Recommend me house security (doors, alarms etc)

[Charlotte the flyer]

Just moving into a new house in the next month or so and it's clear that the security needs improving before any firearms can be stored there. We're going to need a new front door and a new patio door too. Add to that there's no alarm at the moment so we're going to need to do a fair bit. My questions are :

1) What do I need to look out for in terms of approvals for front doors, can anyone recommend a particular manufacturer. We'll need a 'door and a half' because the door has glass panels off to the side which need to be removed.

2) I'm looking at a bi-fold patio door, are these secure? again what approvals do I need to look for

3) I'm going to put an alarm in but I don't know what to look for in the latest offerings. Pretty sure you can get ones which send text messages etc. What's available?

4) Lastly, I'm considering an additional Westlander safe as they are bigger and cheaper than Brattonsound. Does anyone have any experiences with this safe.

[Rburro2]

Armed Guard problem solved

[ovenpaa]

It might be an idea to run the house move past your prospective/existing FEO and see what is asked for.

For us here in Mid Beds, as long as the doors are of a solid construction and secured with decent locks you should be OK unless you are moving into an incredibly dodgy parts. A means of locking the windows is important as well and an alarm is not required until you get into double figures. Beware hybrid alarm systems with a mix of wired and wireless as they may not be acceptable. Ours is fully wired with a assorted break glass, shock and exotic sensors, we are also fully monitored.

No experience of Westlander however they look robust enough and are apparently manufactured to the required BS standard so they should be OK.

[meles meles]

We have a Westlander, a big 'un at that - 11 gun allegedly. It's robust and well made. The only thing we don't like about it is that it has a shelf at the base of the door and that can catch rifle stocks unless you're careful with it.

[Blighty]

Other door manufacturers are available of course but Rock doors are a proverbial b*stard to get through in a hurry ('specially if the scrote on the other side decides to start flushing their stash). Very solid composite doors.

[HALODIN]

I've had a good experience with these people, everything was very professional and the staff were very friendly and helpful, especially with after sales which is normally where it lacks.

http://www.fittedhomealarms.co.uk

[ukrifleman]

Just moving into a new house in the next month or so and it's clear that the security needs improving before any firearms can be stored there. We're going to need a new front door and a new patio door too. Add to that there's no alarm at the moment so we're going to need to do a fair bit. My questions are :

1) What do I need to look out for in terms of approvals for front doors, can anyone recommend a particular manufacturer. We'll need a 'door and a half' because the door has glass panels off to the side which need to be removed.

2) I'm looking at a bi-fold patio door, are these secure? again what approvals do I need to look for

3) I'm going to put an alarm in but I don't know what to look for in the latest offerings. Pretty sure you can get ones which send text messages etc. What's available?

4) Lastly, I'm considering an additional Westlander safe as they are bigger and cheaper than Brattonsound. Does anyone have any experiences with this safe.

I should think that your first port of call would your local firearms department and sound out what they would consider `good security` After all, they are the ones you have to convince.

Most (UPVC) doors these days have good hinges and multi-point locks, it's usually the panels that are the weak point. I beefed up a half glazed, UPVC door in my attached garage with a sheet of `Makrolon`.

This is the stuff that police riot shields and bullet proof panels are made of, it doesn't shatter like pvc. Not cheap at £200 a sheet, but cheaper than a high security door.

ukrifleman.

[Dahonis]

I've just had an attempted break in at my house. CID were out the next day, shocked as it was a Sunday.

They advised CCTV which I already had acquired, alas not installed. The French doors they tried to get in by are also bolted top n bottom, CID just advised if they really wanted to get in.....houses have lots of glass.

Had a security guy out. Standard alarm, text message to phone if I'm out as well, 4 movement sensors and three door detectors Fitted £700. It's only a deterrent.

[HALODIN]

Get a big dog!

[Countryman]

Alarm wise take a look at ADT.

Cover the doors and hallways and your lounge and office. Need to set off 2 alarms to activate police response.

You could go mad and do all the rooms and the windows but then it will cost you big bucks.