Burglaries can be prevented if certain precautions are taken.
As per a local security practitioner the following is important with regard to doors, security gates and sliders:
• If the doors have deadbolt locks, use them. If not, owners are advised to have double-cylinder deadbolt locks fitted on exterior doors. A burglar who enters through a window wants to carry stolen property through the door. A double-cylinder deadbolt lock makes this a lot more difficult
• When installing a good deadbolt lock, consider installing a reinforced strike plate. This will strengthen the door frame. Use 60mm or 75mm hardened steel screws to reach into solid wood studs behind the frame.
• In addition, pinning door hinges on all exterior doors will prevent the door from being removed even after removing the hinge posts. This is particularly important for doors that swing outward and have hinges exposed on the outside. To pin the door, remove two opposite screws on each hinge. Drive a sturdy headless nail into the screw hole in the door frame, leaving about 12mm protruding. Drill opposite the screw hole so that the nail head fits in when the door is closed.
• When you leave home, even if only for a few minutes (e.g. walking your dog or going to the pool), make sure that all doors and windows are locked.
• Sliding doors and windows can be blocked with a break-in bar or lock pin. These devices make it more difficult to slide the door or window open, even if the lock is forced. The break-in bar or pin offers no protection against an intruder leaving with your household goods. Many products are available for securing sliding doors and windows. Ask your local hardware store to demonstrate the variety of locking devices.
• Many homeowners feel more safe with burglar bars. However, most associations have restrictions ( if you are living in a complex or on an estate ) or architectural guidelines dealing with any alteration to the exterior appearance of the property. Check the association’s specific restrictions and comply with the necessary requirements prior to installing the burglar bars. For better protection, burglar bars should be installed on the inside of windows using one-way screws so that the burglar can’t easily remove them. Be sure that there is a simple escape mechanism in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
• If you have a lock-up garage, keep your garage door closed and locked, whether you are at home or not. An open garage door is an invitation to burglars. It is also advisable to install and use an electronic garage-door opener.
Also Read: Keep your home safe
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