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How to Secure Your Property and Choose a Home Security System

By Liam O'Boyle

Any house or property is a potential target for thieves and vandals. There are a number of things you can do to improve the security of your property to ward off would-be raids and damages.

Having security measures or a security system in place not only increases the value of a property but makes it more desirable to prospective tenants who want to keep themselves and their property safe.

If you’re looking at installing a home security system, it can be difficult to decide which is best for the property and its tenants. Take into consideration: costs, placement, longevity, ongoing maintenance, installation and ease of use.

Securing your property

Without installing a security system, there are many things that can be improved and secured to defend a property. Here are some ideas:

  • A tall fence surrounding a property not only provides privacy, but is a great deterrent to intruders. Even something a metre tall can create a psychological boundary that serves as a deterrent.
  • Encourage tenants to lock all doors and windows at night and when they leave the house, and leave valuables inside and out of sight.
  • Have tenants write a list of all their valuable belongings for insurance purposes.
  • Inspect windows and doors. Are they thin or old? It may be time to replace and upgrade. Reinforced windows are a good option along with catches that restrict open movement of windows.
  • Motion detector lights are cheap to buy and install, often with successful results when burglars get too close. Solar outdoor lights or lights on timers effectively light up an area to prevent thieves from hiding in the shadows.
  • Get a dog – or pretend to. It’s found that a “Beware of Dog” sign (even without said dog) makes would-be intruders think twice.

Home security systems

If you’d like to install a home security system, take some time to decide which option best suits your property and how much money you want to invest in one. There are a number of tailorable options to suit any one and any property.

Monitored vs non-monitored

Monitored systems often involve outside companies monitoring alarms and contacting a pre-selected person in case of alarm or contacting authorities. They can be connected to cameras, motion detectors and other sensors.

  • Non-monitored systems rely on tenants or owners to monitor and maintain them.
  • Alarms are an instant way of burglar detection, often scaring them off soon after the first wail rings out.
  • Cameras can provide solid video evidence to the police or courts. These can be wireless or hard-wired – wireless being easier to install and it’s possible to connect to smartphone devices.
  • Motion detectors can sense the opening of doors and windows, as well as indoor intruders and burglars outside. These can be programmed to notify someone by text message.
  • Another option is to hire a security company to survey an area regularly, especially at night. This can be effective if the property is open, part of a complex or is a warehouse or business.

No matter where or what your property may be; simple, cost-effective measures can be taken to ensure it is safe from intruders and thieves. Your tenants in turn will feel safe and thankful for such a good landlord.

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