On Saturday the burglars scaled the fence, possibly with the help of a wheelie bin. They levered the bottom panel of the half-glazed PVC door and used the key that was in it to enter the house. They made it into the utility room but couldn’t go any further due to a locked inner door, although they damaged it trying to get through. Their patio doors have further security by means of a bar that holds the two handles together.
The problem with leaving the key in the door is that, if they can reach, it they’re in. On the other hand, the advice given by a fireman friend is that, if there is a fire, the last thing you want to have to do to get out is to find a key and get it in the lock especially if there’s smoke in the room.
The occupants have now installed a sensor in the utility room and are considering window alarms (stuck on the window) that sound off if the window is bumped or broken and can be clearly seen from outside. Nothing was taken but there’s damage to repair.
Banners Gate Neighbourhood Forum 