Indoor Security, genuine Security devices, who’s at the door? part 1

Most callers are genuine but, sadly, no-one can afford to be too trusting these days. Beating the doorstep conman need cost very little but common-sense precautions are necessary to ensure that a caller is genuine, and to avoid being pressurised into buying goods or services that you do not really want.

Security devices

The most important point is to ensure that you can see and talk to the caller before opening the door and putting yourself at risk. If the front door or nearby windows do not provide a good view of the caller, you should install a door viewer.

Simple to fit and unobtrusive once in place, it comprises a wide-angle lens which normally provides a viewing angle of between 160° and 190°, enabling you to see the caller clearly, even if he or she is standing to one side.

The installation of a porch light, which comes on automatically or can be switched on from indoors, will ensure that callers are clearly visible after dark or in shadow.

The front door should also be fitted with a door chain or limiter. This prevents the door being opened more than a fraction — just enough for you to talk to the caller and check credentials or sign for a package or letter without allowing him in.

To be of real use, however, the chain must be strong and should be secured with screws that are at least 30mm (11A”) long. A door limiter is often of more solid construction, utilising a steel bar rather than a chain, and offers greater resistance if someone tries to force their way in.

An alternative device is screwed to the bottom of the door and worked by pressing your foot against a lever. This allows the householder to secure the door quickly in a partially open position and enables the door to be pushed closed again but stops any attempt to force it further open.

Some personal attack alarms — which can be triggered in the event of an attack to sound an ear-piercing screech — are sold with wall mounting brackets and can be kept conveniently near the front door. In the event of someone trying to force their way in, the alarm can easily be triggered to alert neighbours or passers-by.

Once the door viewer and door limiter are in place, don’t forget to use them. Conmen are crafty and will use numerous tricks to try to force their way into your home. And it’s not only male callers you must be wary of - people have also fallen victim to female and child confidence tricksters.

Communal entrances

Many blocks of flats these days utilise ‘entry-phone’ systems to ensure a greater degree of security. If you let someone into your flat, you cannot always be sure that he actually leaves the building afterwards. Once a criminal gains entry to the block, he can easily go from flat to flat unchallenged until he finds one to break into.

If the caller is a stranger, it is best to play safe and either refuse admittance or, at the very least, escort him off the premises. For the same reasons, never hold the door open for a stranger who arrives when you are entering or leaving the building. For additional security, fit a door viewer and door limiter to your flat door so you can still refuse admittance when necessary.

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