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Now you have been advised about
what a decent set of double-glazed
windows and doors can do for you,
what about pure common sense? Remember
prevention is better than cure and
there's no substitute for making
your home as secure as possible:
- Look at your property from
a burglars point-of-view - how
would you get in? If your Windows and doors haven't overcome
all of these issues then keep
on reading.
- Invest in a proper burglar alarm
and make the most out of it -
switch it on when you go out and
keep the alarms casings and signage
visible.
- Don't leave a window open when
you go out - you might as well
send out invites.
- Some windows, Visage included,
lock whenever the handle is closed,
preventing you leaving it unsecured.
But in cases where you might be
away for a while lock all windows
with the key and don't simply
hide them away in a draw - leave
them near to the windows, or doors,
but out of view from the outside
in case you need them in a hurry
or are a little forgetful!
- Make sure door handles are fully
lifted and in the closed position
to operate the locking system
- it's no good having plenty of
iron-mongery on your door if the
locks aren't engaged!
- Although night ventilation on
windows is a good idea, especially
for rooms with really bad condensation,
it's not a good idea to leave
it like that if you go away.
- Make use of light - burglars
hate it. This can be done by installing
exterior lights of the censor
type, and a timer switch to turn
interior lights on or off if you're
away.
- Don't advertise your absence
when you're away for a few days,
but do cancel your milk and papers
and tell only people who are close
and ask them to keep an eye on
your property.
- Security mark your more expensive
property, even using one of those
ultra-violet pens. It helps to
track down stolen goods if you
are unfortunate enough to have
them stolen.
- Sounds obvious but please make
sure you lock up. This includes
key locking windows and doors,
garages and sheds (making sure
any ladders and valuable garden
equipment is locked away too)
and fit strong, lockable gates
to side passages and gardens to
restrict entry to the rear of
your home.
- If you have a mobile phone keep
it by your bedside at night -
it could prove invaluable.
- And lastly, if the worst does
happen please, please make sure
you have adequate home insurance
and that your payments are up-to-date.
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