With the advent of home alarm systems linked to CCTV it appears that too many homeowners are failing to consider the importance of securing their home from the outside – as well as from the inside. Installing a strong, attractive, secure perimeter fence and gate with good locks, will act as an effective first line of defence to deter and prevent thieves from gaining access to your home and its contents. Thieves will typically consider the ability to make a fast unhindered exit from a property a high priority - either to enable a quick escape with stolen goods or simply to avoid capture – so designing the perimeter fence and gate to make it difficult to enter and exit will make your property far less attractive to a thief.
The recently reported attempt to break into Premier League football star Jermaine Pennant’s home is a good example of the significance in getting this "external" security right. Raiders tried to crash through the front gate to Pennant’s property but despite three attempts, the gate did its job in terms of making it difficult for the thieves to access the property and eventually they fled the scene with nothing to show for their efforts. If only the other recently targeted high profile Premier League stars had adopted a similarly thorough approach to their home security, they could easily have been saved the worry and cost associated with a successful break-in.
Jacksons Fencing – a leading UK manufacturer and installer of security fencing and access solutions - has designed and installed security perimeter residential fencing and gates for a number of high profile personalities including Premier League footballers, homes of ambassadors, celebrities, captains of industry and even a former F1 World Champion. Most importantly, the company makes every effort NOT to create fortresses, but rather, focuses on providing an effective front line defence that allows the occupants to deter, delay and detect would be intruders and to protect their families and property.
Minimise the risk to personal safety, theft, kidnapping and invasion of privacy
Richard Jackson C.E.O. Commenting on the importance of perimeter security and access solutions, Richard Jackson, Chief Executive of Jacksons Fencing says “sadly in the current economic climate, it is likely that the crime rate will rise and the homes of ‘those that have’ will increasingly be targeted by those who ‘have not’, so now more than ever, it makes sense to review the security of your home. In addition, we are living in a society where there has been a significant increase in the number of “ultra high net worth” individuals in the UK and as a result there is a greater demand for increased levels of security to minimise the risk to personal safety, theft, kidnapping and invasion of privacy. In general, homeowners need to focus more attention on creating a ring of security around their property to deter intruders from ever gaining access to the house itself’.
What should you consider?
In practical terms, when selecting fencing it is important that the design, basic structure, posts and quality of fittings are sufficiently sturdy to frustrate attempts to push over, remove panels/parts, kick-through or climb over.
Security Comb on tongue & groove panel A total fence height of less than 1.8m would prove to be an ineffective deterrent as it could be easily scaled and objects could be passed over the top with ease. Where possible and subject to planning permission, we would recommend a fence height of 2-2.4m or at least to add a Security Comb or other security deterrent to the top of the fence.
Rear view of Chilham Gate showing galvanized hinges. Equal consideration should be given to pedestrian and driveway gates. A framed pedestrian gate with a good lock will prove to be more resilient to attack than an unframed design. Always select gates with galvanized adjustable hinges to ensure that it closes correctly and that the latch and locks can engage effectively.
Hythe courtyard gates Driveway gates should be substantial and feature adjustable hinges, good locks and if they are of a swing design, feature a good quality drop-bolt. Automated operation is not only a convenience but also a good personal safety feature, allowing you to enter your property without having to turn your back to the road or leave the safety of your car. There are a number of access control options available to provide you with the flexibility to design an automated gate system to suit your needs and lifestyle.
All Jacksons automated gate installations conform with the EU Machinery Directive. There are some other important considerations when selecting gate automation. Automated gates, including those in residential use need to conform to The EU Machinery Directive and be CE marked accordingly. Often, unscrupulous companies will sell or retrofit a gate automation package and claim that it meets with the directive when it doesn’t. Both the gate and the automation need to conform, not one or the other. Attaching CE approved automation to a CE approved gate will not mean that the combination meets the safety requirements of the directive and in the unlikely event of an accident, you could be liable for damages.
Timber or steel, open or high privacy?
When it comes to choosing the right fence and gate combination for your home, think carefully whether an open railing style or high privacy boarded design would be most appropriate to your needs and the level of security you require.
Ornamental fencing and pedestrian gate. Our extensive range of steel vertical rail fencing and gates all feature a welded pale-through-rail design for strength and fully concealed panel to post fixings for security. The completed fencing panels and gates are first designed and manufactured before being hot dip galvanized to BS EN 1461. Once galvanized, you can choose to have the panels and gates powder coated to BS EN 13438 to any BS or RAL colour at additional cost.
Tongue and groove panels and Jakposts.If you choose timber fencing and gates for security, we would recommend our vertical tongue and groove effect panels with Jakposts as the entry level. The boards are 17mm thick and the vertical orientation makes the fence more difficult to climb. The panels are designed to be screw fixed to the Jakposts so once attached the panels and posts effectively form a chain, with each panel and post reinforcing the next.
Jakoustic Fencing and gates Further up the performance and price range, you’ll find our revolutionary Jakoustic fencing and gate system provides an integrated noise reduction barrier that delivers high security and privacy within a natural and attractive timber appearance. The 34mm thick boards and totally flat surface means that Jakoustic is difficult to cut through and highly resistant to climbing and acts of vandalism.
Railing panel gates and feather board panels. Our timber Courtyard gates for driveways and pedestrian access feature a galvanized steel frame and steel posts for added strength and stability, are timber clad on both sides and feature heavily galvanized and stainless steel fixings to provide a quality finish. They can be matched by our Tongue and Groove effect panels to provide an elegant frontage to your home with style, security and privacy.
Euroguard Combi fencing Finally we would like to introduce you to our new EuroGuard Combi a security fencing and gate system that brings Jackson’s experience and reputation in steel and timber together in a design that combines the beauty of natural wood with the strength of steel to create the perfect combination of higher security, privacy, style and value for homeowners.
Whether it’s for security, safety or simply to make a better first impression on the approach to your property, we can offer the quality of products and service to keep you, your family and your home safe and secure. And with our class leading 25 year Jakcure Guarantee on timber, 25 year Service Life Guarantee on steel and 25 month automation guarantee, you can be sure of not only saving money with the lowest life time cost of any fencing and gates available but also minimising your carbon footprint.
Jacksons products are covered by our guarantees For informed advice on perimeter security for your home, call our experts on 0800 408 2234, or visit our extensive displays at:
Jacksons Fencing, Head Office, Stowting Common, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6BN
Tel: 01233 750393
Dragon Hall, Whitchurch Rd, Chowley Tattenhall, Chester, CH3 9DU
Tel: 01829 770776
New Rock, Chilcompton, Bath, Somerset, BA3 4GJ
Tel. 01761 232666
