The most important thing to consider when thinking about securing our homes or businesses is deciding what will give the best security solution with the minimum impact on both your budget and the appearance of your property.

Different types of physical security suit different needs, risks and requirements. There is a whole range of window bars, window mesh, domestic roller shutters, commercial roller shutters, and retractable window grilles to choose from.

The traditional theory about security is that it must be installed externally usually in the form of window bars or window mesh. When a property is attacked by a burglar then this usually takes the form of jemmying or breaking a window. If that window is protected by an externally installed window grille then that vulnerable opening has been adequately secured. This is true; however there are sometimes exceptions to the rule.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Windows Security Solutions said: “There are always exceptions to the rule and this all depends on the type of security being used, how well it has been installed and what the substrate (building?) is made from. The domestic roller shutters that are available today invariably are installed on the outside of the building, but what makes them different to the traditional wrought iron window bars is in the level of continuous product development and improvement made to them. Modern roller shutters are manufactured to a very high specification and even carry insurance approval on the higher specification models”.

Claire continued: “If roller shutters are installed correctly either internally or externally then they present the burglar with a formidable physical barrier. They also offer the added advantage that they cannot be seen through so the burglar is always taking a risk attempting to break through them to discover that nothing is worth stealing.

Installing the security on the inside of the opening is often received by our customer with some level of surprise and intrigue, especially if it is a home security issue. This can be fully understood as in most people’s understanding security means heavy duty black iron bars fixed to the window frame. Once we have explained the merits of having the security installed internally and demonstrated the various products that are available, customers are always pleasantly surprised”.

Roller shutters can be installed both externally and internally and in fact they can even be built-in to the cavity of the opening to be totally hidden. But the ideal product for an internal installation is the retractable grille. This product fits in perfectly with both home security and business security alike.

Retractable grilles can be opened and closed effortlessly as they run in a top and bottom track, they have very little visual impact to the property owner but are still very recognizable to a burglar when they see they have been installed. Using roller shutters or retractable grilles over windows is only part of the solution to giving your property a total security solution. It is important to look at property entrance doors, both front and rear, and fire doors or emergency escape doors.

Taking into consideration the various vulnerable areas of your property you should be able to create a risk assessment of what is needed and where. Using a combination of the wide range of physical security products that are on offer along with advice from a window security company, you will be able to create a high degree of protection whether the security is installed internally or externally.

Commercial properties need the utmost safety with minimum impact on aesthetics. As an architect or specifier, this is a difficult challenge to face, but there is hope.

Window Security Solutions offers physical security products for windows and doors that have been designed with architects in mind. One of the products is a high security window that is resistant to attack.

Hammerglass is a further development of traditional polycarbonate sheets, which is stronger and clearer with an extremely tough surface.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Window Safety Solutions in Manchester said; “A Hammerglass window is almost impossible to break, and is 300 times stronger than glass. The glass does not shatter or break after even prolonged attacks, providing the best protection for businesses. The business benefits of installing Hammerglass can be massive – offering potentially substantial savings on insurance costs, repairing damage and recovering or repurchasing stolen equipment”.

Claire added: “With Hammerglass, big savings can be made in places such as petrol stations, shops, restaurants, schools and anywhere windows are often being broken by burglars or vandals.” Another major benefit of choosing an attack proof glazing is that this resilient product is indistinguishable from a standard window pane to the untrained eye”.

This means that your property will have a durable and effective security solution that doesn’t detract from the look and feel of a building. In the past businesses were forced to choose from a range of ugly window bars and other conspicuous security products. While they helped reduce crime levels, they could be detrimental to a brand – creating a feeling of insecurity and danger in customers and giving their staff the sense of being trapped.

But choosing an architectural product such as hammerglass eliminates all of this. Once again managers, staff and customers can relax in a environment that is open and welcoming, yet totally secure.

If you require any further information please contact Window Security Solutions in Manchester, on Freephone: 0800 980 9444 with the approximate measurements for the window openings you would like to protect.

Have you checked your doors and windows are locked properly?

Property owners are giving an open invitation to burglars by leaving doors and windows unlocked especially as the temperatures begin to rise. During the summer months lots of people leave their doors ajar or windows open to let a little air in to their home whilst they are out gardening or in another part of their property.

However, open doors and insecure first or second floor windows can also let in unwanted visitors such as opportunist burglars.

Businesses and homeowners have been targeted during the day and night and high value items taken such as laptops, handbags and car keys. Commercial Manager at Window Security Solutions, Claire Butler said: “We have seen in the past that burglaries tend to go up slightly when properties leave windows and doors ajar in periods of warm weather. This has encouraged offences to be committed by opportunist passers-by.

Window Security Solutions are keen to educate the public about how to protect their property as using a little common sense and taking crime reduction advice seriously can prevent most summer burglaries.

Claire added: “Another measure that property owners can consider is additional security products. For example, Retractable Window Grilles are a form of internal window security measures that can be pulled back when not in use. This gives the property extra security in the summer months when doors and windows are left open”.

It is never a welcome disruption. At 4am you get a phone call from the police to say there has been a break-in at your work premises and, as the key holder, you need to come down and deactivate the alarm.

Not many employees would relish this disruption, especially when we all value a good night’s sleep. As well as the inconvenience, there is also the risk of what awaits once the key holder arrives on scene. A possible intruder poses a significant danger, especially if the key holder happens to be female.

Key Control Services Ltd, one of the north west’s leading security service, can remove this inconvenience by holding the key for you. Under their key holding and alarm response services, they can hold a set of keys to your premises.

If the alarm is activated, a security officer will be notified by a monitoring station and will attend to deal with the incident, check for intruders and re-set the alarm.

Adam Pollard, business development manager for Key Control Services Ltd, said: “Let us take the stress away. There are plenty of examples where the key holder has been called out in the middle of the night and then will work a full day the next day. This will undoubtedly have an impact on productivity.

What price for a good night sleep? Instead of staff having to respond to call-outs at weekends or late nights, we will do this for them – which means your staff will have an undisturbed social and family life”.

The company, which was set up 14 years ago by managing director Phil Thompson and works with more than 400 companies across the country, also offers a key holder escort service where a security officer can meet a dedicated member of staff at an agreed location in the event of alarm activation.

The security officer will accompany the staff member to check the premises, carry out further action as required and re-set the alarm. Key Control will also compile an activation report which will be left on site and allows the client to know the detail of the incident and the time it took to deal with it.

For details of keyholding services call Key Control Services Ltd on 01204 861331 or visit www.keycontrolservices.co.uk

There is now available, a range of wireless, battery-powered security devices that can be installed on consruction sites and empty properties without the need for mains power. The system works using combined movement sensors and battery-powered digital videos cameras. When a sensor is tripped the camera records a 10sec video clip, which is then sent to a keyholders smartphone using mobile phone technology.

The video is immediately received by a keyholder such as a security guard or owner who will decide whether to call the police, arrange to visit or take no action. The video can also be emailed to the site or property owner, for example, to keep abreast of all alarm activations. The system can include an audible alarm, or not, as required.

David Cole of The Alarming Man, who can supply these ‘hi-tech’ devices explains: “By having the video sent to a smartphone and date/time stamped, keyholders can decide whether the situation requires action or not.

For example if a passing fox trips off an external sensor then no action is required, but if an intruder is wandering around when no-one is on the site, then the keyholders can inform security of intruders and verify the incident with video footage.

“If the owner has left the site, set the alarm and then then it is entered, the police and the keyholders would be notified.

The system uses batteries which last between two and four years, 20 cameras can be included and the range is approx 700m from the sensor to control box. GPRS technology means the system can be used anywhere there is a mobile phone signal.

Thanks to our contributors for this article:

David Cole at The Alarming Man david@thealarmingman.co.uk www.thealarmingman.co.uk

Adam Pollard at www.keycontrolservices.co.uk adam@keycontrol.co.uk

Using professional key holders for your business can often lead to a reduction in insurance premiums, it has been revealed. In fact, a number of leading insurance underwriters are now insisting upon professional key holders before cover is even given, especially if your business is deemed to be at increased risks. Some savings on insurance premiums amount to hundreds of pounds, which is a remarkable saving in an era when we are all looking to make our pennies stretch.

Adam Pollard, business development manager at Key Control Services Ltd, one of the north west’s leading security service, said: “More and more insurance companies are recognising the value of the key holder service and advocating the use of a professional alarm response and key holding company to remove implicit risks from personnel and to help reduce the number of false alarm activations. This in turn will reduce the risk of your police response being withdrawn due to inappropriate call outs. Employing a responsible key holding company can reduce insurance costs which in many cases can completely cover the cost of the key holding service itself.”

Key Control Services Ltd, one of the north west’s leading security service, offer key holding and alarm response services. If the alarm is activated, a security officer will be notified by a monitoring station and will attend to deal with the incident, check for intruders and re-set the alarm.

The company, which was set up 14 years ago by managing director Phil Thompson and works with more than 400 companies across the country, also offers a key holder escort service where a security officer can meet a dedicated member of staff at an agreed location in the event of alarm activation. The security officer will accompany the staff member to check the premises, carry out further action as required and re-set the alarm. Key Control will also compile an activation report which will be left on site and allows the client to know the detail of the incident and the time it took to deal with it.

For details of these services call Key Control Services Ltd on 01204 861331 or visit www.keycontrolservices.co.uk

A leading company in safety and security products is today offering a valuable learning tool for those in the building trade.

Cardea Solutions, and its sister company Window Security Solutions, has launched a new RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) accredited presentation to help architects, builders and specifiers. The presentation, which goes towards your CPD (Continuing Professional Development) addresses the latest window security standards and provides practical advice on selecting the right solutions for specific applications.The presentation, entitled ‘Window Security By Design: Standards, Specification & Application’, takes a close look at the latest standards including BS 7950, LPS 1175, LPS 1270 and ACPO Secured by Design, explaining content, scope and detailing any additional performance standards that may be required to support them.

It also provides an overview of the latest security technologies on the market, from retractable window grilles and removable window bars, through to shutters, mesh and polycarbonate window shields, in each instance giving a thorough breakdown of key benefits.

The course is classified as a RIBA core curriculum subject under the heading ‘Designing and building it: design, construction, technology and engineering’, and counts as one hour core curriculum learning on this topic.

Cardea Solutions has a reputation for providing excellence in safety and security products. It includes five company brand divisions: Fingershield, Window Security Solutions, Simple Safety Solutions, Solarishield and Secure-Ring.

For more information on the RIBA CPD presentation or any products offered by Cardea Solutions visit www.cardea-solutions.com or Freephone 0800 046 7399.

Physical security such as window bars and grilles are a bold and highly visible security solution. While this provides a more obvious deterrent to criminals, it also has a greater impact on the aesthetics of a building.

Security bars can be ugly and unwelcoming, creating the impression that a building isn’t “safe”. For residential buildings, they may even devalue your house, as they can be off putting for buyers. Inside the building, occupants may find they feel “closed in” or trapped by bars on windows. Should you wish to install more pleasing window security bars, there are decorative versions available.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Manchester based Window Safety Solutions said “It’s difficult to choose the right window security solution whether it’s for your home or business. Think about your area and why you need protection – if burglary is your main concern either window bars or grilles will give you peace of mind. If vandalism is more of an issue for you security bars may not be enough.”

Window Security Solutions offer protection in the form of retractable window grilles, polycarbonate window shields, security bars and other security grilles. Security grilles range from decorative visible deterrents to unobtrusive meshes. Window Security Solutions have a number of specialist grilles that are designed to look like tinted glass, while offering outstanding protection.

Window Security Solutions also offer security solutions which are more aesthetically attractive, but still offer excellent security measures for any property.

The Hammerglass polycarbonate window shield, for example, means no more broken glass. It’s the best form of shop window protection on the market. There is no need for security grilles or security mesh. It’s a polycarbonate window shield which means it’s an unbreakable window!

Claire went on to say “This is an excellent product for any shop or business, providing 24 hour window protection without unsightly window grilles, bars or even roller shutters. Roller shutters often have a detrimental effect on towns and villages which is why town planners look for alternatives. There is no need to request planning permission when installing and it will act as secure and yet visually appealing than other window solutions.”

For more info go to: www.windowsecuritysafety.co.uk

Fire may be one of humankind’s greatest discoveries, but it is also one of our most dangerous. Although deaths from fire have fallen in the past quarter of a century, injuries are on the rise and it has never been more important to make your home and business safe from fire risk, and easy to evacuate in the event of a fire.

Fire safety is as important in the workplace as it is in the home. Flammable materials and the hectic pace of working life are extra hazards found in offices around the UK. A well-practiced evacuation plan is a must, as is a well-maintained fire alarm system. Tools to fight small fires, such as fire extinguishers and hoses in boldly marked containers should be a given and sprinklers are also a popular option in office blocks.

Fire and Window Safety – Fire shutters

A new trend in fire and window safety is the development of fire shutters. Fire shutters and barriers are designed to prevent the spread of flames from one compartment to another. They block the path of fire and smoke, providing crucial extra evacuation time and limiting property damage, as well as providing invaluable security to a property.

Fire shutters can be seen on many commercial buildings today. They are mostly used for added security to create a versatile, visible and very strong steel wall to stop unwanted visitors entering a property. In the past number of years security manufacturers have taken the next step with Fire technology to develop fire shutter systems, which offers all the values of a traditional shutter but with added fire protection.

Some of the benefits of fire shutter systems are that they offer effective added security and act as a highly visible deterrent, plus unlike fire and smoke curtains, fire shutters are more robust when exposed to extreme climate conditions.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Manchester based “Window Security Solutions said; “Fire detection and prevention technology is constantly evolving and being developed to ensure that the best measures and procedures are in place to protect lives and buildings”.

“We are considering developing a range of fire shutters at Window Security Solutions to meet the need for fire protection within window security products. To this end, we are keen to find out from companies, is fire safety a consideration when choosing window security? If so, what type of products do you purchase?“

Property Aspects Magazine appreciates the contribution to this article from www.windowsecuritysafety.co.uk

A violent and shocking court case has this week highlighted the need for professional key holders. The key holder of a social club in Swindon was assaulted by two men as he locked up the premises one night.

The pair threatened to stab the key holder if he didn’t hand over the keys, and he was forced to open the club and disable the alarm, whilst they raided the safe.

One of the attackers, a 19-year-old, is currently awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to the robbery at Swindon Crown Court at the end of March.

Adam Pollard, business development manager at Key Control Ltd, said: “Thankfully serious assaults of this kind are rare. However there are steps that employees can take to ensure the safety of their staff. Here at Key Control Services we can hold the key for you and can respond when the alarm is activated. If you are called out at 3am you may not know what situation you will find, which can be a scary prospect.”

Keyholder Safety is important

The safety of key holders is set out by the Health and Safety Executive under the Lone Worker Health and Safety. It states: “It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risk where necessary”. The government has produced a leaflet on good practise for employers to consider for the lone worker, titled Working Alone in Safety. This can be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk.

Under Key Control’s key holding and alarm response services, they can hold a set of keys to your premises. If the alarm is activated, a security officer will be notified by a monitoring station and will attend to deal with the incident, check for intruders and re-set the alarm.

The company, which was set up 14 years ago by managing director Phil Thompson and looks after more than 400 companies across the country, also offers a key holder escort service where a security officer can meet a dedicated member of staff at an agreed location in the event of alarm activation. The security officer will accompany the staff member to check the premises, carry out further action as required and re-set the alarm.

Key Control also offers services to lock and open your premises.

For details of these services call Key Control Services Ltd on 01204 861331 or visit www.keycontrolservices.co.uk