A Security Blanket For Dark Winter Nights

ADT Security Media Release
For Immediate Release

A SECURITY BLANKET FOR DARK WINTER NIGHTS

April 2003: As the nights draw in, this presents greater opportunities for thieves and vandals to break into buildings and damage property without being seen.

Ken Pascoe, NZ General Manager of ADT Security explains: "With the arrival of shorter days and colder weather, people tend to stay at home more - meaning there are less out and about in your neighbourhood to keep a watch over your property. This is a good time to be checking you have the right security in place. Simple steps like giving your burglar alarm a test or checking locks on doors and windows will make you feel safer and reduce the risk of burglary.

"If you've got an alarm system it is a great idea to actually use it. A survey undertaken by ADT last year showed that over 20% of people did not set their alarm when they went out. "

Elderly people feel particularly vulnerable during the long winter nights. Fitting a security chain on the front door , or even a mesh door, is a must - particularly if you live on your own - and if you do not feel comfortable answering the door to strangers, ask them to call in daylight hours instead.

"The elderly feel less safe at this time of year - whether it’s fear of tripping on a badly-lit path or not knowing what's lurking in the driveway or garden," continues Pascoe. "As darkness increases our sensitivity, improving lighting is a good, inexpensive solution. Security lights alert you to any trespassers and using timer switches can make sure you have a more welcoming home to come back to at the end of the day, also giving the impression that someone is at home when you are away."

Personal safety is equally crucial. If your walk home from work takes you through bushland or parks, try to find a new route through a well-lit public area. Many local authorities are now investing in CCTV surveillance systems in town centres and public areas, so these are the safest routes to take.

Businesses also have a responsibility to review their security measures at this riskier time of year. Pascoe concludes: “Installing alarm systems, coupled with extra lighting and CCTV, not only makes workers feel safer, but also acts as a great deterrent to criminals."

Top winter security tips from ADT:

*Fit security lighting on the front and back of the house
*Set some internal lights on timer switches
*Fit a security chain to the front door , or a security mesh door
*Agree to watch your neighbours houses when they are away and vice versa
*Stick to well-lit public areas when walking to and from work
*Talk to your boss if you are concerned about security at work
*Install a burglar alarm or check the one you have is working properly
*Make sure you set your alarm when you so out

ENDS

About ADT

With over a century’s worth of experience and providing electronic security solutions to over 8 million residential, commercial and retail customers worldwide, ADT, part of Tyco Fire & Security, is the world’s largest security company. ADT's products including alarm systems and integrated security applications that link access control, CCTV, electronic article surveillance and source tagging systems.

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