When you’re buying a house, security should be a top priority. After all, nobody wants to move into a new home where there is an inherent risk to your safety.

However, when you’re selling a house, home security can be just as important – particularly when it comes to property value.

Keeping your property up to date and up to scratch with the appropriate security measures can seriously pay off.

How so? Let’s find out…

Does a Security System Add Value to a Home?

Thinking about it logically, if you were buying a house, would you rather buy a house in a safe area that’s backed by top-quality CCTV or a property in a dodgy neighbourhood that doesn’t even have a front door?

While that example may seem a little extreme, the point remains. When you’re selling a house, a safe and secure property is a far more desirable proposition than one that poses potential risks. As such, it really does pay to cover any chinks in the proverbial armour.

Naturally, properties that pose minimal security risk are likely to garner a higher price tag. What’s more, they also provide a more attractive option to potential buyers in terms of overall investment, as they also present your would-be buyer with potentially cheaper insurance premiums.

Types of Home Security

If you’re considering ramping up your home security in the interest of adding value to your home, there are a few different routes you can take.

At IDS Security, we recommend considering the following options to keep your property as safe as houses.

Burglar Alarms

The holy grail of home safety, the tried and tested burglar alarm is perhaps the most popular and common form of home security in the UK.

At IDS, our cutting-edge intruder alarm systems are specifically designed to keep your home safe using the latest digital signalling equipment.

IDS can provide design, installation and maintenance of your home intruder alarm system for ultimate peace of mind, ensuring your system is installed correctly and always in full, working order.

Surveillance Cameras

Whether you’re looking to install traditional CCTV or hi-tech digital IP cameras, you can rest assured that our surveillance technology is top of the line and state-of-the-art.

Our expert team of installers can help you set up a security camera system that’s appropriate and fitting for your property.

Ranging from simple one-camera setup to multi-camera networks, we can provide your home with the level of security needed to suit your property.

Access Control

Providing technologically-advanced door entry solutions for your property, our access control systems provide electronic and magnetic door release for ultimate security.

Limiting entry through your chosen method of access – from smart card and key fobs to intercoms and biometrics – you can secure anything from a single internal door to multiple points of entry.

Fire Protection Systems

In addition to intruder security measures, we also offer protection from fire hazards as well in the form of our fire alarm systems.

Utilising state-of-the-art fire detection technology, our specialist fire alarms provide unrivalled reliability and reassurance, installed by expert fitters with a wealth of industry experience.

Our maintenance package also includes a 24/7 monitoring service with a round-the-clock call-out service included.

What are you waiting for? Add value to your property today with home security from IDS. Call now on 029 20 753 251 for more information or click the button below to enquire online.

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When it comes to door entry systems there is no hard and fast answer about which is the 'best' one out there. The best door entry system for you depends on the why and where you plan to install it. Here are a few things to bear in mind if you're trying to decide which door entry system is the best for you.

Location

Commercial - If you're a business owner there are a few things to consider when you choose a door entry system:

• Which door entry system will be most efficient for your employees?
• Which system will provide the desired level of security commercial property?
• Which locations need to be secured around the premises?

Residential - A homeowner's worst nightmare is burglary or theft. Here's what you should consider before choosing the best door entry system for your home:

• How many people will be using it?
• What level of security do you prefer for your home?
• How much do you want to spend?

Best types of door entry system

Once you've considered the answers to the above questions, it's time to decide what type of door entry system is best for you! Let's take a look at some of the door entry systems we offer and explore why they might be the best for your property...

Key Fob Security Systems

• One of the simpler door entry systems on the market, key fob security systems are easy for everyone to use. You'll often find key fob door entry systems outside blocks of flats, although they can be useful when employees need to pop in and out of the office frequently too.

Video Door Entry System

• Ideal for monitoring your property while you're away, our video door entry systems are the best for residential properties. You can see who's ringing your doorbell without having to answer the door, and you can keep a close eye on people behaving suspiciously.

Security Barriers

• Security barriers are a physical blockade between your property and the outside world. Generally, this might be considered a bit of a strange choice for a residential property where most people would install a gate or fence.  Security barriers work wonders in private car parks, making them the best door entry system for commercial properties. 

Do you need more help choosing the best door entry system for your property? Speak to one of our advisors today, we're more than happy to help. Call us on 029 20 753 251 now.

Having an intruder in your home is a nightmare scenario that everyone hopes will never happen to them.

In figures published by the Office of National Statistics, it was reported that over 430,000 burglaries occurred in England and Wales during the year ending June 2018. That's a 2% increase on the previous year.

That figure equates to around seven burglaries per thousand people. According to Brandwatch.com, the average Facebook user has around 338 Facebook friends - so, statistically speaking, two of your Facebook friends will be burgled in the next year.

Burglary and home invasion are rare but real occurrences, which begs the question: what would you do if an intruder entered your house while you were in?

This guide is here to help you answer that question and prepare for this worst-case scenario.

What to Do During a Break-In

So, picture the scene: you're at home, you hear the sound of glass breaking downstairs, and you know there's someone in your house. What do you do?

It's often recommended that you either:

• Escape the premises and get to safety, calling the police as soon as you are able to do so, or...
• Hide in a safe place where the intruder is unlikely to find you. This may be a safe, lockable room (ideally one equipped with a phone) or a safe spot that is out of general visibility.

While confrontation isn't encouraged, self-defence may be necessary if you come face to face with the intruder(s). At this point, it's good to know that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) allows anyone to use "reasonable force" to protect themselves or others. You are also permitted to carry out a citizen's arrest in order to prevent a crime.

However, it's important to note that this isn't a green light to act like John McClane. Confronting an intruder can result in dire consequences, especially if the invading party is armed. You should only engage your intruder as a last resort - it's always best to get out if you can, or hide if escape isn't possible.

Preventing a Break-In

It's long been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and taking certain security measures can help to ward off intruders before they've even set foot in your home.

The mere presence of a camera or alarm in a visible spot attached to your property can be enough of a warning sign to dissuade opportunistic criminals, making them a great crime deterrent as well as a useful reactive safety feature.

Home Security from IDS

We at IDS Security, we offer a variety of options to help keep you, your family and your property safe from home invasions, ranging from basic intruder alarms to state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.

House Alarms

Monitored around the clock from a remote monitoring station, our high-quality house alarm systems utilise the latest digital signalling equipment to provide ample protection in the event of break-in, alerting the emergency services should such an incident occur.

Access Control Systems

While more commonly used for business premises, door entry systems can also be used to great effect in residences. They offer designated people access to specific rooms using a card, fob, etc. This can be particularly useful if you want to keep a particular room off-limits - ideal for a safe room.

CCTV Cameras

We use cutting-edge security innovations to provide you with the most advanced CCTV solutions available. This can include digital recording, fibre optic / radio transmission and computer monitoring, as well as remote-controlled lights.

For more information on our home safety systems, call 029 20 753 251 today to speak with one of our specialists or contact us online via the link below.

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Going on holiday is so exciting, especially now that airports and holidays are becoming available to us again and COVID-19 restrictions are easing! One thing that often plays on people’s minds while they’re away, is the security of their home and belongings. We're here to show you how to keep your home safe while you're away.

The best way to ensure guaranteed relaxation on your holiday is to prepare and secure your home - don't leave anything up to chance. In this blog, we cover a variety of holiday security tips that will help you feel at ease as you jet off on your holiday.

Fire Prevention & Fire Alarms

One of the most feared and truly devastating things that could happen to your home while you are away is a house fire. There are a few simple steps you can take to dramatically reduce the likelihood of a fire while your house is left unattended.

• Turn off plugs at the mains and unplug any household items that do not need to be on. This includes lamps, Tv’s, hairdryers etc. If any of these items are faulty, they could cause a fire while you’re on holiday.

• Close internal doors before you leave. If a fire was to break out, having the doors closed will limit the oxygen (fuel) accessible to the fire, and will also stop the fire from spreading throughout the house as quickly.

• Check and change the fire alarm batteries. You should always check your smoke alarms are working properly, whether you are going on holiday or not. But when you leave to go on holiday, having effective smoke alarms in place can alert neighbours and the authorities if there is a fire.

If you don’t have an effective fire alarm system in place, we at IDS can help! Our specialist team can design, install and maintain fire alarm systems for any property, commercial or residential. Click the button below to find out more.

Fire Alarm Systems from IDS >

Burglary Prevention

Leaving all of your worldly possessions unattended is another huge worry for holiday-goers. There are a few holiday security tips you can implement to make your home less attractive to burglars.

• CCTV and Surveillance

First and foremost, CCTV cameras are a great deterrent for burglars, if they know they're on camera, they're far less likely to push their luck to try and break in (even if they can see the house is vacant). Having a CCTV camera (or cameras) installed around your home will give you peace of mind that any security breaches will be recorded. Nowadays, you can even use your mobile phone to check the security cameras around your house remotely. This is perfect if you take trips away from home regularly and want to keep an eye on things.

There is a huge range of surveillance systems available to choose from. At IDS Security we offer a range of security cameras and CCTV systems that can be tailored to suit your property.

IDS CCTV Security Systems >

• Intruder alarms

Like a fire alarm, an intruder alarm can alert neighbours and the authorities if your property is broken into while you are on holiday. At IDS we offer intruder alarm systems with an optional maintenance contract. This means you can have your property monitored by our team around the clock! Speak to our installers about a maintenance contract if you're going to be away from home throughout the year. We'll take some of the holiday security stress off your hands.

Interested in seeing the different types of intruder alarms we offer? Simply click the button below:

Intruder alarms >

Some final holiday security tips to ensure your property is properly secured before your holiday:

• Hide or deposit any valuable items in a safe or secure place. Valuable items on display are likely to attract burglars to your property.

• Ensure all your windows and doors are not damaged and are locked securely. You don't want to find that you left your house wide open to burglars while you're on holiday.

• Don’t make it obvious that your house is temporarily vacant.

• Don’t broadcast your holiday prolifically online. You'll be surprised how many burglars target homes after seeing people posting holiday pictures on social media!

• Make a checklist to ensure you have taken all necessary holiday security precautions before you set off! There's nothing worse than feeling like you've forgotten to do something when you're on the way.

We hope that these tips help you enjoy your holiday knowing that your home is safe and secure. If you have any questions about home security, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team on 029 20 753 251.

When the temperatures soar, all we want to do is open every door and every window in the house and enjoy the fresh air! This, of course, poses a huge security risk so we’ve put together a list of summer security tips to help you keep your home and garden safe this summer.

1. Be responsible with your windows

Opening the windows lets in a breeze that feels lovely during summer days and nights. Here’s how to keep your house safe while you have your windows open. Primarily, you need to ensure that all your windows can be locked, and can’t be forced open from the outside – especially if they are ground level windows. When opening windows around the house this summer, bear the following tips in mind:

• Try to only open windows in the rooms you are occupying.
• Ensure all windows are closed if you plan to go into the back garden for a while.
• Don’t leave downstairs or accessible windows open during the night.

2. Secure your shed

One area of the house that is often overlooked in terms of security is the garden shed. We often store valuable items in our sheds like bikes, lawnmowers and tools and because they are often isolated away from our houses, they are an attractive target for thieves. There are a few ways you can secure your garden shed to prevent your valuable being stolen:

• Repair any existing damage. A broken window or loose panel can provide a great access point for thieves.
  
  
• Install lights in your garden with a passive infrared sensor, so any night-time intruders can be caught red-handed.
  
  
• Install a sturdy lock system and an intruder alarm to alert you if a break-in is attempted.

3. Improve your home CCTV system

Improving the surveillance around your home is a great way to ensure your property will be secure during summer. Whether you’re at home or away on your summer holiday, a home CCTV security system can allow you to keep an eye on your home and belongings.

At IDS Security we offer a range of CCTV options to help you secure your home. To find out more about the CCTV security systems we offer, click here:

CCTV Security from IDS >

4. Protect your home from fires

The hot and dry conditions that come with summer heat waves can be incredibly dangerous, causing fires to spread at an alarming rate. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your property safe from fires this summer:

• Keep doors shut as much as possible. It can be tempting to open all the doors in the house to allow air to circulate, but a closed door can keep a fire at bay much longer than if a door is left open.
• BBQ sensibly. Don’t have open fires near to your home and be sure to put them out before venturing back inside.
• Check that your fire alarm system is fully operational. At IDS we can help you to design, install and maintain a comprehensive fire security system to help prevent fires in your home this summer. Find out more about our fire alarm systems here:

IDS Fire Alarm Systems >

At IDS, we want to ensure you have the necessary security systems in place so that you can enjoy a relaxing summer! Give us a call on 029 20 753 251 to enquire about improving your security before summer, or click the button to explore our security options online.

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