SAFETY & SECURITY 49
figures show that the number of recorded cases reported to police are, in the short term, on the rise. During the year to September 2017, burglaries were up 8 per cent to 433,110 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, thefts from a motor vehicle rose 15 per cent to 276,823 in the same period. It is therefore vital that housebuilders and homeowners take steps to improve the security of their properties during the construction phase and beyond.
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Building sites are prime targets for thieves, with plenty of expensive tools and materials lying around, so make sure to keep a sharp eye on the security of your site. While checking that gates are fitted with suitable locks may be an obvious step, make sure to check the perimeter of your site on a daily basis as well. Fencing should be fully intact with no bolts, hinges, handles or damaged sections which could work as footholds for entry, or large items such as bins that may have been positioned to provide easy access. To make sure security isn’t being overlooked, introduce a robust security routine, including clear roles and responsi- bilities. Use chains, bollards, and anchors to secure machinery, and secure storage for power tools when not in use, even during the day. Ensure everything is locked away overnight, and if vehicles are being left on site, make sure to park ‘defensively’, with doors positioned as close as possible to walls or other vehicles to make access difficult. Consider getting perimeter alarms and site CCTV systems installed. When it comes to the buildings themselves, be sure to design-in security from the outset and invest in high-quality security hardware that has been independ- ently approved. Ensuring you have the correct locks on windows and doors will not only keep your property safe, it’s vital for meeting specified insurance requirements. A patented lock system that is unique to the property is a worthwhile investment, as keys cannot be copied without proof of ownership. While initial investment in patented or restricted locking systems tends to be higher than ‘off-the-shelf’ locks, in the long run this could potentially save money.
At the very least, be sure to use products approved by a third party certification agency such as Sold Secure. Their website provides an easy to use tool for checking specific products.
In what is of the most frequently made mistakes, what many people consider to be the most common locks are actually brand names, not types of locks. There is a wide variety of different types of locks on the market all intended for different purposes –
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hile cases of theft and robbery have fallen substantially over the last decade, the latest
SAFE AS HOUSES
With the number of thefts and burglaries rising, prioritising home security has arguably never been more important. Dr Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths Association offers advice on securing homes during construction and over the long term
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