Home Security Audit: Let’s Stop Making Bazley an Easy Target

Recent break-ins in Bazley are a reminder that we all need to take our security seriously. An unlocked gate, a faulty beam or an alarm that has not been properly tested can create an opportunity for criminals.

When criminals find easy access and succeed in stealing from properties, there is a risk that they will return. Every security weakness we address helps make Bazley a harder target. Our individual precautions contribute to the safety of the wider community.

No security system is completely fail-safe, but we should not assume that ours is working simply because the alarm can be armed. Regular testing, maintenance and consistent security habits are essential. Faults need prompt attention, and systems should be thoroughly tested after repairs.

We urge every homeowner and accommodation provider to conduct a home security audit.

Check your perimeter, locks, gates, alarm sensors, outdoor beams and emergency communication with your security provider.

What should you check?

Take a fresh look at your property and ask: How easy would it be to break into my own home? This can reveal overlooked access points and areas that need attention.

Arrange alarm testing with your security provider beforehand. Gladiator clients should liaise with Gladiator so that testing is coordinated with the monitoring centre.

• Alarm sensors and outdoor beams: Have each device tested to confirm that it detects activity and triggers the intended alarm signal.
• Emergency and panic buttons: Confirm that they work and that everyone in the household knows where they are and how to use them.
• Alarm wiring and backup batteries: Check for damage and have battery condition assessed, including the gate motor battery.
• Doors, windows and gates: Check locks and ensure gates close securely. Clear anything obstructing a sliding gate.
• Perimeter and electric fencing: Arrange an inspection for damaged strands, faulty components or gaps that could allow access.
• Vegetation: Trim bushes obstructing beams or cameras and branches interfering with electric fencing.
• CCTV cameras: Check positioning, clean lenses and confirm that footage is clear and recordings can be retrieved.
• Loose objects: Secure ladders, tools and other items that could help an intruder gain access.
• Communication with the monitoring centre: Confirm that emergency signals are received and that your provider has current contact details and the correct property address.

Heavy rain and strong winds can damage or interfere with outdoor security equipment. Arrange further checks after severe weather, and ensure that any reported fault has been resolved and tested.

Additional precautions for guest houses and holiday homes

Accommodation providers must give guests clear instructions on the property’s safety protocols. Guests may be unfamiliar with your security arrangements, so a safety briefing should form part of every check-in, supported by a short written guide kept somewhere easy to find.

Explain:

• How to arm and disarm the alarm, including the correct settings for overnight use and when leaving the property.
• How to secure doors, windows and gates.
• Where panic buttons are located, which button to press in an emergency and how to use it.
• Who to contact for urgent assistance, with the host’s number and relevant emergency contacts clearly displayed.
• For properties monitored by Gladiator, the correct Gladiator emergency contact number, together with the property address and any reference details guests may need.
• How to report a security fault immediately.

Take the time to ensure guests understand the instructions and can access emergency contacts quickly. Any security fault should receive prompt attention.

Remind all residents and visitors never to leave valuables in vehicles. Remove laptops, handbags, wallets, phones and other valuable items, even when a vehicle is parked inside the property, and keep vehicles locked.

Make preparation a priority

Do not wait until after an incident to discover that a beam was faulty, a battery had failed or an emergency signal was not reaching the monitoring centre.

If you need assistance, contact your security provider to arrange a thorough inspection and testing. Gladiator clients are encouraged to liaise directly with Gladiator about faults, maintenance and any additional measures their property may need.

With the festive season approaching, this is a timely reminder—but security needs our attention throughout the year. By addressing weaknesses and maintaining good security habits, we can help make Bazley a harder target. Taking security seriously starts with each of us.