A GUIDE TO HOME SECURITY

A GUIDE TO HOME SECURITY E s t. 1 9 2 6 Compiled in association with South East Region Police Crime Reduction Advisors sponsored by

IS YOUR HOME SECURE? Statistics prove that by taking simple and relatively inexpensive precautions you can deter the wouldbe intruder, the majority of whom are opportunistic burglars. It is necessary to take extra precautions to keep out the determined burglar, but remember that security buys you time, something the burglar does not have. The following illustration highlights the risk areas in your home where you may wish to consider additional security. For further advice, please contact your local Police or Banham Security who can arrange a free no obligation survey. The list below will help you to decide which steps you need to take to protect your premises. 7 1 1 2 3 4 5 FRONT & BACK DOORS - are vulnerable if not secured with appropriate locks. See page 3 WINDOWS - fit window locks to all ground and accessible upper floor windows. See page 5 BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM - the installation of a simple burglar alarm is an excellent deterrent. See page 6 CCTV - installing a CCTV system can bring an increased level of security to your home. See page 9 DOOR ENTRY & ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS - entry systems give you the opportunity to see or talk to visitors before allowing them in. 1 Contact your local Police at: www.police.uk Tel: 101

3 5 4 6 2 extra security to think about? 8 6 7 8 FRENCH WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS - fit appropriate key-operated locks to the top and bottom of doors. Collapsible gates are another option. See page 4 GARAGES & OUTBUILDINGS - can provide an easy access point to burglars and may contain valuable equipment. Make sure garage doors are secured with suitable locks. Connecting doors to the house should be treated as external doors. Do not leave items or tools that could be used to attack your house insecure in your garden. PERIMETER SECURITY - ensure your fences are secure and don t forget to lock your gates. Use Sold Secure Gold Standard ground anchors and chains for bikes/lawnmowers. Contact Banham Security at: www.banham.co.uk Tel: 020 7622 5151 2

1 ARE MY DOORS SECURE? Installing the best locks on external doors for your home can help provide the first line of defence for your family and possessions against burglars. Most insurers require a minimum of a five lever mortice lock. Always ensure your doors and windows are locked when you leave your home, even for a short time. It is easy to leave them unlocked, especially when you are in a hurry or distracted. Door Vue The door vue gives unrestricted vision through the door with a 170 o field of view. Reinforcing Strip The Banham steel reinforcing strip is screwed to the inner face of the door frame, enhancing the security. Letter Box Protector This simple device prevents thieves from poking objects through to manipulate locks or retrieve keys. Rim Deadbolt The Banham L2000 high security lock with both cylinder and key protected by patent. BSI TM Complies to BS3621 Hinge Reinforcing Bolts Designed to secure the hinge side of the door. Installed top and bottom. Door Chain Do not open your door to strangers until you are sure of their identity. Mortice Deadbolt The Banham M2002 high security lock with both cylinder and key protected by patent. BSI TM Complies to BS3621 Steel Door Banham can provide a traditional style wooden door using panels reinforced with 1.5mm steel. 3 Contact your local Police at: www.police.uk Tel: 101

Banham Plus Security Doors A Banham Plus Security Door is a formidable barrier, with high security locks and shoot bolts. Patio/French Doors and Windows may be fitted with Collapsible Steel Gates Banham Collapsible Steel Gates can be pulled back out of sight when not required Registered Key Key registration systems, such as the one provided by Banham will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your keys cannot be copied without your consent. All Banham door locks have registered keys. Contact Banham Security at: www.banham.co.uk Tel: 020 7622 5151 4

2 ARE MY WINDOWS SECURE? Burglars can gain access by open or insecure windows. Approximately a third of all burglars gain access through windows. As the primary source of ventilation, windows are often left open, offering an invitation to gain entry to your home. The type of lock required will depend on whether your windows are made of metal, wood or UPVC plastic. It is not only ground floor windows which need protection. Consider any windows adjacent to flat roofs, carports or drain pipes. For enhanced security consider fitting grilles or collapsible gates as an option (see page 4). When replacing glass panes use laminated glass. Sash Stops Enable a sash window to be locked in open or closed positions (only insurance approved when in fully closed locking position). Cylinder Lock for Metal Windows This key operated lock is specially made to secure metal windows in the closed position. Casement Windows & Fanlight Lock This lock is specially made for rebated and narrow stile timber framed casement windows and fanlights. Original Lock for Metal Windows This key operated lock is made to secure the handle of metal windows in the closed position. 5 Contact your local Police at: www.police.uk Tel: 101

3 DO I NEED A BURGLAR ALARM? An alarm system is a good investment to protect your home and family. Statistics prove that you are far less likely to be burgled if your home is equipped with a burglar alarm. You may also be eligible for a reduction in the cost of your home insurance. Two alarm boxes are usually fitted, one which visually alerts passers by / police to the activated alarm the other (usually fitted to the rear of the property) for the intruder to see that an alarm is fitted. How should I choose a Burglar Alarm? Choose a professional installer accredited with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and you can be assured that the work will be carried out to the required standard and importantly that there will be a back-up and after-sales service. There are many choices including wired and wireless systems, but as a starting point the installation should meet with PD6662 incorporating, EN50131-2010 (BS 843:2010). There are two main types of burglar alarms: 1. Bells only / audible burglar alarms 2. Remotely Monitored Alarms Bells only / audible burglar alarms When a burglar enters your property the alarm will activate causing an external and internal siren to operate. In this case a signal will not be sent to an alarm receiving centre and it will be up to a neighbour or passer by to check the premises and see if there is some indication that an offence is in progress. A call will then have to be made to request Police attendance. Contact Banham Security at: www.banham.co.uk Tel: 020 7622 5151 6

Remotely Monitored Alarms In addition to the services offered by the Bells only / audible burglar alarms, a signal is sent to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). These are manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, monitoring your alarm via a telephone line and cellular network. Monitored Alarms are registered with the Police and identified by a unique reference number (URN) quoted by the company when they call the Police in the event of an alarm activation. * Keyholder Response Only We will notify keyholder/s which can be CMS Keyholding (a Banham Group Company) Alarm Triggered Emergency Services Can be notified if required 24HR MONITORING 7 DAYS A WEEK Signal Sent Keyholder Response with PAB to Police We will notify your keyholder/s and the Police if your panic button is triggered (mobile panic buttons are also available) Alarm Verified By our in-house Alarm Receiving Centre * Remember to register keyholder details with your local council environmental department. If you have a burglar alarm you are required to have 2 keyholders. Alternatively use a professional key holding service, who will attend your home in the event of an activation, we recommend CMS Keyholding. 7 Contact your local Police at: www.police.uk Tel: 101

Questions to ask when choosing an Alarm Company? 1. Is the company registered with a professional body i.e. NSI (NACOSS)? 2. Does the company operate a 24 hour call-out service? 3. Is the installation of an alarm a requirement of your insurance company and if so, is the company acceptable to your insurer? 4. Are you buying or renting the equipment? Companies such as Banham Security will sell you your alarm so you own it outright and therefore you will not be tied into a long term contract. 5. Does the quotation specify that the installation will be to the specified industrial standard? 6. Does the quotation include the cost of maintenance and monitoring of the system? 7. Does the company have a proven track record and a low false alarm rate? Banham Security have been awarded the coveted Metropolitan Police Award for achieving the lowest number of false activations for 8 consecutive years. Accreditations to look out for when choosing a Security Company? 1. Secured by Design products are licensed by The National Police Chiefs Council and have undergone rigorous testing. 2. Membership of the Master Locksmiths Association ensures that work is carried out to a high standard and the members have undergone strict vetting and testing procedures. 3. NSI (NACOSS) is an inspection body that regulates the alarm industry. Contact Banham Security at: www.banham.co.uk Tel: 020 7622 5151 8

! EXTRA SECURITY? 4 CCTV Cameras can be a formidable tool in the fight against crime, with CCTV monitoring providing a visual aid to the security and safety of your home or business. CCTV can be installed to interface with intruder alarm systems. The Banham Group can also monitor your CCTV images remotely through their Alarm Receiving Centre. We fit to comply with The Information Commissioner s Office guidelines avoiding third party intrusion and to provide Police evidential standard images. SAFES The need for a safe to protect valuables at home is now frequently specified by insurance companies. Safes are available with a choice of locking systems such as key, combination, digital or biometric. They are also rated in accordance with insurance guidelines. 9 Contact your local Police at: www.police.uk Tel: 101

Safes are rated according to the amount of cash or jewellery that will be underwritten by an insurance company. This gives an indication as to the strength of the safe and the level of security given by a testing house. A safe that has a cash rating of 1000 can either be used to store cash to this value or jewellery to the value of 10,000. A safe with a cash rating of 5000 will therefore be suitable to store cash to this value or jewellery to the value of 50,000. Safes must be correctly installed to obtain an insurance rating. They should be fixed to a solid surface such as a concrete floor or solid wall preferably by a qualified installer. Your Banham supplier will be able to recommend how to carry this out. Outside Lighting Lighting around your property can deter a burglar. Low energy lights controlled by a sensor, that come on at dusk and go off at dawn, is one option. Or alternatively, lights that come on controlled by a movement sensor is another option. Take advice from a specialist, e.g. your Crime Reduction Advisor as to the most appropriate system. Be as sustainable as possible and avoid horizontal (glare) and vertical light pollution, remember the lights need work with you and your CCTV. Property Marking Valuable items with unique reference numbers can be registered free at www.immobilise.com, the national property register. This includes: IT, audio visual equipment, cycles, mobile phones etc. To find your phone IMEI number press *#06#I. Also make use of a Police approved property marking system. Neighbourhood Watch Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch, they provide up to date crime prevention advice and encourage members to help prevent crime in the neighbourhood. Members are encouraged to pass information to the local Police to help detect crime. Insurance companies may offer a discount to members. www.ourwatch.org.uk. Going Away on Holiday When leaving your property for any length of time we advise leaving a light and/or a radio on a timer switch to give the impression the property is occupied. Ask your neighbours or a friend to remove all visible post and keep an eye on your property. Make sure all doors and windows are secure and your alarm system is properly set. Contact Banham Security at: www.banham.co.uk Tel: 020 7622 5151 10

www.police.uk or visit 020 7622 5151 www.banham.co.uk Head Office and Administration 20 Thornsett Road, London SW18 4EF Email: sales@banham.com Central London Showroom 233/235 Kensington High Street, London W8 6SF Tel: 020 7622 5151 South of England Showroom 20 Chertsey Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4HD Tel: 01483 301400 Thames Valley Showroom 36 High Street, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1QE Tel: 01628 784151