Home Security
Browse through our articles section below for useful guides, advice and insights into our industry and the technology available. If you have a question, get in touch with our friendly team.
Top Holiday Home Security Tip Now Summer Is Over
Topic: All, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, News, Security Tips
As you close up your holiday homes for another year, are there ways that you can keep an eye on your second property from your main residence?
Home Fire Safety Lesssons Learnt From The Great Fire of London
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, London, News
So this weekend it was 350 years since the Great Fire of London started, an event that's had a massive impact on modern home fire safety. The fire was recorded as having resulted in only 6 fatalities - which would be a miracle statistic, if it were true.
Benefits Of A Monitored Alarm System – Is It Worth It?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Home Security, Kent, London, News
We're often asked what benefits a monitored alarm system has for our customers and whether it's worth the extra money.
It's not easy to say in a blog post which benefits relate to your situation if you opt for monitored alarms, which is why we direct people to our free site survey - so we can assess them on an individual level.
Should You Buy Home Security Products?
On a weekly basis we receive calls asking us to install home security products that people have bought at their local DIY store. And, on a weekly basis, we have to politely decline.
ONS Crime Statistics – Is Burglary On The Rise?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
The Office for National Statistics have just released crime statistics for the year ending March 16. We took a look, expecting to see burglary on the rise, here's what we found instead.
Pokemon Go Evolves Into A Security Risk For Businesses
Topic: Access Control, All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Home Security, Kent, London, News
This week, the technology headlines have been dominated by Pokemon Go.
The new augmented reality game has now officially been released in the UK, but fans who couldn’t wait were able to get their hands on the game early by doing a bit of digging online.
The Cost Of House Alarm Systems
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
House alarm systems have become a common security feature for many homes in the 21st century, yet some homes still haven't installed them. Why? For a lot of people it's the cost that puts them off. Times have changed though, and so have the prices.
How To Keep Your Pets Safe From House Fires
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
It's been said time and time again that Britain is a nation of pet lovers. Yet this nation has a surprisingly lax attitude to fire safety for their four legged friends. In fact, many people haven't even thought about how they would ensure their pets would get out in the event of a fire.
What Is An Optical Smoke Detector?
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News
An optical smoke detector is one part of a fire alarm system. It's a device that raises an alarm when it senses smoke.
Which Motion Detector Alarm Should You Have In Your Home?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
A motion detector alarm is a security system that activates when it senses movement. They are most commonly used in home and business security systems and provide protection against unwanted intruders, such as burglars.
Automated Electric Gates In Kent
Topic: All, Home Security
Whether you're looking to secure the perimeter of your luxury mansion or just keep passers-by from having free access to the front garden of your suburban semi, its a great choice to get automated electric gates in Kent.
Why You Need A Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Having a carbon monoxide alarm as an additional feature to your fire alarm system could prevent you from becoming a victim of this lethal gas. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide has no smell, taste or colour and according to the NHS leads to around 40 deaths every year.
6 Reasons To Install Intercom Systems For Home Use
Topic: Access Control, All, Home Security, Kent, London, News
Controlling who comes in and out of a building isn't just for businesses, you can get intercom systems for home use too, but why should you?
What Makes Good Wireless Security Cameras – HD, Night Vision, ANPR
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
Along with burglar alarms, wireless security cameras are one of the best deterrents on the market against burglary. But what makes a good wireless system and why do you need one?
5 Reasons To Get Your Door Intercom System Supplied And Installed By Professionals
Topic: Access Control, All, Home Security, News
A door intercom system can be bought online by anybody, so why bother getting one through a professional installer? Let's start with a story we've heard a hundred times before...
Do You Need A Night Vision Camera? 5 Decisive Questions
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Video Surveillance
The night vision camera is a high precision piece of technology that allows you the super human power of being able to see clearly when your eyes just can't cope with the dark.
House Alarm Or No House Alarm, Why Bother?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News
Whether or not you should install a house alarm is something many home-owners contemplate when they first move into their new home. Then, it's forgotten about.
3 Reasons Landlords Need A Video Door Entry System
Topic: Access Control, All, Home Security, Security Tips
A video door entry system is a great way to protect a property from unwanted visitors and Landlords, in particular, can take advantage of having them installed within their properties.
Home Security Tips For Holiday Makers [Infographic]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Home security tips are something you probably don't think about all the time. And especially when you're going on holiday, there are so many other things to think about; holiday insurance, packing, flights, transfers, passport renewal, who's going to feed the cats, converting your spending money etc...
HD Night Vision CCTV Cameras For Your Home
When you get a CCTV system you don't want it to stop working at night, that's why night vision CCTV cameras were invented.
How To Secure Your Home – Spy Alarms Top Tips
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
When considering how to secure your home, there are a few very obvious things to bear in mind. However, the problem is that many people either don’t think about them or simply just forget them. It has to be said that, in the 21st century, you have to think “security” at all times.
Christmas Burglaries Ruin The Magic For Your Children
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
It’s nearly Christmas and your children are getting excited at the thought of unwrapping their presents! But they aren't the only ones. Unfortunately burglars too are rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of unwrapping your child’s presents.
Which Door Entry System Do You Need?
Topic: Access Control, All, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Whether it's for your business or a home, there are a number of reasons why you might need a door entry system.
Apart from any other consideration, door entry systems are easy and inexpensive to install, and they give you a considerable amount of extra security.
When Home Invasion Devastates Lives
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
For some home owners, a burglary is much more than the theft of a few personal items, they view the whole traumatic incident as a home invasion.
What are PIR sensors and why are they are so effective?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security
A PIR, or passive infra-red detector, is a motion sensor used in business and home security systems. It uses an infrared sensor to check for movement at all times of day. The sensor sees movement by monitoring temperature changes in its field of view.
Swift Alarms in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent
Since the take over of SwiftSafyre (formerly Swift Alarms), Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge customers have been getting their burglar alarm services from us at Spy Alarms.
How To Avoid Being A Victim Of Burglary
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
Kent police have some sterling advice to offer if you wish to take every precaution to avoid becoming the victim of a burglary.
Spy Alarms & Brownhill Insurance Group in Joint Venture
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, Wireless Intruder Alarms
Spy Alarms is excited to be part of a Joint Venture with fellow local business, Brownhill Insurance Group, to bring quality home and business security to your property.
3 Ways Jenson Button Could Have Used Holiday Home Security
A few weeks ago, Jenson Button and his wife were robbed whilst staying with friends in a holiday home in the South of France.
It is believed that thieves put gas into their air conditioning system to knock out the holidaymakers. Then they broke in and stole valuables, including a £250,000 engagement ring.
House Burglary And Break-Ins Are Most Likely In November!
Topic: All, Home Security, News
The Daily Mail drew our attention to new research by the Liverpool Victoria which shows that you are most at risk of house burglary during November.
A Guide To Pet-Friendly Burglar Alarm Systems
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News
As a nation of pet lovers, it’s not surprising that we are often asked the question: “If I install a burglar alarm, will my cat or dog set it off?”
Burglary Figures For Sevenoaks Town And St John’s, Kent
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
Crime statistics for the year June 2014 to May 2015 have just been issued by Kent Police, and they make gloomy reading. Overall, there were 1,919 crimes of all types carried out in the town over the year, or 37 every single week.
Latest Crime Stats For Hadlow, Mereworth And West Peckham
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
Kent Police have just issued the latest crime stats for Hadlow, Mereworth and West Peckham for the year from June 2014 to May 2015. They make pretty shocking reading.
Fire Hazards At Home – Stay Safe With Our Checklist
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
The average modern home is full of mobile phones, laptops, and other electrical devices. Although it's fantastic to be surrounded by technology that makes life easier, do we ever really think about the possible risks?
Protecting Yourself Against Intruders The legal way
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
We are dedicated to giving homeowners the best security advice and protection available. As crime statistics rise, more and more residents are taking action to protect their possessions.
Burglary Statistics For Old Bexley And Sidcup
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, London, News
Old Bexley and Sidcup is a largely suburban area, sandwiched between industrial north Kent and densely populated south-east London.
Kent Crime Stats: Alarming Results For Medway River
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
Kent police have just released the latest crime statistics for Medway River. While this is not an area recognised by many members of the public, it is one that the police use to define as the area of Medway next to the river.
The Art of Summer Burglary Prevention
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
As our evening starts to stay lighter for longer, it can only mean one thing. Britain’s favourite season is on its way.
10 Fantastic Kitchen Fire Safety Tips
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News
In Great Britain, from April 2013 to March 2014 - 21,577 of accidental dwelling fires were first ignited in the kitchen. Over two thirds of fire-related deaths occurred in accidental dwelling fires.
5 Tricks For Preventing Vehicle Theft
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News, Security Tips
Having your car stolen can be a very costly crime. Other than not leaving your keys accessible - would you know how to avoid being robbed?
Burglary Prevention On Social Media
Topic: All, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Nowadays, we love to share every little thing we have going on. A vast number of people across social media have not changed their privacy settings – which means your details are there for anyone to see.
6 Ways To Avoid Being Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Not only is burglary a costly crime, it’s an invasive and emotionally damaging one. Every home owner should be aware of the best burglary prevention tips.
Eight Minutes To Steal
There is possibly nothing worse in the world than returning home to find that you have been burgled. A stranger has been in your home, helped him or herself to any of your possessions that took their fancy and disappeared off into the night.
5 Reasons You Need A Burglar Alarm
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Many homes are still unprotected and vulnerable to attacks by burglars. This is all because of one main reason – they’re lacking an alarm. A burglar alarm can protect your property in many ways.
Don’t become a crime survey statistic!
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, Kent, London, News
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ended June 2014 shows that there were an estimated 7.1 MILLION incidents of crime against households and resident adults (those aged over 16) in England and Wales.
Two Kent Burglaries In One Day
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, Kent, News, Security Tips
Recently Gravesend was hit by two burglaries in one day by the same culprit! In a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates Court on Monday January 23rd, Luke Reader (19) was charged with both burglaries and attempted burglary after jewellery and a laptop were stolen from a home in Austen Road and an attempted break-in in Milroy Avenue.
Reduce The Fire Risk At Home – Bedtime Safety Check
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News, Security Tips
Every year, around 30 children are killed due to house fires. This harrowing statistic from Kent Fire & Rescue highlights the importance of fire safety.
The Ultimate Domestic CCTV Guide
In October 2014, a word of warning was voiced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding the use of CCTV security systems.
London – The Burglary Capital Of The UK
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
London is now the burglary capital of the UK, following figures released for 2013. It outstrips Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, with no fewer than 12 of its postal districts featuring in a list of the top 20 for household burglary claims.
Batteries Not Included! Toys Vs. Christmas Safety
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
It’s Christmas day and the kids have woken you at 5AM to rush to open their presents. Once the challenge of endless plastic wrap, cardboard and metal ties are all overcome, it’s playtime.
When Festive Warmth Turns to Horror!!!
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
It was a horrible OMG moment, we’d been lulled into a cosy sense of festive warmth surrounded by Christmas lights, the kids carol concert, and especially by the magical tones of the little soloist, what a beautiful voice, lucky child.
Home Burglary Prevention Tips From A Criminologist
In the 400th issue of Scambusters, Criminologist and Associate Professor of Justice Studies at Appalachian State University Elicka S.L. Peterson-Sparks, provided insight into home burglary prevention advice.
5 Tricks Thieves Use To Target Homeowners
Approximately seven million homes were victims of property burglary during 2013. Data from Privilege Home Insurance has identified five common methods that criminals are using to target your home.
Light Up Or Lose It This Winter As Burglary Rates Rise
Topic: All, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Kent Police have started a campaign to raise awareness of burglary risks during winter. According to the Freedom of Information data that Liverpool Victoria recently obtained from police, more burglaries occurred during November than any other month.
What To Do If You’ve Been Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
There is probably nothing worse than the gut-wrenching feeling that you get when you come home to find that your house has been burgled.
Burglary Statistics For Kent 2014 – The Good News And The Bad
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
There is good news and bad news when it comes to the burglary statistics for Kent in 2014. The Police UK website shows that in the quarter to March 2014 burglary figures were down over the same period for 2013, and obviously the Police are keen to emphasise this point.
How Social Media Could Get Your Home Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Back in November 2011, we wrote about how social media could get your home burgled in this post on home security and social media. We also wrote about the potential effects of social media use on home insurance premiums.
The Battle Against Rural Crime in Kent
Topic: All, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Informative video by Kent Police about rural crime in Kent and steps that can be taken to prevent it.
Some UK Burglary Statistics Infographics
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
Back in 2012, Tesco Compare published an infographic which revealed that homes without BOTH window locks and double locks or deadlocks on external doors were SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY to be burgled.
Making Sense Of Crime Figures – Crime down in England but up in Kent
Topic: All, Home Security, Kent, News
Some of the crime figures bandied about by politicians might give you cause to sleep easier in your bed. However, figures which show that things are improving might not be the whole truth…
Panic Alarms, peace of mind and independence
Topic: All, Home Security, News, Panic Alarms
We all want to have peace of mind when it comes to our safety or that of our loved ones. A panic alarm, can give you the assurance that help is on the way should the need arise.
Kent Police Stay Safe Campaign
Topic: All, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Earlier in the year, Kent Police released a very simple video as part of their Stay Safe campaign. Of course, the measures listed can apply to anyone, not just the residents of Kent. Here's a checklist for vehicle, personal and home security.
Burgled – Channel 4 on Home Security, CCTV and Burglars
Topic: All, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, News
In Leeds more than 250 criminals are on the street at any one time. It is Britain's most burgled city. But in the last 12 months, West Yorkshire Police have reduced burglaries by a third through a programme of rehabilitation which pioneers an initiative called Anchor.
Police Advocate Burglar Alarms
Topic: Access Control, All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Video Surveillance
In their crime prevention advice on burglary, the Police UK website and also in the West Midlands video on top tips to keep your home safe from burglars, burglar alarms are recommended.
Kent Police Advice On Preventing Burglary
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Further to our post about the top 10 tips for keeping your property safe, Kent Police released a great video with advice on preventing burglary.
Checking Home Security – Essex Police and Operation Bisley
Topic: Access Control, All, Home Security, News
Michael Armstrong, the Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor for Essex Police talks about an initiative by Essex Police in conjunction with Operation Bisley.
Top 10 Tips To Keep Your Kent Home Safe From Burglars
Following our post showing video of Kent Police in action, here's ten top tips from West Midlands Police that will keep Kent home and business owners safe.
Kent Burglary Statistics to 30 September 2013
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Although a blog post from Police UK says that nationwide, crime continues to fall, their burglary statistics for the Kent area show a different story.
Kent Police In Action
Topic: All, Home Security, News
A couple of interesting videos from Kent Police showing their work protecting the people of Kent.
How do burglar alarms work – a homeowners guide to protecting your family
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
Sometimes home owners ask us to explain simple questions like how do burglar alarms work. Find out more about our burglar alarms.
Sparks Can (and Do) Fly
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
With cosy dark evenings, and Christmas approaching, we love to burn decorative, often scented, candles. Beware though, the candle burning in the fireplace may look innocent enough, but it’s easy to forget that a lit candle is an open flame and candle fire is a real risk.
Five Festive Home Security Tips
Christmas is just around the corner again and at this time, our homes may not only be unoccupied for long periods as we visit friends and relatives, but will probably be full of valuable items both before and after the festive period.
Home Security Ideas – A Multi Layered Defence System
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Home security needs to planned out carefully to deter would-be intruders. Below is an interactive graphic which will remind you how to build up the many layers of home security to defend your home as your castle.
Watchdog Highlights Scam House Alarms Salesmen
Topic: All, Home Security, News
This week, Watchdog highlighted the dangers of buying house alarms from salesmen who cold call. Particularly vulnerable are the elderly. The company in question were trained to prey on their fears.
Crime stats matter, but look behind the headlines
I don’t know about you, but I get bamboozled by statistics! I love stats actually, they’re essential for collecting data, so that we know where we are.
UK Burglary Statistics 2013 Infographic
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Great infographic from research done for Lighthouse Security: One statistic that Spy Alarms likes a lot is that a burglar alarm adds an average of £5,162 to the price of a property.
Stay Safe from Burglary
Topic: All, Home Security, News
It only takes seconds to stay safe from burglary.The above scene is a harrowing shock for anyone to come home to.As you can see, the place is completely trashed. The floor is strewn with the debris of upside-down furniture. Books litter the floor, jumbled with little knickknacks and sentimental ornaments. Even the storage boxes have […]
How to Secure Your Home in the Summer
Topic: All, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Summer is a time of lighter evenings, warmer weather and summer pursuits such as sprucing up your garden or family barbeques. As we relax out in the sun we often fling open windows and doors to let in some fresh air.
Suspicious Cold Callers in Sussex
Topic: All, Home Security, News
The Rye and Battle Observer reports that the local police are advising residents to be alert after there was a suspicious cold call via telephone trying to sell intruder alarms in Burwash.
Burglars Use Online HouseHunting Sites
The latest Digital Criminal 2012 CyberSafety Report from Legal & General highlights the fact that sites with the focus on flaunting or rooms for rent can prove goldmines of information for local burglars.
Home Invasion
Topic: All, Home Security, News
We know about the lesser end of a home invasion from bitter experience when we left our 17 year old daughter home alone for the weekend. Well, actually, we didn't.
Facebook Bragging – Don’t Advertise Your Valuables On Social Media
Topic: All, Home Security, News
According to a report from Legal & General - the Digital Criminal 2012 - CyberSafety Report almost a third (29%) of social media users only update their Facebook status or tweet when they want their friends to know what they are up to.
Home Security And Family Events
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, News
Whether it's a wedding or a funeral, family events cause a lot of preparatory traffic. The sort of comings and goings that can alert the casual thief to 'something happening' at a particular house.
The Silent Killer
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Carbon monoxide is a horror. An invisible, odourless gas that is often the by-product of other processes. It is a killer, often called the silent killer.
Easy Steps to Keep your Home Safe This Winter
The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in. That means bonfires, jumpers and sadly, a rise in break-ins.
Fiery Thoughts On Smoke Alarms
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News
Here’s a scary thought. I was reading an article the other day about an elderly couple who had a narrow escape from a fire in their house.
Brilliant Ideas from Brilliant CCTV
I’ve just read about another brilliant idea, an idea to improve our security and make life even more difficult for crooks.
The 2011 Crime Survey for England and Wales
The recently published 2011 Crime Survey for England and Wales asked 50,000 people for their direct experiences of crime.
CCSec Provides Site Security Solutions to Protect Swan New Homes
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Securing construction sites is one of the main challenges for most house builders, Swan New Homes has chosen Clarke Construction Security (CCSec) to provide comprehensive technology based site security throughout the building of its new Oldchurch Park development in Romford, Essex.
House security tips from a burglar
Topic: All, Home Security, News, Security Tips
This article on house security from the point of view of a US burglar gives an insight as to how he would target a property .... a very interesting read.
BPT Door Entry
Topic: Access Control, All, Home Security, News
From bespoke design systems for large blocks of apartments to off the shelf boxed kits for smaller properties, Spy Alarms can offer a large range of award winning BPT Door Entry products.
UK Burglary Statistics Infographic
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Scary facts - in 57% of cases, someone is at home while the burglary is committed and 56% of burglaries happen at night.
10 Home Security Tips – Know Your Enemy
Topic: All, Home Security, News
Knowing your enemy so that you can defeat them. Most people feel secure in their own home if they have never been burgled or had an unwanted visitor, but the fact it hasn’t happened YET doesn’t mean you are secure.
Home Burglar Alarms – Be Safe Not Sorry
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
I wouldn't be without my alarm. If it goes off it sends a text to my and my partner’s phone. If someone is actually in the home then we get another text when they activate another room’s sensor to confirm an intruder.
Home Security Through The Ages Infographic
Further to our post on Home Security and Crime Rates in the USA, here's a small section of the infographic on home security through the ages in more detail.
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