General home and outbuilding security:
- Ensure all doors and windows are shut and locked when not in use.
- Ensure windows and door frames are in good repair.
- Fit good quality deadlocks conforming to the latest British Standards to all external doors.
- Fit good quality window locks.
Security lighting:
- Install security lights that come on automatically at dusk and go off at dawn.
- Help make your property look occupied by fitting timer switches to lamps in different rooms and set them to come on at staggered times.
- Due to the potential fire risk in using any electrical device, it is important that all manufacturers’ instructions are strictly adhered to at all times.
CCTV and intruder alarms:
- Consider installing CCTV to provide formal surveillance to the most vulnerable areas of the property.
- Consider installing an audible and monitored intruder alarm system.
- Get comprehensive advice from a reputable security company that conforms to national standards:
- National Security Inspectorate (NSI)
- Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB)
Entrances and exits:
- Look closely at the perimeter of your land to ensure it is as secure as possible.
- If possible, remove all private access points that are no longer used and establish a single gated entrance and exit.
- Consider installing an entry control system, infra-red, intercom or keypad entry.
Gates and hinges:
- Invert and cap gate hinges so that gates cannot be lifted off. Ensure fixing bolts cannot be removed.
- Use good quality padlocks with covers so they cannot be easily cut off.
- Use locking posts or temporary obstructions to control large openings to yards.
Natural boundary protection:
- Plant thorn hedges to use as natural boundaries.
- Restrict vehicle access by digging deep ditches.
Fire risks:
- Hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible after harvesting.
- Hay and straw should be stored separately from other buildings.
- Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas and storage tank outlets should be padlocked.
- Refuse should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis.
- Seek further advice from the Arson Reduction Advisor.
Fly tipping:
- Restrict the opportunity for fly tipping by improving boundary security through the use of fencing, bollards or gating.
- Use signage to indicate that an area is monitored.
- Quickly remove evidence of fly tipping so it does not act as a signal and attract further offences.
- Report all incidents of fly tipping to your local authority as soon as possible.
- If possible, make note of any vehicle details and descriptions of people involved.
Illegal occupation:
- Perimeter protection of vacant land and car parks reduces the risk, inconvenience and costs involved in removal of trespassers and illegal occupants.
- Look closely at the perimeter of your land to ensure it is as secure as possible.
- Restrict vehicle access by digging deep ditches.
- Consider your personal safety before approaching any individuals.
- The landowner can take proceedings to the county court to obtain a Court Order for the eviction of illegal occupants.
Illegal off-roading:
- Improve boundary security through the use of fencing, bollards or gating, making the land less accessible to off-road vehicles.
- Report incidents of illegal off-roading and if possible record vehicle details and descriptions of the people involved.
- Consider using signage to reinforce the illegal aspect of this activity and to warn that trespassers will be prosecuted.
- Consider your personal safety before approaching individuals.
|
