With the days getting shorter and nights longer, Police Scotland is advising householders to review their home security arrangements before winter truly sets in.
As part of that review, it is advising anyone who has a Euro Profile Cylinder lock, used mainly on uPVC doors and which is more than a few years old, to consider changing to the more secure ‘Beak Secure’ type of cylinder.
This is because criminals have devised methods of snapping these types of cylinders locks in a matter of seconds and still allow the door lock to be manually unlocked and the door opened giving access to the house.
Chief Inspector Russell Penman, of Police Scotland, said: “The number of ‘Lock-Snapping’ housebreakings reported to Police Scotland is minimal compared to other areas of the UK; however the more secure alternative can be easily purchased from High Street retailers or online and fitted by any person with general DIY skills in a few minutes.
“As criminals are now targeting houses with high-value cars parked outside, they are engaging in ‘Two in One’ criminality by both breaking into your home and stealing things like smartphones, tablets and other portable high-value items and then driving away in your car, so good home security is vital. If you have a ‘Secured by Design’ rated door fitted after 2010 you can be confident that it will have a “Break Secure” lock, but this applies only to ‘Secured by Design’ doors and not all doors.
“The lock on your door is one aspect of domestic security and there are many other things that you can also look at to assist in preventing becoming a victim of crime, some of which will be free of charge and involve only small changes in day to day life. These include:
◦Check that all the doors and windows are locked – even if only popping out for a minute
◦My door locks meet British standards – Bear in mind that not complying with this may compromise the Insurance Cover provided by your insurer. Check the small print on your policy or contact them direct and ask!
◦House keys and Car keys are not in view or easy reach of windows or doors. They are with you when you go to bed
◦Key-operated locks are fitted to all the windows.
◦Install and use a visible burglar alarm
◦Consider leaving lights and the radio on a timer for the evening when house is vacant.
◦Make sure rear garden is secure – there’s a good fence surrounding the house and the side gate is sturdy and padlocked.
◦The garden shed is also locked and alarmed if required; and
◦Remove any ladders or tools from outside and secure them in garage or within house.
“Police Scotland is dedicated to Keeping People Safe, and following the tips above and being aware of your surroundings at all times will help keep you, your family and your possessions safe.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
