Home invasions and attacks on the elderly are all too common. This is of great concern to Trellidor franchise owners countrywide. With many years in the security industry, they have some valuable advice on security at home for Trellidor’s more vulnerable customers.
These tips are summarised below, but people are welcome to phone their nearest Trellidor franchise for a free, in-depth home security assessment and how to fix the weak points that criminals could exploit.
Tip #1: Cover all bases
Don’t rely on one type of security. In some of the burglaries we know of, the robbers gained access in spite of burglar alarms being on and passive beams throughout the home. One theory is that small people or children crawl around a home that has pet-friendly passives, collecting floor-level items to steal.
With more than one type of security in your home, you have more chance of being alerted to a break-in. This buys you time to press a panic button or phone for help.
You also need more than one security system in place in case one of them fails or if there is a power outage. Or for times when you don’t activate your alarm, which is often when you’re home.
This is when security barriers come into their own. They don’t require electricity to work. Just remember to always lock any sliding security barriers, especially if your doors or windows are left open.
Our advice is to install physical barriers in addition to an alarm system, and also engage the services of an armed response company.
Tip #2: Add some extra precautions
Additional security measures could include the following:
- Keep your dogs indoors with you to act as an early warning system.
- Clean up your garden so that there are no hiding places for criminals.
- Make sure you don’t leave tools, ladders or rubbish bins where robbers can find and use them to gain access to your home.
- Install top quality locks on all doors.
- Install external motion sensor security beams.
- Fit electric fencing and/or barbed wire on the property perimeter.
Tip #3: Protect every opening with barriers
An often overlooked way of securing your home is to install barriers on every single window and external door. If you leave any opening unsecured, even a cat-flap, you can be sure that determined thieves will find a way of gaining entry through it.
Trellidor has a large range of window security options, tailored made to fit your particular window style, so visit our website to see all your options.
Install a security barrier on every window and any doors that lead outside. It’s a good idea to fit a barrier in the passage or stairway so that you can sleep in a safe zone at night. If someone breaks in at night, you’ll be protected in your safe zone, giving you time to call for help.
Tip #4: Quality is key
Poor quality security gates and burglar guards are all too easily broken through or will rust and weaken quickly, particularly on the coast.
Cheap or DIY home security barriers will probably also have inferior locks that are easily breached. The only benefit is that a visible barrier may deter the thief because breaking through it makes quite a noise and attracts unwanted attention.
Rather fit the highest quality, custom-made burglar proofing that you can afford. Talk to your Trellidor franchise about how to protect yourself on a limited budget so that they can devise a plan for you.
Tip #5: Always be on the alert
The final piece of advice from Trellidor franchises is to stay vigilant. If you’re suspicious of anyone in your street, report it to your neighbourhood watch and armed response service.
Be disciplined about locking doors and security gates and setting your alarm, which must be checked periodically.
Finally, don’t enter your home if you see anything unusual. Rather phone your armed response security service and ask them to escort you inside.
