Locks and Keys

Roy Buckingham asked:


You may have seen recent reports on television news or in the newspapers of a weakness in the locks on PVCu doors. The weakness is currently being exploited by burglars in some areas of the UK, notably the West Yorkshire Police area. To our knowledge, such attacks are not yet common place in the Hampshire, West Sussex and Dorset areas.

This is a problem which is growing around the country; various methods are used by the burglars using simple everyday tools, allowing them to exploit an inherent flaw in the design of these Euro Profile Cylinders. The cylinders can be overcome in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.

The lock in question is not of any particular make, but is the type of lock fitted to the majority of UPVC, PVCu and some wooden doors throughout the world, it is commonly known as a Euro Profile Cylinder. It is the part which provides the key operation to the multi-point locking mechanism fitted to the door. No matter how secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, if the cylinder is compromised the multi-point lock can be opened in seconds without difficulty.

All major Lock Manufacturers are now working hard to find solutions to the problem.

Currently there are limited products on the market to combat this form of attack. Two major lock manufacturers notably Mul-T-Lock and Squire have produced a new design of cylinder which ensures the cylinder snaps at a predetermined position leaving the door still secured and requiring the use of the correct key to unlock the door. Mul-T-Locks range of anti snapping cylinders are called ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range are called ‘Snapsafe’

Although this design of cylinder is still not 100% guaranteed to prevent all the methods of attack used on PVCu doors. It will prevent the most common methods slowing down the burglars attempts and making it considerably more difficult, therefore increasing the chance of him giving up.

In addition to these cylinders some manufacturers notably Squire and ERA are producing cylinder enhancers or cylinder security devices. Various designs are available to suit PVCu and composite doors these consist of a metal surround which is secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s range is possibly the most secure, with the designs securing through the door to sandwich the cylinder in place making it virtually impossible to remove the ‘snapped’ cylinder. These devices used in conjunction with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder will ensure the methods currently being used are ineffective.

The risk of forced entry via the methods used is reduced if the cylinder fitted is of the correct size and properly fitted. However often when cylinders have been replaced in the past it is found that an incorrect size has been used leaving the door vulnerable. It is recommended that the euro profile cylinder should not protrude outside of the door furniture any more than 2-3mm.

Remember burglars always choose the easy option!

In order to ensure you do not become one of the many victims of this type of forced entry review your current door cylinders now and consider upgrading your cylinders to the newly available ‘Break Secure’ or SnapSafe ranges currently available or fit an additional Cylinder Security Device or Enhancer to your existing cylinder.

In the meantime, ensure you DEADLOCK your doors whenever your home is unattended. We also advise that a door chain be fitted and used on the main entrance door when the house is occupied and if PVCu doors are fitted to other areas consider fitting additional internal secondary bolts as an alternative to replacing the cylinders.

Other sensible precautions include ensuring that any keys (particularly car keys) are not left where they can be found by burglars. (The most common method of car theft is by breaking into homes and stealing the keys). Other portable valuables should also be removed from vulnerable areas.

A safe will compliment any form of security to the property by reducing the risk of sentimental and valuable items being taken should a burglar gain entry. Securing small valuables can save a great deal of inconvenience and upset and it is recommended that you keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. locked in a safe.

For guidance and advice from reputable qualified locksmith’s only choose a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association whose members would be pleased to offer advice and guidance, without obligation on any aspects of your properties physical security.

By using an MLA approved company you are assured that the locksmith you employ is of the highest standard of Integrity and that the work undertaken will be carried out to very high standards.

All Master Locksmiths have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination to ensure they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade. And every Approved Company undergoes stringent, regular inspections, thus ensuring that it maintains high standards in workmanship and administration. Additionally members are expected to conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter to service customer satisfaction.



EARL

Milos asked:


Theft of valuables from home due to carelessness is very common. Never take home security for granted. If you make an effort to be secure, you will be protecting your family and your valuables much better.

Tips To Prevent Burglaries

Securing doors and windows is extremely important. Many burglaries occur as vandals had easy access to the garage door where they worked unnoticed to gain entry into the house. Never leave your house, even for just a few minutes, without locking all doors and windows. Use dead bolts to improve home security. A pet entrance is not advisable. Have wide angled viewer installed in the main door to check who is at the door.

Do not leave an extra pair of keys hidden outside your house; instead, leave them with a neighbor or friend.

Make sure all doors and windows, which are not within your view, are locked when you are at home.

Fuse boxes and power sources have to be secured, to make it impossible for criminals to tamper with them.

Have a good burglar alarm installed.

Make sure you periodically check all home security systems and have them serviced regularly.

Keep your garden trimmed ensuring an unobstructed view of your house from the road or your neighbors.

If you have to deal with windows accessible from the fire escape be sure to check that the windows are hardy, tamper proof, and secure.

Never leave a message in your answering machine, indicating you are away.

Do not have predictable habits change your routine often.

Get your self a sturdy safe to lock up all valuables and important documents.

Keep your home insurance up to date.

Change all locks if you just moved into the house.

Get a good private home security monitoring system to enhance home security.

Do not leave ladders and other tools lying that can be used by vandals to gain entry into your home.

Join a neighborhood watch program.

Trim and maintain your garden, trees should not be used by criminals to gain entry into the upper floors of your home. Be sure that the branches are cut securing your home.

In the event you lose a key, change the tumblers of all locks.

It will be a great deterrent if you had a guard dog.

Make sure your house number is lit and clearly visible to facilitate people who need to get to your home in hurry find your home easily.

Secure skylights and roof taking precaution to prevent unauthorized entry through them.

If the above-mentioned basic home security measures are carefully followed, securing your home and sleeping peacefully will not be an issue any longer.



SANDY

Kamyar Shah asked:


Key West FL is the southernmost city in the Continental United States. Key West is a city and an island by the same name near the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and encompasses the namesake island, the part of Stock Island north of US 1, Sigsbee Park and Sunset Key.

Many passenger cruise ships utilize Key West as a seaport. Key West International Airport also serves the area. Naval Air Station Key West offers a training site for Naval Aviation.

Key West is officially known for having the nation’s first and oldest continuous *** and ******* chamber of commerce. Thus the city’s motto “One Human Family”

Kay West was inhabited by ancient peoples known as the Calusa People in Pre-Columbian times. Juan Ponce De Leon was the first European to visit the area and the island was known as Cayo Hueso. It was established as a fishing and salvage village with a small fort to protect the Spanish colony.

Cayo Hueso literally means “bone key” as it is said that the island is littered with the bones from an Indian battlefield or burial ground. It is thought that the name changed to Key West is an Anglicization of the word “Hueso” that could mean west in English. Many businesses on the island use the name.

Great Britain took control of Florida in the late 1700’s and relocated the Spaniards and Indians to Havana. Florida passed back to the Spanish 20 years later but they did not formally resettle. The island was used by fishermen from Cuba and joined by fishermen from the United States.

The island was deeded to Juan Pablo Salis in 1815 but when Florida was transferred to the United States Salas was eager to sell the island. First he sold it for a sloop valued at $575 and then to a US businessman named Simonton for about $2,000. The sloop trader sold it to a man named Geddes who could not secure rights to the property because Simonton had help from influential friends in Washington and gained clear title. Simonton bought the island because he had learned of the opportunities presented by the strategic location. Simonton’s friend John Whitehead, once stranded on the islands by a shipwreck had seen the deep harbor.

Lying 90 in a strategic location on the deep shipping lane Straits of Florida the harbor was considered the “Gibraltar of the West”. Matthew Perry said into the harbor in 1822 and physically planted the US flag to claim it as US property. He reported on the piracy problems and renamed it “Thompson’s Island” and named the harbor “Port Rodgers”. Neither name stuck. In 1823 Commodore David Porter took charge and tried to rule the island as a military dictator under martial law.

Simonton soon subdivided the island into plots and sold 3 undivided quarters of each plot to private individuals. Simonton spent the winter in Key West and then the summer in Washington to lobby for development of the island and for the establishment of a naval base. Among other first founders are Pardon Green who moved there permanently and became a prominent businessman. John Whitehead lived there for 8 years and partnered with Greene in the firm of “P.C. Greene and Company”. He left the island for good in 1832 returning only once during the Civil War. John Fleeming, active in the mercantile business in Alabama was a friend of Simonton. He spent only a few months in Key West before leaving to marry in Massachusetts. He returned to Key West intending to develop the slat manufacturing of the island but died soon after. The names of these founding fathers of modern Key West used as names for the main arteries of the island.

Many residents of Key West emigrated from the Bahamas. They were known as Counch. They arrived in ever increasing numbers after 1830. Sons and daughters of Loyalists fled to the nearest British soil during the American Revelation. Many of residents of Key West refer to themselves as Conchs and the term is now generally applied to all residents of Key West. The term “Fresh Water Counch” refers to a resident not “native born” but who has lived there for more than seven years. The name is derived from the tradition of placing a conch shell on a pole at the home of a new born baby.

“Bahama Village” is an area of Old town next to the Truman Annex largely inhabited by Bahaman immigrants.

Fishing, salt production and ocean salvage were major industries in the early 19th century. The salvage operations made Key West the largest and richest city in Florida and residents had a high concentration of fine furniture and fancy chandeliers which the locals used in their homes after taking them from shipwrecks on the Florida reefs.

During the Civil War Fort Zachary Taylor was established in Key West after Florida seceded and joined the confederate States of America. It was an important outpost and now contains the largest collection of Civil War cannons ever discovered in a single location.

In 1912 Key West was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension. The railway created a landfill at Trumbon Point for rail yards. In 1935 the Labor Day Hurricane destroyed much of the railroad and hilled hundreds. About 400 World War I veterans living in camps there working on federal road projects and mosquito control projects in the Middle Keys were also killed. It was too expensive to restore the railroad. In 1938 The Federal Government rebuilt the rail lines as an automobile highway. Completed in 1938 it became an extension of the US Highway 1. The portion of US 1 running though the Keys is called the Overseas Highway.

Numerous artists and writers have come to the Keys but the two most associated with the island are Ernest Hemmingway and Tennessee Williams. Hemmingway reportedly wrote 2 novels “A Farewell to Arms” and “To Have and Have Not” while living in the Keys. The Ernest Hemingway House and Sloppy Joes Bar have become important tourist’s attractions. The Hemingway House is currently inhabited by six or seven toed polydactyl cats descended form Hemingway’s original pert named “Snowball”. The cats live on the grounds and are cared for by the Hemingway House even though the USDA complains about the number of them housed there. The Key West City Commission exempted the house from a law prohibiting more than four domestic animals per household.

Tennessee Williams is said to have written the first draft of “A Streetcar Named Desire” while staying at the La Concha Hotel. He bought a permanent house and listed Key West as his permanent residence. Williams’ home in the “unfashionable” New Town neighborhood is quite the contrast to the elegant Hemingway house. It is a very modest bungalow. The house is privately owned and is not open to the public. The Tenn4essee Williams Theatre is located on the campus of Florida Keys Community College on Stock Island.

Key West is much closer to Havana than to Miami. In 1890 it had a population of nearly 18,800 which made it the richest and biggest city in Florida. The population was nearly half Cuban descent and the city had a succession of Cuban mayors. Cubans were reportedly active in nearly 200 factories in town producing cigars.

The Battleship Maine was blown up after sailing from Key West to Havana which ignited the Spanish American War.

Pan American Airlines was founded in Key West to fly visitors to Havana.

John Kennedy used the phrase “90 miles to Cuba” in his speeches against Fidel Castro.

There were regular ferry and airplane services between Key West and Havana until the revelation in 1959. Refugees flooded into Key West during the Mariel Boatlift and continue to come across the dangerous stretch of waters.

In 1982 Key West and the rest of the Keys tried to declare independence and become the “Conch Republic” in a protest over US Border Patrol blockades. The blockade was set up in response to the Mariel Boatlift. This blockade created a 17 mile traffic jam when the Border Patrol stopped every car to search for illegal immigrants. The Florida Keys were virtually paralyzed as tourism nearly ground to a halt. Couch Republic flags and T shirts are still popular souvenirs for visitors. The Counch Republic Independence Celebration is celebrated each April 23.

Key West was always an important military post. At the beginning of World War II the Navy built the first water line extending the length of the Keys to serve the Naval Air Station. The main facility on Boca Chica is where the navy trains pilots. There are 3400 civilians and 16oo active duty military personnel along with family members. The area next to the old For Taylor became a submarine pen and was used for the Fleet Sonar School.



MATHEW

Joseph Then asked:


Home security is important because it protects your family and your home. Nothing gets more heart-breaking than to have your house racksacked or getting your love ones injuried. Thus, having a good home security set up is essential to protecting your investment. A good home security system is going to protect you against theft, damage and harm. It will tie into a security program that monitors your system and has a call center that will call the emergency services when your system is triggered.

Take note that a home security system is a good line of defense, but there are some things you need to do to supplement the system. You should not rely on just the basic system.

Protection you Need

Your home security system can only send off an alarm. That means when a person managed to get into your house, or managed to alter the system, you will be notified immediately. That is where you have to do some work.

You can start doing some simple things to make your house less attractive to a potential thief.

- Install lighting around your home. Use movement activated lights.

- Get a dead bolt locks for your doors. Ensure all the locks are working for your windows.

- Keep trees and bushes trimmed neatly.

Features you Can Use

You will likely be faced with many choices when it comes to your home security system. You should really consider the features. There will be some optional items that you could look at. These items can make a big difference in your security setup.

- Audio alarm signal

- Strobe lights

- Motion detection alarms

- Cameras

- Glass break detectors

You can either get these as part of your original home security system or add them onto your existing system. They are quite easy additions and well worth the effort and expense.

Protecting Yourself

Your home security system a good way for you to stand up for your rights against criminals. They will know that your home is not an open invitation to hem and they will have to really try hard to get in. You will be able to feel safe and secure when you install the best home security system possible.

Anything you can do to protect your home and family is important. You will not want to risk the safety of your family or your home to any thief or criminal. Stand up for yourself and install a home security system and do everything in your power to make your home a safe haven.



ALEJANDRO

John Leo asked:


A man’s home is his castle, as the saying goes. But homes today don’t normally feature ramparts, drawbridges, moats and six-foot thick stone walls to keep out unwanted visitors. Today, a home security alarm, and preferably a monitored home alarm system, is needed to ensure your home’s security. Not only does installing a home burglar alarm system improve the safety of your family and possessions, but it can also decrease your home insurance costs. The Top Ten Home Alarm and House Security Devices list highlights ten devices and features of home security alarm systems that can make your house a safer place.

The Top Ten 10 Home Security Alarm Items:

1. Smoke Detectors - Add another layer of protection to your home, especially when they are integrated into the home alarm system. Not only do smoke detectors indicate a fire and give you time to escape safely, but when included in a home security package, they automatically notify the managing company and the fire department. Some systems even integrate the power supply to the smoke detectors. That means you will not have to ever replace the batteries!

2. Back-Up Power Supply - Is important in maintaining home security even during a power outage, when the risk of break-ins and looting is increased. Your home alarm should be effective even when your power is not. The easiest to maintain back-up power supplies use standard size batteries. Look for a model that uses rechargeable batteries to lower your maintenance costs.

3. Master Control Panel - Is vital to any home alarm system. The heart of the home security alarm system, the master alarm control panel is typically installed on a wall in a location with easy access. The panel receives information from all other sensors and key pads, computes it, and transmits relevant information to the monitoring company. If you choose to arm the system from the panel when you leave the house, the master control panel also receives the disarm code when you return home. Some can even be disarmed by telephone!

4.Talking Devices - Make it easy for you to comprehend the status of your home security alarm and monitoring system and also make programming your alarm system simple and quick. Some security systems feature talking master control panels, key pads or remotes.

5. Installation, Monitoring, and Repair Services - These services increase not only the level of safety but the convenience of keeping your home safe. A house alarm alone cannot notify the police or fire department in the event of an emergency. The most complete systems include buttons to notify police departments, fire departments and medical help instantly. Another advantage offered by the best monitoring companies is live customer support and full service installation and repair of the system by employees who have been background checked, licensed and drug tested to ensure your safety. Finally, some companies even offer relocation services to keep you secure even when you move.

6. Wireless Systems - Safeguard your residence without adding excessive wires which may create a tripping hazard or require professional installation of behind the wall alarm cable. In wireless home security alarm system magnetic alarm contacts, keypads and other devices transmit information to the master alarm control panel using radio signals or through available previously installed wiring in your residence. A burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snipping the alarm cable. This ensures the system is fully integrated and monitoring all parts of your home without using up your outlets or creating an obstacle course of alarm cable for you.

7. Key Pads - May not always be enough to keep burglars out. Magnetic Alarm Sensors on Windows and Doors decrease the chance of a home invader entering undetected and are a vital component of a residential security alarm system. The degree of security protection is elevated when Security Alarm Motion Detectors are installed within the residence. The most sophisticated security motion detectors include a feature to ignore pets’ movement to avoid constantly setting the alarm off inadvertently.

8. Extra Key Pads - Are also important. Exterior mounted key pads can provide secure key less entry to your family. Some systems also offer remote control key pads which are lightweight and portable. A home alarm system that features a security code with a key pad increases the security of your home. A monitored system can also lock down entry after several repeated, failed attempts at entry which indicate a possible break-in attempt.

9. Yard Signs and House or Window Decals - Advertise your home’s protection. The Greenwich Study of Residential Security found that homes without alarms were 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be burglarized, and that the most effective deterrent was the alarm monitoring company’s yard sign (SIA Research Update, Security Industry Association, October 2001). Some choose to post the signs to deter possible break-ins without actually installing a home alarm system. While this effort will lower the odds of an attempted burglary, a yard sign alone cannot fully protect your home.

10. Extra Key Fobs and Remotes - Some home alarm systems include extras like Key Fobs and Remotes to control the system at a distance. Somewhat similar to a car’s key fob, home security key fobs include buttons to activate and deactivate the house alarm system. Some even include a “panic” button that activates the house alarm and alerts the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. Remote controls are similar and often larger. The features of remotes vary greatly and can include a full key pad, a talking feature and a panic button as well. The talking feature may not result in great conversation, but it will help you understand your system a little better.

Of course, this list is not comprehensive, and the needs of every home and homeowner are different.



HIRAM

Alex Alaska P asked:


all like peace of mind knowing that our homes are safe when leaving or on vacation. Unfortunately, the greatest number of ‘home intrusions” occurs when families are on vacation or away for longer periods. By installing a home security system, this dramatically reduces the chance of your home being robbed. Also, a home security system has other features such as options for calling your local fire or police department by just pushing one button. Elderly or small children in the household would benefit from this feature, as a live person would be available in any state of emergency without using the phone.

Home Security Systems may sound like a lot of work, especially when most families are constantly on the go. The key; is to locate the perfect system for you. Many Home Security companies offer choices that better fit your lifestyle and can choose what is most convenient for your household.

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A home security system isn’t just for citizens in high-crime areas. For suburban homes where the whole neighborhood seems to empty during the day, a security system may be a good choice. A home security system equipped with a good camera can do a lot for your house. You can use it to see who is at the door before you open it, you can also keep an eye on driveways to watch vehicles & equipment and most importantly, you can check on any trespassers. A home security system can save you money on your homeowner’s insurance costs.

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Here are the basic choices to choose from…

Simple Security; These options have less bells and whistles. The system may include motion sensors, sound detectors, and photocells. Individual window alarms could be set in place, do-it-yourself wireless systems, and timers that would turn on lights at a programmed time to create an illusion that someone is home.

Other options with the Simple Security would include; Interior alarms that monitor intrusions inside the home including, panic switches, noise detection, motion sensors, photoelectric beams (light beams that trigger when interrupted) and pressure mats (flat switches that trigger by footsteps). In addition to home security systems, adding dead bolts or “heavy-duty strike plates” can further help improve your home security. Outdoor motion detectors are sensor lights that also offer assistance in home security.

The last option would be a Perimeter Alarms, where any perimeter being violated will ring a bell, or siren scaring most burglars away.

When it comes to the security and safety of your property and family, there is never an exact cost to help consider which system, but always know that there is a solution for keeping your home safe from violators. Anything new takes a short time to adjust, and before long, it becomes systematic in your everyday living.

I too have a security system and I never think of it as a burden to punch in my code when I enter my home with my children, or any thought at all for that matter. I guess that is what we call that little peace of mind. My home security gives me the comfort I need just knowing that my family is safer.

Let’s face it, we live in a world moving toward increasing crime. When we think of people out in the world who have suffered fatality, or injury related to burglar, we often think, “This could never happen to me.” The fact is it can happen to you. It just hasn’t happen yet.

It is a fact that no one is excluded from the criminal’s intent to steal, harm, or take a life. Criminals do not think on the same terms as we do, therefore, we must take extra precautions to guard our family and home.

In addition to burglary, fires and carbon monoxide claims a life each day. According to statistics over 1000 person’s die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Another 10,000 persons fall injury to carbon monoxide poisoning and/or fire. Fires claim more lives than carbon monoxide, therefore adding a CO, (Carbon Monoxide Alarm) Smoke alarm, and a home security device to your home is not much to ask for compared to the lives you will save.



CHRIS

Dakota Caudilla asked:


Do you know what’s going on in your home when you’re away at work? Do you have a reliable home security system that can relieve you of your worries and concerns when someone is breaking into your home when you’re away? If you already have a home security system in place, how reliable and steadfast is it? Has anyone ever broken into your home even with your current home security system in place? Do you know that you can now install a home security system that utilizes the Internet so that the home security system can actually alert you of unusual activities at home?

That’s how far the home security system technology has advanced. If you’re still having one of those old home security systems that blares a siren whenever there’s an intruder, then you’re not doing the best you can to protect your home. How many times have you heard one of those sirens cut through the silence of the night and ignored it because the siren is turned off about a minute later? Intruders who break into homes know how to turn off the old types of home security systems and they can usually break through any of those home security systems easily.

With the advancement of technology, home security systems have developed into more than just an electronic alarm system that detects opened windows or doors. Conventional home security systems have sensors built into the home security units that detect interruption in the flow of electricity. Whenever the home security system detects the interruptions, it will either let out a deafening siren or activate strobe lights to attract attention.

But have you ever thought about this - what if others choose to ignore the sirens and lights?

What you really need is a home security system that will silently alert guards and you of the activities in the home. Combining the advancement of the technology used to create and develop home security systems together with the Internet, the home security system will silently send signals of the intrusion to a call center run by the home security company. It will also send a message to your cell phone or make a call using your telephone line to you to alert you of a possible break in. With the home security system’s silent method of alerting various parties, the intruder is not alerted but YOU are. Therefore, it will give the police and the relevant authorities enough time to act and catch the intruders in action.

In fact, the latest home security systems in the market today allow you to activate and deactivate your home security system via the Internet or through your phone. This is what I call a TOTAL convenience to home security systems.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.at-home-source.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.



ROMEO

Alex Alaska P asked:


echnology is creating devices such as ADT brink systems. Advances in technology make these systems available to the masses at relatively moderate cost, so basically it pays to install a system in your home. National statistics show that 1 in 8 people have been burglarized or robbed at least one time in their lives.

Tips and advice: security can save a life, which could be keys for you to a safer future. If you are leaving your home, always make sure your doors are locked; windows etc… and get Crime Watch put on your door so neighbors can keep the eye on your area.

In addition, remember that if you encounter someone who has broken into your house, violence is always the last resort. Call 911 for your phone set immediately. Don’t forget to stay calm and if you don’t have a house phone you should get one or otherwise get family plan cell phone just in case the kids are home alone. NOTE: All laws state that if someone breaks in your home, has the intent to cause great bodily harm, and has a weapon, you have the right to protect your self. If you cannot prove break in, intent, and that the perpetrator has a weapon and you cause harm and/or death, you may face penalties.

Sometimes it might be too late to call 911. If a perpetrator breaks in your home, with intent, and has a weapon, you can protect yourself, however, if you do not kill the perpetrator, you may face penalty as well. IT is your word against the perpetrators. Check your state laws, since the laws change rapidly.

You should get ADT brinks system or some other device installed in your home because when criminal activity occurs, your system could go off and the cops will come quicker. In addition, the criminals most likely will run. Eventually they will be captured if more people adhere to safety rules.

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A home security system isn’t just for citizens in high-crime areas. For suburban homes where the whole neighborhood seems to empty during the day, a security system may be a good choice. A simple home security system set-up, equipped with a good camera, can do much in protecting your house. You can use it to see who is at the door before opening, you can keep an eye on driveways to watch vehicles and equipment and most importantly you can check on any trespassers. A home security system can save you money on your home owner’s insurance costs.

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Thieves usually are after jewelry or money, so buy a safe or a vault. It would be harder to find if your belongings are stashed, and by the time, it is found they need to break the combination or lock. Carrying the safe or vault out is likely to be seen which some one will call the police.

Another way to protect your home is to have a silent alarm. While they are busy taking from your home, the cops will be on their way. While the criminals are running out, cops are surrounding the house, which means the criminals are likely to go to jail. In addition, the cops will probably be at your home before you get out of the house.

Camera vision is great, yet anything is possible. It is wise to have multiple cameras so when you set them up, set one for the outside and one inside. You could have an alarm installed on the camera so it faces you. The loud siren alert will draw attention to any and everyone around.

Thinking ahead is smart. If you are away from your home, ask neighbors, family, or friends to keep an eye on your place. Inform the watchers to dial 911 in the event strange actions occur around your home. Think sensibly and logically. Criminals tend to think they are slick. If they feel you don’t care, neither will they care. The ultimate rule of thumb is to think like a criminal. If you want to protect your home, set up a safeguard that defends against criminal activity and you will save face.



BURT

Robert H asked:


Before departing for your much earned holiday be wise and review your home security. The latest figures from the FBI show a burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds in the USA. The majority of these break ins take place when the householder is away from the home. A great number of these burglaries could be prevented by beefing up your home security and installing a home security system.

The installation of a home security alarm, and home security surveillance cameras is one of the most common and effective ways to improve the security of your home instantly.

Many of these home security products also have the option of home security monitoring. But the installation of these devices does not guarantee you immunity, other steps and precautions need to taken to improve you overall security.

Some of the less expensive options available include installing motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your home.

As well as the external security there is a great deal that can be done inside the home to improve security. Check all locks on doors and windows replace any defective locks. Patio sliding doors offer the opportunist thief just what they are looking for easy access , the reason is usually poor maintenance or security (broken lock) don’t get caught out this way thinking it will never happen, it does and it will.

Take these steps to make your sliding door even more secure consider installing a blocking device such as a “Charlie bar” or some other type of track blocker to prevent the door from sliding open. At the very least you should block the track with a steel rod or wooden dowel to prevent any movement.

Where possible use a home safe to store any valuables include such items as keys to outbuildings, garages, other vehicles and any other device that requires a key. You should also hide any personal documents and identity information in your home safe as well. If you don’t have a home safe consider using a post office vault especially if you live in a high crime area.

Giving the impression someone is at home is a great way to dissuade a burglar and is key to improving home security. This can be achieved by using timers in various rooms to switch lights an appliances off and on at differing times of the day. Be smart though and apply this tactic to more than one room in your house.

Other security measures include stopping your mail and paper deliveries. If you have two vehicles leave one parked on your driveway or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway whilst you are away.Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or relative and ask them to check your home periodically. Switch off any answering machine don’t be tempted to leave a message saying you are on vacation.

Ensure all outbuildings are secure, making sure any tools in your garage that could be used to gain access are under lock and key.No matter what steps and security measures you take your home will never be 100% secure. But the harder you make it for a burglar to gain entry the stronger your home security will be.



TROY

Alex Alaska P asked:


world’s statistics of criminals is rising, we all strive to feel safe in our home. We would all like to enjoy vacationing without worrying if our home is safe and secure. Let’s face it, we work too hard to earn our material belongings-therefore, it is only common sense that the majority of us would enjoy uninterrupted security and peace of mind. According to national statistics, homes are broken EVERY SINGLE DAY, and most homes are violated while the family is on vacation, or away from their home. It only makes sense, most criminals would rather get in and get out quickly, rather than face potential risks, such as human encounters.

Since the statistics are increasing technology, designers are working hard each day to help us find the level of security we need. For this reason technology designers has invented home security systems, deadbolts, fire alarms, CO alarms (Carbon Monoxide Alarms), etc. In fact, today, you can have card operated door locks installed on your home. In other words, you use something similar to a credit card. Once you insert the card into your door lock, the system reads the digits on the card, and authorizes permission to enter the home. We see this common device at many hotels or related environments today. In fact, the United States Government uses similar alarms in various sectors.

By installing a home security system, this could significantly reduce the odds of your home being burglarized. Online you will find a wide selection of home security devices. The devices mainly offer you feature, such as push button call. In other words, you merely push a single button, which the system will kick in and call the police and/or fire department for you. If you have trouble getting around, the security system is not, a better choice. However, you may look online for remote controlled home security devices. The push buttons however do offer advantages, since a live voice will respond to the push of one button. You might check out Intercom Devices to learn more about such features.

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A home security system isn’t just for citizens in high-crime areas. A security system may be a good choice for suburban homes where the whole neighborhood seems to empty during the day. A home security system equipped with a good camera can do a lot for your house. You can use it to see who is at the door before opening, you can keep an eye on driveways to watch vehicles and equipment and most importantly you can check on any trespassers. A home security system can save you money on your homeowner’s insurance costs.

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Home security systems are easy to install nowadays. Since you are merely purchasing the device after which a company will send out workers to install, test, and prep you on the use of your home security system. Ultimately, you can purchase wireless kits, which you can install on your own. Be sure to read the manual carefully to make sure the device is installed properly. Don’t forget to test your system regularly, dust, and replace parts as needed.

The one thing you should do when searching for a home security system is to find the RIGHT system for you. A variety of companies online offer systems that fit your lifestyle. In addition, the companies will help you choose the best system that fits your needs. Most basic home security systems include motion sensors, photocells, sound detectors, window and door alarms, wireless systems, etc. The lights are great, since motion lights will typically scare away the average criminal.

Criminals that are more dramatic however may require extensive threats, such as the interior alarms, which monitor intruders inside the home.

The alarms have panic switches, motion sensors, noise detection, light beams, etc. Many alarms today include light beams, which if someone triggers the beam, it will automatically send out a photoelectric beam. You can also add pressure mats to your doorstep, which if someone steps on the mat, it would instantly alert you. You will have the option of installing Perimeter Alarms as well. The alarms will send a warning, such as (Siren, or Bell alert) when someone steps on your doorstep. Burglars of all sorts would definitely take flight. Lastly, if you are searching for a ‘complete’ home security, make sure to check the internet for comparable products and services.



JOEY