When it comes to home security, you want to make sure you are getting a security system that ensures your home and your valuables are kept safe. 

So, before going out and investing in a comprehensive security system, there are a few things that you should be looking out for that indicates whether or not the system is good enough or not. 

Not sure what these things are? Don't panic, that's what this blog is here for. Here, we will run through the several components that you should seek when looking to install a quality home security system.

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Have you been thinking about investing in an access control system for your home? There are lots of reasons why a home access control system could be right for you! Adding an access control system to your home is an excellent way to improve security and monitor people's visits. Nowadays, you never can be too careful when it comes to home security, so if you want to learn more about the benefits of home door entry systems - just keep reading.

Better protection

When you have a lot of valuable possessions in your home, installing a home access control system can really give you peace of mind. Standard home doors are easily compromised, meaning you constantly feel on edge when you know the property is vacant. Installing a state-of-the-art home access control system will provide you with an extra layer of protection and put your mind at rest.

Access multiple doors

For those of you with larger homes or numerous different entry points, you might find it a nuisance to carry a huge set of keys around! There's one for the front door, a different one for the back door, another to get into the porch... eventually you start to feel like a school janitor with millions of keys and no idea which one works in which door! 

If you're fed up with carrying a huge bunch of keys around with you, you could streamline the whole system by installing a convenient home door entry system. Whether you choose a key fob, a key card or a more advanced biometric system, you can have complete access to every door in the house with a single fob, card or fingerprint.

Better still, these technologically advanced home access control systems are very difficult to replicate, making it unlikely that someone could access your home - even if your fob or card got lost. This is just another way that access control systems for homes can be beneficial.

Speak to visitors without opening the door

Whether you're running a business from your living room, or you've got overly-enthusiastic neighbours, an intercom can be a valuable home access control system. Rather than standing up and rushing downstairs every time the doorbell rings, you'll be able to see and speak to your visitors with the click of a button. You can even grant them access to your home without fumbling for your keys. This is great if you're constantly having parcels delivered, or clients visiting your home on a regular basis.

Speaking to visitors remotely through a home door entry system is also hugely beneficial for the elderly, who may struggle to answer the door quickly. Better yet, they'll be able to see exactly who's on the doorstep without opening the door, this is especially beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic but will also help prevent vulnerable people from falling victim to door-step scammers in the future.

Integration with other home security systems

Here at IDS Security Systems, we believe that your security system should fit your requirements exactly. If you're interested in our access control systems for homes, why not take a look at some of our other home security systems to provide you with additional layers of security.

There are very few criminals who will successfully break into your home if you've got an effective home door entry system alongside an intruder alarm and CCTV cameras. That's why we believe in being completely flexible when it comes to fitting a home security system that works for you. 

Other home security services we provide include, fire alarm installation and round-the-clock call out and monitoring contract. Working together to establish your requirements, we'll be able to make your home safe and secure so you can rest easy!

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For more information on our home access control systems, or to book an appointment with our technicians, give us a call on 029 20 753 251 now!

For the past year, the UK has been subject to a range of lockdown restrictions that have drastically changed our normal lives. The usual routines of heading out to work, popping to the pub on a Friday, and meeting friends for coffees have been taken away from us in order to keep the country safe. 

When thinking about the impact that the "stay at home" orders have had on crime rates, you'd probably expect to see them go down dramatically. After all, a large number of crimes including drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting require criminals to go outside. 

That being said, it might be naive of us to think that criminals who already break the law on a daily basis are sticking to the lockdown restrictions religiously, even if it means putting their lives and the lives of others on the line. 

So, let's dig a little bit deeper into some crime statistics that were collected during lockdown to find out whether crime rates have, in fact, gone up or down. 

Data collected by The Office for National Statistics

During the months of April and May 2020, the UK was put under strict national lockdown restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19. The Office for National Statistics conducted a Telephone-Operated Crime Survey to find out how trends in crime were changing during this period. 

They were then able to compare the crime rates during this two-month period to a pre-lockdown two-month average to establish whether or not crime rates had gone up or down.

What did they find out?

The Office for National Statistics reported that during the period between April and May 2020, crimes (no including computer misuse or fraud) fell by 32%. During this time, there was also a shift in the public's perception of police officers, with 91% of all adults in the survey reporting that they were satisfied with the way the police in their area were responding to the ongoing situation.

Which crime rates fell the most and why?

There are a few crimes in particular that happened far less frequently due to lockdown restrictions. One of these was theft. In fact, theft offences fell to almost half the level recorded in April and May 2019.

Of these theft offences, domestic burglary saw a significant drop. With people at home more frequently and for longer periods of time, the opportunity for domestic burglaries in vacant properties was dramatically reduced. 

Shoplifting offences were also less frequent. A lot of shops that would usually be open to the public were closed, therefore removing the opportunity for theft in public spaces.

Were there any exceptions to this trend?

Yes, sadly the coronavirus pandemic didn't stop certain criminals from carrying on with their daily business. Drug offences actually rose by 22% in April and 44% in Mary 2020 compared to the same months in the previous year. 

This doesn't necessarily mean that the number of drug offenders doubled during this time. With police attention away from crimes like shoplifting and domestic burglary, and with fewer people out on the streets, it was easier to identify potential criminal activity and prosecute accordingly. 

Home and Business Security

While these statistics indicate that certain crime rates have gone down, that doesn't mean that now is a time to neglect your security measures. 

Business owners, who may have empty premises for the next few months (or longer) should really consider improving their business security to protect any assets inside. While shoplifting is certainly easier when a shop is open and operational, burglars are guaranteed to attempt a robbery at an unoccupied business if they can see there are no security measures in place.

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Homeowners who have been spending more time than even in their properties might have become a little bit relaxed with their security systems. After all, we know that burglars are unlikely to attempt a break-in if they know you're at home. 

That being said, many of us will be returning to work, visiting friends, and (hopefully) heading off on holidays later in 2021, so now is a great time to get your home equipped with a reliable home security system. 

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Our engineers are still working despite the COVID-19 lockdown and we've got measures in place to keep you safe. Get in touch to arrange a free quotation today!

Read More: Keeping You Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the most common questions asked by homeowners thinking about installing a home security system is "will my security system work when the power is out?" 

And the simple answer is, it depends on the security system that you have. So maybe the answer isn't always that simple. However, wanting a security system that works around the clock regardless of the circumstances is what every property wants, right? 

So, if you're unsure on which security systems continue to work during a power outage, you can find out here with IDS Security Systems!

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If you're keen to keep burglars off your property, then it's useful to know how they choose houses to steal from. Homeowners are busy and can sometimes forget to follow simple house security rules. Back doors are left unlocked, downstairs windows are left open and spare keys are hidden in obvious places. In today's blog, we're going to take a look at some of the things that burglars consider when they're choosing houses to steal from so that you can make conscious decisions that will keep your house safe.

Location

The location of your house is crucial for burglars. If you live on a quiet street where burglars are less likely to be seen by neighbours or passers-by, then that's a huge bonus. Houses near main roads are popular targets for burglars too because they make it easy to have a 'get-away' car nearby for an easy exit.

Burglars will also look at the properties in a particular area to determine whether there will be things of a high value to steal. A 'posh' neighborhood might be chosen over a typically poorer area for example. Burglars might also look for houses with outbuildings and garages that might contain valuables, this means they won't have to disturb the main house where security systems are usually in place.

Access Points

Most burglars want to get in and get back out without being too conspicuous, for that reason, easy access points are very appealing.

When burglars are choosing houses, they're looking for doors and windows with vulnerable locks, back doors that may have been left open, and garage doors that might lead into the main house. 

Windows are also easy access points. You'll be surprised what burglars will do to gain access to your home. If they can squeeze their bodies through the tiny open window in your bathroom - they will! 

Signs you're away

Most burglars will look for obvious signs that you're out of the house when they're choosing a house to burgle. Being caught red-handed is not ideal, so they'll often wait until they're sure that you're off the property.

Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries take place during the day when it's more likely that you're away from the house working/running errands. 

Things that burglars look out for are:

• Dark houses without lights on
• Bins that have been left out for collection
• Unruly gardens that haven't been tended in a while
• No obvious signs of a security system in place

How to make sure burglars don't choose your house

(or make sure you can catch them if they do...)

We all wish that burglars won't choose our houses to steal from, but sadly, you can never be 100% sure. For that reason, we always recommend investing in a good security system that will both deter burglars and provide you with the evidence you need in case you need to track them down. 

Fitting an intruder alarm in your home is one thing, but combining this with a CCTV system or door entry system will provide you with the highest level of protection.

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Read More: Where Do Burglars Enter Your Home?

If you're interested in improving your home's security, speak to a member of the IDS team today. You can give us a call on 029 20 753 251.