terrace house intruder

[francisabear]

We came home last night after a weekend away to find the roof hatch slightly open and at an angle...

I had a quick poke around and there was no-one in the roof, but we live in a terrace house and I'm 90% sure (will confirm with a more comprehensive search tonight) the roof is open to either house on each side of ours.

throwing this out there... anyone got any tips on this? or a trap to leave for anyone who might wander in? a Home Alone homage possibly, or something just to let us know if anyone has been in during the day when we are out?

Thankyou one and all

[Laurel Green]

Roof hatch? Does one mean a loft hatch - if so, a hasp & staple + padlock should suffice.

[francisabear]

Laurel Green said:

Roof hatch? Does one mean a loft hatch - if so, a hasp & staple + padlock should suffice.

Not sure if the hasp + staple would work, the hatch is just a thin sheet of wood which rests on the edge of the hole which you can enter the roof with. to open you can lift it easily... thnx for reply though

[Laurel Green]

Fix a H & S both sides or, an hinge one side. Yes it can still be jemmied off but, so can a door/window. Could also set up a motion detector to a web-cam in case anyone does enter the property.

[GuinnessMK]

Was it windy when you were away?

I've seen hatches that are just drop in / loose fit lift in high winds.

Might be worth fixing it down with a hinge and a catch before assuming the worst?

[francisabear]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That's a great shout to be fair, it's possibly just my imagination running away... again.

GuinnessMK said:

Was it windy when you were away?

I've seen hatches that are just drop in / loose fit lift in high winds.

Might be worth fixing it down with a hinge and a catch before assuming the worst?

maybe a thicker, more substantial piece of wood and a hinge/hasp and staple should be the first step. I'll save the ball bearings till later

[saleen836]

If the roof spaces are not seperated I would be looking to build a stud wall with steel mesh over it then some fire resisitant plasterboard!