Surelock

It is important that the security of your garden is considered together with that of your home.  Effective security measures will not only protect your possessions in outbuildings and the garden itself but will also help to deter an attack on the house.  The risk is all the greater because in many households both partners are working and so the house is often left unoccupied during the day.  It is also not uncommon for delivery drivers to leave parcels around the back if they obtain no answer at the door and so a stranger seen walking around on the premises would not necessarily appear suspicious.

Many sheds and garages are left unlocked even though they may contain garden equipment worth many hundreds of pounds.  In addition, tools are likely to be stored inside which would assist thieves.  Good quality mortise locks or short shackle padlocks on hasps and shackles should be used to secure exterior doors on outbuildings using coach bolts or standard fixings whose heads have been damaged to deter tampering.  Windows should be protected with strong welded mesh grilles or bars.

Ensure that the boundary of the property is in a good state and repair any damage speedily.  Keep gates locked and if the catch or bolt can be accessed from the insecure side then it should be padlocked to prevent unauthorised access.  It should be noted that a well-established thorny hedge is an excellent deterrent to entry.

Install lighting but ensure that the lights will not be a nuisance to neighbours.  Lights can either be manually switched or automatically activated by a PIR detector that detects motion or by a sensor that detects the onset of darkness.

Minimise areas where intruders could hide by pruning foliage and trimming hedges.  Any remaining areas which would provide cover should be well lit.

Secure garden ornaments wherever possible or store these securely away in winter time.  Valuable ornaments, garden furniture and equipment should be security marked with your postcode.

CCTV cameras and intruder alarms are more affordable nowadays and should be considered.  Live video and in many cases audio footage can be displayed on a television and recorded in the same way as a TV programme with infra red illuminators available that will ensure good monochrome images of unlit areas of the garden within typically 10m of cameras.  Intruder alarms can either be standalone with a local sounder or interfaced to an existing system in the house.  Wireless alarm and CCTV systems are also available that simplify their installation although they will be more expensive than hard-wired systems.

Finally ensure that your household insurance policy covers garden and outbuilding theft.

Gargoyles are the traditional guardians of the building on which they are placed and it is hoped the unusual image will be a powerful reminder to thieves that they are being watched by unseen eyes.  A campaign called “Church Watch” that was launched at Manchester Cathedral following a theft of lead in August 2008 uses “Griff” to spread the word about proactively protecting church buildings.  The campaign, organised by the Manchester Diocese of the Church of England, uses a three step approach to combat theft;-

PREVENT: Use Smartwater to mark roof lead and other valuable metals.  To stop future  insurance claims possibly being reduced by 50% you should  register your use of SmartWater and if any building work involves scaffolding with your insurance company.

Remove items that aid climbing or lead removal such as wheelie bins and ladders. Lock gates and prevent access to cars and vans. Cut hedges and trees (check if planning permission is needed). Use anti climb paint on down spouts and lightning conductors (consult your architect).

Consider CCTV and/or installing an intruder alarm system.

WATCH: There are two aspects to this ‘Watch’ section; 1. Church Watch, and 2.Diocesan Metal Theft Alerts. Get these elements right and you could well catch the thieves or deter them.  Details are on the website, whose link is provided below.

REPORT: If you suffer lead theft then it is important that you report the crime and evaluate your prevention and watching helpers. The DAC will advise on a suitable replacement material which will be less attractive to thieves. English Heritage and the Chancellor are working together to provide effective planning exemptions.

Full information is available on http://www.beatmetaltheft.org

Although vehicle crime has dropped by more than 66% since it peaked in 1995 there were still nearly 1.5 million vehicle-related thefts recorded in 2007-08.  During this period, car-related crimes accounted for 13% of all recorded crime in England and Wales but on a happier note having security equipment on your car – especially an immobiliser – makes your vehicle more than ten times safer than a car with no security equipment.

With knowledge about how thieves steal cars you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.  Listed below are ten methods used by criminals to break into vehicles and ways in which you can deter such attacks.  No specific details have been divulged to help thieves.

1. Bump against the car to check for a car alarm. The frequency of false alarms has meant that people have been conditioned to ignore them. Instead of a motion-sensitive car alarm, use one that has a pager that will notify you as soon as your alarm is activated. You should only buy security devices or services that are approved by either Thatcham or by Sold Secure .

2. Break the window or jemmy the lock to gain entry into a locked car. Don’t tempt car thieves. Keep valuables out of sight by storing them in the boot or better still take them with you.

3. Look for car alarm decals to figure out which method to use to eliminate the alarm. Never display stickers that advertise what sort of car alarm you have, or audio system for that matter.

4. Jump into an unattended running car while the owner is at the ATM, dropping off videos, etc. Never leave your keys in the ignition even for a quick errand. Car theft is a crime of opportunity, so don’t make it easy for them to grab yours.

5. Look for the car’s registration document or anything with a home address on it. Keep your registration and insurance information with you and never leave personal information in your car.

6. Get the car keys from the house. When you go to bed, make sure your car keys are not on view or within range of letter box openings or cat flaps.  Thieves have been known to use fishing rods to pick up keys left many feet away.

7. Stake out sporting fixtures, cinemas and shopping centre car parks for the car of your choice since they offer the largest variety of cars in one area. When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park. Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police approved Park Mark-Safer Parking Scheme and displays the Park Mark® brand. . Don’t park in the farthest corner of the car park but rather near the entrance to ensure the most foot traffic (and the most potential witnesses).

8. Find the second set of keys the owner “hid” in the car. Don’t leave spare keys in your car or in a magnetic box attached to the underside of your car. Thieves know where all the “hiding places” are.

9. Let’s have those wheels off. Secure your wheels using locking wheel nuts.  These are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.

10. It will never be traced.  Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.

Even though car theft is a crime of opportunity, if a crook really wants your car, he’ll do whatever it takes to get it regardless of steering wheel locks or car alarms. But with the above knowledge, you can slow him down, make your car inconvenient to him and, hopefully, discourage him from attempting to steal your vehicle. Layering your car with anti-theft protection, especially if it’s at the top of the most stolen vehicles list, is a good start. But, as with anything that is of value to you, the most important protection you can give your car is to take a proactive approach to security when you leave it unattended.

Property marking is an internationally accepted means of rendering your property identifiable both to yourself and the police. In the United Kingdom this is effected by using the postcode of the premises to which the property belongs, together with the name or part of the name.

We recommend that every item of value (where practicable) is marked to ensure that it can be returned to you if recovered after being stolen.

It is also useful to place small notices in the building to the effect that all your property is marked. Casual visitors may not notice these but the potential criminal will. Property marking is a quick, do-it-yourself task, costing very little. The following methods may be used:-

Ultraviolet Marking Pens

This is an ultraviolet, fibre-tip pen, obtainable from most large stationers. The mark is invisible until viewed under an ultraviolet lamp. It is advisable to mark on the most porous area where it is likely to be handled least and also where it is least likely to be exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight has the effect of causing such marks to fade after a period of about eighteen months. Therefore, it is advisable to re-mark property after this period.

The advantage of this type of marking is that the criminal is unable to see it himself and thereby will not take steps to remove it. It also does not affect any resale value and for this reason is suitable for electrical goods and other items you may wish to sell. The disadvantage is that it is not visible, which limits the deterrent effect. The thief knows he will have no problems in selling it on to innocent purchasers.

Engraving

Marks can be engraved by use of a diamond-tipped pen, other sharp pointed tools or by an electric engraver. A stencil is often used to ensure neatness when the mark can only be placed in an obvious position. Stencils also allow relatively small lettering, which is not always the case with freehand. Any metal or plastic items can be marked and the value is not affected if done by someone trained in this technique, such as a jeweller. Glassware can also be engraved but you are advised to consult a professional in this case.

Ceramic Markers

“Ceramic” or “titanium” pens can be obtained from specialist stores and are effective on ceramic surfaces. Marks have the appearance of faint pencil marks and are impossible to remove without damaging the ceramic surface.

Branding

Branding is a method of marking which may be good for wooden items.

DNA / Forensic Coding Systems

SelectaDNA

SelectaDNA offers businesses a highly effective way to protect both their valuable contents and the building itself. SelectaDNA acts as a superb theft deterrent, as criminals know that it links them to crimes they commit and by erecting warning signs, your business immediately becomes a hard target.

SelectaDNA Forensic Property Marking kits are ideal to mark valuable equipment, both quickly and safely – the water-based adhesive dries clear so will not damage or deface any item. The solution contains a UV Tracer and unique synthetic DNA code. This means that every item you mark will have your unique Forensic Code on, and allow Police to trace the item back to you through forensic analysis should the item be stolen.

SelectaDNA is a Police Preferred Product, and it is sold by Selectamark Security Systems plc – a family-owned business and experts in crime prevention products since 1985.

For more information visit http://www.selectaDNA.co.uk

Smartwater

Smartwater is one of the leading forensic coding system with a proven track record of reducing crime. It carries a unique forensic signature more robust than DNA and proves the ownership of any item, linking the criminal with the crime scene to enable prosecution and a conviction. Smartwater is used by 95% of UK police forces who are actively searching for it, for example at scrap metal dealers, and as such is the one of the most powerful deterrents available. A long term nationwide publicity campaign means that criminals know about Smartwater, they know that the police are looking for it and they fear the fact that it can be used to convict them. Smartwater can be applied to interior and exterior metals, along with any other valuables. When subjected to ultraviolet light its presence is immediately obvious by a tell-tale fluorescent glow. The smallest amount is enough for forensic scientists to verify the registered owner.

For more information visit http://www.smartwater.com

Red Web

Red Web is a dye that contains a unique biosynthetic DNA that is registered to the customer. It is painted on surfaces that, when touched by thieves, marks them with a highly visible red dye. It also contains an ultra-violet element that becomes stronger as the dye fades and washes out. The unique registered element that becomes stronger as the dye fades and washes out. The unique registered DNA in each system used in the crime is matched through analysis to provide solid evidence and gain a conviction. Red Web is available as a gel, grease and spray.

For more information visit http://www.redwebsecurity.com

Acknowledgement: Congregational & General Insurance plc.

For more information visit http://www.congregational.co.uk

Although commodity prices have fallen dramatically since the onset of the credit crunch, the theft of metals is still prevalent and it is not surprising that our isolated buildings such as churches and those on utility sites are among those most frequently targeted by thieves. This is not a new problem but recently its prevalence has increased to such an extent that some insurers have actively campaigned to encourage their clients to improve security and the Home Office is piloting a new national crime unit to clampdown on rogue scrap metal dealers who are illegally handling stolen metals. Rainwater goods, lightning conductors, communication cables, inspection covers, fittings and even garden statutes in private gardens are all at risk unless preventative measures are taken. These can take many forms including perimeter protection, anti-scaling devices, electronic measures, property marking and, where possible, replacement of items with less valuable or easily removed materials.

We at Surelock would recommend that a security survey or assessment is carried out of your premises by one of our skilled surveyors who will identify any vulnerabilities and advise on ways in which these can be addressed. The theft of metal roof coverings with particular respect to churches and other historic buildings is well covered in an advice note issued by English Heritage.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/Advice_Note_on_Theft_of_Metal_Roof_Coverings_5__JS_.pdf