Pick The Right Security System

There is no point installing a security system that is more complex than you need. Equally, it is important to ensure that your security system addresses the main areas of risk in your home. An alarm system connected to the front door is not going to be very effective if the most likely point of entry for a burglar is a rear window!

The first thing to do before you install a home security system is to conduct a risk assessment of your home. Where are the most likely areas of your home that a burglar would target? You can get advice from a security service in assessing your home but there are a few basic considerations you can make yourself. Are parts of your home’s exterior dark or well concealed? Do you have a lot of glass that could easily be broken to provide a point of entry? Burglars want to get in and out of your home as quickly as possible without being seen, so anything you can do that will illuminate them, slow them down or alert others to their presence will act as a deterrent.

Over 40% of home burglaries are termed by police as "no force" entries - the burglar simply walks in through doors or windows that are left unlocked. So the first step in an effective security system is to get in the habit of locking your doors and windows when you are away from home or in bed at night. Burglars know which kinds of lock are difficult to break so get the best locks and use them. Breaking glass is another common form of home entry. A glass break detector is especially useful if you have windows or glass doors that could be broken without anyone hearing the noise.

Whatever form of security system you use for your home, make it visible. You want to deter the criminal before he attempts to enter your house - not hope to scare him away afterwards. Once you have completed your security audit, talk to the home security company that you are thinking of using. Get their advice and tips on what to do, and what the costs of various are for different security system options.

Lastly, consider your budget. Even a very basic security system significantly reduces the risk of burglary. Burglars want to break into the easiest homes, and the ones that present the lowest risk. If yours has a security system, they are 3 time more likely to pass it by then if you don’t. Do this together with your security system vendor and take a bite out of crime.