The topic have been dominating the news lately: police budgets cut. Huge cuts to funding and the number of officers on the streets of England and Wales, “would endanger the safety of the public,” as warned by Britain’s most senior police officer and commissioner of the Metropolitan police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe. He said: “We are having to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges with resources going back to the 1970s. That’s when London had a population of around six million, today we are 8.6 million and we believe it will rise to about nine million in 2020.” He further states: “It will get pretty twitchy in terms of coverage of London. There would be less visibility. There would be less of it in the neighbourhoods and in our response section. There is no doubt that we would be slower.” With their forces reduced to 1980s-style policing, the police will respond to crises only, with heavy cuts to prevention and building relationships with communities.

With the pruning back of neighbourhood policing and proactive prevention work which stops crime levels rising, as well as the widespread concern over the changing face of policing, and discussions of an end of ‘bobbies on the beat’, it is uncertain how these changes will affect crime rates and investigations.

As such, high-ranking police officials are advising home and business owners to take personal steps to preventing crime.

Craig Mackay, Deputy Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police Service, recommended a move towards the public helping the police more, such as handing over CCTV footage from personal cameras to help with investigations. He said: “Getting people involved and the whole notion of people being active in crime prevention and crime detection work with us has got to be part of the future”.

Whatever happens, this is the best opportunity for homeowners to take responsibility by protecting their community and property. Indeed, although CCTV cameras can help a struggling police force, prevention is still better than cure. Installing the appropriate security measures than can act as an effective barrier against burglary and vandalism will be a first step to ensure opportunistic criminals are deterred.

The first and fundamental step to ensuring the safety of your homes is the installation of our security grilles, such as the RSG1000 and RSG1200 Collapsible Grilles. As for businesses, we have a range of roller shutters and steel security doors – Independently tested to the industry standard of PAS24, Secured by Design and the recognised LPS1175 ratings approved by the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board).

Afterall, at RSG Security, we do not just aim at making Britain safer with our range of security products, but ultimately secure each and every homes and businesses in the capital with our London Installation Specialists.

The post Police Funding Cuts first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

1. Insulate your pipes properly

Leftover water in your pipes freezes, so the pipes expand and burst, which has the domino effect of massive damage to your home, including costly repair work and flooding and a messy cleanup.

• Insulate your water pipes with materials such as heat tape (UL approved) and fiberglass. Otherwise, wrap pipes in layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
• If your sink is on an exterior wall, open the cabinets underneath it to let warm air from inside the home heat the pipes
• Leave a trickle of water running from faucets to prevent any stagnant moisture from turning to ice
• Shut off water valves properly
• Aside from indoors pipes get burst-proof spigot installed, or make sure there is no water hanging out there to freeze and expand
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets
• If you won’t be home all winter, try picking up a Freeze Sensor. It’ll send an alarm to the monitoring center and your phone when the temperature gets to be too low, so you know to head on over and check the pipes. Else, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems)

2. Seal air leaks, install a permanent heating system or ensure you have the appropriate space heater

Save money on your energy bills while making your home warmer.

• Purchase a space heater that’s the right size for the space you’re heating—a space heater that’s too large creates the additional hazard of unhealthy air quality
• Also select one with a safety certification and tip-over/overheat protection
• When using the space heater, plug it directly into a wall and don’t put anything close to it
• Shut off the space heater when you’re sleeping or leaving
• Take extra steps to use your heater less—not only will this present less of a hazard for you and your family, the planet will thank you for it as well! For example, put weather-stripping, caulk or expandable foam at the base of doors and around drafty windows. Invest in a couple of ugly seasonal sweaters!

3. Keep your chimney well-maintained with annual inspection and cleaning

Soot builds up over time and that debris can go up in flames and your chimney catches fire.

• An annual inspection can even help you find structural issues or leaks before your roof gets soaking wet
• Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire
• Also, remember to open the flue before you light that fire

4. Clean your Gutters and insulate your roof

The weight of leaves combined with snow and ice can send your gutters crashing to the ground. Debris build-up in gutters can also lead to ice dams. Those massive, pretty icicles hanging from your gutters are actually rather dangerous due to weight, which can literally pull your gutters off your house while an unsuspecting person is busy admiring the snow-sculpture quality underneath your roof.
To prevent ice dams from forming, you need to keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Increase ventilation, add insulation, seal off possible air leaks to be ice dam free and clean the gutters as well as fortify your roof.

5. Seal the attic

Sealing the attic is a great way to avoid heat loss through your roof in future winters.
Make sure your attic insulation is 12 inches deep. If you’re going to install a new layer of insulation over an existing one, avoid using kraft-faced insulation, which can lead to moisture problems.

6. Avoid unintentional Ice Skating and melt ice faster with salt

For your own safety and that of your friends and family, make sure no one gets hurt when walking down the sidewalk and up your driveway…unless you want to keep away unwanted guests. Bear in mind that if someone slips and falls on the sidewalk in front of your house, depending on what state you’re in and why they fell, they can sue you!

7. Provision for battery backup in case of blackouts

Ice collects on the power lines.

• Make sure your security system including the alarm system can last a few days without powerto avoid becoming an easy target during storm-related blackouts.
• Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors.

8. Prune your trees

Snow and ice buildup on trees can cause branches to break and land on your house. If a tree is close to your home, prune its branches and cut down any low-hanging limbs before the start of the winter.

9. Install weather-proofing materials

Strong winds can cause substantial damage to your property.

• Install wind-proofing features such as our domestic roller shutters and impact-resistant shingles
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.

10. Constant Vigilance

• Always apply basic security measures
• Regularly check your outdoor security equipment such as security lighting, motion sensors or outside cameras. Severe weather can damage or destroy outdoor equipment, and you may not notice until it is too late!
• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent
• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch
• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water
• If you lose electrical service during the winter, call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:

DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Always pull your car out of the garage to warm. If you keep your garage door closed while your vehicle is running, you could be fatally poisoned by the exhaust fumes.

DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.

DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home – prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.

Avoid costly repairs by doing the necessary before winter hits and call the RSG Security Team to take care of the safety & security of your family and home.

The post 10 Cold Weather Security Tips For A Safe & Warm Home first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

• An Agenda

Develop a family plan by going over everyone’s schedules or time tables and sticking memos on the fridge or wherever it is easily viewed by all family members, with additional information such as expected field days. Teach the children the basics of safety and dealing with threating situations, at school such as bullying or peer pressure and similar hazards to instigate self-confidence and to know the proper behaviour, as well as outside school.

• The Trip

38% of all potential life-threatening situations happen to children as they walk to and from school. Be it on four- or two-wheel vehicles or on foot, the danger is still there when your children travels to and from school. Always drop and pick your children up as close to the school premises as possible and leave only once you see them inside. Otherwise, maintain a good relationship with the bus driver to ensure there is safe driving. The bus stop is itself full of unexpected dangers; ensure that your children keep a safe distance with the road. Of course, this would also mean he understands and obeys the Highway Code well, including the traffic signals, signs and officers. Designate the route that is safer, as well as “safe zone” including libraries or community centres. Warning them to be extra careful during bad weather is also important. As much as possible, ensure that he is accompanied by a trusted family, friend, or neighbour. The proverbial “Stranger Danger” phrase should be reminded every once in a while to prevent any dangerous encounter.

• The Gears

If your child is old enough to use a bike or a scooter, he should also be old enough to learn about the necessary precautions involved such as sturdy shoes, knee caps, elbow caps and a helmet. Consider safety products, such as a mini first aid kit. They should equally know which toys or games they are allowed to carry to school or borrow from friends, in addition to the areas in school which might be unsafe and avoided.

• An Emergency

Ensure that your children have the contact numbers of both parents- mobiles and workplace- and if possible a guardian’s, as well as emergency numbers such as the 911. The opposite is equally important- Keep the school’s or a teacher’s contact number as well as your children’s circle of close friends in case the former is not reachable.

• The House

It is often overlooked, yet safety as home should not be neglected either, especially if both parents are away while the children get back. They should learn to inform one parent when they reach home. Make sure they know the rules concerning their access to gadgets, especially computers, and allowing outsiders to access the house. Needless to say window security and door security systems play an important role when children are Home Alone. The latter should be operative and the rest should be well secured, particularly if the children have their own sets of keys to enter the house. All in all, to ensure your children have a great kick-start to this year at school, on the way to and from, as well as when they are back home, the rules are simply to plan, prepare and protect!

The post Five ‘Back to School’ Safety Tip Reminders first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

Although you will not be expected to build a fortification as colossal as The Wall like in the Game of Thrones, there are still some levels of security that you need to consider and implement to deter creatures, who are out there waiting for just the right occasion to infringe fearlessly and relentlessly. Ancient castles had multiple layers of defence, ensuring that if one barrier did not stop the enemy, another one would. Nowadays, you can equip your house with a solid umbrella of Security Systems, which will do more than just the basic functions:

• Protect you against criminals and natural calamities alike
• Come hand in hand with home automation systems
• Save you money that would otherwise be lost to opportunistic burglars and energy bills

The most fundamental and simple precaution is to ensure that all your doors and windows are strong, locked and fortified enough to keep trespassers at bay. Today, tech-savvy burglars might not be daunted by your garage door, especially if they are aided by some inoffensive tools like a screwdriver and a ladder hanging around. Such burglars would be deterred by robust security such as our RSG7000 Electric Roller Garage Door that can handicap lock-bumping pros owing to its lack of handles, foam-filled core, fittings and an auto-locking system.

Furthermore, our double-skinned garage doors allow no transmission of heat, thermal insulation and acoustic insulation, while the rubber seal on its bottom rail and integral brush seals make your house draught-proof and bar strong winds. To find out more about its benefits, see RSG Garage Doors Beenfits.

In addition, cost-efficient security grilles offer ideal protection for windows and patio doors, especially in summer times, where windows and doors can be left opened so you can enjoy the cool breeze of the evenings. They are also relatively low maintenance, compliments the style of your home, and provide a measure of increased security, since a visual deterrent is a must against intruders.

Yet, there is far more than meets the eye when it comes to home security systems. With the emergence of Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS),  home automation devices and wireless security systems are now available as add-ons to your home security products working together with our range of security shutters. What could be more app-ealing than smartphones and Apps letting you operate your security system? And by the way, are you using Panic Guard yet?

1. Environmental sensors can notify you when detecting floods, leaks and extreme temperatures
2. Installing monitored smoke detectors and CO devices will notify you of a fire or gas leak. With 24-Hour Monitoring, highly trained home security professionals are always standing by, ready to send help to your home in the event of a burglary, fire, carbon monoxide event or other emergency
3. Indoor/Outdoor Sensors detect movement, listen for the sound of breaking glass to guard against intruders, protect valuables and furthermore offer the option to receive alerts on your smartphone if motion is sensed in a protected area inside or outside—giving you the information you need to act quickly
4. Wireless theft protection sensors can be affixed to any valuable in your home, especially high-tech gadgets or antiques, and alert you when an attempt is made to move or disturb the object.
5. Wireless Security Systems can even be taken to a new residence
6. Real-Time Alerts allow you to receive e-mails, text messages or video alerts of important events in real-time – such as a child arriving home from school or a stranger trying to force his way in
7. With Live Video, you can log on up to six cameras at a time and keep an eye on your kids, elderly relatives, pets and property
8. Unlock your front door or disarm your security system with a simple yet secure code
9. Create customized schedules for your locks and thermostat activities, whether you’re across town or across the world, hence providing security and energy-saving possibilities
10. Program lights to strobe on-and-off during an alarm to enhance security and create on-and-off schedules to simulate a lived-in look when you’re away

Home security systems can diminish both energy costs and opportunities for criminals. Energy efficiency and safety was never easier and more affordable. The possibilities are endless and the choices are all yours – to ensure that you and your family are comfortable and invulnerable. For more information, please contact us on 02081231088.

The post Things You Did Not Know About Security Systems first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

Living on your own does not have to be any more dangerous than other types of living situations. With some precautionary measures, you can ensure that even if you are alone at home, you will always be safer than houses.

The most primordial tip for living by yourself is to remember to #1 lock up – whether you are in or out of the house! Always keep your windows and doors locked, as opportunists never waste a second to creep into a house, especially an unoccupied one – or worse: a house that is occupied by a single defenceless and clueless owner.

The good (and bad) news about living alone is that the whole house is yours- which means cleaning up and #2 house maintenance is solely your responsibility. No matter how arduous the task, make it a must to inspect the house for security leaks, and keep both, a toolbox and first-aid kit, within hand’s reach. Some simple maintenance issues such as a weak doorframe, a faulty latch, a broken window pane, or misplaced keys welcome burglars in, since they will not even have to ‘force’ their way in. Limited sets of keys and lack of roommate blunders can decrease your chances of burglary, too.

Another simple yet important tip is to #3 close the curtains or pull the blinds. Just as the general public is advised to keep their doors and windows locked, it is again of heightened importance for you as a lone-dweller to avoid informing burglars that you are living on your own. Close the curtains whenever possible, irrelevant of when you are at home or not, and decrease your chance of becoming easy prey to a break-in by those burglars who know how to follow people’s routines and riches.

Just like you apply the principle of locking your house, in much the same way, learn to #4 lock your smartphone and limit social media posts– which contains your email accounts, giveaway messages from family and close friends, with your personal details. Learn to close the curtains around your social media as well. Better be safe than sorry socialising online via your smartphone and apps, which may track your information and ‘inadvertently’ post them online. It is not the best idea to let the whole world know where you are, when and with whom (with no one at all at home and absolutely vulnerable-the perfect target! Burglars invisibly and inconspicuously hit the Like button straightaway!)

A related tip is to #5 keep your smartphone charged and easy to access (paradoxically to keeping it locked at all times) in case of emergencies. This can come in handy when the burglar has cut your telephone line. Just be prepared in the case that you panic; smart-dial may be useful. It is therefore also necessary to avoid having complicated passwords that will only complicate your situation. Imagine a circumstance where you have an armed robber facing you, while your smartphone requires your PIN- that you forget under the stress- or that super-complicated-and-cool lock-screen pattern, which you cannot draw with your sweaty fingers to be able to call someone on your contact list to be your life-saver. “Face Unlock” will only probably not be the best method, either. On the other hand, it might help to learn the different methods of urgently unlocking your phone in emergencies, depending on your phone model, beforehand.

Having another living being in the house can serve to make you feel less lonely in your house, but a trained animal can equally be a burglar deterrent. Loyal dogs can be your best friend when you are blue, and also be your superhero when you are threatened. Thanks to their acute senses and natural instincts, a pet’s reaction is often the earliest sign of danger. #6 Get yourself a cute dog who knows how to cuddle you while being ferocious to strangers!

It can be interesting to #7 meet the next door neighbour! Knowing your neighbours (and your neighbours knowing you) is one of the best and easiest security systems ever! Needless to mention it is completely free, and brings you the benefits of gaining new friends aside from your cute, ferocious dog! They can help you feel less lonely and be just as ferocious if they see a stranger. Remember to share an emergency number with them and inform them when you are away so they may keep an eye on your house. They can always inform the police if they hear or see something unusual. And you can always return the favour – which helps you all to have a great neighbourhood watch and remain safe.

The best tip remains installing #8 home security systems. Never hesitate to invest in some worthy security gadgets such as a peephole, additional locks and keys, and upgrading further to security doors, shutters, grilles & gates, in addition to alarm, camera and light systems, as well as security apps on your phone, such as Panic Guard.

Do not compromise enjoying living on your own for your security- being Home Alone, afterall, is about being proactive and having fun while being secure. If you live in London and want us to provide a complete installation service, please RSG Security Contact Page.

The post Home Alone – 8 Must-Read Tips first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

 
Home invasion differs from burglary in that its perpetrators have a violent intent apart from the unlawful entry itself, much the same way as aggravated robbery—personally taking from someone by force—is differentiated from mere larceny (theft alone).

“But the trouble is that this kind of burglary – the kind most likely to go “wrong” – is now the norm in Britain. In America, it’s called a “hot” burglary – a burglary that takes place when the homeowners are present – or a “home invasion”, which is a much more accurate term. Just over 10 per cent of US burglaries are “hot” burglaries, and in my part of the world it’s statistically insignificant: there is virtually zero chance of a New Hampshire home being broken into while the family are present. But in England and Wales it’s more than 50 per cent and climbing.” – An Englishman’s home is his dungeon by Mark Steyn

Some of the most recent statistics for the UK show the following:

• There have been over 2M home invasions, and over 300,000 burglaries in 2012.
• On average, trespassers spend about 60 seconds inside the home.
• Homes without a home security system installed are 3 times more likely to be burglarised.

The British Crime Survey provides more information on the nature of burglaries than those recorded in police crime figures. According to the BCS, householders came face-to-face with burglars in 20 per cent of domestic burglaries in 2009. That translates one every ten minutes. In other cases, either no one was at home or the victim was at home but unaware they were being burgled and did not see the offender.

Of the burglaries in which the victim came face-to-face with the intruder, violence was either used or threatened in 59 per cent of crimes.

Preventing a home invasion can be as easy as remembering to lock your door- what the Three Bears somehow forgot. If you want your home to be fully protected from a potential invader, installing the proper home security systems is the most effective method. Homes with a security system installed have a significantly lesser chance of being burglarized. Reinforcing the current barriers to your house and adding further can definitely keep intruders at bay. Of course, home security systems can do much more than just protect your home. They can also save you money on your energy bills, and allow you to control home appliances and your security system from anywhere using a smartphone or computer.

• 3 out 4 uncompleted intrusions are credited to a home security system.
• 9 out of 10 convicted burglars state they avoided homes with a home security system installed.
• Homes located in plain view without a lot of shrubbery are less likely to be burglarized.

 You have the responsibility to protect your house and your family. Do not delay to install the proper protective measures. For more information, you can view our reminder post – Easy Steps For Better Home Security or pick up the phone and talk to us on 02081231095.

The post Home Invasion – The Scary Truth first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

Although homeowners may be taking the necessary preventive measures to protect their homes from criminals, most are unaware of the myths related to burglaries, which turn their measures to useless methods. When you know the facts, you can make sure that you can best protect yourself against a break in!

Myth 1: As it is often depicted in the movies, cartoons or video games, some people picture a sly black-clad burglar breaking a side or rear window and hopping into the home. Others envision thieves using complicated tools to pry open the garage door or finding a way into the basement.

Despite common perception, doors are actually the most common means of entry. 73% of burglars use doors, which are open in 3% of cases. It is even more surprising that burglars choose the front door over any other home door. In fact, 64% of householders also confessed to occasionally leaving doors unlocked whilst away from home and a further 37% whilst inside the home – even though statistics show that 22% of burglaries are carried out with the thief aware that the home was occupied.

Myth 2: Burglars tend to prey for appliances and firearms being the most valuable items in a home.

Contrary to belief, burglars are clever enough to target the most valuable yet easiest to transport items rather than behemoths appliances. According to Infographics for 2009-2011, most stolen items are cash-17%, computers-15%, cameras and mp3s-13%, jewelry-11%, mobile phones-6%. Besides, the ONS has provided figures for 2012-2013, which state that burglars nowadays tend to prey for mobile phones during robberies rather than wallets and cash, which are represented by 43%, 38% and 37% respectively.

Myth 3: Of course, criminals would rather stay camouflaged in the dark and use this as a cover to avoid being caught. In fact, 56% of burglaries happen at night. It is true that most burglaries take place after dark: 10% occur in the morning, 20% in the afternoon, 32% in the evening and 23% during the night, whereas 30% occur in the weekend. So, the majority automatically believes that break-ins ONLY occur at night.

Actually, burglars simply access homes when no one is around to hamper their activities and do not have to be confronted by homeowners. Hence, they also visit during the day while people are at work and school… or away on vacation.

Myth 4: Most homeowners believe that a home break-in is very unlikely.

Burglars do their jobs as earnestly as any employed citizen. They watch for consistent patterns, such as when a homeowner leaves for work or gets home from work and gets into action when they know the home is vacant. Burglars can disguise themselves as service workers during the day so home owners are mostly burgled out of the blue as they least expect it.

Myth 5: Burglars spend a lot of time breaking into homes

Burglars are opportunists who choose homes that are easy targets: Homes without any apparent security system or sign, homes of people who work fulltime and homes with poorly secured entry points. In many situations, a burglar can breach a poorly secured door in only 10 seconds. It usually takes 20 minutes or more for the police to show up in response. Meanwhile, the burglar is in and out in 8 minutes without ever having to cross paths with the absent homeowner.

Myth 6: Home security systems do not discourage burglars at all, especially if you live in an area with low crime rate.

9 out of 10 burglars move along when they cannot get past the home’s security. Even if you live in a relatively safe neighbourhood, ensure your house is equipped with the necessary security barriers including Shutters, Grilles and Gates.

Myth 7: Leaving lights on each time you leave the house makes burglars think someone is at home.

This is actually an invitation to clever burglars. The latter get to know your neighbourhood and your schedule. A light that stays on too long in one place is a signal that you’ll be gone for a while. It’s better to have lights go on and off in different parts of the house on a random schedule with the help of Electronic timers.

Myth 8: Having an alarm sign or stickers will deter burglars from entering.

It may definitely help you feel secure, but it can also tell a burglar what alarm company you’re using. Burglars can figure out how to circumvent your system by easily purchasing plans to different branded systems. It’s better to use a generic sign, because a burglar cannot be sure exactly what system you’re using.

Myth 9: A big dog will keep out unwanted intruders.

A dog’s bark is the real deterrent. Small dogs, such as such as a Chihuahua or a Schipperke, do a good job of barking when someone enters your property. Large dogs, unless they are trained, usually don’t bark much — which is great if you want to get some sleep, but it’s as good as a scarecrow for scaring off burglars.

Myth 10: Locking your house is enough to keep burglars at bay.

Like all houses and doors are not the same, not all locks are the same. Ordinary pin tumbler locks are riskier to use because thieves can open them with bump keys. Indeed, burglars are rather skilled at Lock Bumping – Is your premises secure?

Myth 11: Keeping valuables in ‘secret hiding places’ is effective.

It’s best if you put valuable jewelry and documents off premises in a safe deposit box or a secure safe. Most people tend to hide valuables in their bedroom in standard hiding places such as the underwear drawer, under the mattress and closet shelves but these are the first places burglars look. It’s better to scatter your valuables in more than one place, and to hide them in unusual places, such as the freezer, or in a cereal box in the cupboard.

Myth 12: Thorny bushes in front of windows impede intruders

Many homeowners keep thorny bushes in front of windows keep burglars out. However, professional burglars usually wear gloves and two layers of clothing, while carrying cutters or similar equipment. Some thorns are not going to deter a determined burglar. Instead, be sure you keep those plants trimmed below the sills so they can’t easily conceal a burglar.

Myth 13: Cutting off mail and newspaper delivery while on vacation is smart

Actually, stopping newspaper and mail delivery is a hint that you are away. It’s better to have trusted friends and neighbours checking on your house, picking up the mail and newspapers for you and making the house look occupied.

While the general public is misinformed or under-informed about burglaries, separating fact from fiction is one of the first steps in getting the ins-and-outs of burglary right in order to protect your home. Contact Us Today and speak to a member of our team to find our how you can secure your property.

The post 13 Burglary Myths You Should Know first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

“Self-defence is Nature’s eldest law”, said John Dryden, and “men have the right of killing in self-defence”, according to Montesquieu.

It is a frightening prospect to be confronted by an intruder on your property and you would expect that you can defend yourself in that situation. In response to public concern over the support offered by the law and confusion about householders or shop owners defending themselves, the CPS Justice Secretary has proposed amending the law in England and Wales on self-defence to protect householders who over-react when confronted by a burglar or intruder.

If a householder finds himself on trial, the jury must consider the following:

• Was the use of force necessary?
• If so, was the particular force used reasonable?

Q: What are the official guidelines of the amended law?

A: The limitations of the legislation were made clear through a circular sent by the Ministry of Justice.

‘Householders are only permitted to rely on the heightened defence if they are using force to defend themselves or others. They cannot seek to rely on the defence if they were acting for another purpose, such as protecting their property…The term “in or partly in a building” is used to protect householders who might be confronted by an intruder on the threshold of their home, climbing in through a window perhaps.’

Moreover, shopkeepers can only get away with disproportionate attacks on robbers if they live above their shop, and only if the two parts of the building are connected. Besides, shop assistants and customers cannot get involved in the violence, unless their loved ones happen to be living in the store.

Q: What force does the law allow?

A: The law currently allows people to use “reasonable force” to protect themselves, others or property, to carry out an arrest or to prevent crime. Householders are protected from prosecution as long as they act “honestly and instinctively” in the heat of the moment.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), “Fine judgements” over the level of force used are not expected. In other words, someone can claim they attacked in self-defence only if they genuinely believed they were in peril – even if in hindsight they were clearly wrong.

Victims do not have to wait to be attacked if they are in their home and fear for themselves or others. These guidelines also apply if someone, in the spur of the moment, picks up an item to use as a weapon. The law very clearly says that a householder is not expected to weigh up the arguments for and against in the heat of the moment – but they have to show that their actions were reasonable in the moment.

Q: Can the intruder be chased if they run off?

A: It all depends on what was proportionate in the moment and what the householder genuinely believed. If the householder chases and attacks the burglar who no longer presents a threat, it is not self-defence.

For instance, if an intruder flees the scene, they might not be a threat any longer, so if the latter chases and attacks, it would no longer be considered self-defence. Reasonable force can still be used to recover property or make a citizen’s arrest.

The CPS has previously suggested that “a rugby tackle or a single blow would probably be reasonable” because these are designed to stop the criminal, rather than to inflict grievous harm.

Q: Do I have to wait to be attacked?

A: No, not if you are in your own home and in fear for yourself or others.

In those circumstances the law does not require you to wait to be attacked before using defensive force yourself.

Q: What is the situation if the intruder dies?

A: It is still lawful to act in reasonable self-defence, even if the intruder dies as a result.

However, prosecution could result from “very excessive and gratuitous force”, such as

• having knocked someone unconscious, you then decided to further hurt or kill them to punish them
• you knew of an intended intruder and set a trap to hurt or to kill them rather than involve the police

For instance, the CPS decided not to prosecute one woman who snatched a baseball bat from an intruder and smashed him over the head. Had the woman continued to beat the man to a pulp, after he had already fallen and posed no threat, this would probably be considered as unlawful.

Q: So the law is quite complicated?

A: It depends which way you look at it. In each case, the precise facts will be different and may justify a different response from juries.

Most cases that have come before the courts have tended to divide public opinion. Whereas the Conservatives have repeatedly argued that the law needs to be shifted in favour of the householder to give them certainty that they will not be prosecuted, Defenders of the current position argue that self-defence is exactly the kind of debate that should be left up to juries.

Q: How likely is prosecution?

A: There have been very few prosecutions in these circumstances. An “informal trawl” by the CPS suggested that between 1990 and 2005 there were only 11 prosecutions of people who had attacked intruders in houses, commercial premises or private land. Only 7 of those appeared to have resulted from domestic burglaries.

One of the cases that were prosecuted involved a man who lay in wait for an intruder and then beat him, threw him into a pit and set him alight.

Another case involved Buckinghamshire businessman Munir and Tokeer Hussain who were jailed in different circumstances. Hussain had returned home to find that three intruders had tied up his family. He escaped and, with the help of his brother, chased one of the intruders, Walid Saleem. Hussain caught Saleem and hit him so hard with a cricket bat that he inflicted permanent brain damage.

Saleem was incapable of entering a plea at trial and received a lesser sentence than the man whose house he broke into. It’s important to note that the brothers did not plead at trial that they acted in self-defence when they chased and attacked the intruder. The Court of Appeal reduced their sentences but emphasised that the case was very unusual – and included an eyewitness who pleaded with the men to stop attacking the intruder.

Q: What about if someone shoots?

A: Again, the juries will decide upon the case depending on the facts.

The most recent case was that of Andy and Tracey Ferrie. They were in bed when two burglars entered their home. Mr Ferrie fired his (legally-held) shotgun at the men. The couple were arrested but then released without charge.

The judge at the intruders’ trial said: “If you burgle a house in the country where the householder owns a legally held shotgun, that is the chance you take. You cannot come to court and ask for a lighter sentence because of it.”

The most well-known case is Tony Martin. In 1999, the Norfolk farmer shot dead an intruder in his home. He was jailed for life for murder but the Court of Appeal then reduced that to manslaughter. He served three years in jail.

Q: How would the police and CPS handle the investigation and treat a householder?

A: In considering these cases Chief Constables and the Director of Public Prosecutions (Head of the CPS) are determined that they must be investigated and reviewed as swiftly and as sympathetically as possible.

If the facts are very clear, or where less serious injuries are involved, the investigation will be concluded very quickly, without any need for arrest.

In more complicated cases, such as where a death or serious injury occurs, more detailed enquiries will be necessary. The police may need to conduct a forensic examination and/or obtain your account of events. To ensure such cases are dealt with as swiftly and sympathetically as possible, the police and CPS will take special measures namely:

• An experienced investigator will oversee the case
• If it goes as far as CPS considering the evidence, the case will be prioritised to ensure a senior lawyer makes a quick decision

Q: What are the views of this law?

A: Lord Judge said that he thought the law was sound, while others believe the it is ‘riddled with loopholes’.

In his 2012 press conference, the Lord Chief Justice said: “I suspect if any of you have come home to find a burglar in your home, or have been in bed at night — or indeed having an afternoon snooze and found a burglar in your home – you are not calmly detached. You are probably very cross and you are probably very frightened – a mixture of both -and your judgment of precisely what you should or should not do in the circumstances cannot, as another predecessor of mine, Lord Lane, said, you cannot measure it in a jeweller’s scale. You have to face the reality of how people are and how people react to these situations – and justifiably react.

“The householder is entitled to use reasonable force to get rid of the burglar and that in measuring whether the force is reasonable or not, you are not doing a paper exercise six months later. You have to put yourself in the position of the man or woman who has reacted to the presence of a burglar and has reacted with fury, with anxiety, with fear, and with all the various different emotions which will be generated, and who has no time for calm reflection.

On the other hand, Malcolm Starr, a spokesman for jailed burglary victim Tony Martin, said: ‘I think it’s an absolute farce. They really must let common sense prevail.’ He said that rather than drawing up new laws, the system should simply prevent homeowners being arrested as soon as an intruder is attacked. Mr Starr added: ‘People immediately seem to get arrested and don’t get the benefit of the doubt – it’s the wrong way round.’

Furthermore, Nick de Bois, a Conservative MP on the Justice Select Committee, said: ‘It looks like the Ministry of Justice civil servants are watering down the intent behind this very sensible law. People have the right to defend their property and homes, and they don’t need a straitjacket from the Ministry of Justice.’

Anyhow, whatever the circumstance, always maintain the security of your property to avoid any possible confrontation with a burglar – and make sure you do not bash a burglar in any case of intrusion! This brings us to the conclusion that implementing security on your home is more clever than self defence! Please visit our range of security products and get in touch via our contact us page or call 02081231088.

The post Burglars & Self Defence first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

1. Target hardening

Make targets more resistant to attack, or more difficult to remove or damage by implementing the following:

• Sturdy doors and windows
• Strong window and door locks including Combination Locks, as well as anti-theft devices or locks for your vehicles – which can even lower your car insurance premium
• Additional protective barriers, including screens, barbed wire fencing, security grilles and window bars, or shutters, such as roller shutters available at RSG
• Rule setting and Restricted access:
  • Signs prohibiting access to buildings or certain areas in buildings
  • Identity cards and ID badges
  • Entry card systems and phones
  • Baggage screening
  • Separate entries and exits
  • Requests to report to reception
  • Internal rules within businesses
  • Local by-laws, such as those limiting consumption of alcohol in public places
  • Laws enacted by Parliament

• Formal surveillance by using technology or specialist staff:
  • Active alarm and CCTV systems
  • Deploying police and security staff
  • A ferocious guard dog (trained to recognise and react to strangers)
• Informal surveillance by encouraging residents, employees and the community to be vigilant and knowing what to do when they see a potential risk. Procedures should be put in place to tell individuals or staff what to do if they see anything suspicious.
• Natural Surveillance and CPTED:
  • Increase visibility by modifying the existing surroundings
  • Keep plants to a minimum; prune or remove shrubbery, remove huge flowerpots that provide hiding places
  • Install or improve lighting internally and externally, like low level dusk to dawn lights
  • Change the height of fences
  • Place a playground area so that it overlooks nearby homes
  • Street and pathway layout, for e.g. Open design property/site, with parking spaces under surveillance, the driveway paving a different colour and texture to the public spaces – this lets any potential offenders know that they are on private land. Also, use gravel driveways that will alarm you of any trespasser.

2. Target removal

Remove any potential target permanently or temporarily by getting it out of sight and out of reach:

• Keep car keys, valuable items including jewellery – especially from shop windows during the night- in a secure pocket or drawer, out of sight of opportunist burglars
• Keep your vehicle (locked!) inside the garage; if it is in a car park, choose well lit areas, or parking lots with attendants. Store radios and any valuables away from sight, and further cover shopping bags with a thin blanket
• Demolish derelict property and hide empty boxes of brand new electronic devices that can tempt trespassers
• Re-house vulnerable people, such as defenceless elderly.

3. Remove the means to commit crime

Ensure that you are not inadvertently helping a criminal by providing him with useful material for his plans, or allow him to be camouflaged and protected in the shadows:

• Lock up large wheelie bins, tools, gardening equipment and building materials such as a screwdriver, a ladder, or scaffolding
• Use plastic drinking glasses in venues where there is a history of disorder.

4. Increasing the chance of detection and decrease payoff:

Anything that slows down an offender or increases the chance of detection, especially if the gain is lower than the risk, is an effective method of prevention. This means that good Target Hardening increases the time it takes to enter a building and increases the chances of being spotted. The longer it takes to commit an offence, the more vulnerable the offender feels.

• Put several preventive methods in place, which slows an offender down even further
• Proper management of security equipment, CCTV systems, lighting
• Alert offenders to the fact that CCTV systems and alarms are being used
• Publicise successes in detecting offenders
• Use a safe to reduce the amount of cash held in a till
• Use a replica in a shop window
• Use property marking to make items identifiable and therefore less valuable to the criminal.
• Note that even though adequate insurance will not reduce the gain to the criminal, it will reduce the loss to the individual or organisation.

5. Deflecting offenders and potential offenders from committing crime.

This involves agencies working with young people and offenders to influence standards, thinking and attitudes. The aim is to prevent potential offenders turning to crime.

• education programmes & schools programmes
• drug action teams
• youth groups and organisations
• provide training and work experience

Bear in mind the preventive measures against criminals, while making sure that any security measures (such as window locks) don’t block your escape route – and that you can get out of the house as quickly as possible! Prepare an escape plan that everyone in your household and business is aware of. It would be a shame to have high security measures preventing trespassers in, but hampering your exit in an emergency.

The post Five Principles of Crime Prevention first appeared on RSG Security Blog.

Thieves earn their living round the clock. Afterall, you are always there to provide them with their treasure trove every single hour of the day, simply by being away from home. Around 1,700 people become the targets of pickpockets daily. Opportunist thieves and con artists are constantly on the look-out for any chance to steal your money and valuables while you are out shopping.

Similarly, you can easily turn into a victim while you are away from home, as your property becomes a target, too. You may be following a routine of picking the kids up from school at 2p.m. sharp everyday, without knowing that someone is slyly observing and waiting until you are away to have his plunder at 2p.m. Otherwise, you might be enjoying a vacation, particularly during school holidays, and thieves know this is a popular time for families to vacate their house (leaving behind ‘only’ most of their belongings!)- Indeed, your house turns into the favourite playground for burglars.

Easy, express and effective measures can work wonders to help prevent you and your household falling victim:

1. Try to pay using a debit card rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
2. Be careful when using a cashpoint or chip and pin – cover the keypad with your hand.
3. Never write down your pin number.
4. Never keep your wallet/purse where it is easily reachable to straying and searching hands, such as in your back pocket on in your open handbag.
5. Don’t leave any bags, including your handbag, in the shopping trolley while you shop.
6. Stay alert when using your mobile. It’s very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand.
7. Don’t return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping, as thieves can watch in car parks.
8. Don’t leave any valuable, including your house keys in your car – they attract opportunist thieves.

Safety for your property:

1. Create the illusion that your house is occupied; don’t close your curtains and use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark.
2. Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries. Call your local post office to stop mail delivery until you get back.
3. Inform the local police or neighbourhood watch to keep an eye out.
4. Trusted neighbours and friends may be helpful by collecting your post, parking their car on your driveway or even keeping your landscape trimmed.
5. Avoid taking a taxi to the airport. If you do, use a taxi company you can rely on, and don’t discuss your holiday plans.
6. Leave important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank, or locked in a safe. Store all your garden tools and equipment inside, out of sight of passers-by.
7. Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination. A house number and postcode will suffice if you want to label your luggage.
8. Don’t boast about being away from home on social media… burglars will have something to boast about soon after. Avoid placing this message on your phone answering machine either.
9. Lock all doors and windows and ensure the padlocks, bolts and hinges are doing their job, and the keys are not lying around.
10. Tighten home defence by installing added-security-features, including active alarm and CCTV systems, as well as Security Roller Shutters, Security Grilles and Window Bars. These up-to-date booby traps operate quicker and cleverer than those that worked against the villains in any Home Alone movie!

Returning home from a relaxing day out or from a memorable trip to find your belongings missing at the end of it all can be downright devastating. Avoid becoming one of the victims of crime when you are away from the home, by making it a habit of taking the simple, yet efficient and necessary safety precautions.

The post Effective Security Tips when Away from Home first appeared on RSG Security Blog.