When it comes to home security, there’s no such thing as being too careful.

According to the Office of National Statistics, from April 2017 to March 2018, 14% of all domestic burglaries in Wales and England involved an unlocked door and 7% involved an open window, while 4% saw entry with an actual key.

Even more concerning, the front door was used as the point of entry for 52% of these incidents. Meanwhile, 25% of all burglaries also occurred while the occupants were home and completely unaware that they were being burgled.

Such statistics point to the glaringly obvious – Britain needs to be more careful when it comes to home security. Luckily, there are a few common home security mistakes you can easily remedy to increase your home safety dramatically.

Home Security Mistakes

As the old sayings go, prevention is better than a cure and defence is the best form of attack. Keep your home safe from break-ins by avoiding the most common home security mistakes prevalent across the UK.

Hiding a Key Outside

A classic security mistake, the old “key under the mat” trick is so predictably careless that it’s been habitually lampooned in pop culture, appearing in everything from Back to the Future to SpongeBob SquarePants.

Similar spots like under a plant put or beneath a bin are just as predictable for would-be burglars, leaving your home wide open for unwanted visitors.

Leaving your key outside is like setting your phone pin as your date of birth. While it might not be as careless as keeping it open, it’s far from fool-proof and doesn’t take a criminal mastermind to get in.

High-Profile Valuables

If your valuables are highly visible from the outside, it can leave a passing opportunist salivating like a dog in a butcher’s window.

From jewellery and watches to car keys and mobile phones, leaving items in direct view of the window is asking for trouble, particularly if your house directly backs on to a busy street.

While it’s easy to say “don’t leave your valuable in full-view”, realistically anyone can slip up from time to time. As such, it’s a good idea to invest in blinds or even net curtains.

To further limit the possibility of your prized possessions being swiped, never leave an open window unattended.

Lights Out

While it may seem obvious, a dark house with no lighting is ironically a glaring beacon to burglars that the house is empty…unless you happen to have photophobia and simply hate lights.

If you’re going to be out of the house for a short period of time – such as the evening or overnight – leaving a light on is an instant remedy that can work wonders. It’s literally as easy as flicking a switch.

Meanwhile, if you’re going away on holiday and are going to be leaving your house vacant for several days, installing light timers can be a wise and affordable solution. Some don’t even require programming for added ease.

A lack of lighting externally can also provide burglars with the perfect cover to enter a property undetected. Invest in motion sensor security lights to highlight any intruders before they make their move.

External Build-Ups

Whether it’s an overflowing letterbox of backlogged junk mail or a growing stock of deliveries in the porch, external build-ups clearly in plain view of passers-by make it blatantly obvious the occupants are away for a prolonged period of time.

Even something simple like leaving your bins at the bottom of the drive for collection can be a dead giveaway. If possible, cancel any deliveries and/or arrange for a neighbour, friend or family member to stop by and collect/clear up any obvious signs of inhabitancy.

A build-up of milk on your doorstep used to be another tell-tale sign of a lengthy getaway. While this has somewhat fallen by the wayside with the decline of milk deliveries, it’s been naturally replaced by a fitting 21^st century substitute…

Social Media Declarations

Many of us will be guilty of this next entry but it doesn’t make it any less foolish from a security point of view. Announcing your holiday plans on social media is like putting a big neon “OPEN” sign on your front door.

Letting the social media world know your house is vacant for a week isn’t smart. While we’d all like to think that our friends are honest, law-abiding citizens, truthfully, many of us will be connected to people online we know in passing or barely know at all. 

If you have hundreds of Facebook friends, ask yourself how many of those can you really count as genuine friends? Realistically, many will be acquaintances, while some may even be relative unknowns.

Worse still, a bit of digging through your timeline can often uncover an address with relative ease. For example, we’ve all seen those “new home” posts of house keys: if the accompanying photo is of the house or street itself, they can provide a lot more info than you would like.

Home Security

If you really want to keep your home safe and sound, it could be well worth investing in some additional safety options. At IDS Security, we offer a variety of home security measures that are specifically designed to keep your home and its contents as safe as possible.

From surveillance cameras and burglar alarms to access controls and fire protection systems, we run the gamut of security technology to provide you with something money can’t buy – peace of mind.

For more details on our security systems and home protection technology, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 20 753 251 or drop us a line using the link below.

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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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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:

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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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