Property in London is inevitably subject to targeting by both opportunists and professionals. It’s perfectly possible, however, to implement simple security measures to protect your assets and your family without disrupting your lifestyle.
Protect yourself, your family and your home.
Irrespective of your public profile, it’s worth conducting a professional security and lifestyle review to assess your risk exposure.
The recommendations resulting from a review will range from the creation of a basic procedural security plan through to a multilayered physical and technical security system. This might incorporate monitored CCTV and/or an intruder alarm system. If your risk exposure is a little higher, you could also consider physical security measures such as reinforced doors and windows, or a secure room.
Don’t ignore the cyber threat.
An all-encompassing security review will also take into account IT and online aspects. Many security systems, such as CCTV, are easily accessible over the internet since it is used for communication with monitoring and response services – it’s critical that these online systems are secured and cannot be breached.
It’s also important to consider that many of your assets may be electronic files stored on your computers or communications sent from your devices which can be stolen remotely. Ensuring you have a strong cyber-security position is critical in both avoiding and defending against modern threats.
Understand the threat. Design accordingly.
The key to residential security is understanding the level and type of threat to which you and your property are exposed. A comprehensive risk assessment that measures threats and identifies vulnerabilities will result in a targeted security plan. The most professional systems, as well as ensuring maximum security for all occupants, will achieve the right balance of ease of use, peace of mind and unobtrusiveness.
Providers of holistic security for families and their property will be able to offer a full spectrum of services including crisis management, 24-hour emergency hotlines, threat briefings, residential security teams, technical surveillance inspections and staff or family training.
Middleton advice. It’s critical to seek the best guidance possible to provide certainty that the right level of protection is in place.
Thanks: Ben Ashwell, Head of Private Client Security Services, Salamanca Group.
Advice papers. Middleton Advice is a series of top-level answers to questions that are often raised over the course of our client relationships. It’s important to note that you should not proceed with any investment decision on the basis of the advice contained in these papers without further consultation with Middleton or other professional advisors. Information accurate at publication date of October 2015.