The check factor... How secure is your property?
Remember, every NO answer is a threat to your home security
BURGLARS like easy opportunities. If they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time or risk being seen, the chances are they won’t bother. A good rule of thumb is the 3-minute delay test. If you can deny entry for 3 minutes or more – chances are the burglars will go elsewhere. Complete this simple home security survey to determine how well your home is secured against burglary. Ignore questions not relevant to your own home.
Doors and Windows
Yes & No [Tick boxes – beside each question]
1 Are all your external doors properly fitted and equipped with appropriate secure locking systems? (ie 5-lever mortice locks for wooden doors, multipoint locking for uPVC doors, etc)
2 If you have glass panelled doors – are they reinforced in some way so that they cannot be shattered?
3 Have you a wide-angled viewer in your front/main entrance doors or other means of viewing callers?
4 Do you have a door chain/ limiter fitted and do you use it?
5 Since moving into your home (where there may have been a previous occupier) have you had the locks changed?
6 Are your spare keys kept with a trusted neighbour and never left under an external mat, flower pot, etc?
7 Do you lock your external doors when away from home, no matter how short a time?
8 Do you lock the doors out of your view when working in the garden/yard?
9 Have you installed an additional lock(s) to your sliding glass/patio doors?
10 Can you close and lock your garage/outhouse doors?
11 Are the garage/outhouse doors protected with quality locks or deadbolts?
12 Do you close and lock your garage/outhouse doors? 13 Are your windows secure? 14 Can the window openings be restricted for ventilation?
15 Do you check to see if all windows are secured when you leave your home?
Inside Security
Yes & No [Tick boxes – beside each question]
1 Do you ask for ID before allowing unknown servicemen/ callers into your home?
2 Do you avoid leaving cash at home?
3 Have you automatic timers on some lights when your house is vacant?
4 Does your home always look like someone is at home?
5 Have you recorded serial numbers of your valuables?
6 Have you, for identification purposes, photographed your valuables especially items for which you have no serial numbers such as jewellery, china, crystal, paintings, antiques, etc?
7 Are your car/house keys kept in a location not visible from the outside?
Outside Security
Yes & No [Tick boxes – beside each question]
1 Is your house number visible from the street?
2 Is there sufficient illumination around your home to allow visible inspection of any dark areas around it?
3 Is there sufficient external lighting outside every door to illuminate visitors?
4 Do neighbours and passers-by have a clear view of your home?
5 Have you trimmed all hedges and shrubs so they can’t hide a burglar at work on the windows and doors?
6 Have you ever walked around your house looking for ways a burglar might be able to get in?
7 Do you keep tools or ladders, etc, in places inaccessible to potential burglars?
8 Are machines, tools and other high-value items stored in garages or sheds securely padlocked or chained to prevent removal?
9 Is your shed /garage secure?
Neighbours
Yes & No [Tick boxes – beside each question]
1 Have you a reliable neighbour whom you can notify of your travel plans and give a key to, with a request for a periodic house check?
2 Do you have a neighbour collect your mail or newspapers when you are away or do you avail of MailMinder from An Post?
3 Do you have your neighbour park his/her extra car in your driveway when you are away from home?
4 Do you arrange to have your lawn mowed?
5 Do you notify gardaí in advance about prolonged absences from your home?
6 Are you a member of a community crime prevention scheme?
Electronic Security
Yes & No [Tick boxes – beside each question]
1 Do you have an intruder alarm system or CCTV system fitted and do you use it?
2 Do they conform to recognised international standards?
3 Is it maintained and serviced annually?
4 Do you know how to operate and use your alarm or CCTV system functions?
5 Have you considered connecting it to a monitoring centre or your mobile phone?
6 Have you appointed a keyholder(s) and will they respond appropriately to an alarm activation?