Winter is the peak time for break-ins, when the dark, longer nights provide more cover for burglars on the prowl for cash, jewellery and other valuable belongings.
Yale offers householders advice on how to burglar-proof their homes this winter and locksmiths should be taking full advantage of the opportunities available to increase sales by ensuring consumers have the fullest information available on the latest security products both inside and inside the home.
Firstly, door security should be up to standard. External timber doors should be secured using a mortice lock and/or nightlatch that meets British Standard BS3621 and for PVCu or composite doors, then it is a good idea to upgrade the euro profile cylinder in a multipoint lock to a British Standard Kitemark TS007 cylinder as well.
A property is not properly protected unless all points of entry are secured and Yale recommends that all windows, both upstairs and downstairs, are fitted with at least one appropriate lock. Many burglars will avoid smashing a window and will instead try to force the window frame itself. There are locks available for all types of windows.
Home alarms act as visual deterrents to potential burglars and are vital for alerting neighbours in the event of a break-in. Yale’s wire free alarm kits are quick and easy to install and offer discreet protection for all types of properties, from flats to large family homes.
Outbuildings should be secured with a weatherproof padlock to help deter would-be thieves and protect against unwanted intruders. Yale offers weatherproof padlocks with a solid, multi-layered steel body to protect against erosion and saw attacks, plus a keyway cover cap to prevent rusting. Heavy-duty padlocks are recommended for shed doors, while anchor locks and cables can secure high value individual items inside an outbuilding.
For the latest in security technology, Yale’s digital door locks allow householders to access and secure their home conveniently using a 4 to 12 digit PIN code of their choice. They can also create a temporary code to give other people access and delete it just as easily – without having to worry about collecting keys or changing locks.