How to protect your listed property and deter thieves
taken from Blenheim Palace and a raid of valuable items from Sudeley Castle, security is currently top of mind for many listed property owners.
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Heritage bodies and conservation professionals recognise that listed buildings need to adapt to improve security. However, gaining consent to make alterations can be challenging if the measures proposed permanently alter the fabric of the building. There are many reversible and inconspicuous measures you can take to improve the security of your listed building which balance the needs of homeowners and the authorities. When speaking to your broker about the right insurance policy for your listed building, insurers will take into account the security measures you are taking. Insurers will look for positive features when underwriting and certain measures may attract discounts.
CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) CCTV technology has evolved rapidly from analogue to digital systems. Many systems are now equipped with a range of fixed and roaming cameras, sophisticated motion
118 Listed Heritage Magazine January/February 2020
ith recent high profile thefts such as the £4.8 million 18-carat gold toilet
sensors and night vision to catch potential thieves. CCTV can act as an effective deterrent, however, criminals know that many CCTV cameras are unmonitored. Identifying thieves after a burglary can also be challenging as criminals will go to great lengths to avoid being identified by covering their faces such as with caps and hoods. When installing CCTV systems it’s important to consider purchasing remote 24/7 monitoring services which will alert you to potential security threats in real-time. Monitoring and alerting the police can be far more effective than tracing thieves after a burglary has taken place. Some systems also have an ‘audible challenge facility’ which warns intruders that they are being watched and encourages them to leave the property. Whichever CCTV system you choose, it should be professionally designed and installed.
INTRUDER ALARMS Similar to CCTV systems, remotely monitored intruder alarms can help to deter thieves from targeting your property. It is also important to change alarm security codes and passwords on a regular basis.
SECURITY LIGHTING
Good outdoor lighting can help to deter thieves by making it more difficult for them to hide. Many security lighting systems have motion sensors to detect body movements. Installing automatic interior lighting or putting
your lights on a timer when you’re away from your property can help to make your property look occupied and therefore less attractive to potential burglars.
PERIMETER SECURITY AND ACCESS POINTS Restricting access to your property will make it more difficult for thieves to commit a crime. Well-designed perimeter security such as walls, fences and electric security gates help to prevent people getting onto your property. Restricting vehicular access to your property can also limit what thieves can physically remove from your property.
SECONDARY GLAZING Secondary glazing can improve security by providing a discreet second barrier of protection to the interior of a listed property. Secondary glazing is an independent internal window which coexists with the original windows. When designed carefully, secondary glazing can be accepted as a reversible adaptation as it can be removed at a later date without damaging the original fabric of the building. We recommend speaking to specialist secondary glazing companies that have experience working with listed properties and the heritage sector. These can be found in the Suppliers Directory in the back of the magazine and online at
www.lpoc.co.uk
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