crime Survey show that households with no home security measures are almost ten times more likely to be victims of burglary. Home security should make the burglar's job too difficult, time-consuming, noisy or risky, compared to alternative targets.

Your local Police Crime Reduction Officer will give you leaflets and advice on home security and may make a personal visit. BSIA members will also give advice on how to secure your home and the best security measures for your property.

By following the tips below, you can secure your home and have increased peace of mind.

Physical security measures are the very backbone of your home's security. Ensure you fit good quality five-lever mortise locks to your doors. Fit locks to your windows, especially those that are on the ground floor or are accessible, for example, from a flat roof. Remember that your garage or shed will also need a quality lock in order to protect its contents.

Doors should be strong and in good condition, ensure that you fit a door that complies with British Standard PAS 24-1 'Doors of Enhanced Security'.

Fencing and gates should be substantial and well-maintained, with locks fitted on entrances to a property.

Security lighting can deter a thief from trespassing onto a property and can draw attention to an incident if a crime is taking place.

A basic, monitored intruder alarm will make a real impact on deterring a criminal from entering a property and alert a monitoring centre if an alarm is triggered. Your BSIA installer will advise you as to which system best meets your needs. Alarms should meet the European Standard for intruder alarms, EN50131-1, and should be maintained on a regular basis.

Ensure that your possessions are marked with an asset marking system and registered on a secure database. Property marking can deter opportunist theft and also means that if a burglary does take place and your possessions are recovered, they can be returned to you.

Remember that the contents of your rubbish can put you at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Shred any documents that have personal details on them, including those which simply contain your name and address.

One of the most important factors when considering your home's security is ensuring that all your security measures have been sourced from professional companies that provide quality products and services. Details of BSIA member companies that comply with relevant British and European Standards can be found by clicking here. To download a factsheet on Home Security, click here.