The Locksmith Journal Sep/Oct 2020 - Issue 70 | Page 31

NATIONAL HOME SECURITY MONTH
These are key messages locksmiths can present to homeowners looking to take proactive measures to enhance their home security . And be able to present tailored solutions and technically correct specified CCTV systems to suit individual homeowners , depending on their lifestyle .
Further , there is the advantages of completing home security surveys to ensure CCTV is installed in the best locations and work together with more traditional home security solutions .
When combined together with the element of professional installation , it provides complete assurance , and maintained correctly , compared to DIY alternatives are all great incentives .
Going forward , homeowners have a direct contact for ongoing advice or concerns when it comes to all aspects of home security .
Intruder Alarms The Police recommend home owners “ install a visual burglar alarm ” with a box on the outside of the house .
If we return to the onion analogy for home security , the later internal layer protects the family and most valuable possessions . If a burglar has breached perimeter defences , then there is an objective to detect and finally react .
Burglar alarms undoubtedly act as a visual deterrent , but installed professionally acts as a warning to opportunists . 3 Statistics show up to 84 % of burglars avoid homes with alarms and 60 % of attempted burglaries carried out on properties with alarms fitted are unsuccessful .
Not only does an alarm say that homeowners have taken security seriously , but also there is a risk that the alarm is directly connected to a monitoring station and action will be taken if the alarm is triggered . And so effective , “ 4 Police are encouraging homeowners to invest in more audible alarms and motoring equipment to deter thieves from targeting their home .”
As with all security , one size doesn ’ t fit all , and here again is where a professional install will make all the difference , right from assessing property and security requirements to fit the right intruder alarm to best suit personal needs .
Whilst Police recommend intruder alarms , they also say it must be as part of a suite of prevention measures because “ a burglar alarm on its own will not prevent entry to your home ”.
Think Smart
Latest smart security options also include video doorbells , increasingly relied upon by Police and Neighbourhood Watch to keep communities safe . Similarly , door entry integrations with Amazon Alexa allow voice control and homeowners to exactly know who is at the front door before its answered , ( even when not at home ).
Smart alarms , lighting and CCTV additionally help to keep the entire home site safe and secure and can often be monitored on compatible mobiles at any time or location . Especially useful if homeowners are planning a holiday ( when it is safe to do so ).
The key is to make it obvious from the pavement , from the outside in , that a home is protected . And just as important here is to remind homeowners make sure outbuildings , garages and sheds are secure , with ladders , power tools and garden equipment that could all help an opportunist burglar enter a home are tidied away .
Finally , to ensure high security locks are professionally fitted to windows , doors and patio doors on all floors of a home . As when CCTV is combined with traditional high security door locking mechanisms and intruder alarms , locksmiths are providing a powerful , allencompassing home security solution .
Learn CCTV Learn CCTV is supporting locksmiths looking to expand their portfolio , diversify into CCTV , and help to encourage homeowners to consider smart solutions , professionally installed to enhance their home security before the winter months set in and more opportunists strike .
From basic introductory courses to advanced high end IP systems , Learn CCTV aims to introduce , in both a theoretical and practical perspective utilising CCTV right from initial specification through installation and ongoing maintenance and monitoring
Learn CCTV also offers dedicated courses to provide for intruder alarm installation and product training , including dedicated combined courses for ensuring a total home security installation .
So , whilst we may not know the future when it comes to ongoing lockdowns and the outcome of the pandemic , we can at least work together to prioritise homeowners ’ requirements for home security . We can encourage installation by a trained , accredited professional and look to protect what is important to all of us over the winter months and beyond .
For more information on Learn CCTV , courses available and to register for a place , please visit www . learncctv . co . uk .
3
Statistics taken from National Home Security Month data : https :// www . homesecuritymonth . com / stop-thieves-tracks-guide-securing-home-burglars /
4
Advice taken from article published , 29 August 2020 : https :// www . thewestmorlandgazette . co . uk / news / 18685315 . cumbria-police-advise-instalments-burglar-alarms /
SEP / OCT 2020
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