Turning a house into a fortress

[V8mate]

I've been pondering this for some time - probably the anxiety of getting old combined with the imminent zombie threat - but the thread in the Lounge about coming home to find burglars inside has prompted this thread.

How do I turn my home into something which is secure from 'invaders' when I'm inside and asleep, and also when its empty during the day, or I'm on holiday?

In Europe, metal shutters over doors and windows are commonplace, so I've actively considered this solution. It just strikes me that they are so unusual in the UK, that I'd actually be drawing attention to my property.

My house is reasonably 'normal': detached, double-glazed windows (13 years old), several French windows of the same age (effectively three back doors!)

Really interested in the latest solutions, whether large/significant items or little/detail changes which can be made.

[V8mate]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

I suppose a compromise is putting shutters at the back, where they're maybe not so obvious and deterring scrotes from trying to get in out of view of the road.

That is certainly what I'm considering. Whether it's true or just my perception, the French windows are more vulnerable than normal windows.

[V8mate]

Faz50 said:

Use Royal Mail keepsafe for Mail while you’re away to save Mail building up on in the hallway.
www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/keepsafe...

That's a great service. I always think that the ne'er do wells who ignore my 'no leaflets' sticker and insist on sticking a pizza menu into my letterbox (and notice the stack of uncleared regular mail) are most likely to know the local Russian mafia house-breaking team.

[V8mate]

techguyone said:

All you broken glass/razer wire/carpet gripper on the top of walls/fences etc, you do know that is very easily defeated by a bit of old carpet right?

Which no smack head worth his salt goes out without!

[V8mate]

Thank you very much for the contributions so far; some great advice

One thing I'm curious about is the regular comment to keep the outside of the house well lit. I've often wondered why. In my mind it makes life easier for the criminal, because he can see what he's doing as he tries to negotiate/overcome the various obstacles put in his way.

I guess, if you live on a busy road, it might allow a passerby to notice something going on (though most people switch very quickly to minding their own business when there is), but I live in a cul-de-sac, so it's really quiet pretty much all the time.

[V8mate]

p1esk said:

mikeiow said:

keirik said:

Burglary isn't Good, but as I get older I think I'd prefer that paramedics and other emergency services can get in ky house if they need to.

I don't want to die because I've turned my house into fort knox.

LOL! I think I'm with you on this!

I can't say I'm drawn to the 'fortress' approach at all, but it could be a problem if somebody living alone were to be taken seriously ill.

I guess that only really applies if you live alone, in which case you can leave a key with a neighbour or social services?

[V8mate]

p1esk said:

V8mate said:

p1esk said:

mikeiow said:

keirik said:

Burglary isn't Good, but as I get older I think I'd prefer that paramedics and other emergency services can get in ky house if they need to.

I don't want to die because I've turned my house into fort knox.

LOL! I think I'm with you on this!

I can't say I'm drawn to the 'fortress' approach at all, but it could be a problem if somebody living alone were to be taken seriously ill.

I guess that only really applies if you live alone, in which case you can leave a key with a neighbour or social services?

Even those who don't live alone could be alone in the house for appreciable periods while their spouse or (equivalent) is out shopping or whatever.

Neighbours are not always at home, and it could take quite a while to locate and obtain the key from the social services department.

Sorry, not trying to be awkward, but it doesn't seem easy to have the problem fully covered.

But in that case how would anyone know to come and help you?

[V8mate]

p1esk said:

V8mate said:

p1esk said:

V8mate said:

p1esk said:

mikeiow said:

keirik said:

Burglary isn't Good, but as I get older I think I'd prefer that paramedics and other emergency services can get in ky house if they need to.

I don't want to die because I've turned my house into fort knox.

LOL! I think I'm with you on this!

I can't say I'm drawn to the 'fortress' approach at all, but it could be a problem if somebody living alone were to be taken seriously ill.

I guess that only really applies if you live alone, in which case you can leave a key with a neighbour or social services?

Even those who don't live alone could be alone in the house for appreciable periods while their spouse or (equivalent) is out shopping or whatever.

Neighbours are not always at home, and it could take quite a while to locate and obtain the key from the social services department.

Sorry, not trying to be awkward, but it doesn't seem easy to have the problem fully covered.

But in that case how would anyone know to come and help you?

In some cases a vulnerable person needing assistance might have access to some means of communication that would be sufficient to highlight his/her difficulty, so long as they're not unconscious etc.

I think you're tying yourself up in 'what if' knots.

[V8mate]

eliot said:

Interesting topic, OP!

I'd like to contribute to the discussion by saying that I know something you don't know... and my lips are sealed.

Cheers! Nice one.