Make a policeman's day - catch an intruder red handed

Police need help Like many of the public services, the police are expected to do more with less. The situation is exacerbated by trivial phone calls for help when people should take responsibility for their own actions and not seek police assistance. In the case of home security, a problem arises.  For example, a homeowner installs an alarm that calls either himself or a monitoring company following activation. What to do next? It may be a false alarm, but it may also be a burglar. Unless the police are convinced that there is an intruder, they will not attend. The alternative is for you to face who knows what at 2 in the morning or employ a security guard. How much better to have a call and short video on your smartphone showing exactly what set off the alarm. If it really is a burglar, then you can call the police with confidence and confirm by video of an intruder. The police are far more likely to respond in these circumstances, a prosecution is more likely and you may not lose possessions. Even insurance companies make approve! To see how it all works we have put together a short video

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Radio 4 "Thought for the day" Presenter Burglared When In The House

On the "Thought for today" 3rd May Radio 4, Rhidian Brook spoke of his concerns when he came face to face with burglars coming down the stairs with his possessions.  What was really upsetting was they broke in whilst he was working at his laptop in the office and met them by chance when taking a break to stretch his legs.

Not only was this of concern at the time, but has left him feeling violated and insecure.

He feels angry and now suspicious of people who walk too slowly past the house and always bolts the door, worrying about their possible return.
He worries that fancy alarms would not have stopped the event.

If you have had a similar experience, or would prefer to be proactive in avoiding such a possibility, we offer systems that warn of intruders before they break in and are designed to function whilst you are in the house with minimum inconvenience to daily life.

The Alarming Man offers this service to those who live around Manchester/North West.

Click here to hear Rhidian tell the story in his own words (only works until 2nd June)

Wilmslow family attacked and tied up during burglary

Family attacked and tied up in terrifying burglary ordeal

A man and two women suffered an horrific ordeal whilst jewellery and cash were stolen from a Wilmslow home.

Four to five masked offenders dressed in dark clothing forced their way into the house on Prestbury Road some time between 10pm and 11pm on Sunday, 22nd April.
They assaulted a man and demanded access to a safe. They then assaulted him again and restrained him along with two women, leaving them in the bathroom. The man received minor injuries to his face.

DC Jim Bowbeer said: "This was an extremely distressing incident for the family. Thankfully this type of crime is rare in Cheshire and we are doing all we can to apprehend the offenders.
"We are particularly keen to trace a silver BMW 320 coupe which was stolen from the address.
"It was last seen travelling at speed on the A34 towards Manchester at around 11pm. I would urge anyone who saw this car to contact me."

Anyone with information should contact DC Jim Bowbeer on 101 quoting incident number 916 of 22 April 2012. Alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

By Lisa Reeves - Tuesday, 24th April, 2012 - 0 comments

The Alarming Man can help prevent this type of attack happening to you.  Ask about our burglar alarms that can be armed whilst moving around the house, protects the perimeter and calls keyholders when activated.

Owners could face jail if dogs attack burglars

Owners could face jail if dogs attack burglars under new plans

By Tim Ross, Political Correspondent
9:16PM BST 23 Apr 2012

Courts could jail dog owners for up to two years or impose a £5,000 fine if animals cause injuries while “dangerously out of control” in their homes.

Owners also face bills of up to £40 to fit all newborn puppies with microchips, while dangerous breeds seized by the police will be allowed home on “bail” until court cases have concluded.

Announcing a consultation on plans to extend criminal offences in England to cover dog attacks in private dwellings Jim Paice, a minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said he aimed to target “a minority of irresponsible dog owners”.

But officials admitted burglary victims would not be “immune” from prosecution if they allowed their pets to savage intruders. Caroline Kisko, from the Kennel Club, said it would be “unrealistic” to ask a dog to judge if it was using “reasonable force”.

Can a burglar snap your lock?

What is "lock snapping" ?

As the title would suggest, this is where a euro lock cylinder is literally snapped in two by applying force to the cylinder.

Thieves have devised methods of snapping these types of cylinders locks in a matter of seconds and still be able to operate the lock to open the door.       

This threat can be considerably reduced simply by upgrading the cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack. We recommend that all vulnerable doors using Euro-Profile cylinders be upgraded to incorporate 'Break Secure' cylinders.

Euro cylinders are mainly fitted to uPVC doors but some aluminium and wooden doors also use this type of lock.

Solution

Break secure, or anti-snap cylinders, are specifically designed to combat lock-snapping.

A cylinder has been designed that although it will snap, it will snap in a predetermined position leaving intact a portion of the cylinder that will still provide security and still require key operation to open, thus preventing the easy manipulating of the locking system.

This is a photo of a break secure cylinder - the cylinder is designed to break leaving the centre locking mechanism still intact and working.

We work with a qualified locksmith who can offer a full installation and upgrade service to meet your needs; or a replacement break secure euro cylinder can be purchased from any recognised DIY store.

Replacement lock cylinders should meet all parts of the exacting British Standard Kitemark (BS EN 1303:2005) accreditation scheme.

A new standard, TS007, is due to be introduced later this year, look out for details of this in the media and online.

The Master Locksmiths' Association website  www.locksmiths.co.uk also provides a list of registered locksmiths who will be able to provide advice and information and give you practical help to ensure your locks are suitable.

The minimum recommendation for wooden doors is five-lever mortice locks which carry the British Standard BS3621.

If you have traditional Yale locks fitted to your doors, do not rely on this as the only method of security. You must fit other locks, preferably deadlocks and install an alarm

General home security

The security around your home starts at the perimeter of your property and ranges from security lighting, external movement sensors, sturdy locking gates, to removing valuables and attractive items from view. 

Check list

• All the doors and windows are locked - even if I'm only popping out for a minute.

• Door locks meet British standards

• Neither my house keys nor my car keys are in sight or easy reach of my windows or doors, and that I don't keep them in an obvious place in the house.

• Key-operated locks fitted to all the windows.

• A visible burglar alarm from The Alarming Man is turned on whenever I leave the house.

• My spare keys are not left outside, or in the garage or shed.

• Lights and radio are turned on by a timer for the evening when I'm out If it's dark outside I draw the curtains.

• If thieves get into the garden despite a good fence surrounding the house and the side gate padlocked, a sensor from The Alarming Man sets off the alarm.  The garden shed is also locked and has a sensor.

• No ladders or tools are outside, which could be used to get into the house.

• Valuables like laptops, handbags, jewellery can't be seen from the window.

• Cash or any documents with my name, address or other personal details (such as a bank statement or bill) that fraudsters could use are not left lying around

• When going on holiday, a friend or neighbour collects the post and put the bins out.

2 in 1 burglars

Some burglars are looking for your car keys so they can steal your car. Make it hard for thieves. Don't leave car keys where they are visible.

Visible burglar alarms are good, and outside lighting puts burglars off. But make sure that your security lights are positioned out of reach of a burglar, and that they don't disturb your neighbours. Your alarm should call keyholders or your phone to attend in case it goes off when you're not there.

Mark your property

Mark important and expensive possessions (such as your computer or DVD player) with your postcode and house number using special security marker pens. Keep a record of the make, model and serial numbers of all your electrical equipment for reference too. If the police recover them after a burglary, this record will be proof that they are stolen goods - and that they are yours.

Your can register your property on the national database Immobilise

Log on to www.immobilise.co.uk

One way of gaining entrance

Friend of mine was burglared and had over 80 laptops stolen.
He thought that the solid wooden door behind a steel roller shutter at the rear door of his business, an alarm and CCTV inside was enough of a deterrent.
His business has been severely disrupted.
On the same night an opticians was burglared and had computers stolen.

Don't wait for this to happen to your business - we have the equipment to force intruders to leave empty handed without fitting unsightly and virtually useless roller shutters (unless it's the glass your protecting - and there are alternatives!!).

On site demonstrations and videos available to show the effectiveness of our products.

Shed and garage security

Burglaries of homes have fallen in the past 12 months, however thieves are targeting sheds, garages and outbuildings.

Police Officers say thieves target sheds and garages because they are likely to be less well secured and are used to store valuable bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, power tools and sports equipment.

The Alarming Man can install a wireless exterior sensor that will activate your alarm when burglars enter the garden, before they even get to the shed!!

These sensors can be added to most existing quality alarms

Call 01616601636 now for further information.

Simple tips on making sheds and garages harder to burgle.

• Making sure fences and gates are sturdy
• Using 'Sold Secure' locks on sheds, garages and gates
• Fitting an inexpensive shed or garage alarm, available from most DIY stores
• Fitting a secure anchor point within the shed/garage and chaining bikes and other valuables to it with a 'Sold Secure' chain or 'D' lock
• Recording the serial number of bikes and other items at www.immobilise.com
• Marking property with your postcode
• Visiting www.halgradesyourlocks.com and stolenbristolbikes@gmail.com for advice on cycle security

Students are "easy targets" says convicted burglar

A convicted burglar has spoken out to warn students returning from the Christmas break to protect their new gadgets. Although this is from West Yorkshire, it applies to all Manchester and Stockport students.

According to 33-year-old Peter Findlay who has served 4 years in prison for burglary, students are a 'ridiculously easy' target, particularly in January when student accommodation is filled with new laptops, iPods and other expensive equipment. 

Peter is now working with West Yorkshire Probation and West Yorkshire Police to turn his life around and has agreed to take part in a short video advising the public of the simple measures they can take to protect their belongings and avoid becoming victims of burglary.

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In the video, Peter explains how student homes in particular can be easy to break into thanks to unlocked or poorly maintained doors and windows and expensive equipment being left on display.

West Yorkshire Police is seeing a reduction in burglaries with 485 fewer burglaries in November 2011 compared to the same month in the previous year. However, January traditionally sees a rise in the number of reports.

The Force is keen for people to take note of these simple crime prevention tips;

• Lock all of your doors and windows even when you’re in.
• Remove keys from all locks.
• Property-mark all of your expensive items using a UV pen.
• Keep your belongings hidden in a safe and secure place. Do not leave them on show!

Chief Superintendent Simon Willsher, head of the Force’s Local Policing Support Department, said: “Every year people’s homes are targeted by burglars who are on the lookout for Christmas gifts and sale bargains.

“Some simple steps to keep expensive items out of sight and prevent easy access to your home will deter criminals. We also encourage neighbours to look out for and repeat suspicious activity.

“This latest video provides a first hand account of what burglars look for and why students in particular are so susceptible to becoming a burglary victim. It is important to listen to and take note of what Peter is saying. He knows as well as anyone about what a burglar looks for.

“I encourage everyone to watch this brief video and not let a burglar ruin your new year.”

Burglar's to-do list

A burglar's to-do list that detailed a series of potential targets has been published by Greater Manchester Police in an attempt to raise awareness of crime over the Christmas period.

The handwritten note, titled "lined up grafts", included the location of keys to cars which have been left on view, bikes left unlocked and homes where easy-picking items have been left exposed.

The would-be thief also listed the tools needed to carry out each crime including including hammers, screwdrivers and a coat hanger.

Police constable Andy Pickering of the GMP said the list showed how criminals identified their targets and should serve as a reminder to householders on how to protect themselves from falling victim.

“While most thieves are opportunistic there are some who are more organised and will systematically search out the weaknesses in your neighbourhood for the easiest homes, cars, pedal bikes or other valuables on your property to target and steal," he said.

View a larger image of the note here

The police are encouraging Manchester residents to make their own 'to-do list' of how to protect their homes.

“Being a victim of theft is hard at any time of the year but is particularly so during this special period in the calendar. You can help yourself by putting into action your own ‘to-do’ list to stop thieves going to work in your community," Pickering said.

GMP will be tweeting using the #to-do hashtag over Christmas in order to provide advice.

The Alarming Man is able to install wireless alarms for homes and outbuildings to protect presents both before and after the festive season. Call 01616601636

Thief's 'apology' to his victim - or not!!

By Chris Brooke, dailymail

It was supposed to be an exercise in remorse and rehabilitation.

However, the 16-year-old burglar used the opportunity of writing a letter to his victims to rub salt into their wounds.

Instead of apologising for stealing valuables from a family home, he told the owners that ‘to be honest I’m not bothered or sorry about the fact that I burgled your house’.

Sorry sight: A teenage burglar penned this illiterate and unpleasant letter to the Leeds family he robbed

The teenager arrogantly said the raid was their own fault and told them off for their ‘dumb mistakes’ in making their property a target for thieves such as him.

The habitual offender, who has not been identified, was put on an Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme as punishment for his latest crime.

Described as the ‘most rigorous’ form of non-custodial sentence available for young offenders, writing letters to victims is part of the programme meant to make them change their ways. In the case of this teenager, it clearly didn’t work.

Chief Inspector Melanie Jones said the contents of the letter were 'disgusting' but could prove useful as a warning to householders

His letter was stopped by the authorities before it reached the victims and has now been released as part of an anti-burglary campaign. Written in a scrawl and littered with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, the letter is addressed: ‘Dear Victim.’
He wrote: ‘I don’t no why I am writing a letter to you! I have been forced to write this letter by ISSP.
‘To be honest I’m not bothered or sorry about the fact that I burgled your house. Basicly it was your own fault anyways. I’m going to run you through the dumb mistakes you made. Firstly you didn’t draw your curtains which most people now to do before they go to sleep.
‘Secondly your dumb you live in Stainburns a high risk burglary area and your thick enough to leave your downstairs kitchen window open. I wouldnt do that in a million years.
‘But anyways I don’t feel sorry for you and Im not going to show any sympath or remores.’
The burglar stole a computer games console, camera, camcorder, two TVs and two speakers in the raid in Moortown, Leeds.

Most of the items were recovered and the teenager was arrested. West Yorkshire Police said he had previous convictions for similar offences.  In court he was given a 12-month ISSP order, designed to control the behaviour of young offenders through ‘community-based surveillance’.

Chief Inspector Melanie Jones said: ‘The contents of the letter are disgusting but it highlights the cold and dispassionate way burglars select a property to target.’

Local councillor Sharon Hamilton said: ‘How dare he? It’s not for him to be telling people how to look after their homes. He has no right to be breaking into their homes.’

A spokesman for the UK Neighbourhood Watch Trust said the letter was ‘appalling’, but added: ‘Christmas is coming and people like to leave their curtains open so people can see their lights and their tree, but they need to realise the criminal is looking at their TV, radio, computer and the presents under the tree.’

To make sure that you do not fall victim of burglary,ask for a free security survey

sales@thealarmingman.co.uk

Survey shows 13% rise in household theft.

The latest British Crime Survey (BCS) shows a 2% rise in crime, despite the police showing a 4% fall in recorded crime.
The biggest change, however is the quarterly crime figures, which cover the 12 months to the second quarter between April and June and do not include the summer riots. They show a 13% rise in "other household theft", which covers thefts from gardens and sheds, the apparent 10% rise in burglary, according to the BCS.
The Alarming Man suggests alarms that detect intruders in outbuildings and the grounds should be installed.  Existing alarms may be updated to include external sensors or upgrade to a system that tackles today's problems.
Protect yourself as the police may not have the resources!! 

Paul McKeever, the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "The latest crimes statistics show that burglary and robbery continue to rise and, unfortunately, this comes as no surprise to us.

"Of particular concern is the rise in knife-related crime by some 7%. The statistics collated across England and Wales support a trend we were already seeing in London.

"We have warned again and again that property crime and robbery will rise during times of economic hardship, and today's figures paint a bleak picture.

"The government simply must heed the warnings and reconsider the planned 20% cuts to policing. We can only protect the public if we have enough police officers on our streets. Therefore the prospect of losing 34,000 officers and police staff by 2015 cannot be ignored."

Burglars 'Using Social Media To Find Targets'

It is now confirmed that the majority of burglars are using social media websites to help target victims and plan their crimes, a survey suggests. 

Three quarters of convicted burglars questioned said sites including Google Street View now play a big part in their planning.

A similar amount said Twitter and Facebook - where users 'check in' to locations - are also being used by criminals.

Security expert Jonathan Lim told Sky News: "Burglars are analysing what's going on.

"They can see people's status updates, with people on Twitter saying 'I'm away on holiday having a great time'. If they know where you live it's like an open invitation."

Former burglar Richard Taylor said: "We're living in the age of the digital criminal and people are taking advantage of social media to access information about would-be victims.

"We'll tell them even when we're going away on holidays. We will let them know that we're not in. We're inviting them... round to our house."

Convicted burglars were asked the most likely things to lead them to target a property for Friedland Security's UK Home Security Report.

As well as outlining their use of new technology, a fifth of burglars said they monitored homeowners' daily routine before striking.

The survey of 50 convicted burglars also found the average home burglary only takes 10 minutes to commit.

A home with no visible security could be broken into in just two minutes, they revealed.

Average burglaries net criminals nearly £500, with most aiming for jewellery, cash and electrical goods although others targeted documents like passports.

Only a quarter of those polled said guard dogs were a deterrent and less than one in 10 were put off by nosy neighbours.

But more than half - 60% - said they would be discouraged from targeting a home if they knew it had a security alarm.

Reported on SKY News - 

http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16077087

Back To School - Did They Go Home?

Children back to school and trying to give them some independence?


Sometimes an older child has to make their own way home and be a "Latchkey Kid" due to personal circumstance.


Did they arrived home as expected?  Always that niggle until either you phone them or they phone you.


Our wireless alarms give peace of mind, it either calls or texts to let you know they arrived safely as the alarm is disarmed!  No excuses about credit or battery flat.


Call now to learn how we can protect both the family and the possessions.

Affected by the riots?

People whose homes and businesses were destroyed in rioting could lose out on millions of pounds in compensation if they do not lodge a claim and give their details to the police within 14 days.  Most insurers require riot damage claims to be made within seven days, because the Riot Damages Act requires the police to pay out cash to property owners who suffered losses they could not possibly predict.  People whose homes and businesses were destroyed in rioting could lose out on millions of pounds in compensation if they do not lodge a claim immediately.  
Even people who do not have insurance should act quickly.  

With some businesses remaining closed due to damage or the threat of further riots, affected firms should do everything possible to get back on their feet, without worrying about preserving evidence for insurers.

To reduce the damage caused by looters and robbers, The Alarming Man can supply and install devices that help protect property by blinding, deafening and cutting the hands off intruders all perfectly legally - and take pictures for evidence!  

Call 0161 660 1636  now for non-confrontational ways of property protection.

Home Office: domestic burglaries risen by 14%

Protect your property by having a free security survey* and advice on the best alarm for your domestic or business. 


Why? Because new figures from the Home Office show that there has been a 14% rise in domestic burglaries in the past year and bucks the trend of the past five years.

Reacting to this latest set of crime statistics, Simon Reed (vice-chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales) said: "While it's pleasing that overall crime is still falling, it's extremely worrying that reported burglary statistics have risen by 14%."

In May 2009, the Police Federation warned Government that an additional 2,000 police officers would be required over the following three years to maintain the current level of service, and predicted a rise in property crime as the recession deepened.

“We take no pleasure in being right on this occasion," stated Reed, "and witnessing the dramatic rise in reported burglaries. However, more worryingly and despite our predictions, the coalition Government has cut the policing budget by 20%, which is resulting in a fall in police officer numbers and is likely to result in yet further increases in crime."

In conclusion, Reed explained: "These statistics must serve as a stark warning to Government – stop, think and urgently reconsider the 20% cuts planned for the police service. It’s not too late to take the necessary steps to stop the inevitable 'Criminal’s Charter' that cuts of this magnitude will signal, and to do what's right to ensure the safety and protection of citizens of this country.”

Of particular interest to ACPO, it seems, is the area of burglary and some other types of theft. "We'll be looking closely at both bulletins to see whether there are emerging patterns of criminality in those areas," said Murphy.

For example, the high price of metal is driving what is a significant increase in metal theft due to the price of second-hand scrap metal. This has a potentially significant impact on the UK's Critical National Infrastructure and a consequent risk to the public.

*geographical conditions apply

Caravan Security

This is the time of year when families take their caravan or motorhome on holiday and realise that they are not quite as secure as they wished.

Often without an alarm, who knows if the van has suffered a burglary.  
If an alarm is fitted who will respond?

A standalone wireless system is now available that:-

• Is completely stand alone
• Uses batteries that last 2-4 years
• Wireless sensors mean no wires, no mess, no fuss
• Sends a video of the alarm activation using mobile phone technology
• Armed and disarmed with fob or keypad
• Two way audio communication from your mobile phone or land-line
• Easy to move to new van

Fo more information contact The Alarming Man