This morning, BBC Breakfast reported a new initiative by police in Northamptonshire.

In an attempt to cut the rising number of burglaries, the police there are patrolling the streets using a loud hailer to encourage people to keep their windows and doors locked.

It may seem a little extreme, however it’s an important message to get across. The need for adequate security - e.g. doors and window locks has been emphasised by the police in recent weeks. This is particularly pertinent as police in North Leeds and Dorset have reported a spate of ‘distraction burglaries’.

Distraction burglaries are when one or more individuals will engage the homeowner in some way (e.g. by trying to engage them in conversation - hence the distraction), whilst one or more others will try to gain access to the property (normally via an open window or unlocked door).

Once inside the burglars will take any items which are easy to carry - e.g. purses, wallets, handbags, car keys, jewellery and so on. Sadly the victims of these sort of crimes often don’t realise what has happened to them for several hours, therefore leaving the perpetrators with plenty of time of abscond.

For the most part burglars are opportunists, so the best way to avoid being targeted is to take reasonable steps to make sure your home is secured. It goes without saying that you should always keep your windows and doors locked when you leave your home, but it’s also worth being security conscious even when you are at home.

Take a look at our top ten security tips:

1. When you leave your property double check that it is properly secured.
2. Keep your backdoor locked at all times (unless you’re actually out enjoying your garden!)- particularly if it’s easy to access the rear of your property. You might think is fine to leave it unlocked when you’re home, but if you’re upstairs you might not hear someone sneaking in.
3. Don’t leave ground floor windows open if you’re not in the room - you’re making it too easy for someone to enter your property.
4. Never leave keys, wallets, purses, jewellery or other valuables near open windows - someone could simply reach in and help themselves.
5. Get to know your neighbours, and look out for each other.
6. Try not to advertise the fact that you’re going away on holiday - if at all possible have someone pop into your property now and again whilst your away to open and close curtains and make the place seem inhabited.
7. Beware of distraction burglar’s tactics - if you are suspicious of someone do not get engaged in conversation with them, politely but firmly make your excuses.
8. If the rear of your property is easily accessible via side gate (or similar) invest in a decent lock - and make sure it is secured at all times.
9. Invest in secure locks for your home e.g. deadlocks for external doors and locks for your windows and so on. 
10. Never leave spare keys under doormats / in flower pots etc - it’s the first place burglars will look.

You might also like to read the Home Office’s an excellent guide to Home Security for more hints and tips.

Here at SEHBAC we take home security very seriously. All of our double glazed windows benefit from the very latest in security features including multi-point locking systems with up to six locking points, and all SEHBAC doors are fitted with the latest multipoint locking systems, and are designed to endure sustained attempts to gain entry. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows and / or doors, and would like to talk to someone about security options why not call us on 0800 666 444, drop in to one of our show centres or arrange a home visit. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options with you, and offer guidance in selecting the right solution for you.

Image credit altemark

Historically, we’ve seen that during periods of recession, crime tends to increase. As such, in the current economic climate, many homeowners are understandably concerned about increased crime, and unhappily, the latest figures from the Home Office may bear these fears out.

This week, Glass Times (a glazing industry publication) reported that:

The Home Office figures for July-September 2008 showed an increase in reported domestic burglaries; and for the last four months of 2008, 31 police forces across England and Wales also reported a rise in burglaries - with 55,572 more cases of acquisitive crime taking place during those months, than for the same period on 2007. The last sustained rise in the burglary rate was back in the mid 1990s.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith warned of this in a leaked memo to Gordon Brown: “Our modelling indicates that an economic downturn would place significant pressure on acquisitive crime and therefore overall crime figures.”

So, what can homeowners do to ensure that their homes and possessions are adequately protected?

Well, whilst it might sound obvious - make sure your home is properly secured when you leave it. Make sure all windows and doors and closed and locked, as many burglars are opportunists - so if your home looks properly secured it may deter them.

Secondly, take precautions to secure any potential access point to your home. For example, if your property can be accessed via a rear or side gate, consider how this could be made more secure - e.g. invest in a sturdy padlock to secure it, or consider replacing the gate if it cannot be adequately secured currently.

Perhaps most importantly, invest in secure locks for your home - for example: 

1. Deadlocks for external doors
2. Secure locks to windows
3. Secure window shutters

Here at SEHBAC we take home security very seriously. As such, all of our double glazed windows benefit from the very latest in security features including multi-point locking systems with up to six locking points.

Likewise all SEHBAC doors are fitted with the latest multipoint locking systems, and are designed to endure sustained attempts to gain entry. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows and / or doors, and would like to talk to someone about security options why not call us on 0800 666 444, drop in to one of our show centres or arrange a home visit. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options with you, and offer guidance in selecting the right solution for you.

Image credit fotographix.ca

If you’re considering replacing your front door, you’re probably pretty overwhelmed with the options which are open to you.

There are a vast number of materials and finishes available, and of course you need to select something which suits the style and character of your home. In addition to this, you also need to consider security - everyone wants to feel safe in their home, so in addition to looking good, your front door also needs to provide adequate security features.

If that wasn’t enough,  with the cost of heating your home ever increasing, you might also be thinking about the most energy efficient option. A draughty, ill-fitting door, will most certainly allow precious heat to escape; and if heat’s escaping - you could be paying more for your heating than you need to; not to mention the impact on the environment.

At SEHBAC we supply and fit a vast range of doors in a variety of materials. Below, we’ve highlighted the key options open to you, and pros and cons of each:

PVCU Doors

PVCU doors are an excellent choice in terms of security, and energy efficiency. Plus, PVCU is very hard wearing, and as such will resist weathering for many years - unlike traditional wooden doors which will need regular sanding and repainting in order to maintain their looks.

Previously, there were some concerns over PVCU doors warping in cases of fire - however thanks to modern manufacturing methods, all SEHBAC PVCU doors meet fire safety standards.

Wooden Doors

For some people, only the look and feel of real wood will do. Whilst timber doors do require more maintenance than PVCU, our doors are triple coated with sealant which provides long lasting protection and helps to prevent distortion.

In addition to this our wooden doors will not let the elements in, so you can rest assured that you’ll not find yourself with a door which lets draughts in.

Perhaps best of all, our timber is all sustainably sourced - so it’s a planet-friendly option all round!

Composite Doors

Offering perhaps the best of both worlds, composite doors are as secure, energy efficient and hard wearing as PVCU, but with the great look and style of real wood. Available in a wide variety of colours and styles; and with a variety of glass options, there’s bound to be a composite door which suits the style and character of your home.

Plus, unlike traditional wooden doors which will need regular maintenance, to preserve the good looks of your door, all you need do is wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

Aluminium Doors

As with PVCU, aluminium doors are available in a wide range of styles and colours, and of course they offer excellent security and energy efficiency.

At SEHBAC we’ve over 38 years experience in providing replacement doors and we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing them with the ideal solution for them.

We’d be happy to talk to you, and explain the options further - why not give us a call on 0800 666 444, request a brochure so you can view our full range, arrange a home visit or get a quote today.