Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant – an eye for sensible and effective security in a property is essential – two out of ten burglaries occur through an open window or unsecured door according to locksmiths.
Clearly the amount of security needed is a matter of common sense and it needs to match the value and worth of the possessions you stand to lose. There’s no point in organising 24-hour armed surveillance if you are a student whose only worldly possession of worth is a laptop and a severely battered mobile phone. However, if you are the Sultan of Brunei it might be a consideration.
These days a sophisticated CCTV system can be bought at the local DIY shop and rigged up quite cheaply, in strategic spots above key areas, relaying pictures to a computer inside the house or your smart phone or both. This is pretty handy for young mothers with children who can check the coast is clear before opening the garage door to the outside world.
For most properties though, attention to the doors and windows and good lighting is all you really need. Doors should be secured with a deadbolt lock rather than a small flimsy lock, with either a chain or a bolt for added security.
Lighting is an astonishingly effective deterrent. There is nothing a burglar hates more than having his retina scorched by the spotlight of a movement-sensitive light when he thinks he has made it to the front door undetected. Fixed permanent lighting that illuminates danger areas of the house works wonders.
Windows can be secured with a wide range of locks to suit every kind of window fastening. In public facing areas it is recommended to add a grill or shutters to lower floor windows.
With select locksmiths you can register your key so that nobody else is a able to make a copy without permission. Tip Never lend your key even for an hour to a tradesman or workman.
And then, you can’t beat the good old burglar alarm that has now become a common necessity if you want to get insurance. Often coupled with a personal panic button you can carry around with you. But please don’t forget to put it on, and don’t be lazy and think – oh I’m only going to be gone for ten minutes before deliberately leaving it off.
http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/view.asp?ID=12433
Top Tips for Landlords and Tenants, keep your home safe.
If you have any ideas that you would like to share, please don’t hesitate in giving us a call 0151 256 0850 or email us at westderby@belvoirlettings.com
Let. us do all the work!
Belvoir
West Derby
