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Home Security has Never Been So Important

window screen

In our modern times, it’s an unfortunate truth that home invasion is at an all-time high. This is due in part to the high level of drug addiction in our society, as well as the fact that businesses are becoming more savvy against thieves, installing high level security such as cameras and high-end alarm systems. Unable to target shops and small businesses, thieves are increasingly choosing the softer option, the family home.

It’s also a sad fact that some home owners are unaware of how to best protect their home. A high number of thieves simply walk through the front or back door when it’s left unlocked. This even happens when the family is actually inside the house, leaving them feeling both afraid and violated.

sliding security door

The strong message is to lock both doors and windows, even when you are at home. Yes, we may fondly remember the days when no-one had to lock their houses in Brisbane. But those days are gone, and we have to adapt accordingly, to accommodate societal change.

There are some simple changes we can make that will make our homes less attractive to thieves. Keeping the front yard open with no large bushes where thieves can conceal themselves will help. Planting prickly bushes under windows and having motion sensor lights can help too.

Even owning a dog is an asset. Dogs are territorial and most will protect their territory with loud barking, even if it’s only the poor postman!

The above tips may help to deter the opportunistic thief, but to really secure yourself against home invasion, you really need good quality security screens. Security screens are a visual deterrent as well as creating a barrier against intruders.

Do  quality security screens have to cost a fortune?

No. Although a good security screen will cost more than a flimsy fly screen, it all depends on how you look at this. Think of it as an asset rather than a cost. Quality screens will add value to your home and may also lower the cost of content insurance. Continue reading “Home Security has Never Been So Important”

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The Key Difference Between Single Lock and Triple Lock Security Doors

single lock broken

Security Screen doors can loosely be divided into two types, those with a single lock and those with the additional safety of a Triple lock fitted to the security door. Single lock doors typically provide a measure of safety and may deter opportunistic thieves looking for an easy target. However, a determined intruder can force their way into your home with the right tools.

single lock damaged screen
Single Lock – Break and Enter 2019

What’s the difference between single and triple lock doors?

Both types of door essentially look the same; they may have the same frame and grille design. The real difference is the added security provided by a triple lock on the security door.

A single lock, which is your typical screen door, is one with a single central lock. The lock is always located in the centre of  the door and is usually on the right-hand side looking out, although it can be placed on the left for left-handed people. A single lock door essentially provides a physical barrier between the householder and whoever is on the other side. Depending on the risk level of the area in which you live, this may or may not be sufficient.

The triple lock system comprises a central lock with an additional internal rod. This rod connects to two additional locks, one above the main lock and one below. This gives the door extra strength, meaning it is secured on three points on the jamb and is much harder to prize open. For those living in high-risk areas, or an elderly person on their own, this type of door provides extra security and peace of mind. Continue reading “The Key Difference Between Single Lock and Triple Lock Security Doors”

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When is a Security Screen Door Not Secure?

There’s a fair amount of confusion over what makes a really safe security screen door. To know what type of  security door is right for you, you’ll need to answer the following questions:

What type of area do you live in?

Are there a lot of burglaries or break-ins in your area? If so, you’ll need the best security screen door and protection that you can afford.

Is there someone at home during the day?

If so, that will mitigate your risk of break-ins somewhat. Thieves will sometimes watch a person’s house for a while before pouncing. If there’s no clear pattern to your movements, or the house is almost always occupied, they’ll probably move on to their next target. However, this does not mean that you will not have intruders, they are becoming more brazen in desperate attempts to gain access to cars and cash.

Are you concerned for your personal safety?

We’re all different and our risk tolerance varies a lot. If you’re of a nervous disposition, or had a previous unwelcomed experience, and you don’t feel secure in your home alone, then your choice of security doors will need to reflect that.

Do you like to throw open your doors and windows in the evenings?

Some people love the fresh air, others will keep everything closed with the air conditioning cranked up. It’s a personal choice, however, if you’re a fresh air fiend, then you really need good security screens to let the breeze in and not unwanted guests!

What can you actually afford?

It always comes down to money, doesn’t it? While the latest “Crimsafe” door may appeal to you, it may not be in your budget. However, there are other options, so don’t despair.

What to look for in a quality security door

Continue reading “When is a Security Screen Door Not Secure?”

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Why it’s Important to Have Security Screen Doors and Windows in Forest Lake

diamond security screen

Long term residents of Brisbane may fondly remember the relaxed low-key lifestyle of the 1980s. Kids running around barefoot from dawn to dusk. Long evenings on the back veranda making the most of the cooling breeze. Houses were smaller in those days, and blocks of land were large.

In fact, as capital cities went, Brisbane was regarded almost as a large country town. Neighbours trusted each other and property crime was relatively low-key.

window with diamond grilleFast forward to 2019 and how things have changed! The population has skyrocketed to over two million, largely due to migration from the Southern states. Cheap housing was still available in Queensland in the nineties, and many families sold up their expensive real estate in Sydney and Melbourne and cashed in on bargain affordable housing in and around the surrounding suburbs of Brisbane. This sudden growth in population resulted in a building boom for Queensland and many new suburbs were created.

One such suburb in the south east is Forest Lake. A multi award winning residential suburb, Forest Lake was a ‘master planned’ community, and was considered the start of affordable housing within Australia. The community was one of the first to adopt the ‘small-lot’ housing blocks, now common across new estates surrounding Brisbane.

Forest Lake was constructed over a forest by a company called Delphin. Trees were bulldozed, a man-made lake was created in a natural hollow and a network of roads and roundabouts were built. Forest Lake attracted young families, due to the well-planned streets and bike paths, schools, shops and parks, not to mention its close proximity to the city. Houses mushroomed out from the lake and pushed against the borders of existing suburbs such as Inala and Richlands.

Due to the rapid increase in population, crime in the Forest Lake area is now fourth according to the Police Services online crime map data, and has risen again over the last 12 months. Continue reading “Why it’s Important to Have Security Screen Doors and Windows in Forest Lake”

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Which Security Screen Doors are the Best Choice?

When buying or renovating your home, security screen doors may not be the first things that spring to mind. It’s far more exciting to plan your colour scheme and choose the latest furniture or kitchen appliances; but in reality, choosing a security door should be a more important decision than the brand of refrigerator for your kitchen.

So, which security screen door should you select? While it may be tempting to go to Gumtree and look for an attractive screen door that visitors will admire, rarely does a screen door just fit perfectly into place, and investing a little more time and money now, will pay dividends for many years to come.

diamond grille security door

There are many factors to consider. In our Australian climate it’s nice to be able to let in some fresh air while keeping out winged invaders, as well as those on two feet. So, a combination of insect screen and security is usually the most popular. The end decision, though, really depends on you, the homeowner. How much do you want to spend? Do you live in a high-crime area, or are flying insects your main concern? Will your home and contents insurance give you a discount if your security screen doors are of a high standard, or alternatively if you do not have security screens on your doors and you have a break and enter, often the insurance will not pay out on your claim.

As you are probably aware, not all security doors are created equal! There are many of different types out there, all with different combinations of features. In this article we’ll be taking a broad-brush look at these features, with more details of the features themselves in future articles.

If security is your primary concern, it’s a good idea to check that the doors you select meet with Australian Standards. Continue reading “Which Security Screen Doors are the Best Choice?”