Island locks believe that both physical & visual deterrents are the best solution in reducing the risk of burglary. Implementing such deterrents is a one off investment and need not cost a fortune.

Better Security, also known as 'target hardening' has been proved to be effective. Most burglaries are committed by 'opportunists' looking for properties that have little, or no obvious signs of security devices, or where they think they won’t be seen.

How Secure is your Property?

We offer a completely free, no obligation, 'Home Security Check service'. We can advise you on how to improve your home security measures, and how these can be best implemented.

You can be assured that all checks are carried out with total integrity, and completely free of charge.

To Book a 'Home Security Check'...Just give us a call
Freephone: 0800 587 4304

Target Hardening Tips:

There are some basic steps you can take to deter the opportunist thief from targeting your property. Remember, the more difficult you make it for them, the more likely they are to go elsewhere.

Back to nature: Front & rear gardens are usually the first point of entry for a potential intruder. The rear garden is the most common point of entry, so stopping them entering at this point will stop them entering your property as this is the usual point of escape also. Some examples are:

• Make sure gates are secured and locked
• Ensure that fencing is in good order and ideally 6 feet high. Trellis along the top of fencing is a good deterrent.
• Hedges, prickly bushes and shrubs are ideal around the garden perimeter. The denser the better.
• Lock all garden tools, ladders etc; away and out of sight. These are potential entry aids for the intruder.
• Front garden hedges should be kept below 3 feet high. If it’s over this height an intruder can use it to hide from view.
• Install outside security lighting, which is activated by movement sensors.
• Gravel driveways and paths. No intruder likes to make a noisy entrance.

Protecting Property: Make sure you have the correct locks fitted to doors and windows and be sure you have the locks that your insurance company specify. Additional locks and security products are always a good investment.

Doors & Windows:

• Wooden outside doors should be fitted with 5 lever British Standard (BS3621) mortice locks. If doors are too thin to accept these, then a BS3621 Rim mounted dead lock should be fitted.
• UPVC doors should have a minimum of 5 locking points. If it’s less, additional locks, such as Sash jammers should be fitted.
• Doors which are usually secured from the inside, should be fitted with mortice security bolts at the top and bottom.
• All windows should have locks, which are operated by key. The amount of locks on each window is determined by its size.
• Patio doors should have locks that prevent the frame being lifted of it’s tracks, or slid open. The sliding part of the door should always be on the inside.

Letterboxes:

• Letterbox restrictors or letter cages will prevent anyone from reaching through to release locking devices.

Alarms:

• Alarms are always a good investment, and can be relatively cheep to install. It is not true that by having an alarm, a potential intruder will think you have valuables worth stealing. Even a ‘dummy bell box’ can be enough to make them choose another target.

General:

• Ensure all doors and windows are secure when leaving your property.
• Do not leave valuables such as laptops, games consoles, jewellery etc; in sight, through doors and windows.
• Keep car keys, handbags and wallets away from the front door. Secure them when not in use in a cupboard or drawer for example.
• Be sure to cancel milk, newspapers etc; when going on holiday, and inform a trusted neighbour or friend so they can keep an eye out. Burglars hate nosey neighbours!

These are just some examples of the most common areas that can improve your home security, and deter the ‘opportunist’ from targeting your home.