HOW SECURE IS YOUR HOME?

18th August 2008…Every 37 seconds a home in Britain is burgled with over 1 million burglaries and attempted burglaries every year in the UK.* With National Home Security Week (23-29 August) upon us again, how much better have we become at protecting our homes and what can we do to improve our home security?

Cannock Gates, the UK’s largest manufacturer of gates, assists customers looking for extra home security every day. Colin Stead, Managing Director for Cannock Gates says: “Home security continues to be top on the homeowners list of priorities and a high number of our customers are looking for added security through fitting gates to their property. But as well as modifying your property for adding security, simple everyday things can keep your property secure.”

Try Cannock Gates’ top 10 tips for improved home security during National Security Week.

1. A window of opportunity
A third of burglars get in through a window. If your windows need replacing don’t put it off! Consider using laminated glass, particularly in ground-floor and accessible windows, as this is much harder to break. If extra security is required, consider fitting window grilles.

2. Straight through an open door
If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Two thirds of burglars gain entry through a door. Consider fitting your doors with a chain or bar. Glass panels on doors are an easy route in for intruders so replace with laminated glass or remove altogether. For complete peace of mind, consider fitting a security gate over your doorway.

3. Through the keyhole
NEVER leave a spare key hidden outside your property. Burglars know all the tricks, no matter how obscure you think your hiding place is! And NEVER leave your keys near a door or window, you’d be amazed how burglars can get to them with methods including fishing rods and magnets!

4. Be in when you’re out
You’ve heard the old trick about leaving the radio on when you’re out? It works! Always open the curtains before you go out during the day and close them before going out in the evening. It is simple but effective. Timer switches are useful for turning lights on before you arrive home.

5. Gates and railings
Prevent intruders getting to the front, back and sides of your home by installing strong gates and / or railings such as those produced by Cannock Gates. Making it difficult for burglars before they have even got near your property is very likely to deter them! If the back of a house can be accessed from the front then a high, sturdy and locking gate should be positioned across the access point. This is to prevent burglars from getting to the back of the property where they can operate without being disturbed by passers-by. Some gates can be fitted with mortise locks during manufacture, or padlocks can be purchased. Automating your gates is another way of controlling who can access your property.

6. Raising the alarm
Burglars will always prefer a property without an alarm. Get a good quality burglar alarm and hang it proud for all to see. Saving some cash with a fake alarm doesn’t really cut it these days, the burglars can spot them a mile off.

7. Help your neighbour
There’s often no better security prevention than a watchful eye! If you are going away for a period of time, ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property. They’ll be the first to notice any abnormalities.

8. Garages and sheds
Valuable items are often stored in garages and sheds and burglars know this! Make sure your sheds and garages are securely locked and better still behind the protection of an additional gate. The more hurdles for the burglar, the more secure your home.

9. Insure and go
If you are unfortunate enough to get burgled, don’t make a bad situation worse with out of date or inadequate home insurance. Get covered!

10. Security checklist
Go through a home security checklist each time you leave the house. Simple things to remember are so often easy to forget! Get into the habit of checking your home thoroughly before you leave.

Cannock Gates is the UK’s largest manufacturer of gates and offers the UK’s largest range of wooden gates and wrought iron style gates and railings. The extensive range includes garden gates, side gates, drive gates, estate gates and field gates in over 750 standard size/style combinations. They also manufacture wrought iron style window grilles and security gates for doorways and supply security locks and gate automation systems.

Operating for over 25 years, the Cannock Gates ethos is based upon traditional manufacturing methods and skilled craftsmen. Only PEFC certified timber is used in the manufacture of Cannock Gates products, as part of their commitment to protecting the environment.

For further information please call 01543 462500 or visit the Cannock Gates web site – www.cannockgates.co.uk

* secureone.co.uk

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For further press information, please contact:
Elizabeth Boorer, marketing@cannockgates.co.uk