Home Security

Home Security - Securing Domestic Property

There are commonsensical practices for securing your home which most people do as a matter of course - things like shutting and locking windows and doors when leaving home, not leaving keys or valuables in full view through windows, remembering to cancel the milk when you go on holiday.  The Neighbourhood Watch also suggests a list of low-tech solutions here (Neighbourhood Watch low-tech security tips).

CIA can help you secure your house at every level.

Starting with the basics, it is wise to fit window locks (especially on the ground floor), and for all external doors to be fitted with, at very least, 5 lever mortice deadlocks or multi-point locking devices.  CIA have a team of qualified Master Locksmiths who can do this for you.  We stock some items in our shop in Waterlooville and on-line so the practical can do-it-yourself.

Window and door locks are often an insurance policy requirement and failure to comply could invalidate your insurance cover if you are burgled.  If in doubt, we recommend you check with your insurer.

Research has proved that burglars avoid properties if they think they are alarmed.  Sounder (bell) boxes fitted on two elevations will act as a deterrent, so dummy bell boxes are better than nothing and these can be purchased for self-fit from our shop or on line - we recommend high in the eaves of your house where they are most visible and out of reach.

Bell boxes displaying a recognisable logo like CIA’s “Running Man” are even more effective because the burglar knows that they have been fitted by a genuine security installer.  However, logo-ed bell boxes are generally only available if you have an intruder alarm installed.  Burglar alarms give you great peace of mind day and night.  Here again, CIA can help; we have fitted thousands of systems over our 40 years in business.

One of our specialist system designers discuss your needs and aspirations with you (see our burglar alarm design guide) and custom build a system that is right for your lifestyle.  All CIA’s burglar alarm systems are NSI NACOSS Gold accredited, we future-proof them by using the very latest technology, all the hardware meets the current British Standards and our skilled technicians respect your property during the install.

There are two types of intruder alarm - ‘audible only' which sets off a loud alarm locally if the property is broken into, or ‘monitored’.  This latter is connected to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) and if there is a break-in, the ARC alerts the property’s keyholders and/or the Police, depending on the level of cover you have requested.

Fire is another potent risk to home security.  CIA’s retail and on line shop carries a wide range of stand-alone battery-powered smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, smoke blankets and similar.  We specialise in fire alarm systems for domestic properties and again, our system designers are experts who discuss and advise, and ensure that the system you choose will meet your needs.  All our systems are BAFE accredited.

CCTV is more and more commonly used in domestic situations to monitor and protect property.  It is at its most powerful if integrated with a burglar alarm and this is something that CIA specialises in.  We take care to respect your neighbour’s right to privacy and to provide a system that is fit for purpose.  We also sell a DIY system in our high-street shop and our online store.

You might also benefit from some form of access control - for example, automatic gates, or grilles and bars at vulnerable windows, or perhaps door entry systems.  These are explained fully in our Access Control and Physical Security sections.

Finally, our shop carries a wide range of other goods to keep your family and your belongings safe - key safes, personal alarms, safes and more, so visit us to see the whole range.  We are always happy to give advice over the telephone too.