Buying at Montes Court is as safe as houses

Retirement specialist McCarthy & Stone celebrated winning a prestigious Secured by Design Award for its Montes Court development in Coventry, by inviting West Midlands Police to talk to visitors about safeguarding their properties.

On Thursday 3rd December Inspector Mark Stokes and Sergeant Andy Gregory, of the Force Crime Reduction Team, gave a presentation about Secured by Design, the official police flagship initiative supporting the principles of 'designing out crime’ in homes and commercial premises. Inspector Stokes then presented Steve Retter, regional construction director for McCarthy & Stone, with the Secured by Design Award.

New homes, such as those at Montes Court, are designed to be as secure as possible and offer features such as a security entrance system, an intruder alarm, double glazing and key operated window locks.

Robin Pike, regional sales and marketing director, comments: “We are delighted to win this special award, demonstrating our commitment to building homes which significantly reduce the risks and fear of crime. We invited Inspector Stokes and Sergeant Gregory to Montes Court to highlight the security advantages of our design to those thinking about buying a McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment.

“Buying a new property provides that extra level of confidence and is also reflected in lower insurance premiums. With the additional benefits of owning a new home, such as decreased fuel bills and DIY costs, coupled with the range of incentives and schemes currently available, you can make some considerable reductions to your outgoings. If you’re keen to find out more about safeguarding your property, or about the lifestyle you could be enjoying at Montes Court, why not come and see us?”

Inspector Stokes added: “We wish to congratulate McCarthy & Stone on their Secured by Design Award which proves the importance of thoughtful planning and design when it comes to preventing crime. Now that the clocks have gone back and darker evenings have set in, it’s the right time to start thinking about your home security, particularly as many burglaries are opportunist crimes. A burglar only needs to spot an open window or an unlocked door or gate to make their move. Look at your home through the burglar's eyes - if you think your security looks poor, chances are so will a thief.”

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home security, McCarthy & Stone has prepared a simple checklist:

- Lock windows and keep the keys out of sight in a safe place.

- Ensure external doors are secure and consider getting a chain or door viewer fitted.

- Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows and never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place as it will be easily found.

- High-efficiency, low energy lighting can put off thieves, particularly dusk to dawn or movement activated models.

- Fit a burglar alarm, but make sure it is installed properly and works.

- Keep your garage and garden shed locked with proper security locks, and keep any tools secure and out of sight.

- Install strong fencing or gates and consider gravel as they act as a deterrent to thieves.

- Trim back any plants or hedges that a burglar could hide behind.

- Make sure you have up-to-date insurance.

- Don’t leave your curtains closed during the daytime.

- Use timer switches to turn on lights, radios and other appliances when you’re out.

- Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme at neighbourhoodwatch.uk.com.

Montes Court offers a collection of 36 one and two bedroom retirement apartments priced from £159,950 in the sought after area of Earlsdon in the City. Located just off Beechwood Avenue in St Andrews Road, residents of this new development will be perfectly located to enjoy the quality amenities and bustling community of this desirable suburb.

For further information log on to mccarthyandstone.co.uk.