With the constant threat of burglaries, security planning is the best way to protect our property. Detached houses, premises near the ends of streets or backing onto alleyways, parks, fields or waste ground are particularly at high risk because they are easy to access. Besides adopting other security measures such as fences, dogs, neighourhood watch groups, the need of the hour today are alarm systems.
Alarms also prevent extensive damage to life and property by setting off during fire and floods. Most alarm systems are activated by motion detectors. Some other models detect change in air pressure (when a door or window is opened) or high frequency sound waves. These, along with camera surveillance, are used to protect our homes, especially in our absence.
In the last decade or so, home alarm systems have become the popular choice for home security since they are both affordable and effective. According to a British crime survey, alarms are a proven deterrent for prospective criminals. 60% of burglaries carried out in home fitted with alarms are unsuccessful. Statistics show that, in UK, one home in eight has some sort of security or alarm system.
There are several different types of alarm systems available in the market. You need to consider your lifestyle when selecting an alarm system. For example, motion sensor detectors will not work well if you have pets or children. Alarm systems that require you to punch codes when entering and leaving the house may not be practical if you entertain often.
Some alarms are simple do-it-yourself, while others are installed by professionals. The most common type is the bells only alarm systems. These sound a single alarm for any type of intrusion. A more expensive option is a ‘monitored alarm’, which is connected to an ‘alarm receiving centre’. The big difference between the two is police response. The police will not respond to a bells only alarm unless they receive confirmation but they will respond when an alarm receiving centre notifies them.
The alarm-receiving centre confirms a break-in using either CCTV (to see an intruder), an audio connection (to hear intruders) or ‘sequential confirmation’ (a number of different sensors that spot an intruder moving around your house).
Newer options are self – monitoring Webcams linked to a PC with internet access. These alert the homeowner by email or text message. Whatever alarm system you opt for, today they are most important tool for home security.
Information and ideas on internal doors and door handles
Some helpful ways of electronic monitoriing and protection against burglars in general.