Flats and Fencing

Flats are often more vulnerable to be broken into than houses particularly if they are in an enclosed building. The outside door to the flats can often be left open or a thief could follow in a resident who assumes he (she) is visiting a friend.

Once inside the block the thief can find a quiet landing and try and force the door to one of the flats.

Many front doors in flats are not as strong as the main door outside and therefore it is essential that the advice in this handbook on types of lock to be fitted are followed.

Consideration should also be given to the thickness of the door and it may be appropriate to renew it. Special precautions to take include fitting hinge bolts and a steel strip into the doorframe.

It is mentioned elsewhere that door entry systems are often used in blocks of flats. If your block does not have a system get together with the other people in the block and either put pressure on the landlord to provide one or in the case of a private block of flats suggest to the other people that you all contribute to its installation.

Often there may be a fire escape at the side of the block of flats. Make sure that the nearby doors and windows are shut against intruders.

If you live in a flat or house with shared accommodation make sure you lock the door to your room every time you go out.

You are allowed to erect fences without the need for planning permission up to 2m high around your back garden. However if the garden adjoins a public highway then permission is needed for fences over 1m high.

Fences at the back of the house should be high to prevent a thief climbing over into the back garden. Fences at the front of the house should be kept low so that the thief cannot use it as camouflage as he tries to force the door.

Rail type fencing with overlapping vertical boards is the most secure type. Avoid fences with horizontal boards as they provide footholds for the burglar to climb over.

Make sure that the fence is not broken down or parts missing, providing easy access to the burglar. See the article on garden security to know the type of shrubs to plant to provide further security measures.

Make sure back gates are bolted.