Sep 15, 2022 | Countrywide Security
Burglary is more common in the UK than people are led to believe, with over 267,000 burglaries reported in 2021 alone – equating to a break-in occurring every 105 seconds. It is not always as random as you think, as approximately 43% of burglars know their victims personally.
The vast majority of home break-ins would have been better avoided if people took more precautions to secure their property more effectively. Surprisingly, only 32% of households currently have a burglar alarm, and only 40% of people have a security camera. Why is this important?
We have created the following blog to explore the significance of home security systems, looking particularly at the effectiveness of access control systems, and whether they are necessary to improve the security and burglary resistance of your home and business.
Why are Access Control Systems Important?
Stronger door protection
When you have a lot of valuable possessions in your home, installing a home access control system can considerably aid in providing you with better peace of mind. Standard home doors are easily compromised – either through breaking and entering or through counterfeit key copies.
This alone can be enough to keep you constantly on edge when you know your property is vacant. Access control security systems do not require physical keys for entry, and therefore provide bolstered resistance against counterfeit key robbery.
Streamlined security
For those with larger homes and businesses that may have multiple different entry points, it may feel like a nuisance to carry around a huge set of keys in your pocket. Why not streamline your entire key system by installing a convenient home door-entry system?
Whether you choose a key fob, card, or a more advanced biometric system, you can have complete access to every door in the building with a singular fob, card, or fingerprint. Better still, such systems are highly challenging to replicate, making it extremely unlikely that someone could gain entry to your home, even if you lose your key and fob.
Speak to visitors without opening the door
Whether you’re having to run your business from your living room or you have enthusiastic neighbours, an intercom can be an incredibly valuable home access control system.
Rather than having to stand up and rush downstairs every time your doorbell rings, you’ll have the ability to see and speak to your visitors with the click of a button. It is even possible to grant visitors access to your home without fumbling for your keys. This is hugely beneficial if you’re constantly having parcels delivered, or clients visiting your home on a regular basis.
Speaking to visitors remotely through a home door entry system is also hugely beneficial for the elderly, as they may struggle to answer the door quickly. Furthermore, they’ll be able to see exactly who’s on their doorstep without having to open the door.
This was especially beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it reduced the risk of contamination – but it can also help to prevent vulnerable people from falling victim to countless door-step scammers in the future.
Upgrading Access Control Systems with Countrywide
There are clear benefits to be gained from an access control installation in your homes and businesses. Countrywide is one of the longest-serving access control system installers in Birmingham and experts in Securing Your Property and Home Security Essentials.
With Countywide, you can be sure that you are receiving high-quality installations and systems at a reasonable price. If you have any further questions regarding the information presented in this blog, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We would love to hear from you and would be more than happy to help.
Sep 1, 2022 | Countrywide Security
The oldest definition of burglary can be traced back to the late Sir Matthew Hale – an English barrister, judge, and jurist. The definition is featured in his book, ‘The History of the Pleas of the Crown’, which was released in 1736.
In the book, Sir Matthew suggests that ‘’burglary is when a person in the nighttime breaketh or entreth’’ into the ‘’house of another’’ and has ‘’intent to commit some felony’’, ‘’whether the felonious intent be executed or not’’.
The mere existence of Sir Matthew’s definition during the 1700s is proof that burglary has been a long-term issue within the UK. Various discrepancies are also mentioned in his book, with these views illustrating a sharp contrast in how society viewed burglary – in terms of definition, prevention, and punishment – at the time, compared to today. In light of this development, this blog aims to explore the history of burglary within the UK, so that we may better understand the roots and psychology of the felony and use this knowledge to prevent and eradicate burglary in the future.
History and punishment of burglary in the UK
The term burglary comes from the German word ‘burg’, which means ‘house’, and ‘laron’, meaning ‘thief’. Although the etymology of the words themselves is easy to discern, the social attitudes towards and the severity of the punishments for burglary have undergone countless changes over time. This section addresses these changes, outlining contemporary social attitudes to crime and burglary, as well as discussing how it was punished during each time period.
Before 1450:
Crime:
Finding out what the actual crime situation was like during this time period is no easy task, as court records are the only source of information detailing crimes and criminals. Court records from the time have limited credibility as a source, as they only inform about the criminals that have been caught and convicted and fail to consider the statistics of those who were not caught in the act. That being said, of the crimes that were on record, over 73.5% were reportedly theft related.
Punishment:
Before 1450, crime prevention was the sole responsibility of the local community. As a result, punishments were simple and had to be seen as generally fair. Religion played a huge role in morally influencing communities at the time and often provided the guiding principles for what was and wasn’t considered a crime.
Around this time, mutilation was rarely used. With the absence of policing, serious offences within a community had to be dealt with quickly and firmly. As a result, the death penalty was used frequently. This was typically done by hanging and would be used for other offences such as murder, arson, and forgery, as well as burglary of goods valued at over a shilling. Execution by means of beheading was usually reserved for those of noble or royal birth who had been convicted of treason.
Prisons at the time were referred to as ‘gaols’ and were typically found in the dungeons of castles. However, they were rarely used, owing to their high-cost implications. Instead, fines were given for the pettiest offenses. Those criminals who were felt to have offended the public were put into the stocks if they were male, or the ducking stool if they were female. These were called ‘shaming punishments’, as they humiliated the offender in front of his or her neighbours. Trial by battle was introduced into England by the Normans from 1066 onwards, where those that lost the fight in combat were hanged.
1450 -1750:
Crime:
There are a host of contextual influences during this time period, which will have influenced the social attitudes towards crime and punishment at the time.
The rising prosperity of the country during this time brought about elements of peace. This was temperamental, however, as there were disruptive events such as ‘the reformation’ – conflict between the Roman Catholics and Protestants – as well as a bloody ‘Civil war’ from 1642-1651. The rising population was also a contributing factor, as it forced thousands of people into poverty, bringing about rebellions and tension between the class divides. The government also gained power in the UK at this time. The newfound power was often abused by rich allies of politicians, with the introduction of new laws and crimes to make specific people criminals.
Highway robbery was a common crime during this time period. There were very few banks, which meant that few people carried their money around with them. Britain was largely a rural country at the time, with very few large towns and a lack of road infrastructure. As a result, roads were often very quiet and many country villages were isolated, without a police force. Highway robbers took advantage of this and rode on horseback in order to stop, chase, and escape from their victims effectively.
Punishment:
As highlighted previously, the early years of this time period were largely defined by the religious and political disturbances of the national reformation and the Civil War. Rebellions and treason plots were born from the sheer chaos of these incidents and brought with them savage punishments, including hanging, drawing, and quartering.
From the late 17th century onwards, the country was generally at peace. Royal power was brought under control and transferred to the government and the property-owning rich. They began ruling the country as MPs in parliament and JPs in local areas. In order to better exert their control and reduce the national crime rate, the ‘bloody code’ and the ‘houses of correction’ were introduced.
The bloody code:
From 1660 onwards, the number of offences penalised with the death penalty increased enormously and began to include six new offences known as ‘the bloody code’. This meant that people at the time could be hanged for: stealing goods worth five shillings (25p), stealing from a shipwreck, pilfering from a naval dockyard, damaging Westminster bridge, impersonating a Chelsea pensioner, and cutting down a young tree.
There was no police force at the time, and as a result, the Bloody Code was introduced in order to serve as a threat that prevented people from considering crime. Many of the death sentences dealt were made public and would draw thousands of people to come to watch – further supporting the deterring effects of the bloody code.
Houses of correction:
Houses of correction were built in many areas throughout the late 16th century. These were often referred to as ‘bridewells’. Bridewells were similar to prisons in many ways. However, the inmates in a house of correction were forced to work, typically either by spinning or weaving. Many citizens who were thought to be overly idle or lazy were also sent to these facilities, to learn the virtues of hard work.
1750 -1900
Crime:
Britain went through extraordinary changes from 1750 to 1900. For one, the population rose dramatically from 10 million people in 1750 to a whopping 42 million people in 1900. With this population increase, many people began to move away from villages in the countryside to towns and cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and Preston. The main reason people did this was to take advantage of the higher levels of freedom that could be achieved, as in villages, your employer would likely have owned your place of residence and, as a result, would have wanted to know what you were up to at all times.
The industrial revolution transformed British industries and transformed the economy so that industries such as textiles, iron, metal goods, and pottery were no longer facilitated by skilled workers making small scale-items but were instead moved into large-scale factories. Workforces were densely populated at the time and often had to endure unsafe working conditions, uncertain employment security, and rivalling with the landowning classes. Railways and canals were also introduced, providing fast and cheap transport for the general public.
Crime reporting was much more reliable during this time period, as newspapers were introduced and began to flourish. As a result, criminal statistics from the time are much easier to quantify and provide more accurate insight into the criminal situation at the time.
From these, it becomes clear that the changes to Britain’s economy had a huge impact on crime, presenting many new opportunities for criminal activity. Warehouses were stuffed with goods to sell, banks began to hold huge amounts of money, and the huge houses of the upper class presented new and tempting targets for burglars.
Punishment:
In early 19th century London, a police force was set up, comprised of 450 constables and 4500 night watchmen. Numerous complications arose throughout the introduction of the police force, as people feared that they would begin to suppress protests and support military dictatorship. Furthermore, people did not think it was the job of the government to set up and control the police force, believing that it should instead be under local control.
Shaming punishments such as the stocks and pillory fell out of use. This era also saw the eradication of whipping as a punishment, in addition to a reduction in the number of hangings. Public executions started to become rowdy and lawless occasions, which subsequently affected the social attitudes towards them at the time, as people began to think of them as barbaric. As a result, public hangings were abolished and were transferred to the confines of prison.
During the 18th century and at the start of the 19th century, transportation of prisoners to America and Australia became a regular occurrence. This was eventually brought to an end, as crime rates continued to increase and Australia became further agitated that their country was being used as a criminal depot. In response, the UK was forced to develop its prisons on a larger scale. Until they were finished with the prison building process, there were not enough prisons to house the surplus of convicts. As a result, the government began issuing disused warships known as ‘hulks’ to hold the prisoners temporarily. It was believed that hard, boring work in total silence on these ships would force criminals to think about repentance.
Those prisons that were built – including the famous Pentonville Prison – were modelled on the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia and followed the ‘separate system’. The ‘separate system’ involved the regimentation, direction, and observation of a convict’s day in meticulous detail. Prisoners were forbidden to communicate with one another and were locked in their cells for 23 hours a day to eat, work, and sleep. Each time they were moved through the prison, their faces were covered by hoods – and the only time they were allowed out was to be seated in chapels in separate stalls or to exercise in separate airing yards. At the time, prison was the punishment issued to 90% of serious offenders – including those that committed house theft. However, they were eventually shut down, as they became associated with the regular mental breakdowns amongst the
growing prison population of the UK.
20th Century onwards:
Crime:
By the early 20th century, much of Britain’s industrial supremacy was in decline. A great depression hit hard in the 1930s, causing a national unemployment rate of 22%, in addition to forcing some people to go jobless for over 20 years. At the same time, electricity, radio, cars, and household goods were all introduced into society, creating a huge class divide throughout much of the century and encouraging people to move around the countries in search of work. This made communities less stable and people were less likely to know one another.
The two world wars that took place in this century not only contributed to the destruction of homes, towns, and family life but also provided the government with new levels of power to intervene in people’s lives. Religious beliefs also began to decline at this time, with societal attitudes shaped more and more by TV and newspapers than by churches.
The introduction of motor cars had a negative impact on robbery crimes, as it provided criminals with a faster getaway vehicle and a culture for stealing cars as a means of joyriding. As a result, by 1939, 60% of all crimes car related.
The crime rate in early 20th century Britain was lower than that of the early 19th century, with the terrible poverty and unemployment of the 1930s bringing only a small increase in crime, until the 1960s onwards, at which point crime began to skyrocket. In all, throughout the 1900s, there were 3,812 burglaries and 63,604 reported thefts.
Punishment:
The 1900s paved the way for universal education, better housing, and for police to become an accepted part of British life. Capital punishment was abolished completely in 1965. Penal qualities throughout the century began to emphasise reform rather than punishment, pushing for prisoners to lead somewhat normal lives during their sentence – through more meaningful work, pay, and easier family visits.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse in the latter parts of the century, as crime began to increase, with young people increasingly involved in violent crimes from football hooliganism. Detention centres, which supposedly gave people a short, sharp shock, were introduced as a mediation technique and typically involved community service orders, which allowed convicts to repay their debt to society through many hours of socially beneficial work. Detention centres had a horrendous reputation for abuse of inmates, in verbal, physical, and sexual terms, eventually leading to their demise.
Tagging was introduced in the 1990s as a way of keeping offenders out of trouble. In some areas of the UK, offenders were brought face-to-face with their victims, in an effort for both constituents to get over the crime and move forward. More offenders and longer sentences during the 20th century led to an increase in prison populations once again. This resulted in ridiculous levels of over-crowding, which consequently worsened the improving living conditions and the previous efforts for bettering prison education, workshops, and family visits. The famous prison riots of the 1980s and the 1990s are believed to have been a result of this.
The current situation?
At present, seven houses are broken into every day. A burglary often takes less than 10 minutes but can cost a homeowner on average up to £3,030 – with one-third of the value solely based on the emotional cost to victims. In 2021, England and Wales’s police force received over 235,000 crime reports for burglary. This is a decrease of 17% from 2020’s figure of 274,000 reports for burglary but is still a humongous decrease from the 1,100,000 reports for burglary in the year 2000.
A suggested cause for the dramatic drop in theft statistics is reportedly a result of improved home security systems, including the introduction of security cameras and alarm monitoring. It is suggested that 77% of people with at least a basic home security system are not burgled. There is further evidence to support this, as 60% of thieves have suggested that they wouldn’t burgle a property if it had an alarm. Despite this, only 32% of British householders have a burglar alarm and just 40% have a security camera.
Conclusion
As made evident throughout this blog, burglary, crime, and punishment have come a long way over the years. Initially, theft crimes made up 73.5% of reported crimes, with the burglary of goods valued above a shilling resulting in the death penalty. There have been numerous contextual influences that served as catalysts in this development, from national reforms, Civil and World Wars, the industrial revolution, the great depression, the invention of cars, and the flourishing of newspapers. As a result, the justice system has moved from being locally determined and unpoliced to one of a less barbaric nature.
It can be argued that in light of the reduction in penal severity, convicts have gained confidence in committing crimes, which could explain the influx in reported burglaries from 3000 incidents during the 1900ss, to over 1.1 million incidents in 2000. The rates of burglary have since depleted, likely in response to the introduction and social adoption of monitored home security and security camera systems.
If you have any questions on how you can better equip yourself against the modern burglar or would like a quote for monitored home security and security camera installations, then please do not hesitate to get in touch! Our team are experts at what we do and would love to help!
Aug 31, 2022 | Countrywide Security
Burglaries are scarily common within the UK – with a new break-in occurring every 106 seconds. This amounted to 267,000 burglaries in 2021, with 817 per day, and 34 per hour. An average burglary takes less than ten minutes, yet can cost an average of £2,856 per household.
Despite such terrifying statistics, only 32% of homeowners in the UK own burglar alarms, and 40% own a security camera. Simply being home is not a sufficient deterrent for burglars, as 64.1% of successful residential burglaries happened whilst someone was inside their property. So how do you secure your property?
This blog provides the top 10 methods for securing your property, in the hopes that you will have better peace of mind and can feel safe within your residential sanctuary.
Top 10 ways to secure your property:
1. Ensure all your windows and doors are locked
It may sound like the oldest trick in the book, but unlocked windows and doors are the easiest way for a burglar to gain entry to your home. Make sure to check that your doors and windows are fully locked before going out, or going to bed. It may seem over the top, but it is recommended to lock your front and back doors even whilst you are occupied in another room, or upstairs. Whilst you are busy elsewhere, a burglar may sneak in without you realising. In any case, it is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to get into the habit of keeping your home secure by locking your windows and doors.
2. Make sure you’ve got two locks on your front door
Not only does having two locks add strength to your door to prevent it from getting kicked in, but they can also serve as a deterrent for robbers to approach in the first place. Opportunists will look at a row of houses and know they have a better chance of getting in if they have only one lock. There is no point in having two locks if you do not use them both, as thieves will come to your front door and use their feet to put pressure on your door to tell them whether the door has two locks in use.
3. Install a security camera
CCTV installation has many benefits when it comes to keeping your house secure. The sheer sight of a security camera is enough to be a deterrent to many burglars, as it suggests that your home is well-protected. However, if you are unfortunately a victim of burglary, then your CCTV installation can capture footage, which can be used to help you get justice. Modern CCTV cameras include high-definition footage and can feature night vision and vast hard drives to store lots of footage.
Nowadays, it is also possible to link your CCTV to your smartphones, tablets, or laptops, as a means of keeping an eye on your home irrespective of where you are based. Smart CCTV systems will even send an alert through to your mobile if they detect movement in or around your home.
4. Keep ladders and tools locked away
Tools, ladders, and other related objects can be used to assist with breaking into your home, therefore, it is better to keep them securely locked away. Thieves use ladders to climb and take a long look inside your home – to scope the value of your items and to access your house through upstairs windows.
It is integral that toys and bikes are locked away properly in your garage and shed. A high-quality, waterproof lock should be implemented to do this effectively. Bikes are of high value and can be used to help burglars escape, whereas toys and games can indicate that there are other valuable items inside the house.
5. Don’t answer the door if you’re unsure who’s there.
If you are not anticipating anybody to be knocking on your door, then it is best not to answer it. At the very least, if you are unsure of who it is, then you should answer the door with the chain on – as it’s common for older people to be targeted with door-knocking scams or distraction burglaries.
A distraction burglary occurs when one person is used to distract the homeowner at the front door, whilst an accomplice searches for another way into the home and proceeds to steal any valuables they can find.
If this was to become a regular occurrence for you, then the best way to avoid it is to ignore the door and call for the police. If you do choose to answer the door, then you should do the following:
- Only open the door with the chain on.
- Ask for a photo ID to prove that the person is who they claim to be.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions to see how they react.
- Don’t think twice about refusing entry and closing the door.
- Consider installing a peephole or video doorbell, as it allows you to see who is knocking without having to open the door.
6. Be careful with social media
Burglars will monitor social media to see something that might give them a window of opportunity. As a result, it is highly important that when you post on social media, you don’t give your details away.
It’s easy to forget that when you are uploading an image, your house could be in the background, as with other details. This could highlight your house number and the location of your belongings to social media onlookers. Make sure to also avoid publishing photos of your TV, jewellery, or bank card.
Similar care needs to be taken when making your profiles also. There is no requirement to share specific details such as your street name, so this should be avoided – as your details can be used to access some of your other online accounts and digital identities.
If you’re going on holiday, you should additionally avoid mentioning it on your profiles. A photo from the airport is essentially an announcement that your home is going to be vacant for several days at a time and can therefore be taken advantage of.
7. Install a burglar alarm
The sight of a burglar alarm in itself is a huge deterrent for any potential burglar. If a burglar was to enter your home, then an alarm reduces the likelihood that they will hang around to search for your valuables.
There are different types of burglar alarm installations to consider, each with its benefits and applications – depending on your personal preferences, your budget, where you live, what your home is like, and what level of protection and response you require. The different types of burglar alarms to consider are as follows:
Bells-only alarm
(Makes a loud noise, but does not contact you or the police)
Dialler alarms
(Automatically dials your phone number, or the phone of a chosen friend or family member when the alarm is triggered)
Smart system
(The alarm contacts you or loved ones when the alarm is triggered, either through a smartphone or tablet app)
Monitoring contract
(A monthly or annual fee is paid for a company to act, or call the police if the alarm is triggered)
8. Think about where you display things
Similar to social media, criminals are constantly scanning households for indicative information regarding the value of a household’s possessions, and the best opportunities to retrieve them. As a result, a great degree of caution should be implemented into what you have on show and displayed through your windows.
Burglars can read, and therefore, if you hang a calendar up in your kitchen facing a window, then your calendar is clearly documenting to robbers the dates that you are going to be away from the house – allowing them all the information they need to plan their future robbery down to a tee.
9. Invest in curtains
One way that you can better secure your property is to invest in curtains or any alternatives that may help you to obscure the things that are inside your home. If onlookers can easily see into the inside of your house, then they are given insights into the people who live there. This is especially true for festive seasons such as Christmas, as many houses will leave gifts on show, with many people showcasing their empty boxes outside as an advertisement for what they’ve got for Christmas, which could encourage thieves to take it upon themselves to invite themselves in.
10. Don’t display a ‘beware of the dog’ sticker
Having a pet is one of the most traditional means of securing your house, which is why many dog-owners like to emphasize this by purchasing a clear ‘beware of the dog’ sticker in their front window.
This is advised against nowadays, as it more often than not indicates to the burglar that they can gain entry to the property, as the owners most likely won’t have set their alarms if they’ve got a cat or a dog roaming about to set it off. It also highlights to burglars that you may have a cat or dog flap around the back of the house which they could use to aid their entry into your house.
Having a pet is still a valid way of securing your property and enhancing the safety of your home, It should simply not be advertised with ‘beware of’ stickers, for the above reasons.
Conclusion
As highlighted previously, burglaries are a scarily common occurrence in the UK – with over 267,000 burglaries occurring in 2021. Despite this, only 32% of homeowners have a burglar alarm installed, even though they are reported to be one of the biggest deterrents.
If you would like to know more about how you can be proactive against burglary, or perhaps would like to purchase a trusted home security system, then please do not hesitate to get in touch! Our experienced and highly capable team would love to hear from you and would be more than happy to help out wherever we can.
Jul 6, 2022 | Countrywide Security
Protecting your property from theft and break-ins, whether it’s your home or your business, has never been more prevalent.
A report from 2021 indicates that a staggering 47% of burglaries committed in the UK on domestic properties alone happen in the ‘spur of the moment’. Therefore, it’s essential that your property always looks secure from the outside as well as having the correct security measures in place to deter intruders.
Domestic and business security often overlaps with each security method providing an additional layer in keeping you and your belongings safe.
There are a range of ways to make your property safer, and Countrywide Security Systems are here to help explain the necessary steps and methods on how best to increase security.
Check your security
The first step that you should consider taking is to check how secure your property is and where it can be improved. This will help you to determine the best course of action and what is necessary.
Make sure to always ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there any doors and windows left open, even if they’re not easily accessible?
- Is there a spare key that’s easily visible, or easy to find, such as under the mat?
- Do all your doors and windows have locks?
- Are there any ladders or climbable objects nearby that a burglar could use?
- How secure is the shed or garage? Is it always kept locked with a high-quality security lock system?
By considering each possible entry point to your home or business, such as doors, windows, and other access areas, you will soon work out how secure certain elements are and see where they could be improved to offer you protection and peace of mind.
Intruder alarms
When choosing a security system for your home or business, it is important to consider what type of protection you need.
A burglar alarm system is one of the most important types of security devices available on the market and can provide you with peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Burglar alarms emit a piercing shriek when activated, alerting those nearby as well as the authorities.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an intruder alarm system is what type of detection devices you need. The Ajax movement detectors are a home and business’s first line of defence.
Part of the smartest home security system available on the market, the Ajax movement detectors use a passive infrared sensor (PIR), which detects changes in infrared radiation levels. These sensors can be used to detect movement of up to 15m, making them ideal for intruder detection.
The Ajax smart alarm security system comes complete with other features, such as break glass detection, water leaks and door opening detection devices. Countrywide Security stock and install this state-of-the-art security system and offer full home security integration across the West Midlands.
CCTV Systems
CCTV system installation is another important part of any security set-up, both at home and more importantly, at the workplace.
CCTV systems use cameras to capture images or footage of an area, which can then be monitored. In a business environment, this is usually monitored by a security guard or CCTV operator. In a domestic environment, this is often done by the homeowner, sometimes via an app, depending on the system.
CCTV is an effective deterrent to criminals, as potential intruders will know that they are being watched.
When choosing to install a CCTV system, it is important to consider the type of camera you need. Wireless CCTV cameras have increased in popularity in recent years, allowing the operator control to pan, tilt and zoom the camera via another device to get a better view of an area.
At Countrywide, we supply and carry out the installation of CCTV cameras that are both wired and wireless, each having its own unique benefits.
It is also important to consider the storage capacity of your CCTV system. CCTV footage can be stored locally on a hard drive, or it can be stored remotely on a cloud-based server. If you choose to store your CCTV footage remotely, it is important to make sure that the server is secure and that only authorised personnel have access to it.
Fire alarms
An integral part of any security system, fire alarms are a cost-effective and highly recommended security measure.
Current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have an appropriate fire detection system as with every home too. Without an appropriate detection system, you may see an increase in insurance rates and other premiums as well as risk heavy fines.
Fire alarms can be either mains powered, or battery operated and are designed to raise the alarm in the event of a fire. Mains powered fire alarms are generally considered to be more reliable than battery-operated fire alarms, as they will continue to work even if there is a power cut.
When choosing a fire alarm, it is important to consider the type of detector you also need. Heat detectors measure the temperature of the air and sound the alarm when it reaches a certain threshold whereas smoke detectors use optical sensors to detect smoke particles in the air.
It is also important to think about where you want to install your fire alarm. The most common type of fire alarm is a ceiling-mounted fire alarm, as this can be easily installed in most homes and businesses.
However, if you have a basement office or an attic for your home or business, you may want to consider installing a wall-mounted fire alarm instead, as this will provide better coverage in these areas.
Additional business security measures
A commercial property occasionally requires additional security measures to fully protect both your staff and your business. Because a business often has other people that would work in the building, it’s important to:
- Carry out risk assessments to find the potential hazards and risks
- Staff safety training should be conducted so staff are aware of how to handle a security breach or how to respond in an emergency
- Install sufficient cyber security measures. An aspect of security that is often overlooked within the contemporary marketplace
- Lock away any valuables that might be left on show
Installing the right security system
With Countrywide Security Systems, we offer the best smart home security detection systems on the market. Our future proof Ajax alarm system with multiple detection accessories set the precedence for both domestic and business security. We offer a range of security measures, suitable for any property, such as fire alarms, CCTV cameras, and other intruder alarms.
Contact us directly if you’re looking for help in choosing the right type of system for your needs, and to ensure it is installed correctly to guarantee you maximum protection.
Jul 1, 2022 | Countrywide Security
As a homeowner, it’s important to do everything you can to protect your property and belongings. It’s natural to want to invest in protecting your home, in fact it is advised. On average, there are 1.3 million burglaries per year in England and Wales, and 3/5 burglaries are successful. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that you are installing viable and visible home security systems to prevent burglaries and protect your property if you are victim to a burglary.
Home security is essential in preventing a theft. And on the chance that your home is burgled, a working home security system will alert you, the authorities, and hopefully encourage the burglar to abandon their attempts before they’ve done any damage.
Home security systems
Burglar alarms
Burglar alarms are one of the most common home security systems. They work by sounding an alarm if someone tries to break into your property. This will immediately deter the burglar and hopefully cause them to flee the scene.
There are two main types of burglar alarm – wired and wireless. Wireless burglar alarms are becoming increasingly popular as they are easier to install and don’t require any drilling.
Having a burglar alarm offers peace of mind and increased security for when you’re at home or away. Additionally, having a visible burglar alarm can work to deter criminals from attempting to break into your property.
CCTV installation services
CCTV installation goes hand in hand with burglar alarm installation. Having working CCTV acts as a strong visible deterrent and can help to identify criminals if your property is burgled.
There are different types of CCTV systems available, and the type you choose will depend on your needs and budget: wired or wireless, IP or analogue. IP CCTV systems are newer and send footage over the internet, meaning you can access it from anywhere in the world. Analogue CCTV systems are older but tend to be more affordable.
CCTV systems are the most effective deterrent as they can be clearly seen and offer the most security for your home. CCTV cameras paired with other home security systems will leave you feeling like you’ve done the most to protect your property and your belongings.
Outdoor lighting
Good outdoor lighting is important for two reasons – it can help to deter criminals as it makes your property more visible, and it makes it easier for you to see if someone is lurking around outside.
There are different types of outdoor lighting available, from floodlights to solar-powered lights. It’s important to find the right type of light for your needs and budget.
Floodlights are a good option as they are bright and can cover a large area. However, they can be expensive to run if left on for long periods of time. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendlier option, but they may not be as bright as floodlights. Motion sensor lights are also a good idea as they can trigger and alert you if someone is outside, hopefully scaring them off in the process.
Access control systems
An access control system is another type of home security system that can be used to great effect. Access control systems work by allowing you to restrict access to certain areas of your property, for example your front door or gates. This is usually done with a key, fob, or pin pad.
Access control systems offer an extra layer of security for your home and can be used in conjunction with other home security measures such as burglar alarms and CCTV. Access control systems can be controlled by your smartphone also, offering you enhanced protection wherever you are.
Smart security systems such as Ajax alarms can be integrated into your home to combine all your different alarm systems (as long as they are compatible), to be controlled from one device or hub. Smart home security is a great way of future proofing your home and ensuring you are in control of all your home’s security.
Servicing your home security
It’s important to remember that no matter how good your home security system is, it needs to be regularly serviced to remain effective. This is because over time, components can become worn or damaged and will need to be repaired or replaced.
You should have your burglar alarm serviced at least once a year by a qualified engineer. If you have CCTV, it’s also a good idea to get this checked regularly to make sure it’s in good working order.
Outdoor lighting should be checked too, as bulbs can blow, and solar-powered lights may need new batteries. Outdoor lighting should be checked every few months to make sure it’s still effective and the batteries are working correctly.
Access control systems should also be regularly serviced, as the keypads and other components can become worn with time. It’s a good idea to have your access control system checked every six months to a year by a qualified engineer.
Regular servicing of your home security systems is an important home maintenance step that should be completed regularly. If you don’t service your home security systems regularly, you run the risk of having systems that no longer work and will therefore fail to do their job in the event of an incident.
At Countrywide Security, we provide installation, maintenance, and servicing services to ensure our systems are working correctly and up to date with all relevant updates. If you’d like to know more about our home security products, our maintenance options, or get in touch with a service engineer, please get in touch today.
