Domestic Security - House
There are 3 basic areas to be aware of when it comes to house security, namely: perimeter, exterior and interior:
Perimeter
• Ensure you have a clearly marked perimeter (fence, railings, hedgerow or similar). This shows the potential intruder that they are not in a 'public' area.
• Have a lockable gate(s) [combination padlocks are easier] at access points to the garden/pool areas.
House exterior
• All main entry doors (wooden/UPVC) should be fitted with "anti-snap" locks.
• Additionally the main entry door should have two locks, one of which should be a 'dead lock'.
• The large glass sliding doors should have a retractable bolt fitted in the centre to prevent the burglar simply prising the two doors apart (very common easy way to enter).
• All shutters at ground level should have additional hasp and padlocks (combination locks are easier) fitted and closed nightly.
• All ground level windows should have additional locks (as above) as the wooden lattice work is no barrier to a thief.
• Have padlocks on the external irrigation/water taps to prevent vandalism.
• Have a padlock on the external electricity meter supply box to prevent power at the mains being switched off by a vandal or burglar.
• Each house should have an external key safe where the main door entry keys are kept in case of a 'loss' of the household keys and that family and friends have a means of entry having been given the safe security combination.
• Keep all ladders padlocked or best in a garage/shed/etc.
House interior
Keep all cash, jewellery, valuables, passports and any other important documents in separate places or ideally in a safe. The ideal safes are built into the floor in an "unusual place", (e.g. under flooring in a kitchen cupboard) or somewhere obscure. There are many alternatives to safes, e.g. false electrical plug sockets, wall safes, etc.
General Security Matters
Insurance
It is in the best interest of all house owners, landlords and tenants to have insurance, covering the house structure, contents and specific valuable items (ensure you have a current valuation on jewellery).
Commercial Security Systems
There are several ways of having your property more secure using cameras, alarms, sensors and modern remote apps on your phone/tablet/Ipad, etc. Exterior ‘movement sensor’ flood lighting to cover all the ‘dark’ areas around the house. Ensure any intruder alarm company is fully licensed and has licensed employees otherwise your insurance cover may be invalid.
Vehicles
Whether the vehicle you own is garaged or outdoors the following should assist in reducing the chance of being stolen, broken into or vandalised.
• The obvious one is ensure it is locked and alarmed when not in use.
• Remove all items from the interior of the car (e.g. CDs, keys) and either take them indoors or place in the boot. If you have a vehicle with 'boot' that is visible (4X4) then have a cover or simply clear it out.
• Always leave all interior compartments inside the vehicle open and clear when locking overnight or when left for any time. This shows any potential thief that there is nothing within the vehicle worth stealing and causing damage (smashed windows) to gain access to whatever is in sight.
• Keep all car keys in a safe and separate place within the house and well away from any house windows. The most common reason for house burglaries is to gain access to vehicle keys (as well as robbing you of your cash and valuables whilst there).
Personal
• You should leave your contact details with a close neighbour or friend in case of any emergency and provide them with the access codes to your external house key safe.
• If you see or hear anything suspicious that causes concern, phone the police immediately.
• If you suffer a burglary or damage or loss to your vehicle telephone the Police immediately as the insurance company will need that report or no claim is possible.
• Within the house have torches or other means of independent lighting in case of a power failure
General
- Use timers so that lights come on around the house at different times
- Arrange for a neighbour to remove any flyers or post from the postbox/gate outside the house
- Be vigilant of any strange vehicles or odd behaviour in the area and take a note of any registration numbers. A photo on a mobile phone is also useful.
When phoning the Police please have the following information available:
1. Your name and phone number
2. Time and address / area where observation was made
3. Vehicles observed: type, brand, colour and if possible licence plates
4. Description of persons observed as far as possible (number, sex, age, size, dress, language spoken).
You should not attempt to forcefully stop or hold up any suspicious person, as you may endanger yourself. Please use the standard emergency number to report your observations: Police: 112 or 199
or the Police Citizens Hotline on 1460, or Paphos Police on 26 806060.
Above information kindly supplied by KVHA.