Home Security – Do you need it?
Home Security – Do you need it?
When it comes to access and security, it is essential that the right doors, windows and locks are fitted, both from the insurance of the property but also the safety and security of the tenants. Having alarms, cameras and CCTV can quite often have the adverse affect that the landlord intended, because the first question asked is why do we need them and is this a safe area to live in?
In a recent Which? survey of one time burglars reported that a home with a decent alarm system is far less likely to be burgled; according to www.police.uk homes with no security are now five times more likely to be at risk.
In today’s market, one can get a monitored alarm system, which for most properties is excessive and probably too expensive to be warranted – it does give peace of mind 24 hours a day. More likely is an alarm system with bells only, a more traditional alarm which sounds for 20 minutes if the system is triggered. Unfortunately, the police will only respond if there is evidence of a crime being committed; and many residential areas have so many false alarms, the real event may be ignored. Next time we`ll look at the new Smart systems available.
Home Security – How smart do you need to be?
There are a variety of Smart Systems now available to keep the property secure, in this technological world. The Smart Home Security Systems are hubs that contact your mobile when an intruder is sensed. They are smaller and stylish than traditional alarms and can also be programmed to turn on lights or a radio.
Smart cameras, such as CCTV have been around in the commercial world for many years, but now smaller ones are available for domestic uses. By using an app on your phone these can be accessed at any time, from anywhere giving live images. These cameras also come with a built in alarm to increase the deterrent.
Smart doorbells are ideal for people living alone or in a secluded area; they are also fitted with cameras allowing the occupant to see who is outside before opening the door. There is normally an intercom system so personal identification can take place first. Many of these systems also have a night time capability so callers in the dark can easily viewed without compromising safety or security.
Smart locks are very similar to the newer locks in hotels – they can only be accessed by fobs, pin codes, smartphone or even biometric (eye or hand) input. This removes the worry of a lock being picked or losing a key but places greater emphasis on the tenant not to lose their device, as a replacement is normally considerably more expensive. If temporary access is required, one use unlock codes can be set up to allow requested people to visit, if the property is left unattended.
The future of Home Security
Many experts believe that new product development will fall into two categories: disruptive to the existing market and creative in forming a new one. One of the most disruptive will be advanced analytics, on CCTV cameras; facial recognition being right up there as the software will be able to differentiate between a human and pet face.
Drones are already starting to figure in new security technology, particularly using low flying ones in conjunction with chemical-marking garden sprayers. An intruder who is detected will be doused in the “hard to remove” spray marker and then followed and filmed by a drone which will have been launched from the roof of the property.
Security will be part of the camera package; as will be environmental factors (air quality, temperature and vocal-recognition sensors) which will be available. They will have the capability to learn and recognise different scenarios and contexts depending upon the time of day and season.
In the future, your home burglar alarm may well be multi-functional and could be linked to a criminal database and have facial awareness capabilities. This could link in with neighbourhood watch programmes and is likely to have an impact on the costs/discounts of future insurance.