Page 18 - link magazine

1 8 The Link Magazine • February 2005
Protect your property against burglars
W INTED A spate of burglaries in Sparcells during the late afternoon at the beginning of the year has highlighted
the need to take steps to make homes more secure. Robert Walton from the Swindon Police
Link Mach ctzine crime prevention department offers up some tips on how to make it more difficult for burglars.
A set of timer operated lights
d istribu4ors Most burglaries are committed by inside the house is also a good they can be seen from outside.
opportunist criminals. So the first
We get far more reports of bur-
advice is not to present them with method of making a home appear glaries to sheds and garages than
an opportunity, occupied even if you are out. to dwellings. They also often con-
Alwayscloseandlockdoorsand Burglar alarms are affordable tain ladders and tools that a bur-
windows - even if you are 'just and effective. glar will use to break into your
Sl
popping out' and are 'only going If you have a computer, top of home. Make sure they are as se-
to be a minute:' the burglar needs the range plasma television or cure as possible.
less than a minute. other goods that may attract a vil- In short, do as much possible to
Make sure that all your doors lain, don't position them where foil the opportunist thief.
and windows are fitted with sub
stantial locks. Insurance compa- ' , r1!'t tift.'0.'^`.DAe.
.
vies will insist on a minimum
standard of security, so ensure you
comply because any claim follow- ^ •r1,.= a
Ramleaze ing a burglary may be affected. .
Freshbrook All ground floor and other ac- .. y
cessible windows should be fitted "^4, ^
- Crawford/ with locks and all external doors `'
should have atleast a security dead ,r ^^
Cottington area ti
lock to British Standard 3621. r
Taw Hill The perimeter of a house is im-
portant. Shrubbery and plants in { { ,
Sparcells the front garden should be kept f.
low to reduce places of conceal- tea°
Grange Park ment.
Make sure that access to rear
Call BHL gardens is restricted by good fenc-
ing and a gate that can be (and is)
on 723745
locked when you are out.
SporieII - recent target for crime. Don't let If home be next.
for details Invest in security lighting at the
front and rear to deter potential For more aerial pictures of West and North Swindon
criminals. - which are for sale - go to www.swindonlink.com

Ltd Loft Conversion Specialists

Acenti Designs Ltd specialises in converting all types of loft
into quality living space. Whether you need more space or
wish to expand your house rather than moving, loft conver-
sions are a cost effective way of increasing your living space
without losing valuable garden area. We convert all types of
lofts including modern `W' truss lofts.

We are a professional engineering company, who make
extensive use of computer aided design (CAD), to optimise
the space and the head height within a loft and to accurately
design stairs to fit into the complex geometry of a loft causing
a minimum disruption to existing living space.
If you need more living space for a bedroom,
office, playroom or a place to relax, converted
lofts make very attractive light extra rooms.

Designed correctly loft conversions are an environmentally friendly, cost
effective way of increasing living space.

Freephone 0800 9118695
www.acenti.co.uk