Home security

From UK, 10 posts

The other day i was burgled and it got me thinking. The guys did not get away with much, nothing too bad but it could have been worse.



How far should i go for home security. Some people say good locks and a burglar alarm. Some people say full on security cages and write books on

crime prevention is the only way forward.



I'm unsure since security cages seem a little OTT and is mainly for businesses, but i do have a lot of equipment at home. Maybe we should get some in the offices to protect the safe and stuff.



How much is too much?



should we be doing more for security at home and in the office?

From South West UK, 2002 posts

I have a CCTV camera fixed on the front of my house. Great deterrent. Yes, it is a working one!

8 posts

I personally make it a point to never have anything of value in my home that would cause harm to my family. If you have been robbed once they well be back and the danger to you and your family is greater.

If this is your only choice then I would suggest contacting a security company that specializes in what you may be looking for.

On the safe side we have x10 cams set up at points we feel would be a way of entering our home or other places we want to protect. We also have drop bars on our doors and windows with outdoor sensors placed around the yard that wakes us to anyone entering our property and a 125 pound dog.

Years ago we started a story about shooting a guy who tried to break in our back door it just seem to take on a roll all of it’s own and ended up with two more we shot and killing one. Of course it was all b.s. but people love to tell stories. We make it point to tell people about our ten year old TV or my 1990 PC.

From United Kingdom, 56 posts

Home security, lots of equipment and techniques on the market these days, some cheap window/door contacts work quite well, giving out a large noise which will frighten most people.

An alarm system which makes a large noise is a worth while investment, but for outdoor sheds, garages etc, you can purchase a 12 gauge blank trip mine (basically a spring loaded device which when tripped, will set off a special "blank" ! shot gun cartridge, this is enough to scare the most boldest burglar!!

techniques like not leaving down stairs windows open all day, ensuring all doors are locked, not leaving keys under flower pots, etc, although commonly overlocked, you would be amazed how many people don't think about such aspects!

Couple of signs "beware of the dog" might be a slight deterrence, and a couple of well placed surveillance cameras, which are positioned at the front and rear of your property in full view may deter some curious people.

Also a cheap, and easy way to deter most people is the most safest way to yourselves (no chance of being prosecuted if they hurt themselves attempting to gain unlawful access to your property - although being their own fault)! - Sharp, pointy plants outside windows, boundaries around your property.. no one is going to want to argue with a sharp plant at the end of the day, unless they like pulling pointy thistles out of their rear end.. may not be 100% effective but its a proven technique!

Broken glass, and wall spikes are NOT advisable, due to the fact that anyone that injures themselves can take you to court for their injuries (despite the fact that they shouldn't even be on your property)!

At nights it is also useful to shut your curtains, lock windows, get extra door bolts fitted (as some locks are not covered by your insurance - I believe that 5 leaver locks are, anything below this is not (I think).

Have a browse around your local DIY store, you'll be surprised how many devices are on the market that you can use to be of some effect.. a useful idea is to get a basket or some other devices currently on the market that can fit around you letter box, these devices can prevent crafty burglars from pinching your car keys off a table etc using a long stick and a bit of a metal coat hanger.. this has happened, not only do they have your car, but usually they will have easy access to your house and probably your garage. - This may have serious implications when claiming off your insurance companies, as there will be no easy to see sign of force (damage to your property).

hope some of this info might come in helpful.

P.s. If you do get a surveillance camera fitted connect it to a VCR and don't leave the VCR in full view, hide it out the way somewhere, preferably up stairs in a lockable cabinet, otherwise they may pinch that as well!

From 'the Med', 15 posts

I think you've got to remain as vigilant as possible these days, I don't know the stats but I reckon a good percentage of burglaries are as a result of a lapse of security carried out by the homeowner(open window for instance), all you can do I reckon is to do remove as many of these opportunities as possible, like closing and locking windows, removing keys from view, even putting car keys away and not in the most obvious location, using your burglar alarm But remember if someone has targeted your house and there determined to get into your property they will get in, no what security measures you have in place, I reckon the modern day habitual burglar has little if no fear of being caught and even less dread of the consequences.
My own home is protected by a burglar alarm, front and rear doors have a 5 lever mortice lock (as recommended by Police), all ground and first floor windows fitted with locks, doors reinforced with bolts and front door with chain, I also have an external censor operated lantern, I'm only missing the attack dog and the CCTV of course