UK RISE IN BURGLARIES – IS YOUR HOME AT RISK?

The 2008/09 British Crime Survey released by the Home Office yesterday shows the first increase in domestic burglary for six years while police are reporting 284,000 domestic burglaries. This increase would suggest the rescission is having an impact on acquisitive crimes and that British homeowners are at greater risk.

According to Jacksons Fencing – a Secured by Design Licensed Company and leading UK designer, manufacturer and installer of high security fencing and access solutions - while good locks, intruder alarms, CCTV and common sense are all important considerations in the delivery of effective home security, too many homeowners are overlooking the rudiments and failing to consider the importance of securing their home from the outside–in. Whether at a high security site or home, the basic principles of Deterring, Detecting, Delaying and Denying an intruder from access to your property starts at the perimeter or boundary. If you consider that the majority of thieves are opportunist who are not only keen to find easy access points to the home, but will be equally concerned with ensuring it is possible to make a fast, unhindered getaway – either armed with stolen goods or simply to avoid capture or confrontation. The installation of a strong, secure perimeter fence and gates featuring good locks can create a ring of security around a property which will not only keep the family safe but will also deter intruders from targeting the home. Richard Jackson, Chief Executive of Jacksons Fencing suggests “Getting your external security right does not mean transforming your home into a fortress – however, care should be taken to ensure you select the right fence and gate combination. The overall fencing design (including posts and fittings) should be sufficiently sturdy to frustrate any attempts to push it over, remove any panels or parts, kick it through or climb over – a cheap or DIY garden fence is designed to provide demarcation of your boundaries and can easily be compromised. A total fence height of less than 1.8m is generally ineffective as it can easily be scaled and allow objects to be passed over it. Where possible, and subject to planning permission, a fence should be 2-2.4m high. If a higher fence is not an option consider adding an anti-climb deterrent such as a spiked topping or trellis which sits on the top of the fence. In terms of material, either steel vertical rail or mesh type fencing, or a timber fence designed with security in mind and made using substantial sections of wood; offer the best security options dependent on the level of protection required”. Recent innovations from Jacksons include the EuroGuard Combi system which combines the beauty of natural wood with the strength of steel to create an ultra secure, aesthetically pleasing fencing solution and the Jakoustic fencing system which not only provides high levels of security against intrusion but also keeps unwanted road noise from your garden (incidentally, higher security versions of both these fencing systems were recently tested and approved by the UK Government). A high, framed garden or side passageway gate with a good lock will be more resistant to attack than an unframed design; always check that the hinges are galvanised so that they are protected from rust and operate freely and more importantly, that they are easily adjustable to ensure the gate will close correctly, engaging the latch and lock effectively. So far as driveway gates are concerned, you need to consider whether it is preferable to close off the view to your property from passersby (a thief can’t be tempted by what they can’t see) or to choose a design that allows visibility, for example if you live in an area with an active Neighbourhood Watch programme. As with garden gates, you should look for a sturdy, fully framed design fixed to substantial posts and integrated with fencing or walls – the thwarted attempt by intruders trying to break into Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant’s home by crashing through his driveway gates proves the point as he said in an interview with the media "If I'd have confronted them inside (the house), it would've been a much worse outcome." Gate automation is not just a convenience; it also represents a valuable personal safety feature, allowing the homeowner to enter the property without leaving the protected environment of the car and by employing the right access control option, allows you to screen visitors before allowing them onto your property. Richard Jackson comments “With the holiday season upon us, homeowners need to think carefully about the external security measures that are in place to protect their property. Good doors and windows with secure locks, lighting, CCTV and intruder alarms all have their part to play in securing your home, but with burglaries on the increase a solid perimeter security system is of real importance if you are to prevent your home becoming a prime target in the first place”. - ends -