It does not pay to be complacent about securing one property. Scan the local papers and know that this is true, especially in a big city like Bangalore. A little forethought and minimal expense can make the difference. Here is some information about home security

In actual fact, ensuring the security of one’s home begins at the time when one is scanning the real estate market for a home. No amount of precautions can guarantee the safety of life, limb and possessions in an area known for ongoing criminal activity. Nor is it a good idea to choose a location of political unrest (and there are many such areas on the Bangalore real estate market). Information on an area’s general background can be obtained simply by asking certain pertinent questions in the neighborhood – deeper information should, ideally, be taken from its local police station. An honest real estate agent may also give a good estimate of the situation.

A personal inspection of the surroundings will also provide a lot of information – keep an eye open for signs of illicit alcohol or drug sale, and appraise the general population. Bangalore has typical locations where such activity is rampant - property in and around Tannery Road, for instance, should be avoided.

Next, ensure that the actual location of the property you intend to buy or rent is adequately lit with streetlights, and that there is regular police patrolling available. These are basic precautions that must be taken before deciding on buying a property on Bangalore's real estate market.

LEVEL - I

The first level of security is the property’s individual fencing or compound wall and the gate. Most housing societies are equipped with these, so buying or renting a flat in one of them automatically ensures a basic safeguard against intrusion. If the property stands alone and separate, such as a bungalow or rowhouse, it is obviously your responsibility to provide adequate compound protection. Spikes or broken glass embedded on a compound wall offers a great deal of security, and should be considered. A self-owned piece of residential real estate should also be supported by an alert watchman.

Locks and latches are worthy of close attention. 21st century Bangalore is experiencing considerable refinement in housebreaking techniques, and a seasoned burglar or forcible intruder is rarely foiled by cheap, substandard locks. This does not mean that one has to invest in complex Yale locks, or even the sturdy Chinese ones that are so much in favor – a multi-lever Godrej serves the purpose just as well. Basically, any lock can be forced or sawed open, but such a process takes a lot longer with a good quality lock.

Once you have established a comprehensive lock system, it is also important to keep track of the keys. Ideally, no copies should be made of them – a high quality lock usually comes equipped with three keys these days, and those should be sufficient. It is a bad security move to entrust copies keys to non-residents – even if they are personally trustworthy, they may inadvertently lend them out to individuals who are not. In a typical Bangalore situation, one key with the immediate neighbors should be enough to cover unforeseen eventualities.

In-house security is greatly helped by suitable deadbolts and window latches. In this respect, the kinds that the doors and windows of most flats are furnished with are sufficient. A restraining chain, however, is not known to discourage a determined intruder,

and often has nothing more than decorative value. A peephole fitted in the main door allows you to inspect each visitor before actually opening the door, and can prevent some unpleasant surprises. Ensure that the area outside the main entrance is well lit to allow easy inspection of arrivals.

All windows can and should be fitted with security bars or grilles. These come in various, attractive designs these days, and need not subtract from the aesthetics of the residence. Scan the Bangalore real estate/property section of your daily to discover what is on the market.

LEVEL - II

Bangalore's real estate scene is seeing a growing awareness of burglar alarms these days. Though the concept has not yet caught on a lot, such alarms are very useful. They present a major obstacle to the would-be burglar, since they involve hidden electrical connections that most common intruders cannot figure out. The very knowledge that a property is equipped with a hidden burglar alarm can be a major deterrent against burglary, and signs to that effect can be posted on the fence or compound wall.

However, avoid buying a home alarm from an unknown or unregistered outlet. An alarm system’s proper functioning and reliability depend on regular maintenance and periodic check-ups by a licensed company representative. When investing in a home alarm system, note all information about the period of warranty and provisions for regular servicing by the manufacturer, and establish that the vendor will follow up on these. In clearer terms, buying something like this from a fly-by-night operator at Burma Bazaar is definitely out.

LEVEL - III

There are other precautions that should become second nature to the safety-conscious resident. To begin with, never inform unconcerned parties – including the newspaper seller or milkman – of your exact schedule for the day, or of the exact length of any family vacations. Do not leave such kind of information on your telephone’s answering machine, either. If there are any repairs or modifications talking place in the residence, do not leave workmen unattended at any time – especially if the place has a burglar alarm that could be surreptitiously disconnected. Many have found that keeping a radio turned on and up while the home is unoccupied for certain periods of time is a good safeguard.

Read the ‘crime beat’ section of your newspaper regularly, and take note of any unusual or increased criminal activity in your locality. Psychologists tell us that a criminal almost always returns to the scene of the crime, usually for a repeat performance. If someone else in your housing society, or even your neighbor’s house, have been victimized, be doubly prepared and on guard.

Lastly, realize that burglary and theft can never be ruled out completely – no matter what precautions you take. With this in mind, keep an exact (and, if possible, photographic) record of all major valuables in the home. This can be very helpful for both retrieval by the police and for claiming insurance later on.