Security

Well …

That’s nice to know.   I’ll be honest, I was a touch worried the grit I’d put out, on Monday, had washed away.

Seemingly, it’s held out, so far: whether it’s going to STAY holding out is another matter, obviously.

At ANY rate … ?   You can get in touch with you local county councillor, and ask for some grit: you can also ask — if you’re in Brentwood — your local councillor.

~~~~~

At any rate, the reason why I was out and about, today, was to deliver some leaflets, for the local Lib Dems, so you know.

And have to admit, I came across something mildly worrying, at one flat.

The owners had left a spare key in their letterbox.

Which is only NOT worrying when you realise most burglars, whatever reason they’re burgling for, are chancers.

Opportunists, in other words: ones who, when they see a front-door key conveniently near to the lock it opens, will politely say thank you, and walk right on.

I’ll be honest, that left me tempted enough to unlock the door and leave a polite note making exactly that point.

I didn’t, though.

I DID manage to get in touch with local councillor, Karen Chilvers, to pass on the address, and let her know my concerns: she’s offered to get in touch with the owners/occupiers, and have a word about it, and basic home security.

I’m hoping she’ll be able to let us all know how it goes.

But in the mean time, I’ll quote this site’s tips, ones that to me, sound good: if you have anything to add, please feel free to comment.

Always lock the door and close the windows when you go out, even if you'll only be out for a short time

All external doors should have 3 locking points. Mortice locks will add considerable strength to your door - you can buy them at your local DIY store

Window locks can help to stop people getting in, especially in older windows and windows without double glazing

Use deadlocks if you have them - they make it harder for thieves to get out again

If you are thinking of PVC or metal framed doors/windows, make sure they come with good built in locks and a fitted chain, as these can be expensive to add afterwards

Patio doors should have special locks fitted to the top and bottom – ask your DIY store for advice

Don't leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed. Keep garden sheds and garages locked and think about using a battery-operated alarm

Keep car and garage keys out of sight in the house

Don't leave window and door keys in their locks

Always draw your curtains at night and make sure valuable items cannot be easily seen from outside

Use timers for lights and radios if you will be out of the house overnight. They create the impression that someone is at home. It is not recommended to use TVs for this purpose

Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and security lighting can be deterrents. Particularly ensure that recessed areas and doorways have good security lighting. Make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes

Walls and solid fencing around your house may let a thief break in without being seen. Trees and shrubs can also be hiding places. Chain-link fencing or trellises with prickly shrubs can be a better compromise

Make sure that garden tools or ladders that could be used to force entry into your home are not left lying around

Fit a ‘spy hole' so that you can see who is at the door. Also have a door chain so that you can open the door a little way to talk to visitors

Mark your belongings with a property-marking product

Neighbourhood Watch and other ‘watch' schemes are excellent ways for communities to fight burglary

I’ll ALSO mention this one, as well: although there’s a warning, I’ll add.   A few years ago, the BBC showed a home make-over shaw called Beat the Burglar.   The presenters persuaded a home owner to let themselves be burgled by the shows reformed burglar*.

And THEN made the home over with various security improvements.

That second site mentions dog.   The one episode of Beat the Burglar that mentioned dogs, showed us how easily a burglar could deal with them.

By grabbing a open packet of sausages from the fridge and feeding them to the family pooches.   He carried on burgling the house, whilst being followed around by the dogs, who were wagging their tails.

Just a thought for you …

*        Who, since leaving gaol, made his money as a security advisor.