A Complete Guide on Home Security Systems
Here is a Home Security Systems Guide from our intruder alarm installers. Reports of robbery, burglary and thefts reduced significantly in 2020, during the lockdown, due to the pandemic. After all, it is difficult to rob a property when the occupants are at home all the time! However, as the lockdown is lifted and restrictions ease, burglaries have risen by 6% as people leave their homes for work. More than two-thirds of working homeowners are worried they will be burgled. However, there are steps you can take to deter criminals from targeting your home.
This is where a home security system comes in. Statistics show that 63% of residential burglaries happen to property owners without a basic home security system. If you want to know more – continue to read this Home Security Systems Guide. Learn about what a home security system entails, and whether it is worth investing in one, keep reading.
Why is Home Security Important?
Your home is a refuge from the outside world; it is your safe space. Threats can come from anywhere but knowing what steps can be taken to keep your home safe. It will give you peace of mind and great comfort. It is not just about mitigating any chance of financial loss. Also, the emotional turmoil that comes from the experience of having an unwelcome visitor in your home.
The biggest threat to your home is burglary. Burglary is one of the most common crimes among residents in the UK, with each home having a 1 in 43 chance of being burgled. Thankfully, most burglaries are not “thought-out, grand-standing schemes”.
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Met Police:
According to the Metropolitan Police “Burglars are opportunistic” and they take advantage of any weaknesses in your security. Such as unlocked doors or open windows. So, if the criminal can get in and out fast enough the risk outweighs the reward.
Therefore, the bulk of home security revolves around deterrents. Having a home security system in place and instilling good home security habits (such as remembering to lock your doors and windows) is the key to protecting your home. Prevention is the best cure.
What is a Home Security System?
Home security involves installing safety measures around your home to deter and record evidence of criminal activity. It can also warn you of environmental dangers, such as flooding, fire or carbon monoxide in the home.
One misconception is that fitted burglar alarms are considered the same as home security systems. This is not the case. A burglar alarm is a traditional security system that can alert you of intruders. However, a home security system has more advanced, additional benefits and is comprised of various equipment rather than the one alarm bell system paired with sensors. As a result, it is important to keep informed about what you are purchasing and how it protects your assets, property and most importantly you and your loved ones.
Home Security Survey
A home security survey involves evaluating the strengths and possible vulnerabilities of your home. This can be specific to your location to find solutions that are relevant to your circumstances.
For example, burglars are known for window shopping. Do you have valuables that can be seen through your window from the street? Burglars are also known to seek ways to enter your home out of view. Are your doors and windows visible to passers-by in the street? Ensure overgrown shrubs are cut back as these may provide cover for a burglar. What material is your door made from? Does your door have a panel that can easily be kicked in? Can you see who is at your door before opening it?
These are just a few things that should be considered when assessing your home security. We offer a FREE security survey, followed by a tailor-made written quotation for you to peruse at your leisure. We are then happy to discuss anything further via a telephone call.
Types of Security Equipment
Over the years, advancement in technology has improved our ability to monitor and protect our homes. There is an extensive number of security options available for homeowners. Finding the right equipment for your home security system can be overwhelming.
So, here are the main components that can comprise your home security system. You can also look at our Home Security page to see what options we have available for you.
Alarm System:
We install Grade 2 alarms as a minimum, which may be a requirement of your home insurers; this can be monitored with police response. Our panels also have an App facility meaning you can control your alarm from your phone and receive messages if there were any problems. We always install an external, high decibel, siren at the front of your house, where it can be heard by your neighbours. Usually, a ringing alarm bell scares off intruders for fear of possible arrest. Bell boxes are an essential part of alarm systems.
Motion Sensors:
Motion sensors are the backbone of your home security system as they detect intruders inside your property via movement in that area, which then triggers the alarm system. However, we can also install vibration sensors on windows that are triggered by any force and thereby setting off the alarm before the intruders enter your property. Again, this would set off the alarm bell ringing.
CCTV:
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television” is a type of video surveillance. The cameras transmit footage back to a recorder which can be viewed on a monitor and/or your mobile phone. This kind of system serves as a deterrent for would-be criminals as well as perfect recording evidence for any crime that does occur as we only use high-quality, high-definition cameras which give amazing images.
Door Intercom Systems:
This system allows occupants to control the main entry door, often a converted property/flats. You have the option to have either audio to communicate with visitors, or a video camera so that you can see and communicate via your intercom and allow them to enter. This is particularly advantageous for people with disabilities, or elderly residents, but also for homeowners who wish to check the visitor before letting them in.
Access Control Systems:
This security measure controls access to certain areas via a code or security card. This security method protects critical assets you may possess as well as your property from outside interference, damage, or theft.
What to do if a burglar breaks into your home?
Before the pandemic, 58% of burglaries occurred whilst someone was home. In most cases, the burglar will dip in and out as fast as possible, but here are some things to keep in mind on the off chance you do face a break-in:
- Call 999 as soon as you can. If you suspect there is an intruder in your home, get to a phone safely and inform the police. If you think someone is outside your home, do not investigate, do not take any unnecessary risks, and keep your doors locked and call the police.
- Activate your alarm system, if your security system has not kicked in already as loud noises will scare off the intruder. Anything loud enough, such as an alarm button on your car keys, for example, will bring attention to your house. Remember, burglars are opportunistic – they do not want to be seen by you or your neighbours.
- If you can see the intruder, try and memorise as much as you can. You will need to provide a detailed description of their gender, weight, height, clothing, and the direction they entered and left the premises.
- Keep calm. Most intrusions are not violent, but if you do happen to come face-to-face with your intruder, keep calm and compliant. Do not make any sudden movements and avoid escalating the situation in any way. Confrontation is always a last resort. It is advisable to either hide or escape the premises rather than face the intruder.
- After the break-in, make sure not to touch anything. The Police forensics team can carry out tests, such as fingerprints, to find as much information as they can about the burglar. Moreover, assess what has been stolen so you can add this to your detailed account when informing the police.
- Lastly, take the time to check and improve your home security. Repeat burglaries are not as uncommon as you might think, but with some preparation and evaluation of the pitfalls in your home security, you can deter any future intrusions from happening.
A break-in can be a traumatising experience that can have a significant emotional toll on you. Even if a burglar isn’t successful, it can still be very distressing to feel a violation of the safety of your home. If you have been a victim of a break-in then Victim Support can help you.
