27 Apr 2016

Secure your property with these must-have solutions

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If you’ve just built your own home, it’s likely to be your pride and joy. So why leave it unprotected?

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There are a number of routes you can go down to ensure that your home is kept safe, even on a budget – small deterrents can prove just as effective as the latest state-of-the-art security systems.

Borders and access

Fences and gates are an obvious place to start. A strong and secure perimeter fence and gate, featuring strong locks, will create a protective boundary which is in line with Police advice to homeowners. 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, but must also be in keeping with the local landscape.

If your total fence height is less than 1.8m, it is likely that it can be scaled and objects can be passed over it. Where possible, and subject to planning permission, a fence should be 2–2.4m high. If this is not an option, think about adding an anti-climb deterrent such as a spiked topping or trellis.

Motion sensor lights

As well as aesthetic benefits, motion sensor lights can alert you of any activity outside. For best effectiveness, position motion detector sensors to cover the walkways leading to your front and back doors and the driveway. If improved security is a priority, position the lights to cover all the approaches to your house, including fence gates, the patio door, the darker areas of your garden, and around trees and bushes. Good lighting can’t guarantee security, of course, but it’s one of the best low-cost ways to get unwanted intruders to back away.

CCTV

The benefits of installing a good CCTV system for your self-build are vast. CCTV systems are a great deterrent to potential thieves. Once they realise that your home is protected by a closed circuit television system they invariably choose to target a different property. The prosecution rates for criminals targeting homeowners who have a professional CCTV system installed is many times higher than that for those without CCTV. Knowing you are well protected gives a feeling of security that should not be underestimated (ask anyone who has been burgled how they felt immediately after it occurred). Products likes Yale’s 650TVL Indoor/Outdoor Bullet Camera featuring 20m Infrared Night Vision, are ideal for that added peace of mind.

Low-budget deterrents

• Opt for gravel paths or driveways as you will hear people approaching
• Add shingle around windows and doors to sound out any trespassers
• Stock your garden with ‘defensive’ plants such as berberis or crataegus monogyna
• Regularly cut back shrubs or bushes so burglars can’t work without being seen

Further information....

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