Going Away from Home

Introduction

How secure your property is depends on your attitude towards home security. A positive attitude means making the effort to ensure that the three most important steps listed below are taken.

• Fit reliable locks to all doors and windows.

• Put security markings on all your property.

• Join your local Community Support Group (Contact your local Crime Prevention Officer.)

Securing your Home

• To all accessible windows, fit Security Stays for ventilation when home. Lock windows when going out.

• Fit locks to accessible windows.

• Install external lighting and alarms as appropriate.

• Lock your letter box with a padlock.

• Lock the garage - a close shackle padlock and strong hasp and staple will provide extra security. Lock the inside with a door bolt.

• Fit locks to any window that opens in your garden shed and a padlock and a strong hasp to the door.

• Back doors are often fitted with a simple 2 lever mortise lock. Fit a 3 or 5 lever lock and install locking bolts. The back of your house is often more vulnerable than the front.

• Secure gates with padlock. Lock ladders and tools in shed or garage.

• Fit a door viewer and a strong security chain.

• Fit a lock with a deadbolt to the door and all other external doors including connecting door between the garage and the house.

• Fit hinge bolts to French doors, top and bottom. Fit sliding door deadlock to sliding patio doors. Fit patio bolts to deck or patio doors.

• Keep shrubs trimmed so that they do not cloak any intruders activities. Display warning signs.

Household Security Hardware Survey

Assess your Household Security Hardware requirements by completing the following:

Going away checklist

The following are useful ideas and should be used as appropriate for your own situation: