We are often contacted by landlords, estate agents, and tenants regarding property security, and there is always misunderstanding about how to safeguard the property without spending an arm and a leg and use the solutions despite tenants and maybe estate agents changing as well. We have years of expertise working on behalf of landlords, estate agents, and tenants who want to safeguard their homes and provide moving solutions. The following are our major takeaways for all rented properties.

1) Door and Window Locks

Doors and windows are the most common access and exit points in domestic burglaries. In fact, burglars have been known to force entry through a door or a window to gain access to a property. Make sure you have high-quality, hard-to-break windows and locks installed throughout your home.

Deadbolts are among the most secured locks you can use on your property. These locks involve a one-of-a-kind mechanism that provides the best protection against burglaries or break-ins. It is usually a good idea to put locks on all of your windows.

Also, make sure to use window blinds to prevent intruders from peeping into your home. Make it a point to do it at every entry and exit point to make it impossible for the burglar to get in.

You can also use smart locks that are operated through a digital code and is only accessible to those who have access to them. You can improve security by changing the password regularly.

2) Install an Alarm System

Burglar or Security alarms are an excellent way to protect your property. These alarms are designed to trigger a loud siren and alert the user when there is a break-in. Burglar alarms are paired with motion sensors that detect unauthorised movement and communicate to the control panel and trigger the alert.

Burglar alarms can have different features and specifications that allow you to protect your home in a better way. The main categories you can look at are:

• Remote monitoring through your smartphone app. You can sync your smartphone with your system, and you can control, manage, and monitor your alarm from your phone remotely.
• 3^rd party monitoring is where your house is being monitored by a third party or police authority and if there were an alert, they would instantly take an action. Highly recommended for commercial or high-value properties.
• The call-alert feature allows your system to call you on your phone when the alarm is triggered. In this case, your system uses your landline or a GSM connection to communicate to your phone in case of an emergency.
• Smart alarm with home automation capabilities that connects to your other smart devices like voice assistant devices or smart appliances and allow you to automate the task for enhanced safety and security within your home.

New tenants generally look at the properties more favorably, if they have good quality security systems installed. All our alarms on service plans get annual service visits, unlimited remote support for tenants and property managers if there is an issue and we deal with seamless transfer of alarm user ownership from one tenant to another when they move. The landlord does not have to deal with any of these issues and in fact, most landlords pass the service charges on to tenants.

3) Security lights

This is another security measure that landlords should invest in to improve house security. We all know that most burglars will wait until the night to get into your home undetected. When burglars try to approach the property, security lights such as motion sensors and floodlights have a startling effect on burglars. It is ideal to strategically place them around your property so that if someone tries to break in at night, it will scare the burglars and notify the neighbours and the homeowner that someone is trying to approach their house. You can position them in front of your entrance gate, backyard, or near your garage to deter anyone from attempting a forced entry through these areas.

4) Safeguard your Backyard or Garden

The backyard door or the garden is another area of your property you need to protect from any kind of intrusion. In some of the cases, burglars break in through the backyard door or garden. If you have a garden on your property, make sure you have put a fence around it and the door is lockable. Make sure you are trimming the shrubs and grasses around your garden. Sometimes, burglars hide behind these long bushes and wait for the right opportunity to attack. Don’t make it easier for burglars to target your property. Also, make sure you are using motion sensors at your backdoor.

5) Take appropriate measures when the property is not rented

If you’ve rented out your apartment, be sure you’re taking the necessary precautions when it’s empty. It is ideal to have a security system in place so that you can receive instant notifications if anyone tries to break in. The most vulnerable properties are those that are vacant. Burglars target properties that are empty and have no trace of tenants. It becomes simple for them to break in and finish the work without being interrupted. If the property is furnished, it may be a red flag if it is not professionally secured.

6) Check your Insurance Policy

Make sure you understand your insurance policy. People frequently fail to consult with their insurer about the implications of theft and burglary on their insurance policy. For instance, insurance companies do insist on taking effective security measures like installing a professional security system. They do not recommend DIY security systems as they are not British 2 or 3 graded systems. Also, ask your tenant that your building insurance doesn’t cover their belongings and they need to ensure their belongings with appropriate content insurance.

7) Use a CCTV system

A home camera system is another great way to take charge of your home security. It helps you keep an eye on your home and allows you to track who is accessing your property. There is a wide range of camera systems available for residential properties for internal and external use. Choose a plug-and-play camera with a smart app for indoors and, if possible, two-way audio with pan and tilt capabilities. We would recommend a professionally installed and fully customised CCTV solution for the outdoors, such as FHA ones. Remember that CCTV that does not provide local recording and relies on your broadband connection is not as reliable as CCTV with local hard-drive recording. A professionally installed CCTV system is a one-time cost solution that will rarely require additional maintenance and will provide complete protection. When possible, choose products that are secure by design and secure by default.

8) Change the locks once before the new tenants come

When you rent out your flat to multiple tenants, your property becomes more vulnerable. That means you must be extra cautious because you have no idea who is accessing your house. The best approach is to change your locks and keys before renting your property to a new renter. It is strongly suggested if you have a difficult tenant or someone you do not trust. You never know if they still have keys to your apartment and may try to get into it later.

Summary

We are a security installer who works with a variety of security systems that are customised to each property. If you are a homeowner who wants to protect your property, please contact us. We can provide a free phone consultation or a free property survey of your property. Please call us at 020 3137 8727 or 0800 193 8727 or send an email to hello@fhasecurity.co.uk.

Visonic is a global manufacturer of security alarms and is one of the leading brands in wireless security, selling in 100 countries. They have two of the most popular alarm series: Powermax and Powermaster with cutting-edge wireless technology. Both these products are designed and manufactured in accordance with the highest quality standards and comply with ISO 9001 quality management system certified procedures.

A) Visonic Powermax Alarm

Visonic Powermax is the most iconic and oldest professional alarm series launched by Visonic about 15 years ago, using their iconic PowerCode wireless technology. 

The Powermax family had four models in the product line– Powermax complete, Powermax Pro, Powermax Plus, and Powermax Express. Visonic discontinued Powermax alarms in 2019 and no longer offers them part of their current product portfolio. So, now you won’t find Powermax alarms available for fresh installations.

So if you are planning to install a Visonic Powermax on your property, our recommendation would be to consider alarms that are not discontinued. If you already have a Powermax alarm and need professional help, you can contact us. We still service Powermax alarms and can replace any faulty parts as long as they are still available in the market. However, another alternative is to upgrade your Powermax system to a Powermaster alarm to avoid any hassle in the future.

So, if you have an existing Powermax alarm at your property and are not sure what to do with it, give us a call, and our experts will be happy to provide you with the best recommendations.

B) Visonic Powermaster Alarm

Visonic introduced Powermaster alarm series in 2013, which is one of the best professional British-grade alarms. They use Visonic’s in-house wireless technology- PowerG that delivers unmatched detection accuracy, long-lasting reliability, system robustness and ease of use.

Visonic Powermaster is undoubtedly one of the best british-grade wireless security alarms. Due to their robustness and reliability, these alarms are widely used across residential properties. And the installation is quick and easy, which is certainly not the case with old traditional alarms.

Visonic alarms are open to customisation, and you can choose a custom-built alarm package based on your requirement. These systems come with advanced peripherals that offer enhanced security. You can choose amongst a range of motion detectors, perimeter protection devices, camera detectors, keypads, arming devices, and sirens. Moreover, you can even add pet-friendly motion sensors if you have pets at home. Or add a pair of camera sensors for real-time alarm verification. And you can choose any communication mode like landline, broadband or GSM depending on your network connectivity within your property. 

1) Visonic Powermaster 10 Alarm

Powermaster 10 is the oldest and simplest alarm within the Powermaster family. It is the most affordable British-grade, insurance approved alarm and is suitable for any property type. Powermaster 10 is a compact wireless telecommunicating alarm that sends alerts and notifications to the user on the mobile app. It is more advanced than a bell alarm that only triggers a loud sound and if the homeowner is not around, it will count as a lost alarm.

Powermaster 10 comes with an in-built PSTN module that uses landline connectivity and calls the user in an emergency. Another alternative to the PSTN module is a GSM module that comes with an in-built sim card. In this scenario, the control panel uses cellular connectivity for call alerts. And if you want app connectivity, you can choose an IP module that uses a broadband network for app connectivity.

Powermaster 10 can connect up to 60 wireless devices and comes with a backup battery that allows you to use it in case of power failure. All Visonic alarms are zone controllable, including Powermaster 10. You can either fully arm the system when you are not at home or partially arm the system at night.

The alarm package doesn’t come with hardwired switches, and everything is configured from the control panel itself. You don’t even need to re-open the added peripherals once fitted.

Features:

• It has a superior radio range and works well if you are installing it on large premises. And you won’t even require repeaters to boost the signal, which is usually the case in a traditional system.
• It is a robust system that comes with prolonged battery life.
• An Eco-friendly system that consumes minimum power and creates less pollution due to its adaptive transmission power.
• It offers external perimeter protection via external magnetic contacts, curtain detectors and outdoor motion detectors with camera sensors.
• You don’t need to pay any ongoing monitoring charge if you opt for self-monitoring options.

Our standard Powermaster 10 kit starts at £449, including supply, fitting, and VAT, and comes with the following items. However, the price will increase if you wish to add extra sensors and accessories to the package. The basic alarm kit is not a smart alarm; however, you can add an IP module to use it as a smart alarm at an extra cost.

• Control panel- 1 unit
• PIR Motion Detectors- 2 units
• Slimline Wireless Keyfob- 1 unit
• Rectangular Wireless Outdoor Live Siren- 1 unit
• Door/Window Contact- 1 unit

2) Visonic Powermaster 30 Alarm

PowerMaster-30 is a professional wireless home burglar alarm system suitable for advanced security monitoring applications and heavy-duty operation. Powermaster 30 also comes with two-way communication technology and has a superior range, prolonged battery life, and unmatched wireless robustness.

As a part of the Powermaster family, it is a zone controllable alarm that can connect up to 120 devices. You can either fully arm it ideally when you go out or partially arm it when you go to bed at night. It can be paired with proximity tags, saves you from punching the user codes on the keypad. You can also add remote keyfobs and panic buttons to the system.

Powermaster 30 alarm comes with an in-built PSTN module so that the alarm can be connected to your landline at home. Call your mobile phone if the alarm is triggered. It will call up to 4 numbers of your choice. You can also have it connected to a GSM sim card unit and broadband IP module.

The main features of Powermaster 30 are:

• The user gets remote access with the smartphone app (requires IP module and broadband at home) and can arm and disarm the system remotely.   
• User can visually verify alarms on their phone. The camera sensors take photos and send them on their smartphone app. So, whenever an alarm is triggered, they can check it immediately on the app. This way, it becomes easier to identify any false alarms.
• With its in-built speech facility feature, you can either listen to the alarm system or speak through the control panel.
• There is no ongoing monitoring or app subscription fee. 

This is a British standard alarm system in compliance with the latest EN50131 standards. The standard kit starts at £599, including supply and fitting and comes with the following items. Similar to the Powermaster 10, the standard Powermaster 30 kit is not a smart alarm. However, if you want to, you will have to add an IP module at an extra cost.

• Control Panel- 1 unit
• Door/Window Contact- 1 unit
• Wireless Stylish Keyfob- 1 unit
• PIR Motion Detector- 2 units
• Hexagon Live Siren- 1 unit

You can read our in-depth analysis of Visonic Powermaster 30 Alarm system here. 

3) Visonic Powermaster 33 Alarm

Powermaster 33 is again a two-way communication wireless alarm with a slick look. It comes with thin profile door contacts and has the most versatile communication modules.

Like any other Visonic alarm, it is a zone controllable alarm, allowing you to turn the full alarm when you go out and part of the alarm when you go to bed at night.

Powermaster 33 alarm has similar features to Powermaster 30. Except it comes with a separate keypad and control panel. Its wireless keypad has a nice look and can be put near your entrance. It has a big display, big enough to show all your messages and compliments your door. You can place your control panel discretely inside the house, away from easy access for anyone breaking in and ideally next to your broadband router. This allows for a tidier installation with minimal cabling and connections affecting the decor of the house.

A standard kit starts at £799, including supply and fitting and has the following items. Because Powermaster 33 standard kit is a smart alarm, it comes with a Visonic Go Smart app at no extra cost.

• Control Panel-1 unit
• Door/Window Contact- 1 unit
• IP Module- 1 unit
• PIR Motion Detector- 2 units
• Hexagon Live Siren- 1 unit
• Proximity Tags- 2 units
• Keypad- 1 unit
• Visonic Go Mobile App

4) Visonic Powermaster 360R Alarm

Powermaster 360R was released in 2019 by Visonic. It is a professional modern wireless security alarm system with optional home automation capabilities. It is suitable for residential and small to mid-size businesses looking for an advanced alarm and home automation system in a single platform. The PowerMaster-360R provides a robust and scalable solution using Z-Wave, WiFi and cellular 2G or 3G capabilities.

It comes with a compact control panel integrated with the keypad like Powermaster 10 and Powermaster 30. The alarm system can be armed or disarmed by a variety of keyfobs and keypads using special codes. The system provides you with visual status information in the disarmed state and initiates an alarm if smoke is detected or upon disturbance in a 24-hour zone (a zone that is active 24-hours a day).

A standard kit starts at £899, including supply and fitting and has the following items. Like Powermaster 33, the 360R standard kit is a smart alarm with a free smartphone app.

• Control Panel- 1 unit
• Door/Window Contact- 1 unit
• Keyfob- 1 unit
• Hexagon Live Siren- 1 unit
• IP Module- 1 unit
• PIR Motion Detector- 2 units
• GSM Module- 1 unit

The new Qolsys IQ Panel

If you are looking for more advanced security solutions with home automation capabilities, you should go for the Qolsys IQ Panel. 

Qolsys IQ panel comes with a 7″ HD Touchscreen, a built-in 5 MP camera, and a new exclusive feature: Dual SRF featuring Visonic’s Powermaster burglar alarm technology, the best wireless sensor protocol available. PowerG has 4x the range of traditional wireless, military-grade 2-way encryption, automatic signal adjustment to improve battery life and ensure a reliable connection, and interference circumvention to provide your signals never get blocked by other wireless protocols.

Because it uses PowerG technology, you can pair the IQ panel with any Visonic Powermaster alarm system or accessories. The 5 MP camera captures disarm photos, records alarm videos, and lets you peek in from the app.

It uses Alarm.com’ s smartphone app that utilises state-of-the-art security and gives you a complete insight into happenings in your home. It ensures complete protection through a dedicated connection, instant alerts on emergencies or important events, and monitors activities through visual verification. The panel has a built-in GSM module (comes with sim cards) and a WiFi module to connect to your broadband at home for a seamless connection.

You can read the in-depth review of Qolsys alarm system here. It is the most advanced smart alarm in the world now.

Summary

FHA is the UK’s leading multi-award-winning security installer based in England. We are a Visonic platinum installer and have been working with all Visonic products for the last ten years. Our product range includes multiple brands, Visonic being one of our most popular installs. This article gives you an in-depth detail about Visonic alarms. But if you still have any queries, we recommend booking a free consultation call with our experts.

The iRisco app connectivity is a smart way for property owners- residential or commercial, to efficiently manage security from their phones. It is a cloud-based security service that compliments Risco Agility alarms and enables you to manage, operate, and monitor your system from anywhere.

The app includes a host of advanced features and capabilities that give you complete control over your home’s security. It even integrates your other smart devices on the same interface, compatible with the Risco alarm family.

Risco alarms are smart alarms and the user can monitor the home from the app. The app connects to the control panel via the broadband connection. This enables the app and the user receives all the alerts as a push notification whenever there is an emergency. The iRisco app connects to the Risco cloud to provide the user with remote access control. The user can also access previous data via the cloud service for future reference.

The app is compatible with all leading platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers, and can be downloaded directly from the Apple or Google Play stores. To use all of the features of your Risco alarm app, you must purchase the irisco app subscription.

This video will illustrate how the iRisco app works and how users can leverage this service to enhance security.

What are the iRisco App Features?

1) Log History

The Risco alarm panel provides a snapshot of all the events on the app along with the images or videos of those activities.

The Event history log provides a comprehensive picture of all events that have occurred, including faults and alert triggers.

Alarms will contain information about all of the alarms that have been activated on your system. Like when there is unexpected activity in your home, the alarm will instantly alert you on your app.

Faults will contain all the system failure alerts that you will receive on your app. The following are some of the most typical alerts that your system will generate.

• Communication failure where the system fails to connect to the broadband that offers app connectivity.
• AC failure when the system is not getting power from the main power point.
• Line failure when the system fails to connect with your landline connection.
• GSM communication failure when the system fails to communicate with the sim card that goes into the control panel.
• Supervision loss when the sensor is not talking to the control panel.
• Tamper alarm when somebody has tampered with the sensors.
• Low battery warnings when the batteries are running low.

2) Multi-Panel

You can link more than one alarm system—office, home, or other property—to your iRisco app and use the same dashboard to monitor all of your systems at the same time. It eliminates the need to switch between separate apps and allows you to use a single app to manage multiple panels for different properties.

It is quite handy for users who have more than one alarm to handle; for example, if you are using alarms at more than one property, you do not have to use separate apps to manage both the alarms. You can easily add more than one control panel to your app.

3) Arm and Disarm

With app connectivity, you can remotely arm and disarm the system. You can even arm the system partially from your phone, protecting specific areas of the house while allowing free movement in others.

This app also allows you to pre-configure a group of detectors to arm or disarm automatically in specified situations. For example, you can arm your ground floor detectors while you are at work during the day.

To avoid false alarms, you can also evade a detector and arm the entire system. If you forget to close your window, you can still arm the whole system by deselecting a specific sensor.

4) Visual Verification

The app’s visual verification feature allows you to instantly check the alarm trigger by viewing the images and videos provided every time an alarm is triggered. It can stream and record up to 1 hour of live footage directly to the device. This allows you to identify and avoid false alarm triggers, such as an alarm activated by your pet’s movement and prevents you from going into panic mode.

The camera sensors have all been connected to your app. When the alarm goes off, you may immediately select the cameras and peek into your home for quick verification.

5) Home Automation Hub

The iRisco app provides an end-to-end smart security management platform, allowing you to integrate other smart devices into your app for enhanced security.

You can connect your smart appliances or other smart security devices, such as a smart doorbell, with your iRisco security system and manage everything from a single app.

The iRisco app’s home automation feature provides you with comfort, convenience, and ease in managing your home, elevating your home’s safety and security standards.

6) Alerts and Notifications

You may also choose how the system should alert or notify you on your app, with various options including Ring, Beep, Light, Quick, and Default. Select the best way for your system to notify you so that you never miss a notification on your app.

Summary

We are a security installer who works with Risco alarms and offers bespoke security solutions that help you customise alarm packages for your property with end-to-end services, including supply, fitting, and maintenance of alarm systems.

If you have any queries regarding Risco alarms or the iRisco app, feel free to contact us at 020 3137 8727 or 0800 193 8727 or send us your questions at hello@fhasecurity.co.uk.

Smart Home Automation has taken a paradigm shift in the consumer industry and has become an integral part of residential homes across the UK. Thanks to emerging IoT technology.

According to YouGov’s Smart Homes Report, 23% of British people own one or more smart devices. According to a Smart Home Week poll, 57% of UK households own a smart device.

The integration of smart technology into consumer devices has made it a lot more simple for consumers to automate day-to-day manual operations. The technology helps you to manage, monitor and control smart devices through your phone.  

One of the main reasons it has gained so much traction lately is its ability to give complete control over the functionality of these devices. These smart devices are also available in various price ranges, ranging from as little as £20 to thousands of pounds.

In this article, we will cover the main aspects of Smart Technology:

• What is Home Automation?
• Why is Smart Home Automation important?
• How Home Automation Works?
• Suggestions for Automating Your Home
• What are the advantages of a smart home automation hub?
• Privacy and Security Concerns of Home Automation
• Future Trends in Home Automation

What is Home Automation?

Home automation systems rely on a combination of hardware and software to function. Smart devices communicate with a central hub or a cloud-based platform, allowing users to control them remotely. Communication can take place through various means, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave.

Why is Smart Home Automation Important?

Smart technology adoption is increasing and has become more of a necessity than a trend. According to Statista, smart home penetration in the UK will be 37.4% in 2021 and is expected to reach 63% by 2025.

Smart home automation comes with a plethora of benefits and is no more just limited to asking Alexa for a weather update. You can now automate tasks like locking your door or turning off your heating system from your phone itself.

There are loads of advantages to the user with smart home automation and probably why people are switching to smart homes technology looking to improve their quality of life.

1) Enhanced Security

There were times when people used to rely on traditional ways to protect their homes. For instance, getting a loud dog, ensuring the doors and windows are shut before leaving, or asking neighbours to watch out.

These methods have worked in the past, but as burglars are going more creative, it is our responsibility to stay one step ahead of them.

And this is where smart security systems can help users with enhanced security and provide complete protection against burglars 24*7.

Smart technology-enabled home security systems let you take proactive measures to secure your property efficiently. Users can choose any smart security system- smart doors, smart locks, smart cameras, smart alarms, or a smart doorbell to protect their homes in the best possible way.

These smart home systems offer a higher level of security, and their remote monitoring feature allows people to monitor their homes remotely.

2) Energy Efficient

All smart home devices are designed to be energy efficient because they only function when required. Smart HVAC and heating systems, for example, will operate automatically based on the circumstances. These systems are outfitted with motion sensors that detect movement in the room, allowing them to operate only when necessary. You can control them remotely using a smartphone app and manage them from anywhere, at any time.

3) Cost-Effective

Because these smart devices are energy-efficient, you can save a significant amount of money on your electricity bill. Despite the initial costs, management efficiency in smart devices will save in ongoing running costs.

4) Increased Productivity

The automation of these smart devices improves your overall productivity. You can enable a set of automation tasks that allow smart devices to operate without your intervention.

For example, you can programme your smart lighting, HVAC system, or other smart devices to turn off when you leave the house. This way, you can free yourself from day-to-day manual tasks that no longer require your involvement while increasing your productivity.

5) Convenient

Routine tasks can be automated using smart home automation systems. Some of these devices can communicate with one another, making life easier for you. For instance, you can connect your smart lock to your smart alarm so that your alarm automatically activates everytime you lock your door.

6)  Peace of Mind

The remote monitoring capabilities of the smart security system provide homeowners with complete peace of mind. You are aware of all activities even when you are away from home. It could be anything like checking on your children while working or answering your doorbell remotely.

8 Smart Home Automation Ideas for your Home

1) Smart Alarms

Unlike traditional burglar alarms, smart alarms use cutting-edge technology to enable users to monitor their property remotely. It communicates with a smartphone app, allowing you to manage, control, and monitor the system from anywhere. In the event of an emergency, you will receive all notifications on your smartphone.

For example, when your smart alarm is triggered, it immediately sends you an alert along with the photos or videos that were captured at the time. You can easily validate the alarm trigger and take the appropriate actions. It aids in the control of false triggers and provides comfort.

FHA offers a variety of smart alarms that can be tailored to your specific requirements. All you have to do is schedule a free consultation call to discuss your needs.

2) Smart Cameras

Smart CCTV systems are used for monitoring and surveillance. When someone approaches your property, its motion detector immediately sends an alert to your phone. It comes with a smartphone app where you get all the notifications, and it also allows you to monitor your property from the app itself. This way, even when you are not at home, you know what is going on.

FHA provides ultra-low-light, impact-resistant, and compact high-resolution smart camera systems. They use high-end, high-spec cameras, as well as high-quality recording systems with simple backup options. You will be able to live view CCTV footage using a smartphone app or via a remote computer with internet access. All of our CCTV systems include a motion-detection recording feature and continuous recording, and a one-year warranty.   

3) Smart Lights

Smart lights save energy and money and are super easy to manage. You no longer have to turn on and off the lights manually. Instead, you can manage them using voice control devices such as Alexa or Google Home. You can also operate it through your smartphone app.

Some smart lights are equipped with a motion detector that activates every time a movement is detected within the room. Due to their startling effect, they are also quite effective against intruders who are attempting to slink through your premises in the dark.

Some smart lights can adjust brightness and colour based on the environment. You can, for example, dim the lights in your TV room to enjoy a movie night or increase the brightness in your kitchen while you are cooking dinner.

Philips and TCP are two well-known companies that provide smart lighting systems. These devices are easily available online and offline.

4) Smart Doors

Smart locks allow you to manage people getting access to your property. You have full ownership and can decide who can and cannot access your door. It connects to your smartphone app, which will enable you to control your lock from anywhere using a unique access code.

You can also pair it with other smart devices such as,

1. a) Security system- By pairing your smart door with your security system, you can automate the arming and disarming of your alarm system when the doors are locked.
2. b) Video Doorbell- When you pair your smart door with your doorbell, you will be able to grant visitors access after visually verifying them via the doorbell.

Smart doors provide advantages to homeowners who want to protect and manage their homes in an efficient way.

5) Smart HVAC systems

A smart HVAC system is a smart solution that maintains the air and heat flow within the building while also improving air quality.

Installing a smart HVAC system gives you complete control over your heating and cooling system. It offers numerous advantages such as lower energy consumption, improved performance, and remote access and automation. It also has a significant advantage in terms of energy consumption and costs.

You can have better temperature control in different rooms based on your usage and requirements. You can also connect these systems to other smart devices for voice control, such as Google Home or Alexa.

6) Smart Doorbell

A smart doorbell is a relatively new product on the market that allows you to manage and respond to visitors at your door remotely. It works with your home broadband and connects to your smartphone, where you receive all notifications.

It supports motion-triggered notifications. For example, when someone approaches your door, the device will send an instant notification to your smartphone app before the doorbell rings.

It also has built-in cameras that can send you live video notifications and allow for two-way video communication.

There are numerous smart doorbell devices on the market. Sky Bell and Ring are two well-known brands that offer a variety of subscription plans. You can also integrate them with your other security systems as part of your home automation hub.

We at FHA offer a home automation kit that includes a smart security system with built-in cameras and can be paired with the Skybell doorbell. If you’d like to learn more about these systems, please contact us and speak with one of our experts.

7) Smart Speakers

Smart speakers like Alexa and Google are pretty popular nowadays. They do multiple tasks like playing music for you, turn on your smart lights, play a movie on your smart TV, or wake you up in the morning. It can not only automate tasks for you, but it can also assist you in answering questions and setting reminders for yourself.

In short, smart speakers assist you in a lot of day-to-day task. Three of the most popular smart speakers are Alexa, Siri, and Google Home, and they are all available both online and offline.

8) Smart Kitchen Appliances

Traditional kitchen appliances that once required manual assistance are now powered by advanced smart technology. These appliances can communicate critical information to homeowners thanks to the IoT technology used and controlled via a smartphone app.

For example, your smart fridge will notify you when it reaches a specific capacity for common items, or you will receive a notification when the food in your oven is ready. This will make cooking easier for you, and you won’t have to worry about overcooking your food.

Think of your refrigerator adding items to your shopping list or even ordering your shopping when milk and essential supplies are low.

Smart Home Automation Hub

Smart technology has numerous advantages, and consumer home automation has made life easier and more convenient for homeowners.

Managing all of the smart devices through different smartphone apps, on the other hand, could be difficult. This is where the smart home automation hub can come in handy, allowing you to manage everything from a central location.

When all smart devices are linked together, they form a smart home automation hub. A smartphone app allows you to control the smart home automation hub from your phone easily. You no longer have to manage separate apps for each of your devices. Instead, you can manage everything from a single app.

Alarm.com provides a home management solution that offers homeowners an all-in-one system that manages everything from a single platform. You can control everything with just a few clicks, thanks to its user-friendly app.

This allows the system to manage different devices and manage the energy load and can grow with your home and its needs.

Privacy and Security Concerns of Home Automation

As with any technology, home automation raises privacy and security concerns. Manufacturers and developers must prioritize data encryption and implement robust security measures to protect users’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access to smart devices.

We recommend all smart devices and technologies be fully encrypted and connected via reputed and secure servers from established manufacturers. NDAA compliant devices are always recommended for commercial and domestic use.

Future Trends in Home Automation

The future of home automation holds exciting possibilities. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning will lead to even smarter and more intuitive systems. Additionally, increased integration with renewable energy sources and smart grids will further enhance energy efficiency in smart homes.

Conclusion

We live in a digital technology era where many devices are becoming smart home automation enabled. Smart home automation offers numerous advantages and is no longer considered a luxury but rather a necessity. It provides better security for homeowners and provides access control, allowing you to manage, monitor, and control it from your phone.

FHA is a home security installer based in England that specialises in home automation security solutions. If you are looking for a complete smart security solution for your home, you can schedule a consultation call with one of our experts. We are happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with the best solutions.

Home Security has become an integral part of most of the homes in the UK. Over 1000 burglaries were reported every day in England and Wales last year. With burglaries on the rise, no matter how secure your area could be, people do not want to take any chances. Most of us are turning to professional home security systems as the number of burglaries increases year after year.

It is undoubtedly one of the most effective methods of deterring burglars and ensuring complete protection of your home, loved ones, and possessions. Professional security solutions boost your home security and provide a high level of protection against opportunist burglars.

Even insurance companies ask homeowners to take adequate precautions, such as installing a security system, especially if the property is high-risk. In fact, insurance companies frequently deny claims if there is no professional security system on the property.

Most of us can find it tricky to choose the ideal security system for our property especially when we have no knowledge about these security solutions.

Our quick guide to home security is a great way to learn about home security’s most important aspects and the best security solutions. This guide will go over how security systems work against burglars, the various security solutions available, and their key components.

It will provide you with a clearer picture and a better understanding of home security, allowing you to make an informed decision.

How do burglars target homes?

Burglars are professional experts who know how to carry out a burglary. While many studies show that some burglaries occur on the spur of the moment. However, in the vast majority of cases, burglars conduct extensive research on their victims before targeting them.

Burglars are experimenting with new and creative ways to target potential homes. For instance, they might disguise themselves as salespeople or local government members and approach people on their doorstep to access their properties. This type of burglary is known as Distraction Burglary.

Burglars are even using social media platforms to identify soft targets, often known as Social Media Burglary. There are certain things that get the attention of burglars and lead them to target specific homes or people.

• No one is at the property:

  Burglars find it more convenient to break into an empty house without confronting anyone. The ideal time for burglary is when people are either out on vacation or during the day. 

• Doors or windows are open:

  Around 20% of burglaries happen through unlocked doors and windows. Therefore, make sure you lock all your doors and windows before you go out or go to bed at night.

• Unattended mails at your mailbox:

  A pile of mails lying at your mailbox could signal burglars that the owner is away. And a vacant property is an ideal target for burglar as vacant homes is their primary target. 

• Open Backyard:

  Burglars try to slink through the unfenced backyard. It is easier for them to break in especially during the night without drawing anyone’s attention. Therefore, properties with an unfenced backyard are always at a higher risk.

• No sign of a security system:

  As per research at the University of Carolina,  a burglar alarm or any indication of a security system would discourage burglars from proceeding. Most burglars tend to look for an alternative property if they find properties with an alarm system.

• No sign of a Dog:

  Burglars prefer to stay away from home with a loud, barking dog. Dogs tend to get the attention of homeowners or neighbours when they see strangers trying to access the property.

• Valuable items are visible from your window:

  People frequently keep their valuables in plain sight, which can be seen through your window. It may attract the attention of opportunistic burglars passing by your home. This will notify them, and your home may be on their hit list.

• Targeting the same property again:

  Burglars tend to target the same property as targeting a new property puts them at greater risk. And you could be at risk if you haven’t upgraded your home security. 

Burglars target homes with the sole purpose of getting as many valuables as they can.  The following are some of the most common items burglars look out for.

• Cash- Simple to carry and use without being detected.
• Jewellery- Extremely convenient and easy to carry, and it can get burglars a good deal on the sale.
• Electronics- Burglars often look out for expensive electronic items such as mobile phones, laptops, computers, or tablets.
• Luxury Cars- If you have an expensive car parked in your driveway, a burglar may be looking for the keys to your vehicle.
• Personal information- They are also interested in gaining access to your personal information, such as your bank account information. This gives them access to your accounts, which is a serious risk.

It is always best to keep your valuables in a safe place and out of sight. Burglars might sneak peek into your home through windows to find out if it is worth targeting your property.

Are home security systems effective?

People often talk about using simple tricks to deter burglars. Some may suggest getting a loud and barking dog that guards the home. Some might prefer to use motion sensor lights to startle burglars who might try to slink into your home at night.

No doubt, these tricks do work, but the most important question here is, can these tricks ensure home security all the time?

This is where you would require a security system that can monitor your home 24*7.

Some people often question the effectiveness of these home security systems. A security system is designed to offer you complete protection and deter burglars. However, the effectiveness of the security system will also depend on your security requirements.

There are several security systems available on the market equipped with the latest technologies. However, every security system is designed to fulfill different needs. You must always assess these security systems and see which one would be a good fit for your requirement.

Latest trends in Home Security

• In the last 15 years, we have seen a decline in the wired alarms’ market share from over 90% to less than 5%. A majority of the leading burglar alarm manufacturers have either discontinued or relegated their wired alarm range.
• Since 2005, smartphone penetration in the UK market has risen from 76% to a consistent 95%. As a result, the burglar alarm market has seen a noticeable impact. At FHA Security, we’ve seen a rise in interest in smart alarms from 34% in 2014 to 78% in 2020. We anticipate that this trend will continue in the coming years.
• CCTV cameras remain the second-best defense against burglaries, mainly vandalism, and vehicle theft. For complete protection, we still recommend fully wired CCTV that covers all entry points into the house.
• Ring video doorbell has become a popular security system since its recent invention in 2013 by entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff. They are one of the fastest-growing product technologies in the security industry, with a 48% expected growth rate.
• Home automation is another popular security solution that has recently gained momentum. Home automation devices that use z-wave wireless technology have been around for a while. FHA’s latest home automation series integrates smart alarms with the full range of home automation suites, smart locks, smart video doorbells, and various smart internal and external cameras with unprecedented data and analytics. Its integration with alarm.com’s sophisticated cloud services truly transforms it into an effective all-in-one home management solution. It is a system that adapts to your changing needs. And you can control it with voice-activated devices such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Voice Assistant, your smartwatch, and many others.

Types of Home Security Solutions

1) Burglar Alarm

Burglar alarms or intruder alarms were first invented in 1853 to help people secure residential or domestic homes.

Burglar alarms have evolved over time into a more intelligent system that proactively monitors and protects your premises from intruders.

They are one of the best security systems used across the UK to resolve burglaries’ security concerns.

Burglar alarms are available in various packages from different brands. Each of them offering a bundle of features and capabilities from standard to advance.

In general, burglar alarms are available as wireless alarms and wired alarms.   

Tip: We always recommend all our customers to opt for a wireless burglar alarm. It offers plethora of benefits to the user with advanced capabilities and features, and is more secure than a wired system.

Read our previous article that talks about why wireless alarms are better than a wired alarm. 

Key Features of Burglar Alarms

1) Ease of operation

You can use an alarm system either using a keypad fitted on the wall or a proximity tag that requires a single tap on your control panel. Alternatively, you can also use a key fob and control your system from anywhere in the house. It is the most convenient way to arm your system during night. Therefore, it is critical that you choose the best way to operate your alarm system that suits your convenience.

2) Zone Partitions & Controllability

With burglar alarms, you can zone partition your home partially or completely depending on your requirement. Zone partitions decide how a security system should control the sensors within your property. These sensors are dedicated to each zone that trigger the alarm in case of an intrusion. The control panel immediately then displays the zone number on the screen. It is always good to install the sensors at all the critical entry and exit points to ensure complete protection.

3) Communications

Telecommunicating burglar alarms enable the control panel to send you an alert in the event of an intrusion. These alarm systems include a communication module that can connect to a landline, GSM, or broadband connection. These network connections enable the alarm system to reach you via your phone.

4) Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring is one of the most important features of the alarm system. It allows you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere through your smartphone app. The app will enable you to monitor and control your system remotely. You can also arm and disarm your system from anywhere. Its visual verification feature allows you to verify the alert virtually via the photos it sends every time an unauthorized movement triggers the alarm.

There are 4 types of alarm monitoring services you can get with your alarm system.

• A self-monitoring alarm gives you complete control of your home security. It connects your security system to your smartphone app and allows you to monitor your home remotely. It sends alerts to you directly in case of a break-in.

• 3rd party monitoring allows a third party to monitor your home security 24*7. The alarm system directly connects to the alarm receiving center (ARC). in case of a break-in to take an immediate action.

• Keyholding service monitoring allows a private security company to monitor your home. In case of a break-in, these guys will access your property and take the necessary action. It is most suitable for high-risk commercial properties.

• Police monitoring allows the system to alert the police directly. However, it could create a problem if there are frequent false alarms at your property. The police sometimes either downgrade your property to a lower level or can blacklist. This means you will not get an immediate response when the alarm triggers next time. It is most suitable for high-risk properties.

5) Add-on accessories

The alarm system supports a wide range of add-on accessories that help you fully protect your home. Following are some of the critical add-ons you can pair with your alarm system.

• Door/window contact sensor that detects unauthorised movement across the doors and windows.
• PIR motion detector connects to your alarm system and detects the movement within the armed zone. You can always choose a pet-friendly motion detector that ignores any pet movement within the house up to a certain level. This helps in the reduction of false triggers as a result of pet movement.
• Smoke sensors trigger the alarm system in the event of a fire. 
• Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors detects the concentration of CO within the house and transmits alerts to the control panel.
• Shock sensors activate when an impact exceeds a predetermined level.
• A panic Button is a wireless device that connects to your alarm system and triggers the alarm when pressed in the event of an emergency.
• Curtain sensors offer perimeter protection without triggering the alarm and protect doors, windows, and all-glass walls. This detector causes the least false alarms as it distinguishes human motion from other disturbances.
• Flood detector detects water in basements, yachts and many other residential and commercial applications, providing early warning of developing floods.

2) CCTV or Home Security Cameras

There are many home security camera systems available for both indoor and outdoor use in residential homes. There are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.

• Where do you need to place the camera?
• What level of recording and access are you looking for?
• Do you want the camera to pan and tilt?

Choose a plug-and-play camera with a smart app for indoors and, if possible, two-way audio with pan and tilt capabilities.

We would recommend a professionally installed and fully customised CCTV solution for the outdoors, such as FHA ones.

Remember that CCTV that does not provide local recording and relies on your broadband connection is not as reliable as CCTV with local hard-drive recording.

A professionally installed CCTV system is a one-time cost solution that will rarely require additional maintenance and will provide complete protection.

Tip: Ensure that you follow the CCTV laws if you plan to use a CCTV system at your residential property. 

3) Smart Doorbells

A smart doorbell is a relatively new product on the market that is a useful smart device. The following are some of the critical features of a smart doorbell.

• Motion-triggered notification
• Push notification through a smartphone app
• Optional built-in cameras can send live video notifications and support 2-way video communications.

There are numerous smart doorbell devices on the market, some of which are from unknown brands and costs from as little as £20. But, among all of them, the Ring doorbell stands out as one of the best. If you want to watch historical videos, these devices have a variety of subscription options.

Tip: All smart doorbells make use of your home broadband as well as your smartphone. You should only connect trusted smart devices to your broadband, and you should only install secure apps on your phone. The reason for this is that there are security risks associated with hacking. In fact, there have been reports of security breaches where ring products were hacked.

4) Floodlights with motion sensor

Floodlights are high-intensity lights that are used to illuminate your property’s perimeter. Because of their startling effect, motion sensor flood lights are best used to deter burglars. These floodlights are activated by any movement around them, making them ideal for protecting property from intruders.

5) Deadbolt doors and lockable windows

Several surveys and studies have revealed that burglars frequently use doors and windows to gain entry into a property. That means you must use high-quality, difficult-to-break locks on all of your doors and windows.

Using a deadbolt door is an excellent way to secure your doors. Its locking mechanism provides excellent protection against forced entry. Standard locks are easily broken by burglars using weapons such as knives or crowbars; however, deadbolt locks are difficult to break. Burglars would have to work harder to get past them, providing good security.

Securing windows, on the other hand, is another way to ensure complete security. Windows typically have a standard lock; however, additional locks can improve the security of your windows. There are various types of locks available on the market that are appropriate for various types of windows.

To select the best locks for your home, consult with a professional. It is an excellent way to add an additional layer of security to your security system.

6) Home Automation

The integration of home automation into security system has unveiled efficient ways to manage and secure your homes. This comprehensive all-in-one smart security system, blends well with your smart home. It comes with a bundle of capabilities and features that prove to be the most efficient security solution for your smart home.

It integrates with your other smart devices like smart lights, thermostats, heating systems, etc., and you can manage and control everything from your smartphone app.   

Our new Home Automation Alarm Kit from Visonic is the most advanced solution available on the market that enhances your home security and is a crucial security device for your smart home.

It comes with a smartphone app that gives you full remote access to your system. It allows you to monitor, protect, and automate your home from your phone. And its dedicated connection gives you reliable and uninterrupted protection even when the network is down.

Benefits of Home Automation

1) Complete security

With smart security systems, you can get updates anywhere, anytime. Unlike the traditional alarm system that only works when it’s armed, it gives you real-time updates on your phone. You can quickly get a glimpse of your home when you’re out and relaxed, knowing that everything is safe and secure.

2) Reliable and Resilient

These systems are more reliable than the traditional wired alarm system. A standard wired security system can easily be tampered with by cutting out the wires from outside. The alarm control panel and accessories work on dedicated wireless frequency. They are not affected by failures of power supply or telephone lines. You can add multiple communication channels, so even if your broadband fails, a multi-network sim card in the alarm can continue to communicate with you.

3) Proactive approach

Smart security systems are advanced and intelligent systems that use a proactive approach. It continuously sends you alerts if you have forgotten to take the necessary action, such as arming your alarm system or locking your smart door.

4) Convenient and easy

Because your alarm system is connected to your smartphone, you can efficiently operate and monitor your House remotely. It doesn’t require your physical presence at home to control your devices.

5) Integrate into your smart home

You can now integrate your security system with other smart devices, such as smart lights, door locks, smart thermostats. By doing this, you can manage all your smart devices centrally. It can further automate the responses that make your life easier and happier.

Professional Security vs DIY Systems- Which one is better?

While evaluating different security solutions for your home, one common question is,

“Which security system would be better – DIY or Professional system?”

It all depends on your security requirements.

Every system has its pros and cons, and you must always evaluate each one of them to find out which one best addresses your security requirements.

DIY security systems

DIY systems are simple to install and as the name implies, anyone can install the system and make it up and running. It usually comes with a user guide that explains how to install and use the system in detail.

Renters prefer these systems because they are portable and do not necessitate the installation of a third party. They are also less expensive, and you only have to pay a one-time fee for the system.

Professional security systems

Professional security systems, on the other hand, need assistance from an expert who takes care of the installation process. These systems are grade 2 and grade 3 systems that are audited and labelled based on their ability to detect intrusion.

Professional companies that work with these systems provide you with complete assurance that the system adheres to quality standards and complies with industry regulations.

Read our blog Professional security vs DIY systems and learn more about these systems in detail. 

Tip: DIY security alarms, such as Yale alarms, also require professional assistance. We’ve spoken with several customers who were unable to install their DIY kit and ended up contacting us for the installation. DIY kits may appear to be simple to install at first glance, but they are not, especially for people with no prior knowledge of these systems. A professional installer can help you avoid a similar situation and get your system up and running as soon as possible. They even provide maintenance services to ensure your system’s long-term productivity and performance.

Our Recommendations

1) Wireless Burglar Alarm

A wireless burglar alarm can be best used as the first line of defense. With changing needs and technology, burglar alarm has evolved into a complete security solution with a host of capabilities that allow you to manage, monitor and control your home security.

To start with, you can always choose a wireless burglar alarm which you can eventually upgrade by adding other devices or sensors.

We highly recommend the following wireless alarms that go with all types of residential properties.

a) Visonic Powermaster Wireless Burglar Alarm

Visonic Powermaster is one of the best professional wireless burglar alarms. It is one of the superior ranges from Visonic that is most suitable for advanced and heavy-duty operations. 

Visonic has used its in-house wireless technology- PowerG that makes them highly secure, super reliable, and robust systems that deliver high-performance. 

Key features of the Powermaster alarms:

• Robust and Reliable- It uses FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology that eliminates any wireless appliances interference. Its two-way communication ensures the messages are not lost. Moreover, they are AES-128 encrypted that makes them more secure and reliable.
• Remote Control- You can remotely control the configuration, review, and diagnosis of these systems.
• Quick Installation- It has an easy set-up process that makes the installation faster and quicker. Moreover, it has a long transmission range. Therefore it doesn’t need repeaters.
• Green Technology- Its long battery life reduces pollution and saves energy.

b) Risco Agility 4 Wireless Burglar Alarm

Agility 4 is a multi-layered smart alarm system that offers multi-dimension security and provides complete protection, both outdoors and indoors. 

Critical features of Agility 4 systems. 

• Enhanced performance-It is robust and reliable with enhanced RF performance capabilities.
• Advanced communications-It supports all sorts of communication modes (3G/IP/PSTN/GSM) that makes communication resilient.
• Visual verification-It comes with integrated camera sensors. They help in real-time event verification through the iRISCO smartphone app. This also helps in eliminating false alarm triggers.
• Compact design-It comes with a stylish, sleek keypad that compliments your home interiors.

c) CommPact Wireless Alarm System

CommPact is a cost-effective alarm system ideal for both homes and offices. It comes with a live video verification feature and uses integrated camera sensors. The real-time video verification feature will help you to check every time there is a trigger. And you can easily eliminate false alarm triggers, if any.  Moreover, the iRISCO app gives you complete control over your property. And you can also remotely arm and disarm your system.

CommPact alarms are convenient to use, easy to install, and super reliable.  It is ideal for people who are looking for a standard budget alarm.

d) Yale 6400 Wireless Burglar Alarm

Yale is a popular brand with a wide range of wireless alarm series, Yale 6400 being one of their best selling alarms.

It is a cost-effective, user-friendly system with a simple keypad to use. It has all the basic features you would need to protect your home. And if you’re someone who wants a simple, easy-to-use system, then this is the best alarm system for you.

These systems, however, can be customised and upgraded based on your requirements.  

2) Wired CCTV System

A wired CCTV system is ideal for surveillance purposes. A fully functional CCTV system compliments any property, and strategically placing cameras deter opportunist burglars. It allows you to monitor the property using your smartphone app remotely.

FHA offers various customised CCTV packages that include the camera of your choice at no extra cost.

3) Home Automation System

Most of our customers frequently ask us about an integrated solution that can manage alarms, cameras, and doorbells.

Our new home automation kit, “Visonic Qolsys home automation security system,” combines Visonic’s most advanced wireless alarm technology PowerG with alarm.com’s most efficient home automation platform in a stylish iPad-like control panel by Qolsys.

You can integrate a wireless doorbell, smart door lock, various internal and external cameras, and a variety of existing and new smart home automation devices.

Check out the exclusive product with an introductory pricing offer here.

Conclusion

Choosing home security systems can be difficult, and this is where FHA can assist you by identifying the best system that fits your property’s needs.

If you are looking to buy a security system for your home, book a free consultation with us. Our team of experts will talk through your requirement and provide you with the best recommendations. If needed, we can also conduct a free survey of your property to identify critical security concerns.

Domestic Burglary is a horrifying experience that leaves the victims traumatised and tormented. Most of us do take the necessary measures to protect our homes. But the fact is it still happens every day.

The latest crime report gives us a real picture of the burglaries that take place around us. It suggests that between 2019 and 2020, there were over 402,000 burglaries in England and Wales.

That’s almost 1100 burglaries a day!

We often come across a lot of advice on how to protect our homes from being burgled. Most of us are often perplexed because there are too many options to consider. 

The most common question people ask about home security is, “How effective are burglar alarms in deterring burglars?”

Well, the answer to that is YES. It certainly protects your home if you are using it in the right way. 

Why use Burglar Alarms?

Do you know burglar alarms were first invented in 1853 to cater to home security concerns?

With changing needs and technology, burglar alarm has evolved into a complete security solution with a host of capabilities that allow you to manage, monitor and control your home security.

The latest trend is now a security solution is more like a home management system that controls your perimeter, lighting, heating, washer dryers, dishwashers and robotic vacuum cleaners.

A study at the University of Carolina indicates the key factors that burglars consider before they target property. As per the survey, a burglar alarm system or any sign of a security solution would discourage them from proceeding. Most burglars tend to look for an alternative property if they find properties with an alarm system.

Burglar alarms undoubtedly are one of the best burglar deterrents. Loud siren alerts not only the homeowner but the entire neighborhood. Its remote monitoring feature allows you or a third party to monitor your home and take immediate action whenever an alarm is triggered.

In fact, people are now switching to smart security that comes with an app. It allows you to keep an eye on your home remotely. Also, you can pair your alarm system with camera sensors.

It’s a great way to sneak peek into your home while you’re away. You can also visually check if and when an alarm is triggered. 

Insurance companies always advise people to invest in a security system to protect their home and valuables. In some cases, not using a security system will invalidate your insurance policy and allow your insurer to reject your claims.

It’s always a good idea to read your terms and conditions thoroughly or check with your insurer about the pre-requisites before you sign your insurance policy.

Maintenance of your burglar alarm system

Getting an alarm system doesn’t put a stop to your security problems. Maintenance of the alarm system is equally essential to ensure complete home security. Like any other device, the alarm system needs to be serviced and maintained to ensure efficiency and long-term performance. The last thing you would want is your alarm system not working well when the burglars hop on your premises.

All insurance providers and burglar alarm manufacturers recommend an annual service and health check-up of your alarm system. Most police forces recommend two service check-ups a year. Get in touch with a professional installer who can test the alarm components for you. They will also provide you with suggestions about any batteries or part replacement the system needs to enhance its performance.

We always recommend that our customers book a service if you see any of the signs below.

• PIR sensors and Door Sensor LED lights flash for a prolonged period.
• False Alarm Activation and difficulty in disarming when activated.
• Low battery warning and faulty display at Control Panel (This option may not be available for older models).
• Any other problems related to the alarm function.
• If the alarm is visibly damaged or any parts have fallen off.
• You have made changes to your alarm communication methods such as landline, sim cards, or your broadband.
• For smart alarms, if you have a new smartphone and are struggling to migrate your application and log into your new device.

How to choose the right burglar alarm?

The most common struggle people often face is “Which alarm system should we choose that is the best fit for our requirements?”.

With a wide choice of alarm makes and models available, it is difficult to identify a system that meets your needs. Burglar alarms come with an array of capabilities and offer many features that suit any property.

But it is vital to understand the basic functionality of the alarm and its components and what will you need for your home. Also, make sure you understand the various communication options and the pre-requisites in the house to use the system.

• Why do you want to use a security alarm, and how does it serve that purpose?
• What are the features you are looking at?
• What’s your budget for that?

If you have answers to all the above-listed questions, it becomes easier for you to shortlist a product that meets your needs.

Here’s our video guide to help you choose the ideal burglar alarm system for your home.

You can read our blog “How to Choose Your Home Alarm System” to get more details about burglar alarms, their core functionality and different specifications.

What features you can consider in your alarm system?

1) Wireless Alarm System

Wireless burglar alarms are more advanced, efficient and more reliable. They offer a tidier install and operate without any wires or cables between the devices and control panel. These systems are scalable, and you can anytime upgrade them by adding additional sensors. They are more secure, and burglars find it challenging to tamper as they do not come with wires or cables. 

2) Alarm Contract

Sometimes, security installers ask people to enter into a lease without informing them. You must be well aware of the terms and conditions of the lease contract before you sign it.

• The lease contracts are fixed-term contract.
• The cumulative cost is always higher than the outright purchase of the same alarm system.
• You have no ownership of the system and, at the end of the contract, the alarm is taken back by the installer.
• You can’t even break the contract midway if you’d like to switch to another provider. On top of it, you will have to pay the balance of the contract due.

Our Blog Lease vs Owned Alarm talks about different aspects of both contracts and companies that offer each type of contracts.

3) Alarm app

Some alarm systems come with an app that allows you to monitor and control your security system remotely. These are smart alarms that come with a bundle of features.

• Arm and disarm the alarm system through your app remotely.
• Keep an eye on your home through the indoor and outdoor camera sensors.
• You will receive all alerts and notifications on your app.
• Visually check each time the alarm is triggered.

Here are our top picks for high-performance smart alarm systems.

4) Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are an integral part of your alarm system. It detects motion in the room and triggers a loud siren. It also protects against break-ins from potential entry points, such as doors and windows. The number of motion sensors will depend on the number of rooms you want to protect. If you have a pet at home, you can always choose a pet-friendly detector. It ignores the movements of your pets when the alarm system is armed and reduces false triggers.

5) Camera Sensors 

You can pair your alarm systems with a camera sensor. It’s a great way to keep an eye on your home while you’re out. You can also receive images when someone disarms your alarm system. This will help you visually check the user, and you’re always up to date every time someone accesses your property.

6) Maintenance Plan

Ask your security installer about the maintenance plan for your alarm system. Alarm servicing is critical to maintaining your alarm system for enhanced performance. The maintenance plan will ensure that your alarm is up and running. Even if you forget to schedule one, your provider will remind you to set up one.

All our alarm system come with a one-year onsite warranty. Users can choose our extended warranty plan to maintain the alarm system that can go up to 10 years.

7) Communication Module

Telecommunicating alarm requires a communication network that allows the control panel to send an alert every time an alarm is triggered. You can connect your alarm system to any one of the following modules.

• Landline or PSTN
• GSM or GPRS
• Broadband connection

8) Installation Lead Time

Check how early your security installer can install the alarm system at your property. The industry’s lead time is somewhere between 10-15 days. However, we fit all our systems within five working days. Our express installation services allow users to get installation within 24 hours of your order’s purchase.

Want more Information?

If you’re looking for home security systems or need professional expertise, we’re here for you.

FHA is an award-winning security installer based in the UK. We offer tailor-made security solutions that help people with what matters most to them.

You can book a free consultation call with our experts where you can discuss your requirements. If necessary, we can conduct a free security survey of your property and provide you with the best recommendations. All our systems are custom-built to meet your requirements.

We are a certified 5-star SSAIB installer with excellent ratings. With us, you’ll be assured that you’re in good hands.

With the changing digital transformation, social media has gathered a lot of traction in recent years. Social media platforms allow you to connect with people and share life events and memories with your social circles. From holiday check-ins on Facebook to a brand new car post on Instagram, we see people sharing their personal information online.

Professional burglars are smart and are using social media as a potential tool to find soft targets. Nowadays, with the help of social media, burglars can track people online. Most of us are naive and do not think before putting anything in public. Information like this could benefit the burglars who find their potential targets on such platforms and pose a threat to us.

According to Swinton insurance survey, 88% of the Twitter profiles are public. In fact, 66% of Twitter users have their location in their bios. It is a huge number of people who can be tracked via their social profiles. Burglars can easily monitor locations of these people from their Twitter profiles that are apparently public.

The most common types of posts that catch burglars’ attention are:

• Weekend outings posts or check-ins
• Lunch or dinner date posts
• Day trips videos or pictures
• Long vacations stories
• New home or new car posts

The Swindon insurance study supports this fact:

• Around 568,703 people posted about their vacations.
• 3,941 people flaunted their new car.
• 15,508 people shared their new home photos on Instagram.

Never posts crucial information online that will make you or your home vulnerable. It’s always good to take precautions and be vigilant while you post critical information that might benefit burglars. 

How do Burglars use social media as a tool?

The information critical to burglars is now readily available and accessible through our social media profiles. People are posting their vacations pictures, putting check-ins. On top of it, the geo-tagging feature lets your location visible to everyone.

Isn’t it sending an open invitation to the burglars finding their targets over social media?

Technology has brought in a lot of ease and comfort into everyone’s life, including burglars too. Burglars use social media to get all the information they would need to find targets.

Some common tactics that burglars follow on social media.

• Use of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to track people who are travelling. All of these information can be tracked through our online check-ins and posts.
• GPS enabled features known as geo-tagging give a real-time location to the burglars. Many social media apps use this feature when you upload your photos or videos online. In fact, your smartphone camera tags all your digital images and stores them as metadata that a software can read. 
• Google street view helps burglars to get a view of the location and its surroundings. It helps them to plan out their entry and exit based on their target location.

Let’s say you’re on your way to Europe for a holiday. You put airport check-ins, photos and videos about your vacations.

Now if a burglar who finds your profile online will have solid information about you especially if your Instagram account is open.

They can easily plan out and execute the burglary because they have got all the critical information about you through your social profile.

Usually, an average burglary takes about 10 minutes. But in such a scenario, the burglar is going to spend more time as the house is empty.

On top of it if you have put up a post about your new car then the burglar would surely know what he has to look for in your house- YOUR CAR KEYS.

Social Media Burglary can impact your Insurance Policy

Insurance companies have started rejecting insurance claims of people where social media posts have triggered burglaries.

The Financial Ombudsman and local police have constantly asked people not to post on social media especially when they are on a vacation. It leads to possible burglaries at your home while you are still enjoying your vacations.

Insurers have now incorporated policies that require customers to take “reasonable care” to keep their property secure. Posting pictures about trips or new purchases will be considered a breach of this policy. There were cases in the past where people were burgled after they have put pictures online while they were still on vacations.

According to Admiral insurers’ research,  one in 20 homeowners reported an insurance claim against a burglary that happened while they were was on holidays. Another survey by interiors firm Hillary found that one in 12 Britons had been burgled after posting their location on social media.

Insurance companies emphasise protecting the property against any accidents, damages and burglaries. They also prohibit and restrict sharing pictures only with your friends and families.

How to protect yourself from social media burglary?

• Don’t put your images on social media while you’re still travelling. Wait till you get back. These days your private life is no longer personal, thanks to social media. Anyone can browse through your profile to get details about you such as your work place, upcoming events to attend, travel and day out plans. Watch out before you post any such details online. Always share your personal information discreetly.
• Be wary of strangers that approach you online and never accept requests from these people. You might have a common connection, however always check with your mutual friends before you connect with them. You never know that the person might turn out to be a fraud. Have a thorough check before you let people connect to you on social media.
• If you receive a friend’s request from one of your friends who is already connected to you, please check it before adding them. There is a good chance that this is a fake profile created with malicious intentions.
• Manage your social media profiles smartly and limit to just friends and families. Use your privacy settings to lock your profile. This way, you know that you’re around safe people whom you know personally.
• Never share pictures of your recent purchases especially if they are expensive. Nowadays, it’s quite common for people to brag about their new car or give a tour of their new home. But have you ever thought that this might give clues to the burglars and make their work easier?
• People nowadays can be seen posting about their daily routine online and sharing their upcoming trip or an event. This gives the burglars with an excellent opportunity to identify their targets online. Please try to keep your life discreet and share your data consciously.

Summary

Social media has undoubtedly made socialising easier. But at the same time, it has made easier for burglars to identify potential targets. Too much data sharing can attract a lot of attention and cause trouble. Always take the necessary precautions before sharing anything online.

To stay one step ahead of the burglars, you can always get a security system that fits your needs. A security system would ensure that your home is secure and prevent burglars from attempting to break into your premises.

FHA is a multi-award winning security installer based in England that helps people secure their homes with their comprehensive security systems. We offer free security consultation, carry out a free survey, and provide customised security quotes for enhanced security.

If you have a similar requirement and need a consultation, please contact our team. You can reach us by phone at 020 31378727, 0800 1938727, or request a call back at the given time.

The time has come when you would no longer use landline technology. Yes, you heard it right! Landline (PSTN) technology is coming to an end affecting nearly 14 million people across the UK. Communication providers such as British Telecom have recently taken a decision to switch from PSTN to digital landline by 2025. It is a significant technological evolution that would eventually bring benefits for users.

In earlier times, voice services were offered via PSTN copper cables in homes, which is a circuit-switched technology. As technology evolved, companies have built modern network technologies like Internet protocol that support and deliver voice services offering better quality to consumers.

There are millions of individuals still using PSTN-based landline systems. Around eight in every ten households in the United Kingdom have landline service. A survey in April 2021 says that almost 40% of people in the UK have stopped using landline phones.

With people switching to Internet-based or mobile connectivity, there is still a large chunk of people who are still completely dependent on landline services. A recent Ofcom survey predicts that around 4% of adults in the UK use only landline networks and do not have a mobile phone.

PSTN equipment is not only expensive to maintain, but the call quality is not very great. With improved technology, telecom companies have decided to replace copper lines with fiber-optic cables offering better quality services. Operators such as Open Reach have already begun to transition their consumers from PSTN to Internet-based services.

Impact on Consumers

When PSTN or traditional landline phones become obsolete, people will have to transition to digital landline technologies to ensure the continuity of telephone services. The migration process is pretty simple as users can contact their existing service provider. Alternatively, they can even look at switching to another service provider if they wish to. As 2025 deadline looms, your current provider will notify of the upgradation to a digital landline.

The switchover of PSTN to VoIP will directly impact a lot of devices that use landline connectivity.

• home burglar alarms and security systems
• public traffic lights
• cash machines
• railway signals
• motorway signs

A recent survey shows that there are more than 9 million alarm systems that people are using across the UK, of which around 33% use PSTN connections.

People who are already in the process of migrating to VoIP should consider the following.

• Your security system will either stop signalling or fail to signal when you upgrade your communication technology to a digital landline. It may pick up a communication failure error and beep intermittently.
• The traditional old security systems that are built and supported only by circuit-switched technology and are not compatible with any other technology.
• It is highly recommended that you always talk to your security installer before migration starts. The last thing you want your alarm system to do is to cause trouble and stop working abruptly.
• The best way is to upgrade your alarm system that works with new and modern technologies, as most traditional systems are no longer manufactured or supported.

Your Options

A) Upgrade communication modules

With PSTN technology going obsolete, people will have to upgrade their alarm systems to ensure service continuity. However, you may still be able to upgrade the communication module within your existing burglar alarm system instead of completely upgrading to a new system.

Burglar alarms support different communication modules and allow you to upgrade from the PSTN landline to the following modules.

1) Internet Protocol module

The IP module connects the alarm system to the IP receiver, the broadband router at your home, allowing the critical components like motion sensors and camera detectors to communicate with the control panel that sends alerts to the user in real time a smart phone app push notifications or email notifications.

2) GSM module

Add an integrated GSM communication to initiate communication between the system and the user. No other communication module is needed and works independently of the technology you use at home. The unit will require a sim card (pre-paid or on a monthly contract) to notify you by calls or text messages depending on the features in your control panel.

B) Upgrade your home alarm system

But not every home alarm system is viable for upgrades. If you’re not sure if your system is eligible for upgrades, please get in touch, and we can have a chat about your options.

If your security system does not allow for communication upgrades or is over seven years of age or older, it may be worth considering a complete upgrade.

Burglar Alarm Systems are transforming

Throughout the article, we’re talking about how consumer needs are changing, and so is technology, and how we can leverage it to make our lives smarter, better, and more secure. The security industry has also revolutionised by changing consumer behavior and technological evolution. Security systems are no longer a standard call-alert systems that will ring you when someone breaks in. Instead, it has become a smart, proactive system that gives you real-time access to your system. It uses cloud services to integrate your security system into a phone that can be accessed anywhere, at any time.

You have everything stored on the cloud and have access to it in real time via your phone app. For instance, if you want to access your home footage from previous days, you can immediately access it through the cloud app on your smartphone. It is easy for people to access critical footage at their convenience and self-monitor their homes on the go.

• Arm and disarm your system remotely via the app
• Real-time notification with visual verification feature
• Live video feature to keep a check on your premise
• Full control of your system without physically accessing it from your home
• Integrate other smart devices into your phone
• Automate devices and manage them efficiently from your smartphone
• Pro-actively sending automated reminders to take necessary actions such as disarming the system in case you forgot when you left your home

Let’s talk about your requirement

If you’re using an old system and unsure how the landline change will affect your alarm system, we’ll be happy to help you out. If you are unsure whether your landline or analog or digital, again we will be happy to help you find out.

We are a leading security installer specialising in customised security systems for all types of property. We have solutions designed for every requirement, and we work with some of the most advanced security systems. You can contact us to discuss your needs, and our experts will be happy to help you with the best options.

If necessary, we can also perform a quick property survey free of charge and recommend an upgrade or a completely new security solution. Let us help you stay safe with the best security system that meets and fulfills your requirements. Please contact us or call us at 020 313 78727 or 0800 193 8727.

People have constantly expressed their concern about domestic burglary. However, most people fail to take some serious actions to deter burglars. Burglars are slinking into your homes with a primary motive for stealing valuables. Most burglaries happen in minutes, and in some of the cases, it becomes easier for the burglar to locate your valuables, kept in the most obvious place. Keeping your valuables in plain sight and thinking that you are invincible is your biggest mistake.

Some of the most common stolen items are:

• Cash
• Jewellery
• Personal identity documents
• Bank cards
• Electronic devices
• Car keys

Let’s just admit that we all have the habit of keeping these items in common places that are easy to spot. In fact, burglars are experts who have years of experience and know exactly where to find these items. There are plenty of creative ways to hide your valuables and trick burglars. After all, they are humans too!

We have listed 11 ways to hide your valuables in your home.  

1) Never use common places to keep your items

Avoid keeping your items in the prime spots like your master bedroom, bedroom closet, desk drawer in your study room, your Jewellery box, cabinet in the hallway. These are the most common places where burglars search for these items.

2) Library or a Study Room

Library or study room with bookshelves. It is a brilliant spot to hide your valuables, especially when you have loads of books. It becomes a tedious task for burglars to search between the books, especially when they have a short span to execute the burglary. 

3) Floor Safe

A floor safe is a prominent place to hide your valuables. However, burglars would not like to approach it as it requires a lot of time, effort and creates noise. Because they are usually made of heavy metal, it is quite cumbersome to break it in a few minutes. They would instead invest their time in exploring other places that are quick to search.

4) Garage

Most of us must have a garage or a storeroom in our houses. It is quite a general practice to dump old stuff in these areas. Many homeowners have stuffed these places with spare boxes and paint cans. However, you can empty and clean some of the discarded boxes and hide your valuables inside it. Since it is one of the least expected places to find valuables, burglars won’t suspect it. 

5) Safe or a Locker

Keeping a safe or a locker in your home is a great idea. You can keep your essential documents, your expensive Jewellery items or any other valuables inside it. Make sure that it meets insurance standards. If possible, keep it in a less obvious place, other than your bedroom.

6) False-bottom Drawer

False-bottom drawer is an intelligent way to create secret places within your house to protect and hide your critical items. If you don’t have one, you can always look at upgrading your furniture. It’s a smarter way to fool burglars who might slink in your house to look out for valuables.

7) Kitchen cupboards

Have you ever thought of choosing kitchen cupboards as a hiding place? It’s a brilliant idea to use food boxes as a secret cash stack. Since your kitchen cupboard is full of food boxes, therefore you can randomly pick and select some boxes and stack it with stuff like cash. Burglars won’t even think of checking these boxes.

8) Back of your Drawer

Drawers inside your home are one of the most common places to find valuables. However, have you ever thought that you could go a little creative with your drawers? You can put your stuff in a plastic bag or an envelope and stick it to the back of the drawer. Even if burglars reach out to your drawer, they won’t be able to see anything attach to the backside.

9) Attic or a Loft

Most of the houses do have an attic or a loft. You can also utilise this space to hide your items as burglars might not target it as the access is a bit tricky. Use storage containers to keep your valuables and put your old stuff on top of them so that they won’t be able to locate amidst your regular items even if they get access.

10) Kid’s room

You can use other rooms to keep your valuable items. The bedroom is the most expected room burglars go for; however, the kid’s room is usually not searched. Try to find clever spots within your kid’s room and hide your valuables creatively.

11) Hide your spare key in random places

Never hide your spare key under your doormat; instead, you can keep it under a rock or a flower pot in your backyard garden. Ensure it is not too evident for a burglar to spot it if they slick into your premise.

Additional tips to protect your valuables

Some smart tips that will help you take an extra mile to protect your items.

1) Register your valuables online

You can create an account on Immobilise, the UK National Property Register, and register the valuable items you want to protect. This way, police can track the stolen items and return them to their owners. It is a free registration and doesn’t charge you anything upon the creation of your account. You can list unlimited items and flag whatever is stolen within your account. 

2) Be aware of your social circle and people you know 

Never post your pictures on social media about the expensive items you have recently bought. Or about your vacations, especially when you are still out and not back. Burglars have gone creative with time and have started using social media as a tool to find their victims. It is shocking that sometimes these people are from your social circle or are connected to you somehow. Be wary of your social circle and the people around you. Never try to give too much information to anyone about your schedule. You don’t know what the other person has planned for you.

3) Don’t leave your things in open

Never leave your items in plain sight, especially close to your windows or doors. Burglars often inspect properties before they decide which one to target. Spotting valuable items by sneaking into these homes through windows or doors helps them choose a property to target. Never give an open invitation to these people and create problems for yourself.

4) Insurance

Ensure that all your expensive jewellery and other items are insured and digitally recorded. Because in case they get stolen, you will able to get your insurance as per your policy.

5) Keep a record of your valuables 

You can also keep a record of your valuables by taking pictures when you buy them. It will help the police authority to track, retrieve and return it to you. You can possible take photos of the hallmarks, make, model or serial numbers of your items. In fact, you can mark your property or items with a permanent compound; a lot of these products are readily available on the market. This might warn the burglars who are planning to take it off with them and sell it.  There are a lot of products available on the market

6) Install a tracker device

A brilliant way to protect your mobile phone is to install a tracker device on your mobile phone. It will enable you to track your phone if it is stolen. Moreover, you can also record your 15-digit IMEI number unique to the device and register it on Immobilise along with your other items. You can find your IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your mobile phone.

Conclusion

Protecting your home and loved ones from these situations is a priority for us. There are plenty of ways to deceive and deter burglars. While the above-listed tips might put-off burglars, but it could be difficult for some of you to keep following these tricks every day.

FHA offers a complete range of security services, from no-nonsense, unbiased advice on home security, to customised CCTV systems and quality alarms from Infinite Prime, Risco, Qolsys, Visonic and Yale, featuring the latest smart and infra-red motion sensor technologies.

Our teams are available 365 days a year, and we are proud to say we have an excellent rating by our customers both on Google and Trust-pilot.

Whether you want to upgrade your home security or look for professional security advice for your property, keep your worries aside as you are in safe hands.

Get in touch with us at hello@fhasecurity.co.uk or 020 3137 8727, 0800 193 8727. Or visit our website and take a tour of our products and services before you contact us.

Security systems have become an essential part of our homes, ensuring adequate protection from intruders, and giving us extra peace of mind. When people are looking to buy a security system, the first question that comes up is “Which system to buy? DIY or a professional security system” People are generally confused with the enormous options available on the market. There are a couple of devices that might attract you initially. For instance, people end up buying a DIY product, as it is cheaper, without adequately analysing their requirements. But remember cheaper is not always better. In fact, Price is not the only factor to buy a home security system. You should always take into consideration other important factors as you plan to purchase a new security system.

This article will give you an insight into both types of systems – their pros and cons, features, pricing, and contracts – and help you make an informed decision.

What are DIY Security Systems?

DIY security products are systems that do not require any professional assistance. These are “easy to set-up” devices that are handy and can be installed by anyone. They usually come with a user guide that gives you step-by-step instructions for the device to work. People on the move like renters prefer these products mostly because they are portable and don’t need a third party to install them. You can also find them anywhere online or offline.

Benefits

1) Easy and Quick Installation

The DIY systems do not require any professional and technical knowledge for the set-up. Anyone is eligible to carry out the installation. And because of this, you tend to save the installation fee that goes to the security company in a professional grade product.

2) Cheaper

Usually, they are cheaper than the graded systems that a security specialist offers. You only pay for the device and save on the cost of installation.

3) Easy to carry and install

All DIY products are wireless and portable, and inside your home, you can save yourself from the big mess of fixing cables and wires. Besides, if you decide to move, you can also transfer them and carry them to another property. For renters who tend to switch to various properties, these are most appropriate.

5) No contract needed

The best part of purchasing a DIY product is that it does not require a contract. However, you do have the choice to opt for an on-going monitoring fee.

6) Scalable & Convenient

DIY products are scalable, and you can upgrade them depending on your needs. Users can upgrade the system by adding extra sensors to it, anytime they want.

Drawbacks

1) Need tools and ladders

You would require the right tools to install the system yourself to have an excellent DIY experience. This would include drill sets to install devices, ladders for internal and external use to avoid damage to walls and decoration.

2) Lack of professional expertise

During the set-up, the lack of professional knowledge can create a challenge and result in improper installation. The system could end up incorrectly functioning. At any time, it can even trigger a false alarm and can create problems for you.

3) Complicated in case of additional sensors

When you decide to add other devices on top of the standard package, that can be quite tricky. And it might take a lot of time to set up all the components if it is a big property.

4) No Support for Maintenance

You will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the device. To replace or fix any faulty item, you will not get any technical support. You will have to sort out all the technical problems on your own. And you’ll have to get the entire device replaced if the device goes out of warranty.

3) No 3^rd-Party Monitoring available

A DIY product does not support 3rd party monitoring services. Mostly, they are self-monitored and send alerts straight to your phone. Therefore, no additional fees are required, that go to the third party for monitoring.

4) Doesn’t comply with the British standards for intruder alarms

They are non-British standard graded alarms and do not comply with industry standards. Most insurers will never recommend a DIY product to protect your home. Therefore, always remember that your insurance may be void in a robbery if you are using a DIY product. Before making a purchase, always consult with your insurance company.

5) Limitations for future upgrades

DIY systems focus on each of installation and purposefully limit variations from basic configurations in the system. Most systems only come with one communication module (landline/ sim cards/ broadband, etc.), and you cannot add additional alerting methods.

6) Availability of replacement parts

DIY products tend to have a shorter shelf life than professionally installed and maintained systems. They can be problematic if there is a fault where you might need to replace the whole system. A classic example of a well-known DIY alarm manufacturer has introduced around 14 product ranges in the last six years. But unfortunately, at the moment they only offer components for only 4 of them.

Companies offering DIY Security Products

Top companies offering DIY security products

• SimpliSafe– Wireless Home Security Alarms and Cameras
• Ring.com– Wireless Video Doorbell, Cameras and Security Systems
• Yale– Security Alarms, Cameras, Door Locks, Smart Security

The prices of all these systems will vary depending on the type of product they are selling.

What are Professional Security Systems?

A professional security system is installed and managed by a professional installer who is a certified professional that complies with industry standards. Professional companies give you full assurance that the system is correctly installed and is working in line with industry regulations. These systems are usually British grade 2 and grade 3 and are audited and labelled based on their ability to detect intrusion.

Watch our video on types of burglar alarm grades and learn what suits your property type. 

Benefits

1) Certified Professionals

Professional security companies have years of experience and industry knowledge. They are certified by industry-ruled security bodies such as SSAIB, NSI. They ensure that these companies comply with the industry standards and regulations that are relevant to the marketplace.

We are a UK-based SSAIB-certified security installer. All of our technicians are BS7858 Screened, and CRB checked for your protection.

2) Annual Maintenance

All British-grade alarms are fully maintained by security experts once or twice a year. If your alarm system is under warranty and something goes wrong, you will receive full technical and maintenance support from your provider. If any fault is detected, the service provider shall replace the defective item if the system is under warranty.

Note: All of our alarms are supplied and installed with a minimum of 1-year onsite warranty. You can also opt to have our all-inclusive extended warranty of up to 10 years. Our annual maintenance package starts at £10 per month. If you want to know more about it, you can contact us.

3) Security Assessment

Security companies will always conduct a property assessment and provide you with the best recommendations based on your requirements. This may be a blessing for people who are unsure which security system they should choose for their property.

Note: If you want to book a survey of your property, let us know, and we’ll book an appointment for you. Please note that we are offering a FREE survey to all our customers.

4) Customise the product based on your requirement

Based on your needs, you can always ask your provider for a customised product with additional sensors for your property. You can also combine it with a camera sensor or a video doorbell or any other smart device as required.

You can get the best recommendation for your home with professional guidance. And with a customised solution, you’ll get what you want without any hassle.

5) 3^rd-Party Monitoring

British grade alarm systems installed by a professional shall always be eligible for third party monitoring. This is helpful if you are in a high-risk property where you would like the local authority to act immediately after an intrusion is detected.

6) British-Graded and Insurance Approved Alarms

Professional security companies operate only British-grade safety systems, i.e. Grade 2 and Grade 3, which are highly recommended by insurance companies for security reasons. British-grade alarms are more resilient and effective for break-ins than DIY systems that do not comply with industry standards.

Drawbacks

1) Added cost of professional advice and installation

Professional companies will charge you an additional installation fee. The overall cost of the entire system will, therefore, always be higher than the DIY product. Also, if you lease your security system, you’ll end up paying monthly interest as well. It’s not an excellent choice for people who have budget constraints.

2) Fixed-term contract if on lease

Some of these companies provide fixed-term lease security systems. Once signed, you can’t exit the deal until it’s over. Some companies will also charge you a huge cancellation fee if you decide to break the agreement and take back the equipment.

3) Time-bound Installation

In general, companies offer you an installation schedule based on the availability of their technicians. You will have to be available during the assigned time slot; otherwise, you might need to wait for another slot that could be days apart.

4) On-going monthly costs

If you are leasing a security system, you will have to pay a monthly fee throughout your agreement period. The cumulative pay calculated over the contract period will always be higher than an outright purchase option.

Professional Security Companies

Companies offering professional British-grade security systems

• ADT– Provides leased home security systems.
• Verisure – Provides leased home security systems.
• FHA Security – Outright purchase of burglar alarms, CCTVs, and smart security with an optional maintenance plan option.

Learn more about the leased and outright purchase of the security systems and take an informed decision for yourself. 

Pricing & Contracts

There are two types of quotes that you would get from professional installation companies.

1) Outright Purchase

Companies will charge you for installation and equipment. You will have the choice to opt for a monthly maintenance plan to resolve any technical faults that may arise in the future. In this scenario, you have 100% ownership of the system. These kits usually start at £399, including supplies, fittings, and VAT, and can go up to £899 based on the equipment’s customisation. Maintenance charges will always be separate and usually start at £10/month. Companies like FHA Security, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, also offer flexible finance for you to pay for the system over up to 3 years.

2) Rental/Leased

In this case, the security system is offered on lease for a fixed-term period between 18 and 36 months. You will be liable to pay a fixed monthly charge for the entire period for your system’s equipment, installation, and service cost. The equipment is taken back by your provider at the end of the contract. Usually, the cumulative payment in this type of contract is between £3,500 and £5,500 over ten years.

Our Recommendations

Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to this question. It depends entirely on your budget and requirements. However, we would always recommend leaving home security in the hands of experts to maintain complete protection.

What are we going to offer you as a Home Security Installer?

• Professional home security advice
• Free property survey and security recommendation
• Bespoke Home security solutions – Burglar alarms, CCTV systems, Home automation
• Flexible financing options for new purchases
• An optional monthly maintenance plan with up to 10 years of warranty
• Express installation services for new purchases- fitted within 24/48 hours or on a Saturday.
• Annual burglar alarm service
• Open for 365 days