Some good advice

Gerry Sailes posted this note in my buzon in the hope that it will help others to make their homes more secure.

Dear Keith
As you are aware, burglars broke into Darren's property before Christmas and escaped over the adjoining fence which separates his property from ours. They managed to open our drive double gates even though they were locked.
All that was necessary was to lift the centre bolt that fits into the concrete and then pull on the gates, which duly opened.
Since this incident, we have had Pepe Lorente carry out a modification to secure the gates. A strong bolt has been fixed across the centre opening, so joining the two halves of the gate. This bolt can then be padlocked. To avoid potential robbers pulling up the bolt which enters the concrete, a steel bar is attached on to one of the gates so that when both gates are shut, the bar is directly above the centre bolt so cannot be opened. The charge for this modification by Pepe Lorente was €30.
I would urge anyone to stand outside their double gates and check if it is possible, with the aid of a pair of pliers or by hand, to lift the centre bolt. If it is possible then all you need to do is lean on the gates for them to fly open. Anyone can now enter the garden of the property.
Many people have gates with imitation hedging attached to them, but this does not stop a determined person from getting his hand on the bolt. The space between the bottom of the gate and the ground also allows for pliers to be used to turn the bolt to a position whereby it can be lifted.
Just lift the centre bolt and push from outside to demonstrate how easily these gates can be opened.
Hope this proves of assistance to people on the estate.

Kind regards Gerry Sailes

Many thanks Gerry for the excellent advice. Stopping the thieves from gaining easy access to your property is the obvious way to prevent them from breaking into your house.

If anyone else has any ideas that I can pass on please let me know.