IRONMONGERY HOME
SECURITY TRENDS IN 2024
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023 has proved to be another turbulent year in the UK. Nobody’s been safe from the impacts of the cost of living crisis, causing everyone to tighten their belts, and this, of course, has had its own impact on crime rates in the country. From lock snapping to vehicle theft, it’s never been more important that homeowners prioritise their home security to keep what matters most to them safe.
Smart security
Matt Claydon, head of trade at Yale UK, says that, although there Is still an impact of the current cost of living crisis, higher-priced smart security products are still in demand for a growing number of homeowners. “These people continue to be enticed by the ability to control their home security remotely via their smartphone, a key feature of the trade-exclusive Sync Smart Home Alarm and Smart Motion CCTV & Door Camera kits, and the functionality to check in on the home at any time of the day or night is invaluable for their peace of mind,” he says.
With a recent survey highlighting that 51% of UK homeowners say they would spend more for a connected home, and insurance providers offering savings to customers that utilise these smart devices, smart security adoption shows no signs of slowing in 2024.
Claydon continues: “This insight also offers plenty of profitable opportunities for merchants and installers looking to boost sales at the start of the year. With a range of new, high-quality products regularly being added to the market, from smart alarms, smart door locks and a variety of security cameras, there is a solution to suit all homeowners requirements and budgets.” A particular barrier to entry for homeowners investing in smart products is their security – both physical and via the Internet of Things (IoT). “So, by opting for products from trusted brands in the security space, merchants can be
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Home security is taking on an ever higher profile. BMJ talked to Yale UK about the latest trends in security, and what merchants should be aware of.
reassured - and can reassure their customers - that the products on offer are safe and secure and can even provide heightened protection via their remote capabilities.” When deciding on smart products to stock for 2024, merchants should look for devices that have industry approval to provide the highest security for their customers. For example, when it comes to smart locks, products with the BSI Kitemark certification are a must.
For example, Claydon says that Yale’s Conexis L2 has been awarded the BSI IoT Kitemark, a clear stamp of approval that guarantees the highest level of protection for internet-connected products. The standard also signifies that the product has undergone significant testing to ensure they function and communicate as they should, and that the appropriate security controls are in place.
Lock snapping
“Whilst the trend for smart security products shows no signs of decline, traditional security products, such as a high-quality cylinder, are still an essential part of protecting homes, something that both builders, developers and homeowners will be aware of,” he continues.
“The reason for this awareness is due to the trend of lock snapping burglaries, often reported on in the press, where the intruder gains access through a door by snapping the lock in half and forcing it open. This popular technique is commonly used by opportunists due to it being a quick and easy way to enter a home.” Since the introduction of the TS007 standard in 2012, lock snapping burglaries have continued to decline year on year, moving from a record high of 16% in 2011, to 8% in 20192. Claydon says that, although this ongoing decline is promising, due to the introduction of TS007 3 star cylinder products, lock snapping continues to be a popular and highly publicised burglary
method. This means homeowners are aware of the threat and will be willing to invest in suitable protection against this method.
Vehicle theft
Crime statistics continue to highlight the ongoing increase of vehicle theft in the UK. A recent survey from the AA revealed that car theft is up by 29% in the past four years. Claydon says high-quality security cameras could prove a particularly profitable product category for merchants in the New Year, as a preventative measure against vehicle theft. “With domestic burglaries peaking over the winter months when days are shorter, floodlight cameras, such as the Yale Floodlight Camera, are a great addition to a merchant’s product portfolio, and are a particularly profitable category for investment as smart products continue to grow in popularity particuarly across the security industry.”
Claydon adds: “2024 is set to be a bumper year for merchants investing wisely in a widened security product portfolio.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2023
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