Safe and secure – at home and on line

When it comes to security, is complacency the biggest crime?

We are so lucky living here in the West Highlands and islands for we have such a low level of crime but we do have something to fear – and that is becoming complacent. If you talk to police and security professionals they will tell you that most of us do not do enough when it comes to home security because we think it will never happen to us. While it is rare, crime does happen and business premises, farms, homes and vehicles are targeted occasionally; the weekly police reports in this paper will remind you of that. This is an area famed for welcoming visitors from all over the world but some of them are unwelcome and un wanted – people coming from the central belt because they know how relaxed we can be. We do have reports every so often of a number of crimes taking place on the same day or night, as crooks head for home, taking our possessions with them. So we should always make sure that we develop, and maintain a good security habit. Don’t get paranoid or fearful that you are going to be a victim, just get yourself prepared. It is also worth remembering that insurance policies often dictate a certain level of security regarding the quality and types of locks and failure to comply might hurt any possible claims. It goes without saying that windows and doors should have good locks – make sure that extends to garages and sheds. When we want to sell our house, estate agents tell us to make sure we have ‘curb appeal’ and the property looks attractive to people as they arrive to view or see the for-sale sign. Now think the exact opposite. Remember that most of the theft from property in this area is ‘opportunist crime’, when a weakness is spotted and a criminal thinks that it is worth a go. So send the message that yours is a secure home with strong locks, good quality outdoor lights, lights on timers inside and some judicious planting of shrubs which have nice, long, nasty, thorns in strategic places. Make sure the security extends to garages, sheds, garden houses and parked cars. Thefts of heating oil are not uncommon so make sure your tank has a secure, locking, cap. Farmers should also make sure they have good security; thefts of agricultural vehicles and machinery are on the increase across Scotland. Money spent on good locks is money well spent. BS 3621 is a British Standard relating to thief-resistant locks and EN 1303:2005 is a European equivalent. Locksmiths and your local DIY store will be able to advise you. Your insurance policy might insist on these. Sliding doors and patio doors need slightly different types of locks Check the small print: Your insurance policy may specify that key-operated security bolts should be fitted to the top and bottom of doors. Remember that closed shackle padlocks are more difficult to force open.