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Burglary Deterrents – What Works in 2020?

Burglary is a major crime not only in the UK, but the world over. Studies have shown that a single incident of any form of burglary can leave a lingering long-term emotional impact.

It can be a traumatising experience and can even leave the victims in a vulnerable state. With such a serious financial and emotional impact burglaries have on people, deterring these crimes must be everyone’s top priority – home and business owners alike.

Burglars are opportunists who thrive on your momentary lapses in judgement and take a chance when they find one.

Simple and easily avoidable mistakes such as leaving the door and windows unlocked is a golden chance for them to strike.

The good news is that there are different ways to stop them; some basic, such as always locking doors and windows and some extremely important like, installing security systems that keep burglars away from your property, ensuring your safety and security.

If you are looking to protect yourself then you are reading the right material! Read on to know more about the top proven burglary deterrent solutions available today.

TOP BURGLARY DETERRENTS

Home and business security systems such as CCTV cameras and burglar alarm systems are one of the top burglary deterrents you can find in the market.

You can acquire a comprehensive security system by combining one or all of these security measures.

These systems ensure round-the-clock protection and leave you with peace of mind knowing that you’ve done all that you can to deter burglars away from your property.

According to statistics, 63% of burglaries happen in premises without a basic security system. This is reason enough to install the most effective burglary deterrents on your property and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

CCTV SECURITY SYSTEMS

CCTVs, or Closed-Circuit Televisions, are the most effective burglary deterrent.

Don’t just take our word for it though. According to The Guardian, ex-cons say they would target homes and businesses without CCTV cameras since them being there poses a great risk of getting caught!

A CCTV uses cameras and monitors to record events happening around the premises and even display them in real-time, to be used for surveillance. Remember, the main purpose of CCTV systems is crime prevention and investigation.

Burglars hate attention and the idea of being monitored and recorded doesn’t bode well with them in court.

Most burglars are naturals at using stealth to break into properties; even then, CCTV security systems make it impossible for them to pull a Houdini.

Correct installation by professionals is crucial to CCTV security systems since placing them in the wrong places is just as good as them not being there at all!

At Calder Security, we use only the best high-quality equipment and supply both analogue HD and IP systems. If you’re unsure about the type of system you need, our team of professionals will visit your site to assess your requirement and advise you on which system would be most appropriate for your home or business.

CCTV monitoring services ensure that your properties are being watched over by a professional monitoring staff in real-time. This is especially beneficial for when your home or business is unoccupied or in a vulnerable state. The real advantage of detecting a threat while it’s in progress is the action that can be taken to deal with it, such as notifying your keyholders or alerting the police.

BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEMS

A burglar alarm works to serve two basic purposes; alerting inhabitants and neighbours of an intrusion, and scaring away potential intruders.

They work using a series of sensors that go off as soon as they detect any suspicious activity, notifying the owners to take the necessary action.

Burglar alarm monitoring with the aid of the professional installation of the system will have the system’s security increased tenfold because it employs the use of specialized sensors/alarms that are connected to a central monitoring station.

This central monitoring station, also known as the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), is manned by professionals keeping an eye out on your premises 24-hours a day without any form of interruption.

We use the most secure alarm-signalling services such as DualCom and BT RedCare that operate via phone line and GSM ensuring that the ARC is always notified of a break-in.

You can’t always rely on yourself or your neighbours to take action. You might not be present when the intrusion takes place and your neighbours just might ignore it.

A phenomenon, known as “alarm fatigue” is becoming common everywhere. It happens when people don’t take alarms seriously because they hear so many and are either tired of or accustomed to hearing them.

Professional burglar alarm monitoring guarantees that the alarm never goes unnoticed and that action is always taken. This is particularly effective when the owners are away or when the property is uninhabited, such as businesses during the night.

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Access control systems are also called door entry systems and are another very effective option as a burglary deterrent.

These systems offer a keyless entry that gives you control over who enters your premises, making it hard to break into. It is particularly effective since keys can be lost or stolen, compromising your security for just enough time for burglars to strike.

Access control systems can be operated via intercom, proximity fob or card, keypad, or even a biometric system, offering a very flexible security system that allows you to set access permissions for individuals and track movements in and out of your premises.

We, at Calder Security, offer professional installation for domestic and commercial access control systems. Your doors are the main entry points into your property and it just makes sense that someone with expertise and skill must install the locking and unlocking mechanism.

We’ve been in the security system industry since 1976 and our specialist security engineers and MLA approved locksmiths can advise you on the best door entry solution for your home.

HIGH-QUALITY DOOR LOCKS

67% burglars break in through the main door making it the most common entry point for intruders to gain access to your house.

When it comes to deterring burglars, your door and windows are your first line of defence, which is why you should always lock them.

Even after knowing this important bit of information, it is common practice to leave the doors and windows unlocked giving burglars the golden chance to simply walk in.

You must make it a habit to always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re inside the house. It takes a minute.

In addition to always locking your doors and windows, you should invest in high-quality locks, ensuring the integrity of your locking mechanism.

Standard cylinder locks, which are very commonly used throughout the country, have become severely compromised due to a technique on the rise known as lock snapping.

Lock snapping is a very simple, easy, and quiet method where burglars use to “snap” open doors fitted with standard euro-cylinder locks. All it takes is a few seconds, some DIY tools, and a bit of strength. No special skills are required.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) and can supply and work on a vast range of locking mechanisms that are anti-snap, thus protecting your home from burglars.

SECURITY SAFES

Let’s assume for a moment that burglars have gained entry into your property. The first place they’ll be heading towards is the bedroom since that’s usually where all the valuables are stored.

The bedroom closet, drawers, and under the mattress are the most common hiding spots for valuables such cash, jewellery, and important documents, and unfortunately, burglars know that too, making them not very good ones.

Security safes provide an effective hiding spot for your valuables and state-of-the-art ones, such as the ones at Calder Security, will make unwanted access impossible. In addition to keeping your valuables safe from theft, security safes also protect them from the risk of fires and floods.

Good security safes are ones that cannot be moved and are fixed to the floor, under the floor, to a wall, or inside a cupboard or wardrobe.

We have over 40 years of experience in the security industry and our SSAIB-approved contractors are familiar with a wide range of safes, cash boxes, and strong boxes.

OTHER SECURITY MEASURES TO TAKE

Countless other security measures can be taken in addition to the security systems mentioned above.

INSTALL LIGHT TIMERS

Even though 58% of the time someone is home during a burglary, burglars still look for opportunities for when the house or business is empty so that it’s easier to break in without any deterrents in their way.

Light timers work by automatically switching on/off your lights leaving burglars guessing whether the place is empty or not. You only need to set a time interval that works to catch the burglars off-guard. A good place to start would be the security lights. You can also connect light timers to a few rooms in your home, preferably the living room and bedrooms.

Light timers also give you the chance to override the timer and switch on/off your lights remotely. This enables you to control them even when you are away, such as on vacation.

Naturally, if someone was breaking into your property and the security lights turned on, they would flee the area to avoid being seen and caught, making light timers an effective burglary deterrent.

GET A DOG

Dogs have always been considered man’s best friend because they are by their owner’s side all the time, especially during times of distress.

So, the question is: “Do dogs make good burglary deterrents?”

Burglars, like every other criminal, run away from attention, therefore a barking dog is often a good way to scare away potential burglars.

Dogs can pick up scents from quite some distance, and even before a burglar steps foot in your compound, the dog will already be barking to alert you of the situation.

To make them effective burglary deterrents, you must properly train your dog to differentiate between normal and suspicious activities.

Also, walking your dog along the perimeter of your compound will ensure he marks his territory so that he can strike if a burglar is caught trespassing.

AVOID EXCESSIVE POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Burglars and stalkers use the power of social media to keep tabs on you.

You have long been warned of the dangers of sharing too much on social media such as announcing your vacations and showing off expensive items. These posts can alert burglars, who have you marked, to know where you are and what you have.

Sometimes, you’re just genuinely posting your “good moments” on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.  While such posts might make you feel good, they are giving away crucial information to burglars such as when you are not at home or when you bought an expensive piece of equipment or jewellery.

A prime example is that of Kim Kardashian West and the Paris robbery where the robbers got away with $9 million worth of jewellery. That’s a staggering amount, even for Kim K!

Her excessive use of social media and broadcasting her entire life to the world made her compromise her security.

It’s always a good idea to keep things hushed and even if you decide to share bits and pieces of your life on social media, make sure to omit valuable information, such as disabling the location, not mentioning exact dates, and keeping your daily routine personal.

KEEP VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT

Keeping valuables in plain sight is like tempting burglars to burgle your home.

Most burglars keep close tabs on their victims and you might not even know when one is keeping tabs on you.

Expensive items such as cars, bikes, and grills mustn’t be left outside for everyone to see. Once used, they must be locked up in the garage. Make sure to install anti-snap locks on your garage doors to ensure lock snappers stay away.

Also, make sure to keep your valuable items such as electronic gadgets, jewellery, and credit cards away from windows. You never know when a burglar is lurking around outside.

DON’T LEAVE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE

Most burglars don’t carry equipment and tools for breaking in. Instead, they use tools and equipment that you leave behind.

Intruders will look for handy equipment such as ladders and crowbars, along with other garden tools and furniture they can use to break-in.

The solution is to not leave such equipment for burglars to use and to lock up garages and sheds that might contain such tools.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE HIDEOUTS

Trees and shrubs can give your house curb appeal, but they can also provide a hiding place for burglars who often stalk their victims.

Burglars may only need a few minutes of cover before they break into your house. However, with no place to hide, they might just drop the idea completely since it’ll become riskier for them.

Be sure to trim your plants to make them less likely to harbour burglars. You could even plant thorny shrubs to make it not only difficult but also painful for intruders if they try to break in.

WHY CHOOSE CALDER SECURITY FOR YOUR SECURITY NEEDS?

Calder Security provides you with complete security systems for your home and business. We are Yorkshire’s leading independent security company and are glad to make your homes and businesses safe and secure. Here is why you should choose us for your security needs:

  • We are experienced in a range of security systems and have been working in the security industry since 1940.
  • We are SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board) approved installers and contractors.
  • Our systems meet the stringent requirements of BS4737 AND EUROPEAN STANDARD EN50131 (Intruder Alarm Systems in Buildings).
  • We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA).
  • All our installations are carried out by qualified, experienced engineers.
  • We have highly experienced security specialists and can advise on the best monitoring solution for you.
  • We have qualified and experienced specialist security system engineers. General electrical engineers cannot rival our knowledge of security systems
  • All aspects of our services conform to the relevant regulations and standard set by the professional bodies of the industry including the SSAIB, SIA, and the police service.

Contact us now for a consultation on the best security system for you. We’d be glad to help!

 

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