Summer is almost in full swing and that means more days spent outside in the garden, more nights spent with the windows open, and more weeks or weekends spent away. But what does this mean for the security of your home?
Summertime can be seen as golden for thieves and criminals as we can get distracted by the sunnier weather and warmer temperatures. Whether you’ve booked to go on holiday for a week or two or just spend a lot of time in your back garden, we’ve got some ways to help keep your home secure as possible this summer.
Make your home look natural
It’s a good idea to create the impression that someone is still home, particularly when you’ve gone on holiday for a weekend or a few weeks. You want to make your house look as lived in as possible whilst you’re out of it to help prevent your house from being targeted.
From leaving curtains and blinds open to leaving a little bit of mess in the living room, you can help to deter thieves. Opportunistic burglars won’t see any opportunity in a house that’s got someone in it!
Keep them shut
Don’t go leaving your doors or windows open when you can’t see them. If you’re going to have them open, you should be able to keep an eye on them at all times. That way, you can make sure you don’t get any nasty surprises of break-ins or robberies.
Of course, when we hit summer it’s becomes more and more common for you to keep your windows open when you are sleeping. However, it’s widely known that majority of domestic burglaries happen at night. If you’re concerned about your household in this way, you should install some sort of restriction on your windows so they can’t be opened wide enough for someone to climb in.
Be on guard
If you are simply schmoozing in the back garden and enjoying the sun, be careful not to get too relaxed. Keep an eye and an ear out as much as you can so you can see or hear anyone approaching the house – it might be guests for your barbeque party but better to be safe than sorry.
A recent development in security technology means you can even install a security camera at the front of your house and connect it to your smart phone. This is great for when you’re out in the back garden, out at the shops, or even sunbathing in Spain!
Keep valuables out of sight
Whilst expensive pottery and glassware is great for decoration, it’s not a good idea for you to leave them within strangers’ gazes when you’re away. If you’ve got them displayed openly on your windowsill without your watchful eye, you risk unwanted attention from criminals and the consequences.
Double up on locks
Don’t be afraid to go all out on your locks – they are off-putting to even the cleverest, strongest and slyest of thieves. As one of their biggest obstacles, your house will benefit from visible locks. Nothing says ‘you’re not getting in here’ more than quality locks on your doors and windows.
Inform your neighbours
If you are going away for a few days or more, you should inform your neighbours, or your friends and family that are local. It’s best to keep them in the loop about your whereabouts so they know to watch out for any unusual activity.
You could even give them a spare key for them to give your house the once round every so often whilst you’re away. For example, they could pick up your post as, after all, the last thing you want is the tell-tale sign of post piling up by your door.
Play with lighting
Another tactic that can be linked to making your house appear ‘lived in’ is to play around with your lighting. Having the porch light constantly off can be a giveaway that your house is empty, but leaving it on can be costly.
If possible, it’s worthwhile playing around with your lighting’s settings. You can use a timer to make it come on at certain points in the night. A bright light coming on is a sure-fire way to scare off any burglars!
Set your alarm
Having an alarm set while you’re away or out of the house is an obvious option for home security. Not only is it a way to deter criminals, it’s also a way to raise awareness to your neighbours immediately. This provides you with the reassurance that your house is at minimal risk.
There are so many options for home security these days, and it’s worthwhile making the most of them. Having your house targeted by criminals can be both traumatic and expensive, so investing in quality technology (and locks) is very sensible.
Have home insurance
Along with having household alarms, homeowners should have a home insurance policy in place. In the unfortunate circumstance of theft, or even natural disasters like flooding, you can be covered. There are so many home insurance policies out there, so shop around and find one that suits you, your situation and your budget.
If you’ve already got a policy in place, make sure you check through all the details so you can confirm what is protected in your household and what’s not. You want to be able to claim for any losses if you suffer from any unfortunate situation like robbery, fire or flooding.
Keep your valuables elsewhere
One way to save money on your home insurance, and to give you the ultimate peace of mind, is to keep your valuables out of the house in a safe place. Hiding your valuables under your bed doesn’t give you the security you need when it comes to experienced or even not-so-experienced thieves.
By investing in a safety deposit box, you can be assured that your most valuable possessions are under tight security 24 hours a day. The high-level security system of vaults and safety deposit boxes means you can feel at ease wherever you are, and even offer you the convenience of accessing your box whenever you want.
To find out more about how you could benefit from a safety deposit box, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sentinel Vaults right here.
Just how secure are your valuables at home? With the unfortunate rise in crimes like break-ins and burglaries, as well as natural disasters like floods, your home may not be as safe as you think it is for all of your most valuable possessions.
There has been a significant increase in the demand for safe deposit boxes for a number of reasons, all down to the unmatchable security and protection that they can provide. We look at why Sentinel Vaults is the best option for your valuables and most prized possessions. (more…)
Why use a safe deposit box?
Safe deposit box use is on the rise. People are increasingly seeing the need to store valuables in an external location, where they benefit from heightened security in the hands of professionals.
Storing items in a safe deposit box frees you from anxiety about important and valuable items all being kept in your house, where they are at risk from burglars, fires and flooding. (more…)
With over 26,000 homes burgled in Ireland each year, it is crucial to know that your savings and valuables are safe and secure. There are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of being a victim of burglaries.
- Safe Deposit Boxes
- Window Security
- Door Security
- Alarms
- Flats and Apartments Security
- Safe Deposit Boxes
Jewellery and cash are the most commonly taken items, and it is recommended that only small amounts of cash should be kept in the home. While there are a number places in the home to store savings and valuable items; i.e. a loft, a home safe, a hole in the ground, etc, these options are not secure and are vulnerable locations when it comes to potential intruders. StopTheBurglar.ie recommends Sentinel Vaults, who offer peace of mind by providing state-of-the-art, modern security to keep savings, gold, jewellery, heirlooms, wills, deeds and other sensitive documents safe and secure.
Sentinel Vaults is the only safe deposit box facility in Ireland that is certified, registered and accredited. This shows that Sentinel Vaults have passed strict due diligence and compliance to operate as custodians of safekeeping. It is imperative that customers realise the importance of using an accredited, certified and registered safe deposit box facility.
- Window Security
A general rule to follow is that the handle should not be the only means of keeping the window closed. A locking system should be fitted within the framework and the handle is used as a means of engaging the internal locking system.
Windows are one of the weakest entry points in the home so it’s good practice to invest in some security for your windows especially on the ground level. StopTheBurglar.ie recommends the following:
NoGo Window Pane Lock
With the NoGo Window Lock the discreet lock is fixed to the inside of the upvc or wooden double glazed window frame, securing it and making it impossible for the glass panel to be removed.
Window Restrictors
The Window Restrictor is ideal for restricting the opening of a window for child safety or security. Restrictors are perfect for rooms that regularly require ventilation i.e Bathroom. Burglars prefer houses that they can get in and out of as quickly as possible.
Sash Window Lock
The Sash Jammer/ Sash Guard window lock is a simple and easy to fit additional security device for your upvc windows or doors. The Sash Jammer / Guard simply screws into the frame of your door or window and the arm pushes over the opening part of your window or door preventing it from being forced open.
Security Windows
Bulletproof windows that are tested to withstand the impact of 9mm handgun shells fired from close range. The bulletproof window may be specified for individual areas of your home or a total external and internal security solution featuring security windows and doors at key points throughout the house.
- Door Security
According to recent crime statistics front doors are the burglar’s preferred point of entry into the home. Therefore, when considering enhancing security around the home, doors should be one of the top priorities. You can improve home security by making simple adjustments to your front door. StopTheBurglar.ie recommends the following:
Security Doors
Security doors are manufactured to the highest quality standard (EN1627 European Standard) and contain the best locking systems to keep your family and property safe. These security doors use a combination of steel and wood to provide strength and resistance to unpredictable weather.
Door Reinforcement Bar
In Ireland, front doors open inwards, making it very easy for the burglar to enter your home by forcing the door and frame or kicking it in. Secure Locking Bars will stop a burglar kicking in your door to enter and rob your home. These are a cost effective solution to secure your doors without changing your existing door. The bars can take the pressure of the frame which is the weakest part of any door.
Euro Profile Cylinders
StoptheBurglar’s range of Mottura high quality Euro Profile Cylinders are bump resistant, snap resistant, drill resistant and pick resistant. The cylinder shell is protected by a specially patented anti-wrench reinforcement, making it even more resistant to attempted break-ins and forced extraction of the cylinder.
Door Chains
While it may be easy to bolt on or screw-on locks and bolts to wooden doors, for most PVC door manufacturers if you tamper with the actual door frame it voids your warranty. If you have a uPVC door that needs a simple but extremely effective security chain then the Secure Ring is ideal as it doesn’t void your warranty and provides extra strength where you need it.
French Door Lock
Patlock’s French door lock and conservatory double door lock is a home security product and the ultimate visual deterrent for would be intruders, while providing home owners with instant peace of mind.
Sliding Patio Door Lock
The most common security weakness with sliding patio doors is to be found in their fitting along the running rails. In some instances it is possible to lift the door completely out of the running rail. The placement and angle of the door lock prevents the door from being lifted up and also prevents the door being pulled out.
- Alarms
Alarm systems are a worthwhile investment in the protection of your home and family. Studies reveal that it is far less likely that you will become the victim of a burglary at home if you have a correctly fitted and well maintained burglar alarm. It is important not to just have an alarm installed, but also have it monitored and use it even when you are at home. StopTheBurglar.ie recommends NCFS Alarms.
NCFS Alarms are PSA licensed and have a wide variety of burglar alarms to add to your residential security system to help give you more peace of mind and better burglary protection in your home than ever before.
- Flats and Apartments Security
Burglars will often target blocks of flats because they can easily gain access to them through a communal entrance, which may have poor access control. Once inside they will often go straight to the top floor flats first, as there is less likelihood of passers by seeing them whilst they break in.
Main front doors of apartment blocks with auto entry with a key code or fob should not be mistaken as security doors and not to be depended on for your security. Strangers can enter too easily and doors and frames of apartments are not strong enough to withstand being kicked in, or the door cylinder snapped or bumped.
Experts say that the wood used in apartment entrance doors and frames will not keep the burglar out, therefore, StopTheBurglar.ie offer a range of options to be added to existing apartment doors to give the door and frame more security.
A house deed or title deed is a legal document that records who owns a particular property. It is important to keep these valuable documents safe as you will need them if you want to sell your property. They may also be needed should you wish to settle disputes with your neighbours about the boundaries of your land.
If your property is mortgaged, the bank may keep the house deed until the mortgage has been fully repaid. When the final payment on your mortgage has been made, the bank will then hand over the house deed to you to signify that you have become the owner of the property. You then have to decide how you will store the house deed safely.
The majority of solicitors do not want to hold house deeds for safekeeping as there is much risk involved on their part. If the deeds were to become lost or damaged while with the solicitor, the property owner would hold the solicitor responsible. For similar reasons, banks no longer provide a safekeeping service for new or existing clients. It is for these reasons that many people are choosing to store house deeds in their homes, however, this too can be a high risk option.
There are a number of dangers associated with storing house deeds at home. The documents are exposed to risk of theft, flood or fire and are very expensive and time consuming to have replaced. Even home safes are prime targets for potential burglars and can be a liability.
Sentinel Vaults is the country’s first and only independent safety deposit box facility inside a bank vault and offers both safe deposit boxes and document safekeeping services.
Discreetly situated among embassies, financial institutions and other reputable businesses on the prestigious Waterloo Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Sentinel Vaults is open 7 days a week and secure VIP parking is available.
The facility is manned onsite by highly trained staff and is monitored 24/7 by Chubb Security. This original bank vault has been upgraded, reinforced and fortified using the latest technology in security and construction, with consultation by Chubb Ireland. The underground vault contains two VDS graded vault doors, surpassing standards set by any other bank vaults, along with Sentinel Vaults’ sophisticated 6 Level Security System, making it one of the most secure vaults in the world.
Sentinel Vaults offer title deed storage from as little as €125 per year, and have a number of options to cater for every need. For more information or to arrange an appointment, visit www.sentinelvaults.ie or call 01-667 8370.
Bullion Storage
Gold and silver bullion is popular with investors all over the world and many financial experts encourage the use of gold and silver in investment portfolios. Private individuals use bullion primarily as an investment or potential store of value. Gold bullion and silver bullion are the most important forms of physical precious metals investments. Bullion investments are often considered as insurance against inflation or economic turmoil.
For private and retail investors who purchase bullion, it is crucial that your investments are protected and stored securely. Home storage can be high risk and could result in you losing your investment or life savings. Sentinel Vaults’ specialised safe deposit boxes are an ideal storage solution, and we cater for all quantities of bullion.
Data Storage
Secure storage of intellectual property and digital data is crucial from both a business and personal aspect. Sentinel Vaults specialises in protecting your data, while giving you privacy, confidentiality and complete control of your storage.
Back-up storage of business information and data is a crucial part of business continuity plans, which ensure your business will continue to function in the event of any disruptions to your normal operational capacity. Your data will be stored in individual safe deposit boxes that can be accessed only by you or your staff as needed, and Sentinel Vaults guarantees your data is protected against intrusion.
Irreplaceable Possessions / Sentimental Items
Irreplaceable possessions and items of sentimental value will mean different things to different people. Typical examples of such items include jewellery, medals, old photos, wedding videos, and family heirlooms
Theft, loss and natural disasters such as flooding or fire can mean these precious items are gone forever. Sentinel Vaults can ensure your items are kept safe and protected against all eventualities, while offering you peace of mind. Our safe deposit boxes within a former AIB bank vault guarantees a secure, trusted and private service, and gives our clients unlimited access to their belongings, 7 days a week.
Irish Stamps and Coins
Sentinel Vaults is the preferred choice for collectors in Ireland, particularly among Irish philatelic and numismatic experts.
Stamp and coin collections have a deep, rich history, and to preserve that history your collection needs to be stored properly. Collectables such as these carry huge sentimental value, but the monetary value that a properly stored stamp or coin collection will provide to you or your heirs somewhere down the line can be quite significant. Most stamps and coins will react negatively to a variety of different environmental factors, thus decreasing their condition and value. Our specially designed safe deposit boxes ensure these factors don’t become an issue.
Antiques, Rare Books and Artwork
Home storage of antiques, rare books and artwork can lead to a variety of problems that may affect the value and condition of such items. Even the most attentive owner is at risk of damage to his/her historical items if they are not properly stored.
Humidity is one such risk. Metals, paper, paint, etc. are all made up of chemicals, some of which react when they come in contact with water. Water vapour is all around us in varying degrees, and can seep into just about anything. Varying temperatures can also have a damaging effect. Acids that are emitted from everyday items such as cleaning supplies and adhesives, and air pollution from surrounding buildings, vehicles, etc. can have a disastrous impact.
At Sentinel, our vault is monitored to prevent any damage caused by temperature, humidity or harmful gases.
Bitcoins
Bitcoins are growing in popularity, particularly with recent media coverage. While they are largely used by investors and speculators who look at it as a way of making money; buying bitcoins at low prices and selling them when their value increases, there is a growing trend of businesses, such as WordPress, accepting bitcoins as a form of payment.
Sentinel Vaults is the only facility for bitcoin cold storage/offline storage in Ireland that is certified by the Safety Deposit Association and the Financial Conduct Authority. Methods of cold storage include keeping bitcoins:
- On a USB drive or other data storage devices.
- On a paper wallet, created by printing a private key onto paper.
- On a “bearer item” such as a physical bitcoin.
Our safe deposit boxes and document safekeeping services offer secure, risk-free options for bitcoin storage.
• Sentinel Vaults to provide peace of mind for less than one euro a day
• Five jobs to be created with new venture
A PRIVATE, high security vault offering people safe storage for their valuables at a cost of less than one euro a day opened its doors in Dublin today, (Thursday October 10th.) Sentinel Vaults is a high-tech, underground storage facility based in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. It is a secure and convenient alternative to a service traditionally, but no longer, offered by high street banks.
Sentinel Vaults is providing thousands of safety deposit boxes of different sizes for householders and business people who want to store cash, jewellery, family heirlooms, valuable electronic data and important documents. It is also targeting the growing number of people who are holding their assets and wealth in gold coins and bullion bars.
Five jobs will be initially created with the new venture and the company expects this number to grow in the next 12 months. The facility opened for bookings by appointment on Monday of this week and is fully operational from today.
The new service comes when the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show there were 26,211 recorded break-ins in Ireland to the year to the end of June, and 77,022 thefts in the same period. Sentinel Vaults, based in St. Martin’s house on Waterloo Road on the junction with Upper Baggot Street utilises the most sophisticated and impenetrable security system available anywhere in the world. It has a high security alarm and bio metric system, allowing only customers to have access to the boxes. Boxes come in different sizes starting from €299 euros a year.
The savings or deposits are completely independent of any bank and only the key holder will know the contents. Valuables can be accessed by key holders at any time during office hours.
According to Billy Finn, Managing Director of Sentinel Vaults and a former senior banker with AIB, the new service is filling a huge demand in the market for private and convenient security and is an alternative to what was traditionally provided by high street banks.
“People are more and more security conscious and for the first time they now have a low-cost alternative to storing their valuables. It is impossible to put a price on peace of mind which is what renting one of our deposit boxes brings.”
He added: “Our vaults are not reserved for high-end clients. We are targeting all people who have valuables they want stored, with our safety deposit boxes starting in price at only €299 a year. That works out at just €25 a month or less than a euro a day.”
“Our deposit boxes will be able to accommodate a wide range of valuables from jewellery to precious family heirlooms and paintings to important documents such as property deeds. With so much vital information now being stored on electronic devices this is also the perfect place to store memory discs and computer data in a safe and secure environment.”
For total peace of mind the contents of the boxes can be insured, directly by client, (excluding cash), up to a limit of €100,000 per box. Additional boxes can be rented if cover for more than this figure is required. Mr. Finn expects that a substantial amount of Sentinel’s business will come from the increasing numbers of people who are transferring their assets into gold bullion. They are also targeting foreign students who need safe storage for their valuables while they are studying in Ireland.
Sentintel Vaults is based in a former AIB building constructed to the highest security standards.
Dublin’s football heroes vowed today to secure Sam Maguire well beyond next September.
All-Ireland winning team members took Sam on a visit to Ireland’s first private security vault to pick up valuable tactics on keeping him safe, and in the capital, for as long as possible!
Team stars Jack McCaffrey, Paul Mannion and Darragh Nelson popped into Sentinel Vaults, on Waterloo Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, to check out the new state-of-the-art, high tech, security facility.
Sentinel recently opened its doors, offering thousands of safety deposit boxes of different sizes for storing cash, jewellery, family heirlooms, valuable electronic data and important documents.
It is an underground secure storage facility in a prime, convenient location – an alternative to a service traditionally, but no longer, offered by high street banks.
According to Sentinel Vaults, the new facility is ideal for sportspeople who want to keep their valuable medals and trophies in a safe place. ”A facility like ours is ideal. With easy access, valuables can be stored safely when not in use. You can’t buy peace of mind, especially of you are a Dublin footballer!”
Recently World Walking champion, Rob Heffernan, had his precious gold medal robbed from his car while he was overnighting in Dublin. Happily the medal was retrieved the next day.
The Dublin football stars were impressed with the safety features in Sentinel. “This would be one way of ensuring we keep Sam in Dublin. Just put him under lock and key here. No other County would get a look in!”
Sentinel Vaults is based is based at the junction of Waterloo Road and Upper Baggot Street. It utilises the most sophisticated and impenetrable security system available anywhere in the world. It has a high security alarm and bio metric system, allowing only customers to have access to the boxes.
A Sentinel Safe Deposit Box starts at €299 a year.
Please contact a member of our sales team or visit the Sentinel Vaults Marketing Suite on the corner of Baggot Street Upper and Waterloo Road to secure your safety deposit box.
