Howsecureis your home?

www.met.police.uk

Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front door security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Back door security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Window security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Notes pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Intruder alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Garden security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Garage security . . . . . . . . ............... . . 12

Property marking. . . . . . . . . . . 13

Neighbourhood Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Immobilise register. . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Communal Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

What to do if your

home is burgled .. . . . . . . . . . back cover

1

Introduction

Operation Safer Homes & Bumble bee arethe anti- burglary campaigns of theMetropolitan Police. Using intelligence-ledpolicing and the latest technology to targetburglars and those who receive or handlestolen goods.

Don’t become a victim of burglary. Makeyour home secure.This booklet gives youpractical advice on the security measuresthat you should take for different parts ofyour home.

Reference is made to contacting your CrimePrevention Office or CPO, in most areasyou should first contact you local SaferNeighbourhood Team (SNT).

Leaving your homeWhen leaving your home, even for ashort period, always lock all externaldoors and windows and set your burglaralarm (if you have one).If you are going away for a longer time, usea timer or sensor to control your lighting(see page 9, Lighting) so your home looksoccupied. Make sure you cancel your milkand newspaper deliveries while you’reaway.

Fire safetyFit smoke alarms that conform to theBritish Standard (BS 5446) on everyfloor.

Bogus callersNot all burglars break in. Some will try toget you to open the door and let them in.They may pretend to be from the water,gas, electricity, phone or TV company.

Protect yourslf against bogus callers byremembering:

Stop – are you expecting anyone?

Do not open the door, and

Check – ask to see an identification card( through letter box)

Confirm – phone the company they saythey are from.

If they really are who they claim, they won’tmind waiting while you check or comingback when you’re not alone.

If in doubt, keep them out.Note no mention is made of door chains.This is because a closed locked door is themost secure option.

Do not unlock your door until the visitor isidentified.

Tick the boxes in thecoloured panels at the endof each page to show thatyou have completed thework listed for differentparts of your home

Or if the work has alreadybeen done, to increaseyour level of security stepby step.

Crime prevention advice is given freely withoutthe intention of creating a contract. Neither doesthe Metropolitan Police Service take any legalresponsibility for the advice given..

Your front door is most likely to be made ofwood, PVCu or metal (usually aluminium).

The construction of PVCu doors makes itdifficult to install additional locks and othersecurity fittings at a later date. It is importantto seek advice from the installer or manufacturerif you require additional security. If you try to fitlocks, or viewers yourself, you could causeirreparable damage and invalidate yourguarantee.Your door should be secure if it isinstalled to the manufacturer’s specificationsincluding being fitted with a good quality multi pointlocking system. If you have any doubtsabout the strength or solidity of your door orframe, you should ask an expert for advice.Metal doors are generally solidly built and canbe fitted with suitable locks and security fittings,but again you should consult the installer or aqualified locksmith before making anymodifications.

Most doors are wood, and anyone with DIYexperience should be able to makeimprovements.

If your home has a porch with an inner andouter door, both doors must be made secure.If intruders get through the outer door of yourporch they could attack the inner door withoutbeing seen or heard.

Security measures for wooden front doorsDoors should be solid timber (not hollow)a minimum of 44 mm (13/4") thick, supportedby three 100 mm (4") hinges. The frame to beof sound timber, securely bolted or screwed tothe walls every 600 mm (23") around the wholeframe. If fitting a new door and frame, lookfor British Standard PAS24. or the Securedby Design SBD mark (page 4, 14).

Fit a good automatic dead-latch cylinderlock (rim lock) about a third of the way down,avoiding joints in the timber.

Fit a good 5-lever mortice deadlock withboxed staple (conforming to British StandardBS 3621) about a third of the way up.

Strengthen the door frame by fitting a‘London bar’ to support the locking pointsand a ‘Birmingham bar’ to reinforcethe hinges.

If your front door opens outwards, fithinge bolts at the hinge edgeapproximately 150 mm (6") below the tophinge and 150 mm (6") above thebottom hinge.

Recessed or decorative panelsshould be a minimum of 9 mm (1/3")thick to resist attack.

If fitting a new europrofile lock ensure itis anti snap/ anti bump. (BS EN1303 &PAS 24: 2007 Appendix C)2

4London bar

Birmingham bar

Front door security

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Fit metal (lockguard) plates on both sidesof the door to reinforce the area around themortice lock. This will increase the door’sresistance to forced entry.

Fit any glass panels within or to the side ofthe door with laminated glass. You canstrengthen existing glass by adding securityfilm to the inside face. Fit glass from theinside to guard against putty or beadingbeing removed. If this is not possible, useglazing mastic/, which is stronger thanputty. You could also fit a decorative metalgrille on the inside face of glazed panels.Again when fitting new doors consider aSecured by Design product (page 14).

Fit a door viewer at the user height, it maybe appropriate to fit more than one atdifferent heights.

Keep your car and house keys away fromthe front door area, to prevent them being‘hooked’ out by thieves. But do keep themin a regular safe place for emergencies.Use a letter box cowl as appropriate.

Note: Check your home contents insurancepolicy. These recommendations are aminimum requirement for insurance and yourcompany may require more security.

Think about fitting a strong barrel (tower) boltinside your front door (at the bottom). Whenyou are at home at night you can use it insteadof the mortice lock so that you can get outquickly in an emergency.

Flats/apartmentsIf the front door is less than 4.5 metres (15')above ground level, security advice is thesame as for ground floor front doors. If thefront door is higher than this (e.g,most flats on the second floor or above), inthe interests of fire safety the front or finalexit door should not be fitted with a lockthat needs a key to open from the inside.

For example, you should not use standardmortice deadlocks if they can't be operatedfrom inside. You should fit locks that complywith British Standard BS 5588/BS 8621:these allow you to release the lock with asingle action (turning the handle or thumbturn) to leave the flat.

But if a letter box is fitted, add a letter boxcowl or protect the thumb turn fromoutside manipulation

Families with young children may wish to fita sash jammer high on the frame, to stopyounger children opening the door on theirown at night..( )

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Sash jammer(frame mounted)

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Door viewer with audio

Tower bolt

Back door security

Security measures for wooden back doorsDoors should be solid timber (not hollow),a minimum of 44 mm (13/4") thick, supportedby three 100 mm (4") hinges. The frame to beof sound timber, securely bolted or screwedto the walls.

Fit a good 5-lever mortice sash lock withboxed staple (conforming to British StandardBS 3621) about halfway up the door(avoiding joints in the timber).

Fit hinge bolts at the hinge edge, approximately150 mm (6") below the top hinge and150 mm (6") above the bottom hinge.

Again when fitting new doors consider aSecured by Design product (page 14). Theycome pre-fitted with the ironmongery.

Recessed or decorative panels shouldbe a minimum of 9 mm (1/3") thick to resistattack. They can be reinforced with woodenor metal sheeting.

Fit any glass panels within or to the side of thedoor with laminated glass. You can strengthenexisting glass by adding security film to the insideface. Fit glass from the inside to guard againstputty or beading being removed. If this is notpossible, use glazing mastic, which is strongerthan putty. You could also fit a decorative metalgrille on the inside face of glazed panels.

Fit mortice rack bolts a third of the way downfrom the top and a third of the way up from thebottom of the door on the opening side, or fitsurface-mounted, key-operated press bolts.4

press bolt

rack bolt

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The British Standard Kite Mark

The Secured by Design mark

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This is an older SBD logo but it can beseen stamped into products

The back door is just as vulnerable as thefront, so it is important to make sure that it isjust as secure.If your home has a Conservatory with an outerand inner door, both doors must be madesecure. If intruders get through the outer doorthey could attack the inner door unobserved.

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Pa t i o d oo rs

Fit patio door locks* at the top and bottom ofthe opening section of the patio door.There should be a minimum of three lockingpoints.

Fit an anti-lifting device to prevent theopening door being lifted and removed.

Many new units will have these features inbuilt.

(*Fit either patio door locks or press bolts ifappropriate.)

With patio doors if not already laminatedglass, then consider adding an appropriatewindow film to improve security and safety.

Doub le Fr en ch do or s

Fit security press bolts or mortice rack boltsto the top and bottom of both doors anda 5-lever mortice sash lock (conformingto British standard BS 3621) on the firstopening leaf.

Fit hinge bolts to both doors.

Again when fitting new doors consider aSecured by Design product (page 14)

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Patio door lock

Press Bolt

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All ground floor windows and any that anintruder could reach by climbing must bemade secure by fitting key operatedwindow locks.These should always belocked when there is no-one at home orwhen the room is unoccupied. Wheneveryou go out, you should close all thewindows, even those you think a burglarcould not reach.

Locks to suit all window types are availablefrom locksmiths and DIY stores. Anyonewho has DIY skills can fit them to mostwooden frame windows.You may have toget a qualified locksmith or the installer to fitlocks to PVCu or metal frame windows.

Use glazing mastic, not putty, to bondreplacement glass to the wooden framefor strength.

All windows that an intruder could reachshould be fitted with laminated glass.

Note 1: Georgian wired glass may look strongbut it will easily break. It is a fire safety glassnot a security glass.

Note 2:The ideal standard for windowconstruction can be found in those windowswith the BS 7950 kitemark.

PVCu windowsSpecial security locks for PVCu windows areavailable but may be difficult to fit. You shouldask the installer to confirm whether yourglazing is secure and if you would invalidateany guarantee on the windows by fittingadditional locks.

If you buy replacement PVCu windows, chooseones with security features such as internalbeading, hinge protection and key locking,handle-operated shoot bolts to BS 7950.

Purchase a Secured by Design unit/s if possible(see page 14)

S a sh wi nd ow sDo not rely on existing sash fasteners. Fit key-operated sash stops to both sides of the upperwindow. The maximum window opening should be 130mm (5").

Cas ement ( h inge d) w indow sWith the windows closed, gently press at each openingcorner from the inside. If there is any movement, fit twolocks per window, approximately a third of the way fromeach corner on the opening side. If not, fit a lock nearthe centre of the opening edge. Buy locks that securethe frames together, rather than those that lock thehandles or stay bars.

Le ade d w indow sThese are not secure unless you fit secondarylaminated glazing, polycarbonate sheeting, orinternal grilles.

Window security

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Sash Stops

Notes page

Useful informationDo not leave valuables or keys near open windows or within sight/reach of letterboxes. Especially car keys.

Do consider the use of a safe or fire proof document safe/box. It is preferable that they are fitted to a brick orblock wall (often the external walls), making them hard to remove. They should be used for smaller valubles(jewellery, spare keys) and obviously documents (pass ports, driving licence, birth certificates).

Safes are often rated by cash amount or value of goods stored eg. £3,000 cash and £30,000 jewelery. If you haveitems of a particularly high value, your insurance company may have a specific safe standard you should meet.Fire rated safes or storage boxes are usually rated by time items are protected, e.g. 30 minutes. Check that theyare water proof as well.

Do use a cross cut shredder to shred bank statements, utility, credit card, mobile phone bills or any documentwhich could be misused by a criminal. Protect your identity.

Always double lock your front door when leaving the house even if you are only 'popping out'.

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Notes page

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www.soldsecure.com This is an independent testing house that specialises intesting various products by manual attack.

www.locksmiths.co.uk The MLA licenses its approved locksmith companiesthrough strict vetting and regular inspections

Lighting

LightingFit dusk to dawn lighting with compactflourescent lamps around your house.

Fit timer switches to lamps in different roomsand set them to come on at different timesduring the evening while you are away. Thiscreates the impression that you are at home. Ifyou’re away for a long time, you can alsoinstall motorised curtains to make the illusioneven more realistic or ask friends/neighboursto open and close curtains for you.

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Lights can be a very successful crimeprevention measure at night.You can help tomake your home less attractive to burglars byfitting exterior lights and by putting lights on tomake it look as if you are at home. It is usefulto have an outside light by your front door soyou can identify callers through your doorviewer even at night.

●  Consult a qualified electrician for advice onlighting and installation.

● A light activated by photo-electric cell (dusktill dawn) will come on automatically whendarkness falls, and switch off when it getslight. The use of a low energy compactfluorescent lamp will be even more costeffective.These act together as a good anti-burglar device because they give light allnight and, in most circumstances, they arethe preferred form of external securitylighting.

● A passive infra-red (PIR) light willautomatically come on if it detects heatmovement. These systems are verysensitive and can be set off accidentally bypets or wild animals. It is important you aimthe beam away from buildings if fittedwith a high wattage bulb as it may annoyyour neighbours.

● All external lighting units should beplaced where they are difficult forintruders to reach or designed so thatthey are suitably protected. Bothsystems are available in a wide variety ofdesigns in most DIY stores.

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1How to use PIR flood lights properly

PIR floods do not always deter criminals and emita harsh bright light causing light pollution in a resi-dential area.

The Institute of Lighting Engineers (ILE) have pro-duced an easy-to-understand guide to securitylighting, balancing the pros and cons of both PIRhalogen and dusk-to-dawn low wattage lighting.They also outline how to fit a PIR light to avoidor mitigate some of the negative factors.

ILE document 'Domestic security lights 2009revised' is available on internet.

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Intruder alarms are widely accepted as beingeffective in deterring burglars.They give anaudible warning and can help limit theft anddamage. Fitting an alarm system does notmean that you can afford to ignore the othersecurity measures in this booklet. An alarmsystem and other physical security measureswork together to make your home secure.

Buying an alarm systemThe cost of an alarm system varies accordingto the level of sophistication, the installation,and the maintenance costs. Some buildings aredifficult to wire or present security problemsthat will make the system cost more. It isimportant to fit the correct system for youand your home.There are two main typesof alarm on the market:

● An audible system – these can vary fromvery simple to highly sophisticated, but alltypes sound an alarm when they detect anintruder. This is the most widespread alarmsystem. You should always check that areputable alarm company installs it toBritish Standard BS EN 50131, PD6662,DD24304. DIY systems are available fromDIY stores and security specialists. If youbuy one make sure it conforms to BritishStandard BS 6707 (bells only) and that it isinstalled correctly to the manufacturer’sspecifications.

● A remote signalling system* – this alerts thepolice via the alarm receiving centre when thealarm is activated. A police response will beprovided in accordance with the ACPO(Association of Chief Police Officers)intruder alarms policy. A police response willbe provided when, in addition to the alarm’sactivation, there is an indication that anoffence is in progress (I.e. A confirmed alarmsystem).This type of alarm is becoming morecommon in the residential sphere. Onlyapproved professionally installed alarms canbe used in this way, so you should considerthis prior to purchase. Contact your localCrime Prevention Office for more details.

Choosing an installerTo ensure that your alarm system isinstalled properly you must use an installerwho works to British Standard BS EN 50131(or BS EN 50131, Grade 4 for high securitysystems and BS EN 50131 also for wire freesystems).Your local Crime Prevention Officercan give you advice on how to choose aninstaller. Check that your system has a12-month guarantee and read theinstallation contract carefully beforesigning to find out whether you will own orrent the system and what themaintenance agreement is. Makesure that you thoroughly understand howto operate your new system.The installershould give you a training session.

Note: Alarm companies installing remotesignalling systems have to be certified bythe Security Systems and Alarms InspectionBoard (SSAIB) or National SecurityInspectorate (NSI).

You should make sure that your system isproperly maintained, and all alarmsystems should have two keyholderstrained to operate the alarm, able toattend an activation within 20 minutes,contactable by telephone and with theirown transport. (See page 14.)

Fit two alarms boxes, one to the front of thehouse and one to the rear. Usually the rearbox is a dummy annoucing that the homehas an alarm. However in some areas'active' boxes are used front and rear.Consult your crime prevention office foradvice

*N.B: Digi-communicators, some call friends(keyholders), to inform them that the alarmhas activated. They must undertake torespond.

Intruder alarms

Garden securityPerimeter fencingKeep all garden fencing in good repair andcheck panels cannot be moved orlifted.The ideal height for a fence or wallaround the back garden is 2 metres (6'7'')including trellis. Anything higher may requireplanning permission. Garden gates shouldbe of a similar height. At the front, the fenceor wall shouldn’t be any higher than 1 metre(3'), so as not to obscure the front of yourhome from view. Do not build in any featuresthat might make the fence easier to climb.

You can make fences more effective byplanting prickly or thorny plants next tothem.Train a thorny climbing plant, like arose, through the trellis on top of yourfence. Plant prickly shrubs along the bottomof your fence.Rememberthese plantscan beharmfulto youngchildren.

Bespokeanti climb/fencetopping security productsare widely available.

Ga rd en se cu r i tyMake sure that the door, door frame and wallsare solid and replace any damaged or rottenareas with new sections.

Secure padlock hasps and door hinges withthreaded coach bolts, with backing plates orlarge backing washers to prevent the boltbeing pulled through the wood.

Replace any broken panes with laminated glass.

Fit key-operated window locks on openingwindows (see page 6, Window security).If the windows are never opened, screwthem permanently shut from the inside.

Fit wire mesh or bars to the inside ofwindow frames.

Fit two closed shackle padlocks on strongpadlock hasps, one a third of the way up fromthe bottom of the door and one a third of theway down from the top of the door, usingcoach bolts with a backing plate.

Perimeter fencing security

Fit a trellis on top of the back garden fence,secured with screws on the garden side.It should be strong enough to support aclimbing plant but not a climbing intruder.

Fit two padbolts/padlocks/mortice locks a thirdof the way from the top and bottom on theinside of the garden gate. The outside openinglatch should be one that does not provide a‘scaling foothold’.

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Garden ShedGarden sheds can be easy targets forburglars. Even if you don’t keep anything ofvalue in your shed, burglars can use gardentools to break into your home.

Sheds were never designed for the storage ofvaluable goods. If you lock up items such asgardening tools in your shed you should markthem with your postcode (see page 13,Property marking).

A strong chain that can be wrapped aroundhandles and secured with a padlock or ananchor device will make it more difficult totake property from the shed.

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Garage security

Make sure that all opening windows aresecure (see page 6, Window security).

If your garage has a door that leads intoyour home, make sure that this accessdoor is secure (see page 4, Back doorsecurity) and conforms to fire regulations.

If your garage has a side access door, makesure that it is secure (see page 4, Back doorsecurity).

Fit strong locks to the bottom corners ofthe vehicle access door.There are locks onthe market to suit most styles of door. Ifyou are not sure which one to choose,consult a qualified locksmith. For additionalsecurity, doorstops can be fitted in front ofthe vehicle access door to prevent it beingopened. If you have a side access door,then the vehicle access door can besecured from the inside by fitting apadlock. Secure property kept in yourgarage by wrapping a strong chain aroundhandles and padlocking it together or to ananchor device.

You may also wish to think about installinga low-cost garage/shed alarm, or if thegarage is integrated extending the housealarm.

Remember to mark all items in yourgarage permanently and visibly with yourpostcode followed by your house number(see page 13, Property marking).

Garages can present an easy way forburglars to gain access, not only to yourcar but also to tools and other equipmentand possible entry to your home. If there isa door leading directly into your home fromthe garage, a burglar who can get in to yourgarage can then attack the door to yourhome without fear of discovery.

Trailer security:Consider hitch locks, wheel clamps, groundanchors, tracking systems, property marking &even alarms. Products should be Thatcham orSold Secure approved. You may require acombination of different products to meetinsurance requirements. E.g. A hitch lock,ground anchor and wheel clamp.

Also use property marking systems and registerany serial numbers (including outboard engines)with www.immobilise.com

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By visibly marking your possessions withyour postcode followed by the number ofyour house (flat letter) or the first threeletters of the house name, and illustratingthis fact to potential thieves (by stickerson windows, etc), you can reduce the riskof burglary by helping to remove thebenefit.

Additionally, if marked items are stolenand then recovered, it is easier for thepolice to identify the stolen items andowners and return the property.

Valuables that cannot be engraved orvisibly marked can be traced by usingsome of the none invasive chemicallycoded property marking systems (contactyour crime prevention office). Items suchas jewellery, paintings or antiques,should also be photographed.This helpsthe police to trace your property.

When photographing your possessions,remember:

● Use a nonreflective background andput a ruler next to the item to show itssize.

● Make sure there is enough light and theobject is in focus. Store the finalpictures in a safe place.You could evengive a second copy to a close friend orrelative.

All items with a unique referencenumber should be registered for free atwww.immobilise.com This includesmobile phone IMEI ID numbers, whichcan be obtained by pressing*#06# onyour phone keypad. (see page 15)

Consider using a hobby drill to engraveappropriate items.

There are numerous other forms of propertymarking on the market. For advice, contactyour local Crime Prevention Office.

Property marking

Neighbourhood Watch

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A Neighbourhood Watch scheme givesyou and your neighbours the chance toact together to fight local crime and helpkeep each other’s property safe. If you live inan area where there isn’t a scheme running,why not start one? Your local police stationwill be happy to supply you with all thedetails. Many insurance companiesoffer reduced rates on household policies toNeighbourhood Watch members.

The Keyholder DatabaseThe Metropolitan Police no longer keepkeyholder details. However you should contactyour local council environment office andprovide their keyholder database with yourkeyholder details (If they hold one). This is toensure that you can be contacted in the eventof the alarm causing unnessary noise (due to afault etc).

ACPO Secured by DesignEstablished in 1989, Secured by Design(SBD) is owned by the Association of ChiefPolice Officers (ACPO) and is the corporatetitle for a group of national police projectsfocusing on the design and security for new& refurbished homes, commercial premisesand car parks as well as the acknowledge-ment of quality security products and crimeprevention projects.

The SBD logo and title 'Police PreferredSpecification' indicates that an organisationmeets the quality standards set by Securedby Design. Usage of the logo is restrictedexclusively to those products that havesuccessfully tested to SBD requirements andpassed.

You can search for products and manufac-turers at

www.securedbydesign.com

3 . R e u n i t e

BICYCLES

GAMING &MUSICPLAYERS

ALL OTHER ITEMSInc. Jewellery, tools, sat-nav,handheld devices, TVs,plasma screens, musicalinstruments, outboardengines in fact anythingwith a serial number.

CAMERASPCs &

IN-CAR SYSTEMS -Inc. sat-nav,DVD and CD.

IMMOBILISEThe UK National Property Register

MOBILE PHONES Immobilise is UK's largest register of propertyownership and associated crime reports. Immobiliseis supported by The Mobile Industry Crime ActionForum, The Metropolitan Police and Transport ForLondon and all major UK police forces.Registration is FREE and you can register asmany items as you wish. Registration increases thechances of having your property returned with over900 people a month contacted about recovereditems.The recorded offsite information can help after loss,theft and fire to complete insurance claims, reportstolen or lost property to the police and mobilephone networks.

•  To register, choose the first item you wish toregister and complete the registration form. If youneed help email us at info@immobilise.com

You can register any item with a unique serial number:1 Mobile phones: press *#06# and the phone’s IMEI

number is displayed, record the make model.

2 Bicycles require the makemodel and frame number(red dots indicate whereyou may find them).

3 Games consoles, MP3players, MP4 players, iPods, cameras, Lap tops,PDAs, audio visual equipment, high valuewatches, etc.

Remember ANYTHING with a unique serial number can be registered FREE atwww.immobilise.com

1 . R e g i s t e r 2 . R e p o r t15

Communal Doors

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When evaluating communal entry security, FireRegulations must take precedence over allother considerations. If in doubt, consult yourFire Officer as well as your local police CrimePrevention Officer.

Construction: Wooden doors and frames aswith a normal front door. Or purchase an SBDapproved communal doorset (wood, composite,uPVC, metal), which will include a suitable lock

Because all communal doors MUST have asingle keyless release action for escape. ThenGlazing on or near the door must be protected.

Double glazed or glass panels shouldpreferably be of a minimum of 6.4mmlaminated glass, with consideration given toutilising internal grilles as additional protection,especially where lock releases could beaccessed through the broken pane. Glazing israted against compromise by the size hole thatcan be made in it within a given time frame, egfor a wire, a hand or someone getting in (thenreleasing the lock)

Communal locking systems: There are threetypes, mechanical, electro-mechanical andmagnetic.

This is a common communal door lockingmethod, particularly on houses converted intoflats.

The elements are:1 a cheap rim lock without the secondary antislip snib.2 a cheap electronic keep release lock oftenbadly fitted.3 Do note however that some effort has beenmade to stop external access to the lock by fittinga letterbox cowl

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The type of doorset and the design, willdetermine the locking options available.Mechanical would usually comprise an autodeadlatch with an anti slip snib.

Electro-mechanical systems as illustrated at thetop of the page by the CISA lock (notesecondary anti slip snib), can also includesuitable good quality keep release locks andeven electronic shoot bolts.

Magnetic locks come in two forms, surfacemount where the lock closes onto a lockingplate or sheer mount where the lock isembeded in the frame/door edge and alignswith the door frame plate. They vary in powerdepending on the requirements of the door

they secure.

All communal doors should be fitted with a goodquality door closer. This will ensure that the doorautomatically closes behind the user and that thelocking mechanism engages. A good quality closerwill allow for adjustment of the closing, the lock/latchand the opening speeds. They come in many forms.

Often the simple solution for the converted flatcommunal doors is the use of the above CISA lock.

It has several benefits; first it can work eitherelectronically or mechcanically allowing accesscontrol release systems to be added if not alreadypresent. When fitted with an appropriate London Barto a good quality door/frame it is robust againstexternal physical attack. It is simple and costeffective to fit.

HOW NOT TO DO IT

Communal Doors

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Having stated that communal doors should haveone single keyless action, required for fireescape (movement of a handle or thedepression of a button), there is an exceptionto this. Many Fire Officers allow the following onmasonette flat communal doors.

A door which usually serves 2 flats only, thefitting of the following (on a wooden door). Anauto deadlatch with antislip snib and a THUMBturn mortice lock (BS8621). Although thisrequires two movements it is still keyless action.

On new build flats built to the SBD requirementan appropriate access control and door lockingmechanism would already be fitted.

Care also has to be taken to ensure anyDisability Discrimination Act requirements areaddressed. Seek appropriate advice

No modifications should be made to anycommunal doorset without the landlordspermission.

Magnetic lockSurface mount

Access Control Options:� The communal door should be secure at all times

(i.e. no trades buttons) and visitors are permittedentry via a remote release facility that is linked toan audio - visual entry phone system.

� The door is secured at all times and visitors aremet personally at the door. No release system.

� The communal entrance is monitored by areceptionist or concierge .

� There is an airlock system where there are ineffect two doors, one allowing access into a lobbyarea which may allow temporary access duringcertain hours. The second door prevents accessinto the building and is controlled using one of themethods shown above.

� Police recommend that on larger multi-occupancyhomes the use of keyless access controlsystems. This may be fob/card or even biometricreader controlled.

Your current communal door is fitted with:

Access control and electronic doorrelease? Yes No

If yes, is it Video or Audio?

If video do you have an external dusk-til-dawn light? Yes No

� Is the door wood/ metal/ uPVC/ composite?

� Is the door and frame in good condition?(Door) Yes No (Frame) Yes No

If you have an electric/ mechanical/electro-mechanical door lock, is it suitable?

Yes No

Do you have a letterbox that requires acowl? Yes No

Do you have a door closer? Yes No

If yes check that it is correctly adjusted andengages the lock mechanism. Yes No

Seek advice from the local crime prevention officerIf you are concerned about your communal doorsecurity

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If you think that your home has been broken

into and the burglar could still be indoors,

don’t go in. Dial 999, ask for the police and

wait for them to arrive.

If you discover a burglary and you are

sure that the burglar has gone, call your

local police.

Do not touch or move anything unless told

to do so by the police, especially if it has

been moved or is at the point where the

break- in (or getaway) happened.

When police investigate your burglary, you will

be informed of your local Victim Support

Scheme and given basic home security advice.

Contact your local police station to

get more detailed advice on security

for your home.

What to doif your home is burgled

If you have any information regarding a burglary or

a burglar, please phone Crimestoppers anonymously

on 0800 555 111. You could get a cash reward.