Unfortunately we are all
aware that break-ins do happen but are you aware of the type and frequency of
crime that occurs in your local area?
Whether you are moving home
or are currently a homeowner, it is important to consider the security risks
that may pose in your local area so that you may protect yourself against the
possibility of a break-in.
The majority of burglaries
are premeditated; although if the opportunity is there an intruder may act on
it i.e. leaving a ground floor or easily accessible window open. Many home
insurers will advise taking preventative measures to protect your home and to
adhere with your home insurance requirements; this can often be found in the
small print of your home insurance documents.
Some General
Advice...
The majority of Insurance Companies may specify that your property must
be fitted with British Standard locks on your doors and windows – so what are
British Standards?
- In order for any lock to be classed as a ‘British
Standard’ lock they must have been through rigorous testing including strength,
durability and of course security, these products are also re-assessed and
re-tested to ensure you have complete confidence in the safety, quality and
reliability of the locks you have installed in your home.
So how do I know if my lock is a British Standard lock?
- On the face of any lock that is a ‘British
Standard’ lock you will see the British Standard Kitemark image, this may also
be accompanied by BS: 3621 2007 (mortice locks) or BS: TS007 (Euro cylinders)
which are the current British Standard required for Insurance purposes.
Home Security Tips...
Keytek™ have put together the
following list of ‘Home Security Tips’ so that you may best prepare yourself
against a break-in.
- Store bins and ladders away from the property as these
can be used to access 1st floor windows.
- Never leave any valuables where they can be seen by a
burglar i.e. in view of a window!
- Don’t discuss any holiday plans on any types of open
forums i.e. Facebook or Twitter. Posting details of when you will be away from
your property will let any of your followers know that your home is potentially
vulnerable.
- Keep out any unwanted guests – it is always a good idea
to have a spy hole or door chain fitted as additional security.
- It can be a good idea to leave a light on or on a timer,
especially during the darker evenings and if you are spending a night or week
away from your home! Leaving a television or radio on is also a good
alternative to leaving the lights on. Security products such as a light with a
timer can be purchased in most DIY stores and online.
- If you are going to be away for a long period of time ask
the Royal Mail to hold your mail with their ‘Keepsafe™’ service - they will do
this for up to 2 months. It is recommended to ask the Royal Mail to hold your
letters as this avoids a pile up of post inside the front door which could be
an invitation for an intruder as they will be able to see you’re away.
- Store all sets of keys away from the front door! Whatever time of year it is, it’s always a good idea to
have a key hook fitted internally away from the front door. Having a key safe
fitted externally to your property may be a preferred.
- A letterbox cage/guard is also recommended as intruders
will often use the letterbox to retrieve keys stored inside the house; this
type of theft is referred to as ‘Key Fishing’.
- Lights with sensors in the garden and front of your
property will help to deter an intruder as they tend to be more confident when
working in the dark.
- Use a UV pen to mark any valuables so if the worse does
happen it may help to make recovery easier.
- Check the locks on any gates or sheds and upgrade/replace
if necessary. Make sure anything that can be used by an intruder to
gain entry to your property, i.e. garden tools, are safely locked away.
- When leaving the property always remember to lock any
doors and windows. The majority of intruders will use an unlocked door or window
to gain entry to a house.
As part of this security
advice homeowners are also encouraged to join or start a Neighbourhood Watch
scheme in their local area. The Neighbourhood Watch works closely with the
community to bring neighbours together who want to look out for each other, creating strong, friendly, active communities where
crime and antisocial behaviour are less likely to happen.
To find your local Neighbourhood Watch, or for information on how to
start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, please visit
www.ourwatch.org.uk/
Over the years festivals have increased in popularity, when
Glastonbury first opened in 1970 just 1,500 people attended and in more recent
years there are around 150,000 people attending Glastonbury each year (KGBAnswers).
According to the Female First festival goers will spend more than £1,600 a year attending summer music events.
On average festival goers will spend an average of £450.18 on tickets and an
estimated £203.97 whilst at the music festival on food and drink. 
