Making sure that your property is safe and secure should be a top priority for any homeowner, landlord, or business owner. There are many ways a professional locksmith can provide security to your home, from installing burglar alarms to setting up CCTV systems, and here at DSB Locksmith, our team is on hand with this helpful guide to the various types of security systems available for your home.
What is a Security System?
A security system is a way to keep your home safe and secure by operating on a system of devices and components that interwork together. Electronic home security systems must conform to the latest British industry regulations and CCTV and security cameras may not film beyond the user’s property without a specific reason to do so and informing passersby or neighbours of the cameras.
Home security systems are designed to deter potential home intruders and burglars by providing evidence or drawing attention to a break-in. Typical home security systems are made up of a variety of components, including:
- Door and Window Sensors detect doors or windows opening and closing, as well as detecting breaking glass or someone trying to force a handle.
- High Decibel Alarm that works to draw attention to a break-in or intrusion by being loud, obnoxious, and difficult to ignore.
- Motion Sensors that pick up movement around the outside perimeter of your property and typically come paired with lighting to illuminate the area.
- Security Cameras can be wired or wireless and positioned to cover both the interior and exterior of your property to record anyone coming in and out.
- Stickers and Signs that inform passersby and visitors of the security measures in place, which is a great way to deter potential intruders and burglars and make them pick a less secure target.
- A Control Panel is used as the primary controller of the home security system, allowing activation, deactivation, and setting up of alarms.
Everything You Need to Know About CCTV
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television and it is a video surveillance system that uses strategically placed cameras in an area to record footage and transmit it to a display for live viewing and footage playback. While CCTV is most often used on larger premises, it can be utilised at the home. Not many people know that locksmiths are qualified to install CCTV on-premises, thinking that they only provide services around key and lock replacement. For more information on what services a locksmith can provide, have a look at why you should use a professional locksmith.
How Does CCTV Work?
CCTV works by recording footage that can be used to prosecute burglars, thieves, and shoplifters who are suspected of committing a crime. The system utilises at least one camera to take a constant series of images that are transmitted either wirelessly or via cable to a recording device and display monitor. There are many different types of cameras available, with some recording in only black and white or some being able to swivel up to 360 degrees to cover a wider area.
More often than not CCTV is a great visual deterrent. Many burglars and potential intruders are less likely to target a property that uses CCTV than one that does not. Some homeowners even install fake cameras as a form of defence, however, the real thing is a good safety net for finding the culprit should the visual deterrent fail.
Are Burglar Alarms Effective?
In short, burglar alarms are a great way to keep your property safe. They work by sounding an alarm if there is movement inside the home while they are active as they are designed to detect motion and alert you and your neighbours to intruders. Sensors are placed in areas were attempting to gain entry to your property is more likely, such as the front and back door, a patio or French door if you have one, and windows. The idea of the alarm is to not only inform residents of a break-in but also hopefully chase away burglars and intruders before they have a chance to do damage or get things out of the property.
The Benefits of Burglar Alarms
Having a burglar alarm installed offers several unique benefits. Not only does having a working burglar alarm installed on your property reduce home insurance payments, but they also provide peace of mind and mean you’re much more likely to feel safe and secure in your home or when going away for extended periods, such as on holiday or for work-related reasons.
Wondering how a locksmith can help with home security? Let DSB Locksmith Help!
Still not sure how a locksmith can help you with home security systems, including burglar alarm and CCTV installation? Here at DSB Locksmith, we’re here to offer advice and information about the ways locksmiths can offer peace of mind and security to your home. Get in touch to find out more and check out our Top Tips for Hiding your Spare Key for more information on keeping your home safe and secure.