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What does BS 3621 mean? |
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This British standard, briefly,
sets out the following specification for approved locks: |
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| 1. |
The lock must withstand a steady
load of 3000lbs applied in a direction perpendicular to
each of the faces of the lock. |
| 2. |
It must withstand pressure exerted against
the end of the bolt to a load of 250lbs. |
| 3. |
It must withstand the use of a pad-saw
for not less than five minutes. |
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What security measures can I take to protect
my home and what kind of door locks and window locks would you
recommend? |
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All external doors should be protected,
wherever possible, with five lever security mortise deadlocks
conforming to British Standard 3621 or similar mortise deadlocks
with an espagnolette or similar multi-point locking system.
Other than in the case of the final exit door(s), mortise or
rack bolts should be fitted to the top and bottom of each door.
In the case of French windows, therefore, four mortise or rack
bolts should be used, rather than just on the last closing leaf.
This is necessary since the reveal holding the other leaf of
French windows in place can often be overcome. Substantial key
operated window locks, separate to the standard fastenings of
a casement stay and cockspur catch, should also be fitted to
all ground floor and accessible first floor windows. For example,
first floor windows overlooking the flat roof of a garage or
extension. |
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Are there any additional measures that I can
take to protect my home from an "opportunist" burglar? |
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Yes. |
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| 1. |
Make sure that all existing
protections are operated whenever you leave your home
unattended, even if only for a short period of time. Side
and similar gates should be protected by close shackled
padlocks. Large shrubs or hedges which obstruct the view
of passers by in order to create privacy should be pruned
back so that a thief cannot work unobserved. Ladders should
be placed out of sight in a garage or shed but, if this
is not possible, they should be securely chained with
a case hardened chain, close shackled padlock and eye
bolt resin bonded into a firm foundation. |
| 2. |
Paving slabs, tools or other objects which
could assist a thief in effecting entry should be removed. |
| 3. |
Consideration should be given to the planting
of "hostile" shrubbery, such as berberis or similar, beneath
easily accessible windows. |
| 4. |
Passive infra-red flood lights can also
be installed. |
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Do all insurers insist on an alarm? |
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No, the insurer will make a judgement
according to the value of your household possessions and the
nature/style of your home. If you do have an alarm fitted, it
should always be installed by a NACOSS approved company and
should comply with British Standard 4737. We would recommend
that all alarm systems incorporate RedCare line monitoring and
central station signalling in order to guarantee that, if activation
occurs, the police are notified. |
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What can I do whilst I am way on holiday to
deter potential thieves? |
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| 1. |
Cancel newspapers and any deliveries. |
| 2. |
Ask the Post Office to hold your post until
you return or, alternatively, arrange for a friend or
neighbour to remove post/circulars from your mail box. |
| 3. |
Use timer switches to activate lights at
random intervals and also to operate your hi-fi/radio.
Believe it or not, electrically operated curtains can
also be controlled in the same way. |
| 4. |
Do not put your home address on the outside
of your luggage but put a card with your name and address
inside your cases. |
| 5. |
Leave a motor vehicle parked, in obvious
view, on your driveway, so that it is not obvious that
the house is unoccupied. |
| 6. |
Arrange a house sitting service. |
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If I do not fit the type of locks recommended
by my insurers, will I be penalised if I make a claim? |
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Yes. Almost certainly insurers will
have added a special clause to your policy (known as a warranty
or endorsement) making specific stipulation regarding the locks
and in what circumstances they must be applied. If you do not
observe this condition, and it is relevant to the manner in
which the burglary takes place, insurers will not pay your claim. |
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Would you recommend that I have a safe in
my home for storing valuables? |
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If you have contents of sentimental
value and/or of high worth, we would recommend the installation
of a safe. There are a variety of types and sizes available
with most modern safes being built from the inside out. This
means that the further that the criminal is able to penetrate
into the safe, the greater the resistance that he or she will
encounter. Safes can protect not only against theft but also
fire. We would always recommend that any safe be installed by
a specialist contractor whose employees will have been security
vetted and who will have the necessary skill to ensure that
the safe is sited in the best possible and most secure location.
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Should I join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme? |
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The popularity of neighbourhood
watch schemes has diminished, primarily due to the administrative
burden placed on the local co-ordinators. Nevertheless, membership
of any current scheme in your area is worthwhile as it does
represent a deterrent to thieves fees. Crime Prevention Officers
from your local police station are happy to co-operate with
members of neighbourhood watch schemes and can offer, free of
charge, security advice. |
