Staying Safe Online - Internet Security Advice Part I - Passwords

The internet is now a huge part of most people's daily lives, we do our shopping, banking, work and even socialising online, and with estimates of over 2,749 million people now logging on it's no surprise that the growth in identity theft, spam and hacking has soared. 

It's not just individuals who are at risk from cyber criminals, large and well established companies can be victims too. Last month saw software company Adobe fall victim to hackers who revealed millions of users passwords.

An interesting analysis of the exposed passwords revealed a shocking discovery, almost 2 million users had set theirs to '123456' followed closely by '123456789' then simply 'password'.

The rise in social networking has also made identity theft easier as criminal now has access to personal information such as your date of birth, full name, address and other information we often seem happy to publish online which we wouldn't dream of giving to a stranger in real life. 

A great way to look at your personal information is to think would I give this over to a stranger? With some simple personal information and an easily guessable password cyber criminals can access your bank and money, obtain a credit card, buy goods and even apply for a driving license or passport!

To help make your online experience safer and securer, we've put together our top tips to ensure you know don't fall foul to these cyber criminals.

Choosing a password

Given that passwords are used to protect most of your secure information online it's vital you choose them carefully:

• Don't use a real words, try a combination of letters which would be difficult to guess
• Make it memorable, this ensures you don't have to write it down or store as a file on your computer
• Never use information related to you such as a pets, child’s or partner’s name or a postcode or house number
• Use a combination of upper and lower case, include numbers and try adding non- alphanumeric characters such as brackets or commas.
• Don't use obvious word or number combinations like birthdays, house address and once you decide on a password don't recycle it like pass1, pass2, pass3
• Always use separate passwords on your accounts, it means if one is compromised your other accounts are still secure
• Never reveal your password even if the organisation or individual seems legitimate, and if you are supplied with a password by a company change it straight away.

Hopefully these safety tips will prove useful and help you continue to enjoy using the internet, if you need any more info, there is a wealth of information online and we are always happy to talk about any of your security issues. To get in contact just call: 0845 519 2122 or email  mail@casac.org.uk

How to Find Local, Reliable & Trustworthy Tradespeople

If you are you looking to make home improvements or repairs it can often be difficult to find local, reliable and trustworthy tradesmen. We've all heard the horror stories of work being left incomplete or finished to a poor standard, and that's why we've created our Check Point service to verify and monitor local tradespeple to ensure you get peace of mind and great quality service.

The Check Point service operates to protect householders from bogus and “cowboy” tradespeople as well as protecting the reputation of genuine tradespeople in the area. All the tradesmen registered with us are subjected to a stringent checking process, which includes:

• Obtaining three references from customers who have had jobs done in the last 12 months. 
• Checking with Trading Standards to see if any complaints have been logged against them. 
• Police Checks on all workers for any relevant convictions. 
• Inspection of Company accounts to ensure proper registration and trading. 
• Public Liability insurance is valid to ensure cover for work undertaken.

Currently our Check Point service operates across West Yorkshire and we can recommend local trades people in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield who have all been verified by us. The service covers a wide array of home improvements and maintenance and currently we are able to recommend tradespeople in the following areas:

• Builders and Building
• Carpenters and Joinery Services
• Digital Aerial and Antenna Installers 
• Electricians and Electrical
• Gardeners and Gardening
• Gas Safe Engineers
• Handyman and General Maintenance
• Kitchen Appliances Repairs
• Painters, Decorators and Decorating
• Plumbers and Plumbing
• Roofers and Roofing
• Tree Cutting, Felling and Surgery

If you or a family member or friend needs home repairs, then let us remove the hassle and uncertainty of finding a tradesperson. Our service is completely free and has ensured hundreds of people receive quality workmanship and stress free home improvement and maintenance.  

To find out more or to use the Check Point service call 0845 838 8851 or email mail@casac.org.uk 

If you're a Trades Person and would like to be verified by CASAC please call 0845 838 8851 or click here.

Your quick guide to National Home Security Month

October 2013 has been designated National Home Security Month, so we've decided to focus in on the five areas highlighted by the campaign.

1st-6th Oct - CRIME IN YOUR AREA – WHAT’S THE RISK?

The Local Police and Neighbourhood watch groups can give you a detailed idea of the crime statistics is your local area as well as helping with advice on how to ensure your home and local community are as safe and secure as possible.  'Our Watch' operate a great website where you can enter your postcode and find up to date statistics on crime in your area as well as contact details for local Neighbourhood Watch groups and the local Police.

7th-13th Oct - SECURE YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS

We've said it before but simply closing and locking your windows and doors could reduce home burglaries by nearly a third! Fitting strong and secure locks is essential as many old doors and windows and even modern UPVC windows can be fitted with weak locks which burglars can easily break using various known methods.

CASAC provide a free home security assessment carried out by our experienced engineers where they will assess your current home security and recommend any replacement locks to ensure your home is secure as possible. They can also change the locks on the day if you decide to go ahead with the quote.

14th-20th Oct - PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES

Modern appliances, equipment and jewellery can be very pricey as well having sentimental value so protecting your valuables is of utmost importance.

We recommend making a note of all your appliance serial numbers and registering them with an online company. This means it's easier for police to track your items if they're stolen and turn up somewhere else and you can easily prove they belong to you.

Smaller items and those without a serial number can be marked with a UV pen, either with your postcode or address which means if they do turn up elsewhere they are easily identifiable as yours.

21st-27th Oct - OUTSIDE PROTECTION

A strong gate and fence or well maintained hedge is the first line of defence your home has against intruders. Making sure it's properly maintained is key though as shrubbery and hedges can provide cover for burglars if not kept trim.

We always suggest installing a PIR sensor which will activate a light or socket when triggered by movement or heat sources around your property. This will ensure you and your neighbours are aware of any activity after dark.

CCTV is a great security measure as it provides a visible deterrent and can help supply evidence to help secure a conviction if you are the victim of crime. 

Garage and shed security is one area many home owners often overlook when securing their home. These buildings can contain thousands of pounds of equipment and appliances so make sure doors and windows are  properly secured with strong locks and that windows are obscured and the building firmly attached to the ground… thieves have been known to lift the roof or entire shed off the ground to get to the contents!

28th-31st Oct - FUTURE HOME SECURITY

The future of home security is looking bright, products such as the CS87T Real Time Wireless  CCTV System is a high end yet affordable Closed Circuit Television system which provides a visual stream from the camera direct to your smart phone or tablet and is already available to the standard consumer. Other exciting developments in the home security field continue to offer greater control, operation and security to the home owner and make securing your property easier  than ever before.

If you want to get involved for find out more information about National Home Security Month use the Twitter Hashtag #NHSM or visit the website www.homesecuritymonth.com/ 

For any help or more information on any of the products mentioned above or to book a home security assessment just contact CASAC on 0845 519 2122 or email mail@casac.org.uk

Top Ten Home Security Tips

Feeling secure in our homes is something we all deserve, but how many of us actually invest time and money into ensuring are doing the most we can to keep intruders at bay. October is National Home Security Month designed to create awareness around home security, and to highlight the ways in which you can keep your home and your family safe during the darker evenings.

Here's a quick list of our top ten security recommendations.

1.       Fit an Alarm

It's amazing how many homes don't have a good alarm system! It's the first security measure a thief will look for and it's a great deterrent. Installed in a visible place it'll really up your home security. Alternatively if you can't afford an alarm the use of PIR system to trigger an outside light or indoor appliance to make it seem as if someone is at home will make a big difference. CASAC offer both installation of alarm systems and PIR sensors, as well as a free home security assessment.

2.       Use high quality locks and change them if you have moved into a new house

Making sure you have strong and secure door locks is the most obvious of security precautions.  The use of weak Euro Cylinder locks on PVC doors and windows has lead to a rise in 'Bumping' which is a technique used by burglars to break the lock and access your home. If you've just moved into a new home we recommend that you change external locks as you never know who may have had a set of keys.

3.       Keep your home well lit at night

It may seem obvious but having an outside light on during the evenings and whenever you're not at home provides a simple yet effective deterrent to burglars. Even better would be a PIR system that is activated by any movement around your property and would either switch on an external light or appliance within your home such as a TV or radio. The genius of these systems is that they are accompanied with a timer so the appliance will switch off after a set time creating a realistic impression of an occupied home.

4.       Don't leave Windows and doors open

It only takes a thief 30 seconds to jump in through an open window or door and snatch your gadgets, keys, wallet or phone. If your’re heading out to the shops or even just in the garden it's still imperative to ensure you keep all your external windows and doors closed. Making sure valuables are out of sight of all windows, as would be thieves love to do a bit of window shopping first to decide whether it's worth breaking in.

5.       Don't advertise your holiday plans online

We've said it before and it really is a giveaway! Don't advertise that your home is empty over the internet. When you’re off on your holidays the best thing to do is upload your photos, videos and status when you return. If you don't have your social media privacy settings high then it's easy for anyone online to view your status and see you've just arrived at the airport for a well deserved two week break, which gives any unscrupulous visitors the green light to break into your home.

6.       Store your spare key at a neighbours rather than under the mat

It's tempting to leave your spare key under the door mat or nearest plant pot but these are very obvious place for a burglar to look. Instead leave a key with the neighbours or use a Key Safe that requires a code to gain access to the key stored inside. CASAC supply Key Safes and can easily fit one in a secluded place on your home. The other thing to remember is your unlikely to be able to claim on your insurance if you're burgled and the intruder has gained access through a key stored outside your home!

7.       Become a member of a neighbourhood watch scheme

It's a great way to meet the locals and really make a difference to your community safety. Knowing that other people in your area are keeping a look out while you're away is very reassuring and being able to offer the same in return is great for building a stronger community.  There are over 170,000 neighbourhood watch groups in the UK and to find out more visit www.neighbourhoodwatch.uk.com

8.       Always have home insurance

If the worst does happen and you come home to find you have been the victim of a burglary then having good home and contents insurance is a must. It won't replace your sentimental items, but knowing you can easily replace your stolen property with little extra cost can help lighten the burden and get you back on track.

9.       Don't answer the door to people without an appointment and always ask to see identification

If you're not expecting visitors and you hear a knock at the door it could be an impromptu visit from a friend or it could be an unsoclicited visit from a salesman or cowboy builder claiming you need your roof replacing or drive repaving. Make sure you have a door chain fitted and always use it whenever opening your home to uninvited callers. Remember to ask for identification and call the company from a verified number such as the phone book to confirm who they are, not the number on the card which could be fake! If in doubt don't let them in and call the non-emergency police.

10.   Install a CCTV camera

Installing a high quality CCTV system is one of the top forms of security for your home, office, outbuildings or property. It not only acts as a visual deterrent but can also be vital in supplying evidence if criminal proceedings are undertaken. CASAC can supply and install CCTV.

If you need any of the above security measures or advice on how to better secure your home you can request a free security assessment to discuss your security needs and we can provide assured products and tradesmen to carry out the work. Please contact us for more details 0845 519 2122 on or email mail@casac.org.uk. 

CCTV For Your Home Security Now Available From CASAC

Closed Circuit Television is one of the top forms of security for your home, office, outbuildings or property. It not only acts as a visual deterrent but can also be vital in supplying evidence if criminal proceedings are undertaken.

The reassurance and peace of mind that a CCTV system provides to home owners is second to none and the CS87T Real Time Wireless Camera System and its smaller counterpart the CS85DVR are two of the best systems on the market and are now supplied and fitted by CASAC.

Both devices come with an Internal/External camera and a 7" LCD touch screen monitor capable of controlling up to four cameras simultaneously and are activated by a PIR sensor which detects changes in temperature. The top range CS87T is capable of capturing high quality footage up to 150m in day light and 15m in darkness with its IR LEDs whilst the CS85DV can capture night time footage up to 5m.

When triggered the system will capture video at 25FPS (film quality) onto an SD card or transmit to a external recording device and can be set up to inform you if it's been activated by email or alert to your portable device (phone, tablet etc). The system can also capture audio from a microphone installed in the camera for extra sensory observation. The higher end CS87T can also be remotely operated from any portable device such as your phone or tablet which really adds an extra level of control and reassurance when you want to keep an eye on your property if you are on holiday or away from your house.

When purchasing either of the two CCTV systems CASAC will install, set up and insure you fully understand how to operate your CCTV unit and it's all included in the price quoted so you don't have to worry about correct installation, placement or operation.

To find out more or to purchase either CCTV system please call us 0845 519 2122 on or email mail@casac.org.uk

Channel 4 Burgled - Burglary in Leeds

Last week's Channel 4 documentary filmed in Leeds entitled 'Burgled' followed West Yorkshire Police tackling the issues faced in the fight against burglary in Leeds.

There are over 675,000 burglaries reported each year and every 47 seconds a home is broken into, making Britain the most burgled country in the EU!

The documentary looked at some of the innovative crime prevention techniques being used by the Leeds Police force and how they have begun to see a fall in the number of burglaries and a drop in their crime statistics.

With interviews from both Police and ex-criminals it portrayed an insightful view into the mind state on both sides. One of the main issues brought up in the documentary was the ease at which criminals found access into homes. The programme showed various ways that properties were accessed and the types of burglary to be aware of and how to prevent them from happening:

Doors and Windows

The programme highlighted many homeowners leaving doors and windows unlocked and often wide open –this made it extremely easy for a burglar to sneak in without causing any disturbance.

Prevention – always ensure you keep your doors and windows not just shut but also locked if you are not in the room, especially if you are in the garden for example.

Targeting Elderly people

Sadly elderly people are often targets for thieves, sometimes posing as window cleaners or repair men. Often the home owner is distracted by one person whilst another sneaks in the back door.

Prevention – Always use a chain when opening the door and check ID for anyone who wishes to gain access to your home. If in doubt call CASAC Checkpoint which operates to protect householders from bogus and “cowboy” tradespeople by providing a recommended, local and reliable tradesman when you need home repairs, maintenance or improvements carried out across West Yorkshire.

Hanoi Burglary

This is when the home is broken into and the car keys are taken to steal the car as well. This is also known as ‘Car Key Burglary’ or ‘2 in 1’ burglary.

Prevention - Other than ensuring the security of your home always ensure that car keys are left out of sight in case you are the victim of a burglary. Don’t leave spare car keys in an obvious place like a kitchen drawer and don’t leave keys visible on a key rack or close to the door as they can be hooked out through the letterbox.

Student properties

As student properties are usually home to 3-5 people all with their own laptops, phones, tablets and other valuables they are ripe pickings for a thief!

Prevention - Always ensure all doors are locked, even when at home and be sure everyone in the house is doing the same. Ask your landlord to fit an external lock on each bedroom door so you can be sure that if the house is accessed then valuables in bedrooms are safe.

Read our guide for more tips on keeping student properties secure.

The police reiterated the importance of good home security such as locking doors, fitting an alarm and outside lights and not leaving valuables in view which they stated could reduce burglary by up to a third.

If you are worried about any of the issues raised in the Channel 4 Documentary or would like to know more about your home security, CASAC offer a free home security assessment where we can advise you on the best measures to secure your property and recommend products and tradespeople to carry out the work. Please contact us on mail@casac.org.uk or 0845 519 2122

Children going to University? How to help them keep their property secure!

It may the moment you've been waiting for for the last 18 years but seeing your children leaving home to go to University can also be a worrying time. Students and Halls of residence are prime targets for thieves looking for an easy steal and with some student housing containing up to 8 separate bedrooms it can be easy for an unknown individual to slip in and make off with laptops, tablets or anything else with a decent value.

It’s well known that students often own a large amount of expensive consumer goods which will always make them a target for thieves.

Here are some useful tips to pass onto them:

There are a number of ways you can easily ensure the security of a student property...

1.       One of the most common ways for thieves to access your home is through an open door or window and in summer it can be tempting to leave a window on the latch or door ajar to catch that cooling breeze but left unattended its easy pickings for any would be thief. Always close doors and windows whenever you are out of sight, it only takes a second for someone to make off with your goods!

2.       If your room is on the ground floor or has a big window it may get lovely light and have a brilliant view but it'll also give any opportunists an inventory of all the items they can nab. It's easy to pull the curtains and blinds or make sure any valuables are stored well out of sight.

3.       If you’re living in a shared house make sure you use the lock on your own door and keep your items in there when you're not at home. You might always remember to shut and lock the front door but your housemates may be a little more forgetful. If you have grills on the doors and windows use them! It only takes a second to lock them but it will be a huge deterrent to anyone trying to access your home.

4.       The average cost of a burglary is around £900 however contents insurance can be as little as £20 per year. You can even just insure your most valuable items and you can often extend the policy your parents have to cover your items as well.

5.       Most good student property will have an alarm so make use of it! If unsure ask your Landlord or a quick search online will generally yield the relevant information on how to operate it.

6.       Making friends with your neighbours and Landlord is always a good idea, not only will it make it easier when you have to apologise for last night’s party which ended at 11am it'll also mean that when you're away during the holidays there will be people around who will keep an eye on your home.

7.       Students are known for moving to different houses each year but during the transition from one house to another it's easy for thieves to help themselves to your goods as you load up the car or as your carrying everything you own up the 5 flights of stairs to your new digs. Always make sure someone is waiting with your gear as you unload to keep an eye out for any unwanted attention.

8 Top Tips for Keeping your Home Safe in Summer

Summer time is officially well under way and we're all trying to make the most of the glorious weather we have been having recently. However with opportunist thieves about it can be easy pickings for a burglar on the lookout for an open window or door left ajar to make off with your valuables.

We’ve listed our 8 Top Tips to increase your home security to make sure you won't be the next victim this summer.

1. If you know you'll be out till past sunset then leave a few lights on around the house. It may be lovely and sunny now but when it’s dark an unlit house will seem very attractive to any potential crook. You could also look at having a Bryson PIR installed which activates a switch (to turn on a lamp for example) when anyone approaches your home.

2. If you’re having a BBQ, sunbathing or relaxing in the back garden don't just assume the front of your house is secure. Close the windows and doors and make sure they are locked.

3. It may seem obvious but close all windows and doors if you're going out, even if it's just for a minute or two. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to slip in through a window and make off with mobile phones, wallets, car keys, jewellery etc.

4. Don't leave valuables such as car keys, phones and wallets in clear view from a window or door. This just advertises that there is something worth taking and it's easy to get to!

5. If you don't have two locks on your external doors then you should, and if you do then use them. It can be quite easy for any skilled thief to get through some of the old locks used on external doors. If unsure about your security CASAC provide a free security assessment on your home.

6. If you have uPVC doors or windows then make sure you lift the handle and lock using the key, it sounds simple but can make the difference between being burgled or not, thieves will often test doors and windows even if they are closed.

7. Garden equipment is often used a lot more over summer and thieves know this. Always return tools and equipment to your garden shed and make sure its locked up securely! You can read our advice on keeping your shed secure.

8. A good way to view your house from the eyes of a would be thief is to imagine you have lost your keys and are trying to get in. Take a good look around your property and make sure you're not making it easy for anyone to gain access. Are your bins kept by the side of your house below where an upstairs window is often left ajar? Do you have ladders round the back of the house from when you last cleaned the gutters? These are all things any burglar will notice straight away and use to their advantage.

To find out more about the security services we offer at CASAC please click here. 

Going on Holiday? Things to think about to keep your home secure whilst you're away!

Are you unintentionally advertising you home and possessions to the opportunist burglar? When planning on leaving your home for that well deserved holiday break don't make the simple mistakes which announce your absence to those on the lookout for an easy crime.

1. Close the blinds and draw the curtains. 

One of the easiest ways to conceal the contents of your home is to simply close the blinds and pull the curtains. It seems obvious but criminals love nothing better than to have a quick window shop to help them decide on what valuables to take and whether it's worth the effort. It also means a burglar will be uncertain if you are there or not, if they can see inside and notice no movement then they are much more likely to break in.

Tip: If you do see unfamiliar people around your neighbourhood and are uneasy about leaving your home unattended whilst away you can always call the non emergency police and ask them to patrol the area a little more often. Whilst away on holiday speak to a neighbour or friend and ask them to keep an eye on the house and any unwanted activity from strangers. 

2. Broadcasting your travel arrangements on social media. 

Tweeting about your early start, the trip to the airport, the departures board, the delays, this only gives an exact itinerary of everywhere you are but at your empty house!  You post up pictures on Facebook of every meal, place and local you meet as well as 'Checking in' to your new destination, how very thoughtful to any would be thief!

Tip: On your return post up all your favourite photos and status!

3. Leaving the rubbish out before the pickup day

You may not want to miss the rubbish collection but leaving you bin out days before collection day is a sure sign your out of town, and any one observing your house will notice this straight away. Any bulky packaging for new items is best disposed of away from prying eyes as it's a nice inventory of all the lovely items that are available in your home.

Tip:  Again, ask a friendly neighbour to put your rubbish out with theirs and if not then you're just going to have to miss a week or two!

4. Leaving a note on the door for deliveries

You’re away for two weeks but expecting a delivery so you leave a message on the front door notifying the delivery man you're away and that any packages should be left with the neighbour, thus notifying the post man, delivery driver and everyone else to your absence!

Tip: Its best to try and rearrange delivery times to when you return however if this is not possible try a simpler message such as 'today please leave any packages next door.

5. Predictable automatic timers. 

Having lights and appliances switch on and off with automatic timers may seem like a great way to deter burglars but they are very predictable and will soon become apparent to any one closely watching your home.

Tip: The best answer is to use multiple timers with varying time scales as well as a PIR system which will activate any designated plug socket when the sensor detects movement. This will create a much more realist and natural effect with lights and appliances coming on and off at more varied times and whenever someone approaches a certain area of your property.

All about CASAC - Community Action and Support Against Crime

WHO WE ARE

It’s our aim to reduce crime and the fear of crime achieving a situation where every individual can live their life free from the fear of crime and in safer communities.

CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime) are an established West Yorkshire Social Enterprise that works with local people, the Police and other statutory agencies to improve community safety and are dedicated to reducing crime and the fear of crime. Our profits are invested back into the community through projects to tackle some of the root causes of crime such as prostitution and anti social behaviour.

HOW

At CASAC we only recommend the best products and trades people and will only install the highest level of security equipment. We actively look out for the next big thing in security that can support crime reduction efforts.  

We are a not-for-profit Home Security Social Enterprise with Charity status and have worked on burglary reduction projects with local communities, the Police and statutory agencies for over 11 years, securing more than 60,000 properties. Less than 0.01% of properties have been a victim of repeat burglary, where access has been gained through security products fitted by CASAC. We are extremely proud of this! 

CASAC Partnerships 

The charity side of CASAC works to set up projects in the local community that focus on getting people back into work. 

CASAC's profits also go towards sponsoring Neighborhood Watch schemes and funding Check Point and Burglary Reduction to assist vulnerable/elderly burglary victims by providing the target hardening service free of charge. 

WHAT WE DO

Free Home Security Assessment

A free assessment that checks all doors have 5 lever locks or Snap-Secure Euro Cylinders on uPVC doors, if not then a recommendation will be made to change the locks via a quote which is provided at the time of the visit. The customer can then decide whether to accept the quote and have the work done or not. 

Target Hardening 

Usually following a security assessment, this service includes the fitting of additional security measures to a property, such as window/door locks, and door chains.  Attention is paid to uPVC doors, which have been identified by the West Yorkshire Police as a common entry point for burglars; weak Euro Cylinders are replaced by more robust anti-bump and anti-snap Euro Cylinders.

Check Point 

This free service operates to protect householders from bogus and “cowboy” tradespeople by providing recommended, local and reliable trades for home repairs, maintenance or improvements. Tradespeople are interviewed and checked regularly. Check Point covers Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

CASAC Crime Alert

This free online service allows the public to register and receive e-mail/text message alerts when there is suspected criminal activity underway in the areas chosen.

CASAC Key Safe Project 

Provides a safe place for keys to be stored outside of the house. This is ideal for carers looking after elderly people coming out of hospital. 

CASAC Products 

We also offer a range of products including key cutting, safes, internal security, window locks, Bryson PIR sensors, home and office cupboard safes - installed and shed bars. 

Tio find out more about CASAC please visit our website www.casac.org.uk, you ca also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

Keeping your garage and garden shed secure

Keeping your garage and garden shed secure

When it comes to home security we hope you've secured your property with good locks, strong doors and a secure alarm system. However, we often overlook our garage or garden shed. These outbuildings can be home to thousands of pounds worth of equipment, tools and appliances as well as our bikes, cars and motorcycles. 

So how secure is your external property? We've listed a few basic improvements you can make to ensure any opportunist thieves won't be able to access your property. 

Door Hinges

You may have the best lock money can buy on your shed door but can the door simply be removed by unscrewing the hinges? Using nuts and bolts or Allen key screws will make it trickier to remove the door, or try hammering ball bearings into the end so they can't be unscrewed. The best bet is to use one-way screws which once attached cannot be unscrewed. Also make sure you have strong hinges which can't be easily kicked or shoulder barged off as the best screws in the world won't make a difference here.

Add hasps and padlocks

Don't rely on the basic lock that your garage or shed comes with, fit a heavy duty padlock or hasp and make sure the screws are not accessible from the outside with a screwdriver and if so use one-way screws again. It's wise not to use too many locks on your shed or garage as this will make it obvious you have something of value inside. A couple of good quality locks will do the job and should deter any would be thief.

Door reinforcement

Thieves have several techniques which they use to force entry through garage doors but there are products available which can be installed to minimise the risk of this type of access. The Garage Door Defender is tough steel lock which acts as a 'foot' or lever against your garage door and locks to a solid steel base with the hockey-puck style padlock. This prevents your garage door from being opened by stopping the 'up-and-over' action, making unauthorised access extremely difficult. The Garage Door Defender is also extremely resistant to lock-picking because of its 6-pin padlock cylinder.

The CASAC Shed Security Bar 

This is a strong steel defense that can be fitted to a variety of shed sizes. The bar is attached to the door frame with secure bolts. Entry and exit to the shed is still easily achieved as the shed bar is hinged. Shed bars are available in a variety of sizes to fit all shed sizes.  

Another option might be The Garage Guardian which stops the two bottom corners of the garage being bent back to gain entry. With up-and-over type garage doors being an easy target for burglars through forced entry techniques – this is a cost effective solution to keep your valuables secure.

Install an Alarm

You should have an alarm on your home so why not on your garage and shed. It's could be possible to extend the alarm system fitted to your house to cover external buildings but if this isn't an option a dedicated alarm should be fitted. DIY stores supply units to cover your garage or shed and try and get one with a sensor which should be angled to cover obvious entrance points such as doors or windows.

Secure  windows and obscure the view

If a thief can't see what's inside your outbuildings then it won't be as tempting to break into them. Replacing clear glass with opaque will mean light can still pass through but the contents can't be seen. If this isn't an option try adding net curtains or even plastic bags to obscure the view. Glass frosting can be purchased to spray onto the windows or Perspex sheeting can be fitted behind the glass for extra strength. Consider adding a grille or bars to any windows as this will add as another deterrent and make it much harder for a thief to access your garage or shed.

Access and Location

How easy is it to access your shed and garage? A good thick hedge or fence around your garden  with a strong gate and lock will go some way to deterring a burglar and the addition of gravel on paths and drive ways will give an audible signal of anyone approaching your property. If you are having a new shed built in your garden try and make sure it's out of view from anyone passing by your house and fitting a security light with motion sensor such as the Byron PIR sensor will alert you to any activity around your property. CASAC supply these inexpensive PIR systems for just £15 (inc VAT) and can also supply and install them for just £36 (inc VAT) – supply and install available in West Yorkshire. 

Tagging and Serial numbers

If you have expensive items stored in your garage or shed its well worth noting down serial numbers and documenting items with a digital photo, even if it's just on your mobile phone. Using a UV pen to mark your goods is a great way to make them easier to trace if they are stolen as well. 

Protecting your property doesn't have to be an expensive job but securing our garden sheds and garages is well worth it for peace of mind and home security. With thieves always on the lookout for an easy steal these simple steps can make the difference between being the next victim or the one that just in worth the risk. For more information about garage, shed and outbuilding security you can call CASAC today on 0845 519 2122 or email us on mail@casac.org.uk 

The Outdoor PIR System | Keep your home secure from burglars

The Outdoor PIR System
Burglars are often opportunistic and a home that appears occupied at night is less likely to be targeted. An easy way to make it look as if someone’s just turned on a lamp in your sitting room (when you’re actually fast asleep or not even at home at all) is to use a device which does this remotely when it detects someone outside.

The outdoor PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) system is a wireless remote sensor which, when changes in temperature and movement are detected across the sensor’s view, wirelessly sends a signal to activate the plug socket which will turn on any appliance that’s plugged into it. It’s ideal for controlling lighting in your hallway or room for added security and when the PIR beam is broken the outdoor PIR will switch on your Remote control socket for between 15 seconds and 4 minutes to create a realistic ‘human’ response.

The Outdoor PIR sensor is fitted externally with no wiring involved and we sell the Byron PIR system directly from our website for only £15.00 (inc VAT) or you can have it supplied and installed for £36.00 (inc VAT).

Outdoor PIR

- Wireless with a range of 25 metres
- Time to go on/off 15seconds - 4 minutes.
 - Selectable Timer setting
 - Selectable Detection Range
 - Variable light setting
- 10M detection range
- Weather Proof.

Indoor Remote Socket

- This unit receives a signal from the outdoor P.I.R Plug-in
- Wireless with a range of 30 metres
- Signal passes through walls and ceilings


 If you'd like to purchase a P.I.R to fit yourself or if you'd like one of our engineers to come and fit it for you please contact us on: mail@casac.org.uk or 0113 239 2821 (the fitting service is only currently available in West Yorkshire.) 

Scam Awareness Month 2013 | How to Spot and Report Scams

Scam Awareness Month

May 2013 is Scam Awareness Month, a national campaign to raise the awareness of the various ways that you can be tricked and conned out of your money.

Citizen's Advice say; "Every year over three million people in the UK fall victim to scams losing hundreds and even thousands of pounds. It is estimated that nearly half of people in the UK (48 per cent) have been targeted by a scam and that £3.5 billion is lost to scams every year."

Scams can take various forms from phone calls, posted mail, email and text messages to door knockers and fake salespeople. Below are 3 common scams and how to spot them.

Door Crime and Bogus Tradesman

A knock on the door leads to a salesperson or tradesman offering to carry out a repair on 'unsafe' roof tiles or pave your patio, they then demand money upfront and that's the last you ever see of them. Sometimes the caller is a real tradesman but they use illegal selling techniques such as high pressure sales to persuade you to sign up for something you don't really want or need, or could have done much cheaper. 

Another type of doorstep crime is where the person uses the pretence of selling you something or doing repairs on your home to gain access and then steal from you.

How to spot this type of scam

Was the knock at your door unsolicited? Are you being asked to make a decision quickly or are they demanding money upfront. Are they reluctant to give you any contact details for the business?    

How to deal with this type of scam

If someone knocks at your door do not invite them inside. If the tradesman suggests that you have an unsafe roof or need new damp proofing  always get a second opinion and do not employ door knockers.   

if you live in West Yorkshire then CASAC Check Point operates to protect householders from bogus and “cowboy” tradespeople by providing a recommended, local and reliable tradesman when you need home repairs, maintenance or improvements carried out, call 0845 838 8851.

Prize Scam 

Congratulations! You've just won £100,000 / an all-expenses holiday to the Maldives - This scam is usually in the form of a phone call, text message or letter through your door in which you are informed that you have won a fantastic prize or even a huge lottery win, the problem is you never actually entered the competition in the first place.

How to spot this type of scam 
Did you actually buy a ticket or enter a competition? Quite simply, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. If you have to call a premium rate number or pay an administration fee to process your prize then this is a scam and should be reported.

How to deal with this type of scam

If you receive a text message block the phone number and forward the text message and the original number it came from to one of the following numbers: For Orange, Vodafone, O2, and T-Mobile: 7726, for Three: 37726. If it is a piece of mail, shred the letter and put it in the bin. If you are in any doubt as to whether it is a scam then ask friends and family for advice.  

PPI Refunds

You receive a text message or phone call from a number you don't recognise informing you that you are owed  money due to mis-sold PPI (Payment Protection Insurance but you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed.

How to spot this type of scam

Did the text message or phone call come from a number you don't recognise, are they asking you to reply for information or to have a pack sent out or to find out how much you are entitled to? If so then this is likely to be a scam message.

How to deal with this type of scam
Don't text the number back even to say STOP as sometimes this can lead to you being charged a premium rate text message fee. Instead  block the phone number and forward the text message and the original number it came from to one of the following numbers:  For Orange, Vodafone, O2, and T-Mobile: 7726, for Three: 37726.

Reporting Scams

If you think you or someone you know such as an elderly relative may have been the victim of a scam here are some ways to report it:

Action Fraud 0300 123 2040

Trading Standards 08454 04 05 06

The Police, using non-emergency number 101.