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Comprehensive West Midlands Police Home Security Checklist West Midlands Police in Tipton, and surrounding Sandwell areas to evaluate home vulnerability. î„“ Security Zone | High-Risk Vulnerability | Corrective Action & Target Standard | Front & Rear Doors | Standard cylinder locks vulnerable to snap attacks. | Install TS007 3-Star anti-snap lock cylinders. | Windows | Ground floor windows left on vent locks or unlatched. | Fit key-operable window locks; remove keys from view. | Side & Rear Gates | Low, flimsy, or unbolted perimeter boundaries. | Raise gates to 2 metres; secure with dual heavy padlocks. | Sheds & Outbuildings | Visible expensive power tools and weak door hinges. | Use anchor points inside; install Sold Secure padlocks. | Lighting & CCTV | Dark entry pathways or blind spots around side doors. | Mount dusk-to-dawn LED lights at a height of 2.5 metres. |
Phase 1: Perimeter, Boundary, and Garden Security Burglars look for easy access routes. Your perimeter is your first line of defence. Fencing: Maintain rear boundaries at a minimum height of 1.8 to 2 metres. Trellis: Add a flimsy trellis top to rear fences to prevent climbing attempts.Defensive Planting: Plant thorny shrubs like Hawthorn or Berberis underneath vulnerable fence lines.Gravel Pathways: Lay loose gravel on driveways and side paths to create noise when walked on.Side Gates: Keep side gates always locked using a closed-shackle padlock.Ladders: Chain and lock ladders horizontally to a wall so they cannot be used to reach top windows.Wheelie Bins: Chain wheelie bins away from flat roofs or fences where they could act as climbing steps. Phase 2: Outer Shell Security (Doors and Windows) Securing entry points stops opportunist thieves who look for insecure openings. Door Standards: Ensure external doors meet the PAS 24:2016 security standard.Cylinder Locks: Upgrade Euro-cylinder locks to British Standard BS EN 1303 (3-Star) rating.Letterboxes: Fit a letterbox cage or deflector to stop thieves fishing for car keys.Patio Doors: Install dedicated patio door locks or anti-lift devices to prevent doors from being forced off tracks.Window Glazing: Ensure ground-floor windows utilize laminated glass or security film.Key Placement: Never leave keys in locks or on windowsills within reach of letterboxes or cat flaps. Phase 3: Interior and Technological Deterrents Create the illusion of occupancy and track any unauthorized activity. Smart Timers: Program smart plugs or automated timers to turn lamps on at random intervals during dark evenings.Alarm Systems: Install a visible burglar alarm certified to British Standard EN 50131.CCTV Placement: Position cameras out of reach, covering the main approaches without encroaching on neighbours’ privacy.Car Key Safety: Store keyless entry fobs inside a Faraday pouch or tin box away from front walls.Valuables Marking: Mark valuable electronics and bikes with forensic marking kits like Smart-Water or Selecta-DNA.Safe Storage: Bolt a high-security safe directly to a solid brick wall or concrete floor for passports and jewellery.Thank you from Tipton police station. | 
