54 SAFETY & SECURITY PLAY IT SAFE
Homeowners looking to move will usually consider the safety and security of a neighbourhood above many other factors. In the light of this, Anthony Neary of
safe.co.uk discusses the importance of specifying home security in new builds.
U FLATS
Having well thought-out security measures in place will mitigate many of the worries that tenants may have regard- ing shared buildings and communal areas in apartment developments. Things to consider from the offset include the design of the property itself. Are there any ‘blind spots’ around the building that could become compromised? What security will be installed around the perimeter of the building and communal areas to protect against unwanted entry? CCTV and alarm systems installed prominently on buildings have been proven to deter burglars, by letting them know the area is monitored 24/7. Ensuring internal doors are designed with quality, fireproof material is a must. They should be fitted with a deadlock and a night latch alongside a security chain to provide an extra layer of security for individual properties. External doors that provide entry to the building should be fitted with either keypad or fob entry systems, compatible with video intercom so tenants can see who’s trying to gain access. CCTV fitted in communal areas will
INSTALLING HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS CAN MAKE A PROPERTY MORE DESIRABLE AND INCREASE
ITS VALUE
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
K Crime Statistics show homes in urban environments such as Manchester, Leeds and London
are the most likely to be targeted by burglars. Data like this is widely available, and it’s vital it is considered when specifying developments in such areas. Home security systems can be easily factored into build plans, and can make all the difference when homeowners come to choose which development they wish to live in.
provide further peace of mind for tenants and deter potential burglars. Some external doors, when designed poorly, can fail to close automatically and become stuck on the latch, leaving the entrance vulnerable. Ensure that main entrance doors are appropriately designed and weighted to shut on their own.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS Something that might appeal more to homeowners than tenants who are renting a flat is the question of the security measures that are installed within the home itself. Homeowners will take this into account when looking for a new house
to settle in for the next few years. Smart alarms are a great option for future
proofing the security of a property. They can be connected with as many as 20 components, giving the homeowner peace of mind that their house is fully protected. Many smart alarms will notify the user if an alarm is triggered, capturing images and video of the intruder, and sending the footage to their smartphone. Some systems even allow the user to remotely turn on and off household appliances via a power switch, giving them ‘complete control’ over their home.
On private properties it’s important to be mindful when pointing CCTV towards other areas such as neighbouring properties or the road, as by doing so, you’ll need to comply with the Data Protection Act. Alongside having CCTV and alarm systems to deter and monitor unwanted activity, there are options for smart locks that negate the need for traditional keys. This provides complete flexibility for the homeowner, allowing them to grant access to whoever requires it and track who comes and goes, all via an app.
SMART SECURITY
Smart technology is becoming increasingly prominent in everyday life, with some
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
