Neighbourhood Watch News from Banham

Local News and security tips in and around London

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NEWSLETTER 2007

Crime Prevention News

Keep yourself posted

One of the features of Belgravia and Knightsbridge homes is often the size of the letterboxes. This does pose a risk as some professional burglars release door locks by putting their hands through the large opening. There is also a risk of fishing. This is when keys are fished off tables in the hallway near to the front door. Never leave door keys or car keys close to the front door in sight. If you have a large letterbox fit an enclosed mail cage or letterbox cowl. Always engage the door mortice lock as well as the dead latch when you are at home as well as when you are out.

Sat Nav Thieves

An increasing amount of vehicle owners are having their Satellite navigation systems stolen from their dashboards. If you have a removable unit it is advisable to remove the unit and cradle from the car. By leaving the glove compartment open you also show potential thieves that it is not hidden inside the vehicle. If you are unlucky enough to become a victim of car crime please remember to preserve the scene. We do examine vehicles and have made good arrests from forensic evidence. A practical tip is also to keep a sheet of polythene and some duct tape in the boot to protect yourself from the elements if the window is smashed. It goes without saying that valuables should not be left on display in vehicles. Even small amounts of change or bags with sports kit inside have attracted thieves to unattended vehicles. Do not leave your phone, laptop or Blackberry in your car as these can be detected.

Understanding High Security Locks by Chris Roberts from Banham Security.

Whilst burglar alarm systems and other forms of electronic security are important, the first point of defence of your home is the front and back door locks. It is important that they reach a specific standard. Insurance companies will require them to be approved to British Standard 3621. You should be able to see a kite mark on the lock. This is usually on the plate covering the lock on the side of the door. There are two main types of locks used in this country. They are lever locks and cylinder locks. If you have a lever lock on your front or back door it should have at least 5 levers, some cheaper locks may only have 2 levers. Banham lever locks will have 7 levers.

Cylinder locks work on a different principle and tend to offer a higher level of security. They have the advantage that if you lose your key you can just replace the cylinder rather than the entire lock. Banham make two high security cylinder Locks, the L2000 and the M2002. Both these locks have registered keys, so if you lend your key to somebody they should not be able to get a copy made. We will only cut keys if we have the signature of the registered owner of the lock and have checked their identity. The L2000 is a latch lock that is fitted on the surface of the door. It has a handle that you pull to open the door. This allows for quick and convenient exit from your house. The handle can be locked so as it is inoperable when the house is unoccupied. The M2002 is a mortice deadlock, which is fitted inside the door and has escutcheon plates fitted both sides of the door to give added strength. Both these locks are high security locks and among the best on the market. They come in brass, chrome, satin brass and satin chrome.

When you are considering replacing your locks, make sure that you use a reputable locksmith, The Master Locksmiths Association is a body set up to ensure that locksmiths reach a high standard. Members are inspected at regular intervals and the MLA will give help and advice to the public on security issues. Banham has been in the security field since 1926 and is still a family owned company. We can provide a complete security service for your home, ranging from locks, alarms, safes, gates, grilles, CCTV, and key holding. Our mobile locksmiths are able to deal with any emergencies including you becoming locked out of your home. We will carry out a free survey of your house giving recommendations for improving your security.

Should you require further information on Banham Products, we have a website: www.banham.com or you can phone us on 0844 482 9122.

Burglar Arrested!

Police at Belgravia arrested a man who was responsible for a number of Burglaries across two Boroughs. This man would change into white builders overalls and enter premises where existing work was taking place. He would go straight to bedrooms and remove valuable items. He has been charged with two Burglaries. This highlights the need for residents and domestic staff to be totally aware of exactly who is working in their premises. When challenged this man went elsewhere to find an easier victim.