Home Security Tips
The Local News, Dublin Editions, October 2007
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Would you like to get a text message on your phone if someone has entered your house? Or even be able to see who it is before you call the guards? It might sound futuristic but more and more homeowners are taking advantage of new technologies to protect their homes. To find out what's new in home security and what's coming down the line, we've interviewed security and electrical professionals on pickapro.ie, the website of home and garden professionals. |
First Line Of Defense - See The Intruder
One of the first lines of our technology based defense is based on the simple fact that thieves want to do their work where no one can see them. So make sure the outside of your home is well lit, front and back - especially at any potential points of entry. An effective solution is motion detector lights, inexpensive devices which automatically switch on when something moves nearby.
And Record What Happens
And now our intruder is in real trouble because he's been watched and recorded! CCTV cameras are becoming increasing common place and affordable for Irish homeowners. All video is recorded on a digital video recorder (DVR). If you do have an intruder, the information can be saved on DVD and given to the guards. They may get away tonight, but you've increased the chances of a successful arrest.
CCTV cameras can pay their way every day. It's late, it's dark, you've just settled in with the TV and the door bells rings. Switch the TV to Channel 0 or another dedicated channel and take a look at who's at your gate or door from the comfort of your own couch. Or setup an intercom system, so you can see and talk to the caller.
Security For Your Car
Combining the camera with a motion detector alarm, and light gives the homeowner even more information about who is outside the house. Why wait for an intruder to reach the house? You can be warned while they're still on the driveway. This is also a very good safeguard for your car. Many thieves don't want to take the actual car, just valuable trimmings - alloy wheels, wing mirrors, end trims. All items that they can get without triggering the car alarm. A motion detector alarm and light will make their work a lot more risky.
Get The Intruder To Give You A Call!
Undeterred, our foolish burglar still attempts a break-in. The most useful technology in our armory, the intruder detector alarm is triggered and the alarm can be automatically relayed to a remote monitoring station. But wouldn't you like to know about it too. Well you can - an alarm can also be sent automatically to your mobile, telling you exactly where the alarm was raised in your house. You can even log on to the nearest computer, enter your personal password and take a look at your camera feed or even review video footage from the time of the alarm. The information is downloaded directly from your DVR through your broadband connection.
Keep It In - Keep Them Out
The final line of technology defence - keep it in. Automated gates which are opened with a password will prevent thieves stealing cars or other large items from your house.
Let Technology Work For You
At the end of the day, burglars are not the type of people you want to meet. So, don't put yourself in the firing line. By using technology to monitor and protect your home, you may well end up saving what's most valuable - you and your family.
pickapro.ie would like to thank security experts King Security for their helpful advice and tips.