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An Garda Síochána

How Secure is Your home?

WINDOWS & DOORS

INSIDE SECURITY

OUTSIDE SECURITY

NEIGHBOURS

ELECTRONIC SECURITY

Always secure your windows and doors. Store keys safely, away from letterboxes and windows.

Light up your home. Use timer switches when out.

Always use your alarm, even when home.

Photograph and record details of valuables. Do not keep large cash amounts at home.

Join Neighbourhood Watch or Community Alert.

An Garda Síochána

Crime Prevention Information Sheet

Home Security

Doors Door Security Most intruders enter-ing your property will either enter through a door or a window. It is not uncommon for people to leave doors and windows open, un-locked or not properly secured. Most external domes-tic doors come in one of the following variety of designs and strengths -

Solid hardwood

Hardwood incorporating glass panelling

Aluminium

uPVC

Sliding or Patio doors

French doors

The strength and security of any door is primarily gov-erned by the quality of the material used in its construc-tion and the standard of the locks and fittings used. Whether an intruder will gain access to your home through your external doors may depend on -

the strength of the construction material,

the quality of the locks,

proper fitting and installation We can reduce their attraction as an entry point for the burglar by trying to minimize these risk features. Hardwood Doors Hardwood doors should be a minimum of 44mm in thickness and capable of supporting both rim and mor-tice locks and hung on at least three 100mm hinges. Glass paneling, where fitted, should be laminated to at least 6.4mm in thickness. The frame of the door should be securely bolted to the wall at no less than 600mm intervals around the frame.

uPVC and Aluminium Doors These types of doors are generally unsuitable to retro-fit with security devices and may, where this is done, com-promise any installation warranty. In these circum-stances, you should always consult with the fabricator or installer as appropriate. Most are commonly fitted with a multi-point locking system and generally offer a high degree of security protection. Door Security Features The front access door to any home should be fitted, where possible and appropriate, with the following addi-tional security features -

Door Viewer, which should be wide-angled, that will allow the occupant to identify callers before the door is opened.

Door Chain or Limiter which allows the occu-pant to restrict the complete opening of the door until desired.

Hinge Bolts which will strengthen the door against forced entry.

Letter Tray/Restrictor to prevent car key fishing. Door Security & Standards It is recommended that all external entry/exit doors are designed to withstand forced intrusion to an acceptable level. Doors manufactured to comply with the Euro-pean standard I.S. EN 1627:2011 or the British security standard for doors & windows PAS 24-2012 or equiva-lent are recommended as these will have been sub-jected to specific security and burglar resistance tests. Currently, most doors fitted to houses will not conform to these standards. The ideal domestic security door will incorporate most or all of the following security fea-tures:

5 lever mortice deadlock lock to BS 3621, or EN 12209 or equivalent - top and bottom

Cylinder lock - EN 1303 or equivalent

Rim-latch lock with dead lock facility

Hinge bolts to reinforce the hinge side of the door

Door chain and wide angle viewer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS OR OTHER CRIME PREVENTION ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT

your local GARDA CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER or

visit the Garda website at www.garda.ie

Issued by the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit, Garda H.Q., Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. May 2015

HS2

There are a wide variety of locks and locking devices available on the market today. It should be remem-bered, however that fitting a quality security lock to an inherently weak door, or fitting a poor lock to a quality door will not in any real way improve your security. Domestic locks are generally rim-latch, mortice (deadlock or sashlock), or a may have a multi-locking bolt mechanism. All should comply with an appropriate security standard e.g. BS 3621, EN 12209 or equiva-lent. This will ensure that the locks have been security tested to withstand forced hacking, drilling and sawing for a defined period. All security devices should be fitted with strong screws or bolts. Deadlocks, when fitted and used, will also deny burglars removing property from your home via the doors. Glass panels on or around doors are particularly vulner-able and should be avoided where possible. Alternatively they should be replaced with laminated glass to a minimum of 6.4mm thickness. Letterboxes Where letterboxes are fitted to a door they should be at least 400mm or 16 inches from any locking mechanism. A letterbox cage or restrictor will also help prevent a thief from accessing the locks manually or fishing for car keys. Patio Doors Patio doors are generally either sliding or double leaf “French Doors” - sometimes known as “French Windows”. The most common security weakness with sliding patio doors is to be found in their fitting along the running rails. In some instances it is possible to lift the door completely out of the running rail. Approved anti-lift devices should be fitted. Security bars fitted internally, which will prevent the doors being parted even if the locking mechanism is forced, are also strongly recommended. ‘Shoot Bolts’ or ‘Sliding Bolts’, whichever is appropriate, may also be fitted to reinforce security in both Patio and French doors. A reputable locksmith will advise accord-ingly. Internal Doors Most internal domestic doors are hollow core and fitted with two-lever mortice locks. They should not be re-garded as providing good security but rather as an addi-tional time delay measure. It is generally considered prudent to leave these doors unlocked, when the house is vacant, as they will seldom restrict the determined intruder and will likely further add to any vandalism that is committed. Keys A common custom is to leave keys inserted in their locking mechanism. This is a foolhardy practice as it can assist the burglar in two ways. Firstly, they can be used by a trespasser to deny you entry to your home and secondly; they can be stolen or removed and cop-

ied. In the case of doors where entry or exit is solely key-controlled it is imperative that the location and safe storage of these keys is known to all the occupants in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation. Keys should generally be colour coded or numbered rather than named as this will hinder their identification to the intruder. Garages, Sheds & Side Gates Garages and sheds used for storing valuable property should be properly secured. Padlocks with an EN 12320 or equivalent standard are recommended. Con-sider connecting your garage or shed to your house alarm. Side Gates should be flush with the front of the house and ideally not easily scalable. Fire Precautions Any physical changes or alterations made to doors in your home should not needlessly impede or restrict your exit in the event of a fire alert or evacuation. Keys should always be kept accessible to occupants but out of reach of potential trespassers or burglars. Remember! When the home is occupied, fire safety is your priority; however, when the home is unoccupied, security is your main concern. The advice contained in this information sheet is not intended to be exhaustive or absolute. At all times it is wise to seek appropriate professional advice where physical or structural changes are made to your property to improve security. Nothing contained in this publication should be in-terpreted as mandatory, obligatory or designed to conflict with any statutory regulations.

Useful Contacts and Links

The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit, Garda H.Q., Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 6663669 Email: crime_prevention@garda.ie

An Garda Síochána www.garda.ie

The National Standards Authority of Ireland www.nsai.ie

Secured by Design www.securedbydesign.com The Associated Locksmiths of Ireland www.aloi.net The Master Locksmiths Association www.masterlocksmiths.co.uk

An Garda Síochána

Crime Prevention Information Sheet

Home Security

Windows Window Security More than a third of burglars will enter your property through a window. Windows will come in a variety of designs, styles and materials which are commonly one of the following -

• Casement • Tilt & Turn • Sliding Sash • Fan light • Velux • Louvre Glazing incorporated in window frames is equally varied and is usually annealed, laminated or toughened. All will be designed to admit light but it is important to remember that windows are a favoured entry point for thieves. You can assess their individual vulnerability which will depend on three main factors:

• The accessibility of the window • The visibility of the window to neighbours or

passers-by • The quality of the fabrication, strength and instal-

lation of the window We can reduce their attraction as an entry point for the burglar by trying to minimize these risk features. The accessibility of the window Remember a thief can generally get through any gap that is slightly larger than a human head – so don’t be complacent about their security because of the window size. Windows on the ground floor are more vulnerable than those on the upper floor levels. However upper windows that can easily be reached with a climbing aid, via down-pipes or from an adjoining roof are equally attractive to the burglar. Some of these windows can be protected with decorative metal grilles; but it is impor-tant to remember that any such fixing should not form an obstruction in the event of an emergency evacua-tion. Where these grilles are fitted, they should ideally

be fitted internally and be retractable or removable as required. Window accessibility and security can also be improved by fitting additional locks, limiters or stronger glazing. The visibility of the window to neighbours or passers-by Windows at the rear and side of premises are more susceptible to criminal attack than those which are clearly visible to others. Make full use of external light-ing to illuminate the external approaches to these win-dows during darkness. Unnecessary visible obstruction can also be caused by overgrown trees or hedging. Overgrown branches or hedging that can restrict the natural line of sight by casual observers should be pruned. The quality of the fabrication, strength and in-stallation of the window Not all windows are the same. Good design features, quality fabrication and installation can provide a level of security far beyond the capabilities of the average bur-glar. The modern approach to window security as-sesses resistance to forced attack of the whole product and not just the component parts. Good security locks can be fitted to inherently weak frames. Similarly, qual-ity frames may be fitted with glazing of inadequate strength. In some instances, quality windows are poorly installed into the building. There are many different windows on the market today and all will have some security features. The quality of the products, however, can vary considerably. Some can include multi-point locking, reinforced frames, exter-nal security beading and laminated glazing, but exag-gerated claims about their security can be made. With enough time and effort any window can be forced. What you are buying in security terms should be windows of sufficient strength and quality to stop or deter the com-mon methods used by burglars to break and enter through them. The extra time and investment you make in purchasing quality windows will pay real dividends

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS OR OTHER CRIME PREVENTION ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT

your local GARDA CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER or

visit the Garda website at www.garda.ie

Issued by the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit, Garda H.Q., Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. September 2011

HS3

when it comes to securing your home or business. The recently adopted European standard I.S. EN 1627:2011 or the British security standard for windows BS 7950 or equivalent are recommended. Windows manufactured to these standards have been independ-ently certified to offer a high degree of protection and burglar resistance. When considering the purchase or replacement of windows you should discuss these mat-ters with your glazier or window installation company. External Beading Many modern double-glazed windows are fitted with external beading with no security features. This beading can easily be pried away and the glass panel lifted out. The security of these windows can be improved by fit-ting additional security features - discuss with your local glazier / window installation company or your local crime prevention officer. Window Locks and Limiters You can still improve your window security on older win-dows; however, it is always advisable to seek profes-sional assistance before adding security locks or spe-cial glazing to existing windows to ensure any security alteration or additions will not weaken the window frame or structure. It is also advisable to talk to the fabricator or installer beforehand to ensure any warranty you may have is not compromised. Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. You may need more than one win-dow lock, depending on the size of the opening you need to secure. More vulnerable windows can also be fitted with “limiters” to restrict the size on the opening. Annealed Glass Annealed, float or plate glass is the most common type of glass used in buildings. It breaks easily and when broken forms large sharp fragments. Toughened Glass Sometimes used as an alternative to laminated glass, toughened glass is approximately 8 times stronger than plate glass. It should not be used for security purposes in windows and doors as its main value is as a safety glass. Toughened glass is designed to withstand forced blows; however, it is not impenetrable and the surface cab be broken or fractured with sufficient force, usually with a sharp or pointed instrument. If the surface is punctured, the entire piece of glass will disintegrate into small granular pieces. Laminated Glass Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of ordi-nary glass bonded together with a strong material called polyvinyl butyral (PVB). It will give excellent protection against accidents, vandalism or burglary. When at-tacked the glass itself may break but the glazing will adhere to the PVB bonding layer. The level of protec-tion can be increased depending on the layers and thickness of the glass, however in general for residen-tial protection a thickness of 6.4mm or ¼ inch is suffi-cient.

Safety and Security film Safety and security films are essentially plastic films that are applied (glued) to glass in order to improve its strength and make it more difficult to break. They work in a similar fashion to laminated glass but they differ in that films can be applied to glass after installation or manufacture which makes them relatively easy to retro-fit to existing windows. Fire Precautions Any physical changes or alterations made to windows in your home should not needlessly impede or restrict your exit in the event of a fire alert or evacuation. This will be particularly important when fitting laminated glass or where windows are controlled by key operated locks. Keys should always be kept accessible to occu-pants but out of reach of potential trespassers or bur-glars. Remember! When the home is occupied, fire safety is your priority; however, when the home is unoccupied, security is your main concern. The advice contained in this information sheet is not intended to be exhaustive or absolute. At all times it is wise to seek appropriate professional advice where physical or structural changes are made to your property to improve security. Nothing contained in this publication should be in-terpreted as mandatory, obligatory or designed to conflict with any statutory regulations.

Useful Contacts and Links The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit, Garda H.Q., Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 6663362, Fax: (01) 6663314 Email: crime_prevention@garda.ie An Garda Síochána www.garda.ie The National Standards Authority of Ireland www.nsai.ie Secured by Design www.securedbydesign.com The Associated Locksmiths of Ireland www.aloi.net The Master Locksmiths Association www.masterlocksmiths.co.uk

An Garda Síochána

Crime Prevention Information Sheet

Home Security

Intruder Alarms Why install an intruder alarm system? It is widely accepted that intruder alarms are an effec-tive deterrent against burglars, thereby helping to re-duce the likelihood of your home being targetted. How-ever, it is important to understand that an intruder alarm is not a replacement for good physical security. It should, rather, be regarded as a back-up to good physi-cal and other security measures and precautions em-ployed to protect your home. Intruder alarm systems Essentially, Intruder alarm systems fall into two catego-ries - ’wired’ systems or ‘wire-free / wireless’ systems. Each of these categories can be sub-divided into two types - • Audible only

When the alarm is activated, an internal and/or external siren/bell operates to draw attention to the building

• Remotely Monitored When the alarm is activated, the internal/external siren/bell operates and a signal is also sent to a central monitoring station which can inform you, a chosen keyholder(s) and/or the Gardaí as re-quired and appropriate.

Auto-dialler - an auto-dialler can be utilised with any of the above systems. When the alarm is activated, the auto-dialler within the alarm system will ring pre-determined telephone numbers to inform you and/or keyholders of the alarm activation. It must not be pro-grammed to call the Gardaí. Understanding and using you alarm system It is important to understand how your alarm system operates. Your installer should explain the operation of the system to you and all other members of your family. Insist on a training session to demonstrate its features. Don’t be baffled by techno-speak or other jargon, ask the installer to explain. It is also important that all your keyholders are familiar

with the operation of your alarm system and that they know the activation and deactivation codes etc. Keep all instruction manuals in a known and accessible location. Do not write alarm codes etc. on the instruc-tion manual or on walls or doors near the control unit or keypad. This is a common practice and must be avoided. What system is best for me? This is often a difficult decision to make and may be influenced by a number of factors including cost, design of residence, location and whether the house is suitably pre-wired. Your local Crime Prevention Officer can of-fer advice and you should also talk to friends and neighbours about systems that they have installed. The alarm installation companies can provide specialist ad-vice and your home insurance company may also be in a position to assist. Choosing an Alarm Installer All alarm installers and installation companies must now be licensed by the Private Security Authority. A list of all licensed installers is available on their website. There are numerous companies and individuals operat-ing in the alarm installation industry. You will find most listed in the Golden Pages telephone directory. It is recommended that you obtain at least three quotes from reputable installers. The Gardaí do not recommend any particular alarm company but do recommend that all installed alarms should comply with the European Standard EN 50131. Note that one of the criteria for a Garda response is that the alarm system meets this standard or the older Irish Standard IS 199 which has now been replaced by EN 50131. Monitored or un-monitored? This is a matter that should be carefully considered. In

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS OR OTHER CRIME PREVENTION ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT

your local GARDA CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER or

visit the Garda website at www.garda.ie

Issued by the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. April 2009

HS4

order to guarantee a Garda response to an activation of your alarm, you must have a Unique Reference Number (URN) issued by the Gardaí. These are only issued where the alarm system - • complies with approved standards, • has been installed by an approved installer, and • is monitored by an approved monitoring company. Further information on this matter can be provided by your alarm company, monitoring station, local Garda Crime Prevention Officer or you can read and download the full Garda Alarm Policy from the Garda website (see Useful Contacts & Links at the end of this information sheet). Garda Intruder Alarm Policy The Garda Alarm Policy has recently been revised with a view to reducing the number of incidences of false alarm activations. This will help to provide a more ef-fective service to the public. All alarm systems, including domestic, should have dual verification installed from January 31, 2008. Your alarm installation company will explain this in detail, but es-sentially, it involves verifying an alarm activation by means of two or more detection devices which send two separate alarm signals to the monitoring station. Glossary of common alarm terms Control Panel / Box This is the heart or nerve-centre of the system and, in a domestic residence, is often situated in a cupboard or under the stairs. The control panel is connected to the electricity mains but also has a battery back-up facility. Keypad The keypad allows you to input numbers/codes thereby activating or de-activating the alarm. Often placed in the hallway, not far from the entry/exit point. Mainly used to switch the alarm on and off. Magnetic Contact Sensors These are sensors that are generally used to detect the opening of a door or window. There are two parts to them: a magnet and a contact and are usually fitted to the surface of the window or door. Flush fitting types are also available. Movement Sensors/Detectors Many types are available, PIRs (Passive Infra-Reds) being the most common. They are normally installed in the corner of a room near the ceiling and detect a rapid change in infra-red energy e.g. by the movement of a person. Other types include microwave, ultrasonic and combinations of each (dual technology). Vibration and Acoustic Sensors/Detectors Vibration sensors detect physical vibrations e.g. where a door or window is banged in a hard manner. Acoustic sensors detect airborne vibrations e.g. where glass is broken. A dual technology sensor incorporating both is

also available. Personal Attack Button Also called a ‘PANIC’ button and has one or two re-cessed red buttons that, when pressed, causes the alarm to activate immediately and may also transmit a further signal to a remote monitoring station if con-nected. Internal Sounder / Bell This is fitted inside the home and provides a very loud audible warning noise. External Siren / Bell Box This is the ’box’ that you will see on the outside of homes and other buildings. It is normally sited quite high up, generally just under the eaves, and should be tamper-proof. Strobe Flasher Fitted to the external siren/bell box to give a visual warning of the alarm activation. Can be programmed to continue flashing after the audio sounder/bell has stopped. Remote Signalling With this facility, your alarm activation is transmitted to a remote monitoring station. Zone The alarm installation company will, for the purposes of identification and convenience, divide your home into zones when installing your alarm system. These zones are managed by the control unit and can be utilised to de-activate certain areas of your home at particular times, to alert you to open zones when setting your alarm and also to provide information when an alarm activation occurs etc. The advice contained in this information sheet is not intended to be exhaustive or absolute. At all times it is wise to seek appropriate professional advice where additions or alterations are made to your property to improve security. Nothing contained in this publication should be in-terpreted as mandatory, obligatory or designed to conflict with any statutory regulations.

Useful Contacts and Links The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit, Garda H.Q., Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 6663362, Fax: (01) 6663314 Email: crime_prevention@garda.ie An Garda Síochána www.garda.ie The Private Security Authority www.psa.gov.ie The National Standards Authority of Ireland www.nsai.ie

1.5%Other

25%Rear door

28%Rear window

2%Side door

27%Front door

8%Front window

4%Side window

Entry point in 4.5% of burglaries is unknown

FACTS TOP 5 TIPS1. Secure all Doors

and Windows

2. Light up your Home, use timer switches when out

3. Store Keys safely and away from windows & letterboxes

4. Record details of Valuables and don’t keep large Cash amounts at home

5. Use your Alarm, even when at home

1. Almost one third of burglaries occurred between 5pm and 8pm in the last 6 months of 2013

2. As the weather gets warmer, burglaries increasingly take place through unsecured doors or windows

3. In winter, up to 20% of burglaries occur during twilight hours when homes can look unoccupied

4. Jewellery and cash are the most common articles stolen during burglaries

5. There were over 100 cases where car keys were “fi shed” through the letterbox between July-December 2013

An Garda Síochána

BURGLARY PREVENTION

See www.garda.ie for more information

€ €

MAIN ENTRY POINTS BY BURGLARS TO HOUSES

Created by Gda. Sinéad Daffy

DCPO – Store Street Garda Station

HOW TO BEAT THE BOGUS CALLER

---------------------------------- * THINK *

Are you expecting someone?

Have you an appointment for someone

to call?

Is the back door locked?

* LOCK & LOOK *

Apply door chain or bar before opening

the door

Look out window or through spy-hole

Visually identify the caller

* CHECK *

Check & double check the

caller’s ID

Ring company to verify

* NOT SURE? DON’T ANSWER THE DOOR *

Report any suspicious callers to the Gardaí A.S.A.P.

PHONE: 6668000

999 or 112