Last Updated on 8th July 2021 by
When you need more security than a dog
In an ideal world we could all leave our doors unlocked, but the world in which we currently live is far from ideal and the crime of burglary is now so prevalent that Insurance companies can actually rate areas by their post code. Burglary is one of the most invasive of crimes although it is classed as a “property crime” it can destroy the privacy and sanctity of the home, it frequently leaves the victim feeling vulnerable and many say they will never have the same feeling of security and inviolability that they had in the past.”
Unfortunately, when it comes to its classification as a crime means those who commit burglary often receive light sentences, and the punishment fails to fit the crime.
So how can the average householder keep the burglar at bay there are some pretty standard answers some more expensive than others – items which we at GFD Group would suggest all householders consider are –
As we said in the header – get a dog – even a recording of a dog barking that plays intermittently or even signage suggesting a dog lives at the residence are all good.
but if you are not a dog kind of person – good deterrents can be
and the practical items related to doors and windows
Fitting – and using – an alarm or even placing an unconnected alarm box to the exterior of your property
Installing motion detector lights to the exterior of your property burglars do not like light places so it also helps if you remove anything that obstructs the view of your property from the road – hedges shrubs etc.
Keeping windows and doors locked
Fitting indoor lights with timers and remembering to switch them on.
Be sensible with your possessions If it is valuable do not leave it on show keep such objects out of the view of windows
Avoiding using social media to talk about going out, or on holiday which includes remembering to cancel papers milk etc
Installing deadlocks and anti-snap/bump locks – 25% of burglaries use lock snapping
Investing in double glazing and stronger doors (ideally look for ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation)
Regrettably, statistics show that when it comes to burglaries here in the UK, front doors are unfortunately the main source of access; therefore they need to be made as secure as possible. So what can you expect a burglar to do gain entry and how do you protect against it – in many instances it depends upon your choice of door but entry is normally gained by either –
Brute force as in attacking a door panel with a hammer or a foot or the like.
Breaking a glazed panel
Breaking the lock by either snapping the mechanism or driving the mechanism through the door
The best way to ensure that your door is as secure as it can be is to ensure that it complies with a “secured by design accreditation”, (SBD) an accreditation that has been approved by the Police Force, and basically means that the door is upgraded to be as secure as possible in accordance with Police guidelines (check out the Secured by Design web site – section 2 covers security of domestic property) and advises the installation of such items as_
Secured by Design locks, which means that they must comply with BS3261 or PAS 3621: 2011 “Thief resistant locks and multi point locks. Key egress.”
This is the minimum standard for locks on external or entrance doors to be acceptable to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the police service. The effectiveness of the lock also depends on the quality of the door, frame and other hardware which is not tested by this standard and which may fail before the lock.
Glass -the option to upgrade to laminated glass, which as it will not shatter prevents access
Spy-holes which must comply with DHF TS 002: 2009 Door viewers
Requirements and test methods for all forms of door viewer, designed to be used on doors in buildings, to allow occupants to detect and identify callers without having to reveal their own identity, or even their presence in some circumstances, to the caller.
Security chains which must comply with. DHF TS 003: 2012Door chains and limiters
This standard specifies requirements and test methods for all forms of door opening restrictor designed to be used on doors in buildings.
In order to ensure that the opportunity to gain access by breaking the structure of the door is minimised – Secured by Design requires that doors comply with, PAS24 an industry standard to ensure the strength and security of a door-set will withstand a typical attack upon the door.
To achieve PAS 24, doors undergo severe brute force attacks where over 35KG of force is applied to the door. The doors have to withstand 30 minutes of severe attack, an attack in which the locking cylinders are also targeted.
When you need more security than a dog – at the GFD Group we can provide you with the door and the accessories that will make your home as secure as is possible we put you our customers security above everything else, and we take pride in knowledge that all of the doors we supply meet with the stringent requirements of Secured by design and will therefore give you that extra feeling of security and wellbeing
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