Aspects of home security

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 18

Aspects of home security

Methods of security for homes and flats are multiplying, yet burglary statistics continue to increase.

Malicious damage is often involved, and the episode may even include assault.

The increasing number of break-ins and thefts have given rise to a whole new industry — the security business.

Highly sophisticated alarm devices have evolved, and both home and business security can be highly sophisticated, but even if very few deterrents are added, it is better than doing nothing at all. For home security, the two basic factors are good locks, correctly used, and good neighbours who will report anything suspicious. Police advice is that houses should never be left unlocked, and that includes windows. Intruders have been known to enter homes even when whole families are inside — asleep or otherwise occupied, perhaps watching television, and it is startlingly common for a house to be entered while the occupants are out in the garden or swimming pool.

Good neighbours are a significant asset in home protection, and their watchfulness forms the essence of the “Neighbourhood Watch” scheme, whereby an empty house is not a neglected house. Even if a suspicious-look-ing stranger turns out to be innocent, people should not hesitate to ring the police . and voice their misgivings. Another excellent scheme is “Operation Identification,” whereby items are marked with a number, using an ultra-violet-reactive marker pen that writes invisibly. The marking cannot be seen under ordinary light —

only under ultra-violet light, and the number oh each item is filed at Police Headquarters, along with other identifying details. For police and insurance purposes, makes, models, colour, finish and serial numbers are all helpful. In addition, it is a good idea to have coloured photographs of favourite pieces of furniture and jewellery. Most of the property stolen from houses and flats consists of jewellery, silver, money, clothing, transistors and video recorders. Television sets, suitcases and food are also attractive to thieves. A window at the back of

a dwelling is still the most vulnerable point, so it is important to make sure that the back of a house is secure. Deadlocks are advisable for doors, particularly where there are glass panels, and a bolt should be fitted low down. Security screens are also a worthwhile addition for back windows and glasspanel doors. While organised crime is on the increase, most thefts from homes are by casual thieves, often teenagers, who take advantage of the owner’s failure to carry out simple, inexpensive precautions.