HOME SECURITY
ALARMS, PASSIVE PROTECTION, SECURITY ZONES, SAFE ROOM, PERIMETER SECURITY, LIGHTING, CCTV, BOLTS, RAZOR WIRE, WALL SPIKES, PERIMETER ALERT, LOCKS, BOLTS, DOGS, SECURITY WINDOW FILM.
REMEMBER THE LAW IN THE U.K - RIGGING UP ANYTHING THAT CAUSES INJURY OR WORSE EVEN ON YOUR OWN PROPERTY EVEN IF THE PERSON IS TRESPASSING, BREAKING IN OR BROKEN IN COULD GET YOU INTO SOME SERIOUS TROUBLE IF SOMETHING OCCURRED !
This is a brief introduction to home security and some of the methods we have applied, for obvious reasons not all is covered. We have an all walled property, steel reinforced gate electronically opened, once shut behind you cannot be opened again without key or via inside control . Our walls are now razor wired inside being not visible from the road, anti climb painted and spiked (see further down page)
ZONES
Home security, a big issue back home in South Africa which i still follow rigorously here in the U.K within the law, i cannot understand why some people fill a home full of expensive goodies yet cannot justify spending a few hundred pounds on some home security. With more homes burgled when the occupants are out a check of your current security is more than worthwhile, attempt to make your home as uninviting to a criminal as possible. Work your zones into 4 then add applicable security to each zone.
1. Public (outside your property or viewable from the street) - Consider observation, CCTV to monitor the street outside your property, security signage such as beware of dog, fit a road visible alarm box. Remember you can fit a dummy camera and alarm box and you don't need a dog to put a sign up.
2. Perimeter (within your boundary wall/fence) - CCTV, perimeter PIR alarm & security lighting, razor wire, anti climb paint, thorny bushes, gravel.
3. Inner (in your home) PIR and magnetic sensors, panic buttons, auto dialler, security key bolts on internal doors leading from hallways, locks to standard.
4. Safe zone, if immediate escape is impractical or prevented. A place of refuse lockable from inside.
Home security and Prepping, is it worth it ? Here are a few thoughts on the issue
NO
You could spend the cash on additional survival supplies.
Your a bug out prepper and will head for the hills when SHTF.
It's useless when the grid goes down.
No point as nobody will worry about alarms going off during civil unrest.
Nobody pays attention to alarms anyway.
YES
You won't arrive home from work etc and find your home broken into and items including your preps gone.
It is safer when at home especially at dark unless you plan to sit up all night.
Your insurance could be reduced by using approved installers.
Your expected time away bugging out was not necessary or minimal, whilst some looting took place your home remained secure.
You can use it when the grid goes down. Systems that run from a 12v secondary supply, most house systems do, can still be used with a battery charged from an alternative means. I can run both CCTV cameras too, a cheap portable T.V fits the purpose for a monitor although of course would not remain on all the time but is a means of monitoring.
Whilst help is unlikely to be forthcoming or very slow during certain scenarios an alarm and CCTV still offer security and give vital time to prepare a suitable response.
ALARM
1. A burglar is least likely to target you if you have a system operative displaying signage and external alarm sounders.
2. No one either forcing entry or having gained entry will want to be around for long with sirens blaring and strobes flashing and whether or not anyone takes notice the autodial will call your nominated contacts.
3. A certified installation can reduce your home insurance costs.
4. The panic attack system that activates your alarm can be used to summon help via your pendant button in a medical emergency/accident should you be unable to reach your phone.
5. A suitable system can be set to silent, activating only the auto dial working in silence independent of the sounders to summon assistance without the attacker/burglar knowing.
Below - My somewhat old system (it's seen 3 house moves) It's been modified slightly.
Note - I fit this myself, in all the time i have had it it's only ever gone off falsely once.
A basic 2 zone panel will part or full guard a whole house (with appropriate detectors) allowing full house security when away from home or part when home / sleeping.
Solar powered sounders, using a system without mains power can be attained using a second yuasha back up battery being charged via another source such as solar. Below another internal fitted strobe behind glass oh and a spider, were a spider friendly home : ) Note - Consider fake security alarm boxes but buy a genuine brand though, check ebay etc.
AUTO DIAL
Stand alone auto dial with alarm we have. Runs off mains or 9v battery. Just program your selected telephone numbers and it will dial them upon activation. Comes with a keyfob arm/disarm/panic button. We only use it purely for the auto dial but it is a neat little alarm unit in itself and can even incorporate magnetic door contacts etc.
CHEAP ALARMS
Micromark alarm below, ideal for sheds etc. Powered by a 9v battery, key operated.
PIR PROXIMITY DETECTOR
A homemade system i put together but ready to use units are available. Know the second someone enters your perimeter zone day or night. A simple solar security light would also make an easy conversion.
SECURITY LIGHTS
Security lighting can provide essential light when and where you need it, alert you to intruders and scare intruders away. Both mains and easy fit solar are available. This can be either automatic being PIR activated or a constant light source.
Basic constant switchable lighting for specific areas.
PIR solar security light, easy to fit and an affordable option for security lighting.
CCTV
While the option of recording if you have a full system exists for the purpose of identification consider the fact that unless someone is going to watch it 24/7 you will be unaware of an intruder in your perimeter zone, that's another good reason to have a perimeter alarm, can always check the CCTV if it sounds. Advice - with these wireless cameras you get what you pay for regards distance although they can connect via cable. A note worth mentioning if you do not wish to buy a CCTV consider dummy cameras and signage, quite a few convincing ones are available very cheaply. This camera is mains powered but secondary voltage being 12v so can be used in a grid down with a portable t.v. We have street view, front yard and back garden CCTV.
REMEMBER THE LAW IN THE U.K - RIGGING UP ANYTHING THAT CAUSES INJURY OR WORSE EVEN ON YOUR OWN PROPERTY WILL GET YOU INTO SOME SERIOUS TROUBLE IF SOMETHING OCCURRED. PLEASE BE AWARE OF LINKS PROVIDING INFORMATION FROM OTHER COUNTRIES, THEY ARE GIVEN ONLY AS POINT OF INTEREST AND REFERENCE WITHIN THIS SITE AND NOTHING MORE !
LOCKS
Just what is the best ? The common direct to frame night latch is heavily dependent on the frame and screws so if you have one of these check your frame and ensure you use the longest possible screws, a brace is available for these type of lock but better still fit a mortice. Below shows a lock deemed useless by the frame. Notice where the frame has split and been repaired from door being kicked in (locked myself out in this case !) As mentioned You can get a bracket/brace for this type of lock, fits over the part on the frame but it still screws into the frame.
Mortice locks are better. When buying a mortice deadlock ensure you get a five lever which conforms to BS 3621.
Front door, UPVC, central mortice, up and down latch locking on applying handle, central top and bottom Brenton bolts. Locking door chain.
BOLTS
Ordinary flat mounted bolts are easily burst off not really offering much protection at all unless the barrel goes into brickwork. Security bolts or Brenton bolts are a more secure method. Consider security bolts on internal doors too, anyone who breaks in has to break internal doors too, tiresome, noisy and time consuming.
Hinge bolts.
These protect the hinge side of the door from attack. Fit one top and bottom, easy to fit, i fitted these easily enough.
Brenton bolt.
These should go into the wall to get the maximum security offered from them but can be completely flat mounted. Fitted with screws and also bolts that go through the door, can be locked with a padlock, ideal for doors with glass. Remember with glassed doors never leave the key in any lock but on a hook nearby, you may need to escape in a hurry and this should be incorporated into your fire/emergency drill by everyone in the house.
Note as with any lock that requires a key be aware of safety in event of fire.
Fitting a Brenton bolt.
Link -
OTHER
WINDOWS
Windows are very vulnerable to attack, whilst double / triple glazed do afford more protection than single. Burglar bars do not appear to be used in the U.K on private dwellings and even if you were to fit them it is not going to make you 'the grey house' in the street, given this thought and to needing some protection i have covered this aspect cheaply as shown on the projects page regarding internal boarding, although my idea does not protect the glass it does secure the window space, in event of a serious storm it can easily be used for outside protection. Other forms of cheap window protection can include 'fake' bars although a visible deterrent are useless if anyone tested them, you can do this by painting wooden poles silver or use metal tubes, fitted inside the window, they look genuine from outside. Another option is the use of security bomb blast window film which we have on windows likely to suffer attack, ensure it is to standard (BSEN12600 1A1)
Remember it only takes a second to gain access through an open window , if you do not have window locks consider fitting them, never leave the key in the lock, put the key on a hook nearby, not only does it keep the key out of reach from burlar it keeps it safe from getting lost yet nearby should you require an emergency exit. Our cat showing example ha.
Security window film.
We have security film on all relevant risk glass, DIY and affordable. If you have ever tried fitting car tint film, and i have, what a nightmare i found ! Not the same with this, it is like plastic sheet and doesn't go everywhere except where you place it, you can also buy the kit to fit, again not expensive. Note you cannot fit this to the rippled side of glass, it can only be used on smooth glass.
Security window film suppliers
Safe / retreat room
Consider having a Safe /panic room, a room you can use to retreat to in event of dire circumstance, either if you are trapped by fire or home invasion etc. It is not a fortress room, it is a room to retreat, to buy time when means of escape is impossible. Forget the movies i am talking about the the real and affordable world. Consider a room with a single window that you can shutter secure from inside quickly or failing that ensure the window is overly secure, use security film on the glass, not expensive. An upstairs or windowless room can afford better protection against attack regards the window aspect but you must have a viable means of escape possible, fire ladder etc. I'm not sure on the use of burglar bars in the U.K on home properties, i have never seen a house with them, but that's another consideration, perhaps fitted covertly behind nets in the room, the use of ballistic polycarbonate thermoplastic replacing glass i think maybe going overboard in the U.K though. Door should be solid (a standard fire door is ideal) and have at least 2 security door bolts top & bottom along with a center fitted lock. Remember to fit 2 hinge bolts the other side of the frame (these are static bolts that close into a metal sleeve in the hinge side of the frame) You don't need a spare room for this, another room that you use can serve the purpose be it living room, bedroom etc but the less window if downstairs, in South Africa a standard room is often adapted in the case of those that want one unless it's a new build.
I will add to this regarding mine later.
MORE ON THIS TO COME - UNDER CONSTRUCTION !
Here's a couple of links if your interested in Panic Rooms
- http://www.panicroom.co.za/FAQ_155.aspx
WALL AND FENCING PROTECTION
Protection of our perimeter walls , no protection methods are road visible. We are an all walled property, wall security includes anti climb paint, wall spikes and razor wire with a 24 hour anti tamper linked back to the main alarm system, easy to do, take the 24 hour loop and extend to the perimeter wire with either shock or mercury switches, you can make your own protection switch with mini mercury switches (ensure you mount closed) mount them in mini boxes, attach at intervals to wire, give them a good testing in high winds if any problems just adjust the switch angle.
What is the law ?
I contacted both the local police and council regarding this although it was not found favourable to fit it is not preventable if you keep within the law. They were both very helpful and offered alternative ideas. Ideas were planting thorny bushes along the bottom of the walls inside, but as we have secure gate access there would have to be a gap, plus it would mean breaking up the concrete to plant the things. Another to fill the yard with gravel so it is not quiet to walk on, i shall do this. A wood topping trellis was also mentioned but that would mean asking neighbours before it is fitted on their boundary wall, i not only want our outer wall secure but that of the neighbours. Doubt it would prove a problem but people move and the situation could change.
Our surrounding walls. In brief anyone climbing the wall would be met by the anti climb paint that coats the top then the spikes. In order to enter our perimeter a person would have to jump at an angle to clear the razor wire onto concrete, remember any major disturbance to the wire activates the main house alarm as it is connected via the systems 24 hour tamper circuit. As the wire is fitted inside it solved the asking neighbour issue and apart from a small CCTV camera which is not out of place these days no security measures can be seen except for razor wire warning signs. This keeps it looking a 'grey house' in the road.
Tips & the law -
1. Try not to make your home look like you have something worth targeting, keep security as covert as possible otherwise if a riot hits your street it may well act as a magnet, i do not consider a CCTV camera or alarm box prevents you being ' a grey house' they are so common these days.
2. If you are fitting a visible form of wall / fence protection to your neighbours wall it maybe best to ask to avoid problems.
3. Planning permission is generally required if you cap a wall or fence with something that reaches over 2 metres, you can grow a thorny bush along the top if it then exceeds 2 meters but it must not have any solid supports.
4. Highways act 1980 section 154 overhanging the highway. If your topping overhangs into the public highway you could receive an order to remove it. To stay clear of problems have a reputable company fit it, check it regular to see if any part has become detached causing it to overhang.
5. Highways act 1980 section 164 ' Injurious toppings' If you break this law, which only applies if the boundary you fit the security topping on borders a highway/public footpath, you will be told to remove it and be served a relevant notice. This will happen if your security is lower than 2.4 metres. Don't fit if lower than the law allows, perhaps extend original height of original boundary first, planning permission maybe required.
5. Occupiers liability act 1957. Whilst you cannot have any case brought about for ignoring this it does leave a gateway open for someone who injured due to your security measures. This will relate to an visitors or callers to your home. If you fit it yourself make sure you do a good job or have a suitable company do it. Ensure it is high and out of reach.
6. Occupiers liability act of 1984. This applies to trespassers who injure themselves, be it a burglar or someone out just stealing a few apples off your tree. Warning Signage is essential on the outside fence or wall to warn of security measures that could injure, it could help your defence if you were bought to court. Do not hide your security topping, it maybe viewed in court as a trap.
If you intend to fit security measures such as razor wire etc i would advise you to check the gov.uk website regards the appropriate acts/legislation in full, speak to your local council or CAB.
7. Consider in event of needing emergency services, will it hinder or cause injury ? Ensure you have appropriate signage on you wall/fence showing the risk of injury should someone climb it.
8. I would advise removing the wire if you come to sell your property, it could be seen that the area is a high risk and you have been burgled in the past ! Visible wire could also 'lower the tone' of certain areas and cause hassle from other homeowners in the street, last thing you want is your home splashed all across the pages of the local newspaper in a wire dispute (i have seen a case of this before) when you want to be ' the grey house' especially if like me you are a bug in prepper.
INFORMATION HERE IS IN BRIEF TO GIVE YOU A GUIDE, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE EITHER LEGAL OR LOCAL AUTHORITIES ADVICE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU FIND OUT FROM YOUR OWN LOCAL AUTHORITIES/COUNCIL BEFORE FITTING.
WALL SPIKES
We had a company fit these as it was included in the package when we had our razor wire installed but in itself it is an easy DIY job, holes are already in it for fixing to wall. Anti climb paint is painted along the top of our walls, it is very slippery and very messy, never drys but does need reapplying yearly.
RAZOR WIRE
Display road visible warning signage if you fit razor wire, spikes, anti climb paint etc.
PLEASE NOTE WE HAD OUR WIRE FITTED, IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING DIY ENSURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THE DANGERS AND HOW TO FIT SAFELY WITH CORRECT EQUIPMENT AND PPE . THIS WIRE IS EXTREMELY UNFORGIVING WITH MISTAKES SO TAKE EXTREME CARE IF YOU VALUE YOUR SKIN AND EYESIGHT INCLUDING THAT OF THOSE AROUND YOU !
I had thought about spraying the wire to blend in but bearing in mind the occupiers liability act of 1984 this could be used against me if a trespasser etc got injured saying it was painted to camouflage it making it a trap.
Ask the police - Can I put barbed/razor wire/broken glass on the top of my fence to stop people getting in ? Click below :
Anti climb products:
THE DOGS
We have two Staffordshire bull terriers and a Rottweiler. O.K not everyone has the time or even likes dogs, but it sure is a great deterrent and protection source, even the barking alone can scare off a potential intruder whatever the dog. Remember a dog is a commitment an almost a full time job and not cheap to run ! To us they are family, anything else is a bonus, we love ours and i know they wouldn't welcome any unwelcome visitor.
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