Smart technology can be an efficient and cost effective way of keeping properties safe . |
With National Home Security Month now in its fifth year , the need to raise awareness and offer advice on how to keep properties safe and secure continues to be a key issue . Recent crime figures 1 show that between March 2016 and March 2017 , domestic burglary incidents increased by 6 %, up from 194,384 to 205,869 offences . This is an unexpected shift in domestic crime ; for the last 10 years , the numbers of burglaries in the UK have been in decline . Given these statistics , people are advised to use effective , modern security solutions to protect their properties , be they homes or businesses , and to seek advice from a professional tradesperson to correctly install these solutions .
Tradespeople can address the issue by taking advantage of rapidly developing smart technologies , which are designed to help make properties more secure than ever . With the demand for technology on the rise , it is essential that tradespeople understand the benefits of innovative security solutions .
Illuminating danger
Smart products enable integrated control of a property ’ s lighting via a smartphone app , meaning the user can illuminate their
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‘ Alarm systems are evolving to maximise capabilities and become even more user-friendly with the help of smart technology .’ |
property and deter intruders at the touch of a button , wherever they are . Simply pair the remote gateway with smart light switches and each light becomes individually controllable via smartphones , tablets and computers using apps which enable the user to switch sockets on or off and adjust timers .
In addition , indoor lights on a timer and external motion sensor lights may seem like an age-old trick to deter burglars , but they remain effective .
It is also important to make sure that all doors and pathways , both front and back , have a proper spread of lighting and to think about potential blind spots ; many dimmer lights can do a much more effective job than a single bright one – there are a huge amount of LED security lighting options on the market .
Alarmingly intelligent
Alarm systems are evolving to maximise capabilities and become even more userfriendly with the help of smart technology .
Users are now able to arm , disarm and configure their alarms anytime , anywhere through smartphone connectivity . Remote viewing is also possible with passive infrared ( PIR ) image cameras – meaning that images are displayed on a homeowner ’ s smartphone using an app , and they can be quickly notified of a security breach within seconds , thanks to real-time app notifications .
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Locked tight
Traditional ‘ lock and key ’ methods have been the basic foundation of security for centuries . However , the introduction of keyless smart locks has marked an important development in home security .
A keyless lock is still as simple to use as its traditional counterpart , but provides greater flexibility . It can be unlocked with a PIN code , key card , key tag , remote fob and now with a smartphone , meaning there are a variety of secure ways in which to lock and unlock the door .
There are also additional security features , including a tamper alarm and incorrect PIN code immobiliser , included as standard . Many smart locks are also interactive , often syncing with smart alarms and CCTV systems to create a robust security solution .
Say cheese
Areas with installed CCTV can see a reduction in recorded offences for burglary and vehicle crime 2
, but studies have shown that relatively few homeowners have it installed 3
. This is perhaps not entirely surprising as CCTV is still relatively expensive compared to many other security options .
However , although users can still spend thousands on a top-of-the-range system , it is feasible to find more costeffective solutions . When this reduction in price is considered alongside new , additional technologies , including remote viewing via a smartphone , HD recordings , enhanced night vision , the installation of CCTV becomes a more attractive prospect .
It is important to remember that these individual measures should not be seen as an ‘ either or ’ solution ; many smart locks , alarms , lighting and CCTV can work best when used in conjunction with each other as part of an integrated network . With a range of affordable measures to choose from , it has never been easier for a tradesperson to ensure a property ’ s protection .
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1 Office for National Statistics , Crime in England and Wales : year ending March 2017 , www . ons . gov . uk / peoplepopulationandcommunity / crimeandjustice / bulletins / crimeinenglandandwales / yearendingmar2017 |
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2 University of Leicester , Technologies of Control , CCTV effectiveness and Context , https :// www . le . ac . uk / oerresources / criminology / msc / unit8 / page _ 10 . htm |
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3 Which ?, Home CCTV , http :// www . which . co . uk / reviews / burglar-alarms-and-home-security / article / burglaralarms-and-home-security / home-cctv |
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44 | October 2017 |