56 SAFETY & SECURITY M
odern home security measures are an increasingly indispensa- ble feature for all properties.
Unlike many other household furnishings, which need to be aesthetically pleasing (sometimes to the cost of functionality), home security’s primary focus is to offer a much more practical purpose – i.e. to protect the property and keep its occupants safe from harm. Over the past 20 years, the number of
burglaries in the UK has fallen – incidents in 2016 were down 23 per cent for the same period five years earlier, and 38 per cent lower than 10 years ago. However, between October 2015 and September 2016, there were still over 400,000 police-reported burglaries, giving a burglary rate of seven offences per 1,000 people.
Given these statistics, it is understand- able that prospective homeowners are as concerned as ever about home security provision. It is imperative therefore that developers address these concerns when building or renovating a property by taking advantage of the rapidly developing technologies and hardware that are now available.
SMART LOCKS & ALARMS Traditional ‘lock and key’ methods have been the basic foundation of security for centuries. However, the introduction of keyless smart locks has marked an important development in home security for specifiers of housing developments. A keyless lock is still as simple to use as its traditional counterpart, but provides greater flexibility. It can be unlocked with a PIN code, key card, key tag, remote fob and even your smartphone, meaning there are a variety of secure ways with which to lock and unlock the door. Some manufacturers offer additional security features, including a tamper alarm and incorrect PIN code immobiliser included as standard. Many smart locks are also interactive, with smart alarms and CCTV systems.
Alarm systems are another security feature that have evolved to maximise capabilities and become more user- friendly.
WITH SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY, USERS ARE NOW ABLE TO ARM OR DISARM, AND CONFIGURE THEIR ALARMS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE AND REMOTE VIEWING IS NOW POSSIBLE
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
SAFE AS HOUSES
With security remaining high on a homeowner’s list of priorities, and with the threat of burglary ever-present, Martin Smith of
IronmongeryDirect.co.uk takes a look at the different options available.
With smartphone connectivity, users are now able to arm/disarm and configure their alarms anytime, anywhere. With PIR image cameras, remote viewing is now possible, with images and displays sent directly to a smartphone.
It is also now commonplace to be able to ‘part arm’ a home – meaning a solution where an alarm can be set, securing a
ground floor, while still being able to move freely upstairs.
LIGHTING
Indoor lights on a timer and external motion sensor lights may seem like an age-old trick to deter burglars but they remain effective.
Combined with window and double
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