SECURITY for your PROPERTY

RESIDENTIAL burglaries are common in Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur, burglaries occur mostly in single residences that have neighbourhoods with large expatriate communities. Some burglars have entered homes when the occupants were there, tied them up and threa

Ensuring the security of your property is an important issue. Think over it for a while, and you will see that it’s not too difficult to get into most homes. Most residential robberies take place in daylight. The main problem lies in the fact that most properties have weak points, which can be discovered and taken advantage of by thieves. Some weak points are obvious. For instance, an open door, a casual but loud remark to a friend “I just bought a brand new MacBook Air”, a tree within a few steps from your upstairs window, or even a window left open on a warm night, allows access to criminals.

Despite people thinking that they are careful enough, burglaries are common. However, the weak points leading to most burglaries are hidden. You can fix them. Just making a few changes, additions or modifications of behaviour can help you become a less appealing target.

ENSURING MAXIMUM SECURITY AT THE LOWEST COST

A secured property provides extra appeal for insurers and tenants. The improvements do not cost a fortune if you know a few tricks. Let’s check out these low-cost ways to secure your property.

BASIC YET INEXPENSIVE ADDITIONS

* Checking the locks on windows and doors can be a good point to start with and, in most cases, is compulsory.

* Adding padlocks to garden gates, front and back doors makes it difficult for intruders to break in. * Peep holes at the front door allows residents to identify visitors before opening the door.

* Street and house numbers should be visible to allow emergency services to find your property with ease.

* Add an extra bolt or door closer to the back door, which will stay locked when residents leave through the front door.

* Signs or window stickers saying “These premises are under CCTV surveillance” or “Beware the dog” can warn burglars that the property is secured with alarms, even if there is no dog or alarm there.

ADDITIONS FOR BETTER SECURITY

* Motion-sensitive security lights run by solar power can be effective and cost-efficient.

* Sheer curtains can prevent burglars

from seeing what’s inside for stealing. * Security screens or grilles at windows and doors provide a good barrier against burglars. * Use small household safes, which are

available for cheap.

* Use an alarm system. There are different types of home security systems, including monitored, self-monitored, wired and wireless systems, available at different prices.

OTHER COST-FREE SECURITY TIPS

These common-sense tips can help reduce the risk of burglars or intruders: * When you’re not at home, remember to keep your doors and windows locked.

* Don’t leave ladders and garden tools outside as they can be used to break into your property.

* It’s wise not to write your address on random items, like a key-ring.

* Spare keys should not be left outside your home. Expert thieves know how to find them.

* Don’t leave your car keys at a location

where they are visible from windows. * When you go on holiday, stop mail

and deliveries.

* Maintain a good relationship with

neighbours.

* Posting about your holidays on social networking sites can alert thieves that your home is unoccupied. Make sure your privacy settings are fine before posting information.

* Always have an inventory list of your valuable items, including the descriptions, makes, models, serials and price, in case you need to claim for insurance. It’s a good idea to take photos of the items.

Engrave more solid possessions with markings, such as your special code or driving licence number. By marking your possessions, not only do you stand a higher chance of recovering your personal belongings, but it also makes it harder for the thief to sell your items. This article is contributed by K.C. Lau and Dr Ong Kian Leong, co-founders of an online property investment course for Malaysians called Property Methods (www.PropertyMethod.com). This article was published in the February 2015 issue of `Property Insight’ magazine.