Securing Your Home
Your home should be a safe haven where you can rest, relax or do whatever you want in safety. This is not always the case, however, and there are reports in the media every day of homes that have been broken into and items stolen. Most robberies take place when homes are empty, but that is not always the case.
With the advances in technology of recent years, it is now relatively simple to secure your home for times when you are there or when you are out. However, it can be difficult finding the best system for your abode as there is such a huge amount of systems to choose from.
Of course, there are basic things that every home dweller should do. Always lock all your doors and windows before leaving home and, if you are away for a few days, ensure that you cancel deliveries that would be left on your doorstep. There are also common mistakes that people make with home security, such as using outdated security systems – experienced intruders will know how to bypass these, and they should be avoided.
Features Available for Your Home Security
The top suppliers of home security systems have several features that would not have been possible just a few years ago. Now you can:
• control your alarm system from an app on your mobile.
• turn lights on and off and close blinds and curtains with the same app. Some will even let you turn on your TV so there is sound in the home too.
• use surveillance cameras that let you view your home while you are away.
• have your property monitored 24 hours a day.
These are just some of the more common features available with security systems these days, but how do you find the best deal for you?
Finding the Best Security System for Your Home
It is not always the stolen items that are a problem with household robberies. Often, so much damage is caused the home is unrecognizable. There are three main types of intruder: those that break in and steal goods, those that cause as much damage as possible, and those that will break in while people are at home and hold them hostage while they ransack the home. Thankfully, the last one mentioned is the rarest.
Each home has different needs for its security, and it can be a minefield trying to find the best company to help make your home safe. Some only use professional fitters for the installation, and that only takes place after a survey of your home has been carried out and the security measures agreed. You should also be looking for a company that has a reputation for outstanding customer service, as you want a quick and decisive response from them if you have a problem.
It is also good if the equipment used is not ugly and obtrusive. When you take pride in your home, the last thing you want is cameras or monitors that will ruin the look of it. The equipment needs to be visible so that anyone thinking of breaking in can see there is a security system in place, but it also needs to blend in with the décor and style of your home.
A report compiled by Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology stated that 60% of convicted burglars said they avoided homes where a security system was apparent. Other information suggests that many burglars can get what they want from your home in less than ten minutes and that most robberies take place in daylight hours. These are just some of the surprising facts about burglaries that people do not always realize, many ensuring their house is well locked at night but not to taking as much care in the daytime.
Don’t Leave It Too Late
Don’t let your home security be something that you keep putting off, or you may just find that you have left it too late and become the victim of intruders. The cost of having a system installed sometimes puts people off, but that is often because they have not looked at the costs properly.
It is possible to lease the equipment needed and pay a monthly subscription for the services you use. This negates the need for a large up-front payment and will let you make sure that you and your family are safe in your home sooner rather than later. Plus, by investing in safety, you will save money from the burglaries you are preventing. Remember the old saying – it is better to be safe than sorry.