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Top Tips From Swish To Make Your Home More Secure
SWDS/002 February 2008

More than 60% of homeowners cite improved security as their main reason for replacing windows, yet often don’t know what kind of security locks they have fitted in their homes or understand the choices available to them.  

As Easter, the country's main fortnight of home improvements, draws closer, door and window systems manufacturer Swish and its network of Approved Installers offer these tips and checks to homeowners to make homes more secure.

1. A fifth of all burglaries are through an open window or unlocked door.  Lock your doors and windows – even when you are at home, don’t leave the keys in the locks or on show and never leave your keys under the doormat, a rock or on a piece of string inside the letter box – burglars know all the hiding places!
2. Look at your home through the eyes of a burglar. Assess the weak spots and know that if you have forgotten your keys but can still get in, so can they!
3. Homes without any security devices are most at risk. Fit double or deadlocks to your doors, add window locks, or invest in a burglar alarm or security lights.
4. Attempts to force door locks is on the rise, particularly through the so-called ‘mole grips’ method or ‘bumping’ method of breaking cylinder locks. Secure doors and windows as much as you can by choosing the systems with the most modern construction with in-built security features, for example cylinder guards or anti-bump cylinders. 
5. Make sure you are insured. Save money on your home insurance by fitting good quality windows and locks.
6. Don’t let anyone in you don’t know. Fit a door chain, bar or spy hole so you don’t have to open the door fully to check who is calling first, ask for ID and verify their identity.
7. Become a Neighbourhood Watch member. It is worth knowing if your home is in a Neighbourhood Watch area as it could save you money on your insurance premium.

Paul Lindsay, general manager of Swish, which operates an Approved Installer scheme for doors, windows and conservatories across the UK, says:  “Our Approved Installers work with customers to help protect their homes and the tips offered give advice to improve security without needing to spend a lot of money. 

“Swish takes the business of security seriously by offering consumers peace of mind when making their purchase through quality products, back-up and service.  That’s why our fabricators and installers are fully vetted and the scheme is regularly and rigorously policed.”