Light up your life for security on dark nights

Now that the nights are drawing in and the clocks are due to go back on 26^th October, Why not consider lighting for safety or security?

Lighting - Exterior

A useful addition to perimeter security can be exterior lighting, either switched manually or automatically operated. Lighting does have its limitations - burglaries often take place during daylight hours; if the light is activated, someone has to notice it - and take action. Lighting should be seen as an aid, but on its own it is not sufficient to deter a burglar.

The most common form of lighting is spot lights with passive infra-red which is activated when someone comes into its field of vision. The light can be set to stay on for a set time and then it will re-set if the cause of its activation is no longer present. A passive infra-red unit can activate single or multiple lights.

Lights can be useful on the approach to a front or rear door or garage, not only lighting up if someone approaches your house, but also when you approach, so that you can see if anyone is lurking in the shadows. It must be remembered though that lights can be activated by certain animals. Also, you do not want the light to be activated every time your neighbours go into their garden or when someone walks past the front of your property. However, the field of activation can be adjusted. You must also make sure that your light does not intrude into your neighbours windows or those of passing vehicles - light pollution can often be at the centre of many disputes but is so easily avoidable.

The limitations

Whilst external lights can be very useful around the house and garden for crime prevention some people make rather exaggerated or misleading claims as to their all-round effectiveness.  

We have no doubt that some burglars and thieves have been put off by lights, but lights certainly don’t work all the time.  Also consider the fact that a majority of crime takes place during daylight hours.  We seem to be gripped by the cave dwellers notion that lighting fires will keep the wild animals away.  Well they might have done, but the thief is a different beast !

Evidence does suggest that people feel safer at night in well-lit public places when they can see everything around them and it is probably true that the same can be said about your home if you can look out onto your lit back garden from the safety of an upstairs window or the patio doors.   It’s just good to be able to check what’s going on in the garden and outside the front door late at night.

Another way that external lighting may help us is if the presence of the light convinces the criminal that what he is about to do will be seen by you or your neighbours or maybe a CCTV camera.  It seems then that it is a combination of light AND an increased chance of the criminal being seen that must work together in order for anybody to claim that light is a deterrent to crime. 

A research paper written in 2004 by Ian Hearnden and Christine Magill and published by the Home Office entitled, “Decision-making by house burglars: offenders perspectives”, it is interesting in that lighting is not mentioned by burglars as something that puts them off targeting a particular house.  To be fair to those of you who think light works all the time the authors didn’t ask the burglars a direct question about lighting.  Nevertheless when they were asked what things were more likely to put them off the main deterrents were: -

ü  Evidence of occupancy

ü  The presence of an alarm or CCTV camera

ü  The apparent strength of the doors and windows.

Interestingly, one of these findings does indicate an effective use for lighting, which is to use it to give the impression that you are home.  So, you can put external lights anywhere you think might be useful, but which ones should you leave on for some extra security?  You should ask yourself a really important question before you make your decision:

“If I put a light on that wall or above that door and leave it on or have it switch on automatically will an intruder be seen?”

Another related question you could ask yourself is: -

“If the light is on or comes on due to the presence of an intruder, who will benefit from the light?”

Think about this scenario:  It’s 2 o’clock in the morning, the outside light is on and the burglar is thinking about forcing a rear door or window below the light.  The burglar cannot be seen by any neighbours or passers-by and you’re in bed asleep, or perhaps you’re away on holiday.  Who benefits?

So the advice to you is NOT to light up place’s externally that cannot be seen by you or your neighbours.  This is NOT the same as saying “don’t put a light there”.  You’ll probably need the light for all sorts of practical reasons and in this case it would be of great benefit for you to be able to switch the lights on from inside the home; putting yourself in control.

Now it’s quite clear that lots of people have thought about these questions already, but have reached rather different conclusions.  This is evidenced by the installation of hundreds of thousands of tungsten halogen floodlights that are switched on by passive infrared detectors with the idea that a sudden bright light shining down the garden will scare away the intruder. 

It’s perfectly understandable why people buy these lights, especially if they’ve just been burgled; it is quite natural for victims to try anything that might prevent themselves from being victimised again.  But you must still ask the questions.  If the burglar has already established that you are not at home (having rung your doorbell or seen you go out) and your neighbours are curled up in front of the TV with the curtains drawn, is the sudden onset of a bright light going to scare the intruder away?  If the sudden appearance of light is noticed will it be reported to the police and, in the absence of any other real evidence, will the police respond to just a light coming on?   

You may be thinking that we been rather negative about lighting, but that is not the case.  It’s just that some security measures have their limitations and you will be better off spending money on something that has been proven to work like a professionally installed Intruder Alarm system or CCTV system.

The benefits

Clearly there are lots of benefits to be had from outside lights, but from a security viewpoint it is probably limited to enhancing our feelings of safety, helping us investigate an incident outside the house, dealing with callers at the door and lighting up places that are in full view of the street and our neighbours in the hope that the illuminated criminal will be deterred.   Therefore it is important that we do install lights in the right places that are controlled in the right way. 

Lighting - Interior

A sensible arrangement of leaving lights switched on inside the house while the house is unoccupied can help to give the impression to a passer-by that the house is in fact occupied. It is sensible to use a downstairs room with a drawn curtain and sufficient light inside to suggest that the room is occupied. A light should not be left on solely in the hall - a thief may guess that the premises are unoccupied as it is not normal for the occupants to spend all night only in the hall!

There are many automatic devices available - simple and extremely sophisticated - that will turn lights on and off in random fashion and may even be set to control other electrical appliances such as the radio or television. Automatic switching will help to convince the casual thief that the house is occupied.

Conclusion

Some of the time security lighting will be all that is necessary to scare off a potential intruder. But do remember, lighting cannot work miracles. It is sensible to make sure that your defenses - the locks, window bolts, Intruder alarm and CCTV – are working correctly. Let your neighbors know that you are out, and if you are a member of your neighborhood watch scheme so much the better. You can also inform your local police station that you are away.

These lights can be DIY fitted, but if you are not sure or even competent, it is essential that you contact a qualified electrical contractor.

Security tips to see you through summer safely

Now the weather is brightening up and the sun is shining, it is all too tempting to become complacent when it comes to our home security.

The most common cases of opportunist summer burglary involve offenders that:

• Enter an insecure front door while residents are in the back garden.
• Enter doors that are closed but unlocked at night while residents are asleep.
• Reach through windows to take valuable items.

In around 25 percent of break-ins that take place in the spring and summer months, entry is gained through insecure windows and doors, especially at the rear of the property.

• Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
• If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.
• When out in your garden, ensure that windows and doors to the front of the house are secure. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.
• Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows or in reach of open windows or doors.
• Ensure that all barbecue and garden equipment and tools are securely locked up in a shed and out of sight. Tools can be used by the potential offender to break in to your home.
• Consider fitting outside security lighting, a visible alarm or CCTV to help deter burglars. Even using pea shingle or gravel on a driveway and spiky plants in garden beds can help.
• Don’t leave any keys near entry points where they can be ‘fished’ or ‘hooked’ out through the window, letter box or cat flap.
• Ensure any internal handle operated locks on UPVC doors are fully secured with a key.

Sheds - easy pickings?

Offenders see sheds as easy pickings because they are unprotected and lack basic security measures. The buildings often contain property that can be sold on or implements that can be used to force entry into the owner’s home.

Many sheds, while being of good construction, fall short on basic security.

It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with. By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.

It is also a good idea to bond any window glass in with mastic to prevent easy removal.

Ensure all tools and equipment are locked away when not in use.

High-quality locks should be used on doors. Windows can be fitted with a grille or, as a cheaper alternative, chicken wire, to slow down a thief.

A shed alarm can also be installed.

Post-code or indelibly mark all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultra-violet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA or Smartwater or engravers.

Install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points.

If building a shed, put it where it is most visible to you and neighbours.

Going on holiday?

• Make your home look occupied.
• If you're out or going away, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close your curtains for you.
• Ask a neighbour if they don’t mind ad hoc parking on your driveway.
• Cut the front and back lawns before you go away and trim any plants that burglars could hide behind.
• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.
• Before your holiday, don’t advertise that you are going away on Facebook, Twitter etc.
• Register for the Royal Mail 'Keepsafe' service.
• Leave important documents and valuable personal items with other family members, in a bank or invest in suitable safe which is bolted down.
• Double-check that you've locked all outside windows and doors.
• Set your burglar alarm.

Fire Safety - even the professionals get caught out

Recent years have seen a many fires in Fire stations - one of the the worst being in early December 2013 when a Norfolk Fire Station was entirely gutted, ruining two fire engines and thousands of pounds worth of equipment, but thankfully not injuring anyone. The Downham Market station had no sprinkler system in place, a small measure which could have seriously reduced the amount of damage caused.

Roy Harold, Norfolk Deputy Chief Fire Officer is quoted as saying 

“If it’d been fitted with sprinklers, we wouldn’t be here today chatting about this because the fire would’ve been put out very, very quickly automatically. We now ask all new building developments to consider sprinklers very strongly.”

Other sire station fires have happened in recent years in 2012 in Scotland and 2009 in Northern Ireland and November 2013 in New York.

This goes to show that anyone can be the victim of a fire - which is why it is important to be aware of the facts on fire safety and how to reduce the risk of fire and the lower the danger if a fire breaks out.

Take a look at the infographic below for some key facts from a survey carried out by Firex International:

At Western Security we carry a range of Fire Safety devices including alarms systems and emergency lighting - contact us to discuss your requirements and concerns today.

Access Control Systems in the South Wales Severn Bridges

As a Security business based in South Wales we were really interested to read about the Access Control Security being used at the famous Severn Bridges, not too far from our head office in Cardiff.

The bridges are the main link between England and South Wales, linking between just outside Bristol in Gloucestershire & just outside Newport in Monmouthshire.

The bridges are 15 miles apart, and built on different structures so that weather affects them differently (the old bridge in particular is susceptible to wind and shuts regularly in high winds) – each has a toll plaza, maintenance buildings and administration offices.

Management of the Severn River Crossing PLC wanted to make clear distinction between different job roles, so that maintenance staff have different access rights to Toll Plaza staff etc. The Access Control system also can be altered so that staff only have access during particular dates and times. Emergency keyholders are the only people with 24-hour access to the whole site.

All of this formation is encoded into each staff members access control smart-card, which can then be scanned by the versatile indoor/outdoor proximity reader.

The system has over 200 permanently registered staff members, and the option to add temporary passes for contractors and visitors. The system can also be used as a ‘clock-in/clock-out’ attendance system.

Western Security Systems also supply Access Control Systems, which are perfect for installation in large complexes (for example hotels, offices, schools, hospitals or residential blocks) or for smaller domestic use, as a back-up or alternative to traditional keys.

As well as card or fob based Access Control, Western Security are able to fit keypads, video entry and automated gates, doors and barriers. Read about our full range of Access Control technologies on our website. 

Mobile App Security - The latest privacy threat

Everyone knows to keep their bank details safe, but the last few years rise in internet and phone banking are making this more difficult.

Many of us know of the scams where you receive a fake email or phone call from your bank, asking you to ‘confirm your identity’ by pumping in lots of details. Of course, it goes without saying that if your bank is contacting you they should prove who they are before asking you to prove your identity!

However, the newest threat to the privacy of our bank details are fraudulent mobile apps across both Apple’s app store, and Android’s Google Play. Appearing to be official mobile banking apps, the apps seize your details when you enter them, allowing the creator of the app to use or sell the valuable private information.

However, the problem of fraudulent apps is even more rife outside of the official app stores – third-party shopfronts such as Cydia contain official apps that have been hacked and altered in ways to infect your device with viruses and malware as well as capture details.

Always make sure that any mobile app you download is from a reputable source, particularly if it asks for personal details.

Have a great, safe festive period!

As the holidays draw nearer we'd like to wish you a great Christmas and happy New Year. However, also be aware that Christmas is a minefield for fire and security risks in your home. While we all want to enjoy the celebrations, decorations and gifts we must always be aware of safety and security first at all times.

Take a look at this festive safety announcement from the Fire Kills campaign...

The point it makes is clear - ensure your lights are never switched on unattended. The same goes for candles and open fires - festive and cheery but huge potential fire risks.

You should also ensure that your lights are fire-tested (there will be a mark on the box), that any artificial trees are flame-retardant (again, the box will state clearly), and that a real tree is fresh and well-watered (don't let it dry out, and dispose of it as soon as it starts dropping lots of needles). Also be careful with cards and paper decorations - ensure these are well away from any fire risks such as heaters, candles, open fires and Christmas lights (those bulbs get hot!).

Security is also a risk. With so many expensive gifts lying in such an obvious place under the tree, thieves often use Christmas Eve to target homes. Don't advertise if you are going away for Christmas (on social media, for example), and ensure windows are shut tight (don't feed cables to outdoor lights through an open window - this a weakness that burglars look for through December). Close curtains - we know your decorated home is beautiful but it will help deter potential criminals. Also when Christmas is over and the gifts are opened, be careful when disposing of the packaging. Don't leave boxes for expensive new appliances on the kerbside, as it advertises your new possessions to passers by.

You can also secure your house with a security system. Fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV and security lighting can help give you peace of mind at all times of year - contact Western Security for more details.

Top 4 Tips to Protect Personal Details and Privacy Online

 1. While free WiFi when you are out-and-about is fantastically useful, make sure you never log in to anything private and personal, such as online banking or making online transactions. Gadgets are available to either ‘piggyback’ onto an existing network, or broadcast a signal from a computer, giving anyone the ability to view whatever you are doing on an open network. However, you can purchase VPN (Virtual Private Network) dongle. This gives your computer protection over public networks, allowing you to carry out any business you want without fear of identity theft.

2. Search Engines, particularly Google, are constantly pulling data about where you search, where you are from, what you buy and almost anything you carry out through their services. This has only gotten worse with Google accounts, Android phones and Chrome, as all these services make it easier for them to grab your data whenever you are using them. Have you ever wondered why the adverts that pop up when you are browsing sometimes seem oddly tailored to sites you visit regularly, or have visited recently? It’s because Google uses your browsing data to target the adverts you are shown. While it often is comparatively innocent use, it can still be nerve-racking giving that much of your personal data away, and being sold to unsolicited. Thankfully, using secured browsers and search engines can help reduce the chances of your data being pulled, https://duckduckgo.com/ is a great secure search engine.

3. If you have a lot of private digital documents we would highly recommend not storing them on your computer or a standard USB flash drive – if you misplace these, or they get stolen, you will lose all of your private data, which could then be picked up by people happy to exploit it. We would recommend an encrypted USB flash drive, which can be protected by password and data encrypted, menaning that your data will have thorough protection no matter what you do with your flash drive!

4. Though these days most people use password-protected router at home or work, many still don’t, and this is one of the easiest ways for opportunist criminals to access your private data and install spyware and viruses to your network. Even aside from the privacy risks, if people ‘piggyback’ on to your WiFi they may access illegal material (such as pirated media), which can come back on you as it is difficult to prove who has been using the network, or they could download excessive amounts of data, taking your over your monthly download limit and incurring charges. Password protected WiFi just makes sense all around.