Securing Seperates

[Exmouse]

Been watching Beat the burlgar on BBC1 and it's got me thinking that my seperates system is vunerable. Has anyone used some form of security to protect theirs, what do people recommend?
I can't even hide mine out of sight of windows so need something that will stop them being picked up and taken away.

 

[dynamic turtle]

Don't bother mate - just make sure they're insured.

TBH, are you really going to want to use kit that's been thrown around in the back of a transit van?

Best let them keep it! The insurance co will pay for brand new replacement gear anyway

DT

 

[Knightshade]

Sounds daft (and I personally hate them) but a net curtain (Shudder....) will hide your kit from roving eyes. Also a good alarm system is a must (According to the police houses with Double Glazing and Alarms are far less likely to be broken into) we live in the middle of nowhere but the house is often occupied at unusual times. We were unlucky.
Of course if you happen to disturb any burglars then both barrels from a 12 bore will slow there escape somewhat.....

Don't bother mate - just make sure they're insured.

You must check that you aren't under insured.
It's also worth checking with your insurance company that you have old for new cover and there are no get out clauses like a £2000 limit on individual items. It's best to go direct to an insurance company rather than going through a broker. You pay more but the more people you can cut out of the chain when you have a claim the better. I was burgled about 3 months ago. I still haven't recieved a full settlement from my insurers despite letters of complaint etc.

TBH, are you really going to want to use kit that's been thrown around in the back of a transit van?

Someone obviously does.

Best let them keep it! The insurance co will pay for brand new replacement gear anyway

All well and good but unfortunately LINN no longer build the CD12. And anyway do you really want someone going through your house?
Obviously you've never been burgled DT....

 

[dynamic turtle]

good point re the Linn. I guess you could argue that it cost you £12k to buy, and that you want an equivalent value replacement.

Indiviual limit increases are a pain, becasue they use it as an excuse to up the premium by an exhorbitant amount.

I have never been burgled. I'm hoping the flashing lights & shiny chrome of the hi-fi will distract them from taking sentimental items I truly value, that would be impossible to replace.

DT

 

[Mr Cat]

take photos, make notes of serial numbers, maybe get one of those floresent pens and write your postcode on the bottom etc..??

 

[AMc]

If you're serious then you can get cable locks designed for securing computer equipment with incredibly strong glue to attach mounting points.
For example...
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=SR04647&N=411

It will not be that pretty and presumably would devalue your kit?

 

[Mr Cat]

yeah, that and the WAF...they normally go ape with the cables as it is...

 

[alexs2]

Computer type security cables and locks are one solution,as are good locks on your doors,and placing your gear out of direct sight.

In the end,though,all of these will simply slow down or hopefully deter a thief,and once in your house,anything remotely moveable is a target.
Most are allegedly opportunists,and "proper" burglars will usually spend some time looking around an area and working out the comings and goings before having a try...the only thing that works there is insurance,and/or dogs,preferably large ones.

Seriously though,pictures,and serial numbers,plus receipts if possible will be very useful for keeping the insurance company from shortchanging you,so those are well worth the small effort to retain.

 

[KoThreads]

I've no wife to think of but I was burgled in 88 and some, the best bits, of the hi-fi were taken.

I've since had DG and an alarm fitted, when I go out and the curtains are open i cover it all with a table cloth that when viewed from the path blends it in with the nets, it's hard to see.

I've also got all 7 bits of kit on a 7 shelf Target rack, all tied to either side pillar by long nylon cable ties.

They couldn't carry the lot and it would take a long time to cut or dismantle anything.

According to statistics most are over in 3 minutes. They can't be bothered by anything that's going to take time or make noise. So just make it as difficult as possible.

 

[dynamic turtle]

Seriously though,pictures,and serial numbers,plus receipts if possible will be very useful for keeping the insurance company from shortchanging you,so those are well worth the small effort to retain.

I take photos of everything in the house regularly and store them on the computer at work (which is backed-up daily), not the laptop/pc at home (for obvious reasons!!) This includes detailed pictures of music, game & dvd collections, hi-fi, clothes, jewellery, absolutely everything.

DT

 

[alexs2]

I take photos of everything in the house regularly and store them on the computer at work (which is backed-up daily), not the laptop/pc at home (for obvious reasons!!) This includes detailed pictures of music, game & dvd collections, hi-fi, clothes, jewellery, absolutely everything.

DT

I dont think I'm that good at keeping records,but have got most of the receipts,and serial numbers etc....good luck also to any thief trying to run off with a set of Krells and a 50Kg angry dog chasing him.

 

[Knightshade]

I was lucky (If you can call it that) in the fact that most of my photos were on a server which is in the loft. They didn't get that far... Photographic evidence, receipts and manuals are all good for insurance companies.
Alex is right. All you can do is deter the opportunist. But no matter what security you have, if they really want it there is nothing you can do.
I reckon they were in and out in about 5 minutes. Quite a good hourly rate when you look at it like that.....

 

[Timbo21]

I take photos of everything in the house regularly ..... This includes detailed pictures of music, game & dvd collections, hi-fi, clothes, jewellery, absolutely everything.

DT

I'd love to see the insurers faces as you showed them pictures of your socks & undies

 

[Exmouse]

Cheers for the advice. Some interesting thoughts. I guess with electrical gear it's best ot just let it go as it's easier to get it replaced. Whereas the more personal stuff needs better securing. Have taken photos of paintings and things but hadn't thought to take any of the hifi set up. A job for the morning.

 

[dynamic turtle]

I'd love to see the insurers faces as you showed them pictures of your socks & undies

It's the whips & chains they should be worried about

DT

 

[Timbo21]

It's the whips & chains they should be worried about

DT

Irreplaceable .

Still you should be able to secure them easily enough. Just make sure that you're not attached to them. That would give any burglars an interesting surprise

 

[AMc]

Pictures are good - especially if you have a large collection of DVDs and CDs as it can be hard to prove what you had. We just got HMV vouchers equating to £11 per CD and £20 per DVD (it was a while back).

The forensics bloke who fingerprinted our said that post coding electrical items was only useful if they caught someone red handed - it's unlikely you'll see your stuff back as so little is recovered before it gets passed on.

He did take an impression of the crowbar marks on the door as they were hoping to catch the so and so and link the burglaries together - out of 56 flats more than half were burgled in a couple of months, and in most cases he/she came back for a second go if they didn't replace the door.

All the fault of the developer who fitted interior doors on the flats - you could literally puch your way through if you wanted to

The coppers did say that securing the doors and windows was a good idea but if you're stuff was bolted down you might come back to a smashed up flat instead of a space under the TV. If they can't nick it they'll trash it which might be more upsetting?

 

[dynamic turtle]

The coppers did say that securing the doors and windows was a good idea but if you're stuff was bolted down you might come back to a smashed up flat instead of a space under the TV. If they can't nick it they'll trash it which might be more upsetting?

And hopefully they'd get electrocuted in the process. I certainly wouldn't want to crowbar a power amp with 100,000 microFarad capacitor banks. Would get a very nasty shock indeed!!

DT

 

[Triggaaar]

If your gear is tied down, they may just break if they can't take it.

And if they know you have a dog, it only takes a piece of meat to keep them happy - hopefully not poisoned.

I friend kept his Nisan Skyline in the car park by his flat. He had Cat5 running to it, and cameras hidden. Police couldn't believe it, new the thieves, and got it back for him immediately. Can't be that expensive or difficult to hide cctv in your house these days.

 

[alexs2]

If your gear is tied down, they may just break if they can't take it.

And if they know you have a dog, it only takes a piece of meat to keep them happy - hopefully not poisoned.

I friend kept his Nisan Skyline in the car park by his flat. He had Cat5 running to it, and cameras hidden. Police couldn't believe it, new the thieves, and got it back for him immediately. Can't be that expensive or difficult to hide cctv in your house these days.

Good point re CCTV....I know a few people who use a PC based system with pics taken via a webcam every 15-30 s,(or whatever they choose),and then sent to a remote server.
Simpler versions using just a PC and webcam plus software wouldnt be that difficult to arrange.

 

[dynamic turtle]

Good point re CCTV....I know a few people who use a PC based system with pics taken via a webcam every 15-30 s,(or whatever they choose),and then sent to a remote server.
Simpler versions using just a PC and webcam plus software wouldnt be that difficult to arrange.

I think my female flatmates might kick-up a fuss

DT

 

[AMc]

If you want to do the CCTV thing then you can do it very cheaply these days.
I really think that taking sensible precautions about door and window locks and being adequately insured are the best you can do. I refuse to turn my house into a big brother style fortress - burglars belong behind bars!

 

[Triggaaar]

I refuse to turn my house into a big brother style fortress

While I'd agree with the principle, being burgled is such a pain, that the fortress doesn't seem so bad.

burglars belong behind bars!

Indeed. It's madness to think how much we all have to spend because of thieves - home & car insurance, security at home (fitting locks etc) and car alarms, and then there's all the money we spend on the police. Damn humans!

 

[Timbo21]

I think my female flatmates might kick-up a fuss

DT

Hide Them

 

[Knightshade]

I think my female flatmates might kick-up a fuss

DT

Flatmates? How many are we talking about here DT????