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.