Recently there has been an increased volume of residential and business break ins via roofs.
Many roofs have become the weakest point-of-entry and burglars are taking advantage of this at both business and residential premises.
After gaining access to the inside of the roof, the burglars frequently locate the alarm system by following cables in the roof and then proceed to rip out or cut all cables to disable the alarm system. In some cases burglars first break into a bathroom where there are usually no alarm sensors and break into the roof from there.
The alarm system normally sends a final alarm signal to the monitoring company before it goes offline. It is imperative that when an alarm is triggered a keyholder visits the site together with the Armed Response Unit. For safety the armed response unit will first clear the building before the keyholder inspects the premises together with the armed response unit to ensure there are no indications of forced entry and to check that the alarm system is fully functional.
Tactics used by Rooftop Burglars
ENTER THE YARD EASILY AND UNDETECTED
Unlocked gates, dark areas and hiding places provide easy access and cover for burglars entering your yard.
PREVENTION
- Make sure that all gates and entrance ways are secured and kept locked.
- Install outside lights to illuminate the areas outside the building.
- Trim shrubs and trees to minimize concealment opportunities.
FINDING EASY ACCESS INTO YOUR ROOF
Rooftop burglars look for easy access to your roof. A ladder left outside or a trash bin, jojo tank or tree close to the property can all provide and easy way to access the rooftop. Unsecured and loose tiles, roof sheeting and entrances provide easy access to your roof. Where the roof is inaccessible some burglars break into a bathroom (where there are usually no sensors) and then break through the ceiling into the roof area from inside.
PREVENTION
- Walk around your home and make sure there are no ladders, rubbish bins, jojo tanks or other objects burglars can use to more easily climb up onto the roof.
- Trim or cut down trees close the building which can be used to gain access to the roof.
- Ensure that tiles and roofing sheets are well secured and difficult to remove.
- Secure skylights, ducts and hatches on the exterior of the building.
- Install beams or motion sensors on the exterior of the building to detect approaching intruders.
- Minimize areas not covered by alarm sensors.
DISABLE THE ALARM SYSTEM AND CCTV
Once the burglars gain access to the inside roof area they follow cables to locate the security and CCTV systems where they will rip out or cut all cables to disable the equipment. The alarm system normally sends a final alarm signal to the monitoring company before it goes offline, but may not send any further alerts.
PREVENTION
- It is thus crucial for keyholders to meet the armed response unit onsite and thoroughly check the whole premises even if only one alarm signal was sent.
- The response unit can assist you in checking that the alarm system is fully functional and can still send signals to the control room.
- Install motion detectors or beams in the roof area to detect intrusion.
WAIT IT OUT
Burglars will very often break in to the premises via the roof, trigger the alarm, then hide away waiting for the Armed Reaction Unit and keyholder to check the premises. If the keyholder fails to arrive, the Armed Reaction Unit can only check outside around the premises.
PREVENTION
- Again, your consistent and disciplined response to alarms is key. The keyholder should always meet the armed response unit to allow them to enter the premises for a thorough inspection.
- Never conduct a search of the premises alone! Wait for the armed response unit to arrive and secure all areas before entering.
- With the armed response team ensure that the alarm system is still functioning fully and sending signals to the control room.
- Remember the only way to check what activated the alarm is going inside the property to investigate all areas especially the areas where alarm sensors were triggered.
EXPLOIT SYSTEM VULNERABILITIES
Techniques used by criminals evolve over time and they are constantly seeking vulnerabilities to exploit, especially with older systems and installations. Any security evaluation that was done years ago may not be adequate today.
PREVENTION
- It is crucial to ensure that your security system is up to date and installed in a way that address the various tactics and techniques used by burglars.
- Electronic Security Systems have been in existence for many years and both the technology and the way security systems have advanced. Have your security company evaluate your system to determine if is still working correctly and able to safeguard against traditional and modern day criminals.
The importance of Keyholders to diligently and constantly respond to alarms cannot be stressed enough. Without being able to access the whole exterior and interior of premises the Armed Response Unit cannot fully perform their duties.
More so in winter it is important that key holders go out to the premises to provide access to all areas as burglars are aware that key holders are reluctant to come out in the middle of the night in the freezing cold and capitalize on this.
The vast majority of successful theft during break-ins can be prevented if a Keyholder is notified of an alarm and meets the Armed Response Units onsite.
Contact TSS today to assess your alarm system and installation to ensure you are fully protected.
