Security Tips
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.
Darker Nights are Approaching: Security Tips for Homeowners
Topic: Article, Security Tips
As nights lengthen, home security becomes crucial with increased risks of burglary and vandalism. Spy Alarms is here to help you safeguard your home with key security measures beyond our core services.
5 Benefits of Upgrading to Full Monitoring: Peace of Mind with Police Response
Topic: Article, Burglar Alarms, Security Tips
Upgrading to full monitoring with Spy Alarms - where your system is linked directly to a professional monitoring center and local police response -offers the next level of protection. This upgrade ensures that your home is guarded by experts around the clock, so you never have to worry about missing an alert or handling an emergency on your own.
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? Well, yes! Many people use CCTV to watch over their second properties, such as holiday homes. You'll need a decent internet connection in both properties and a CCTV system that can […]
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. Some people may think this seems rather strange. Surely we can't make that much money out of the system, the profit runs […]
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. The document shows that domestic burglary has fallen by 11% year on year but, despite this, they don't deem the reduction significant (as […]
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. So what does it cost to get a house alarm […]
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. Sure, I don't […]
How To View Your CCTV On Holiday
Going on holiday is meant to be relaxing and stress free, so why should you need to learn how to view your CCTV on holiday? Simply because burglars target houses where the owners have gone on holiday. They don't have to be psychic to find this information out either, all they have to do is use social […]
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? In 2015 there were 10,153 burglaries in Kent. Having wireless security cameras installed at your property, for business or home, will help to deter burglars […]
CCTV Monitor Vs Using A TV The Pros And Cons
"Should I buy a CCTV monitor or use my TV?" It's a question we get asked often. There's no simple answer - there are so many different televisions and CCTV monitors out there it would be impossible to try to compare them all. So whether you have night vision CCTV, HD CCTV, wired or wireless, we're […]
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. Here are three reasons landlords should have a video door entry system. Video Door Entry Systems Protect Your Property Letting your tenants know who is at […]
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... But you should be thinking about your home security. […]
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. It is a somewhat sad comment on the state of […]
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.
5 Benefits Of HD CCTV Cameras For Your Business
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, Kent, London, Security Tips, Video Surveillance
Crisp and clear images can make the difference between catching a criminal red-handed, and letting them get away with your possessions. How many of us have watched CCTV camera footage on the local news and thought, 'I can't see his/her face'? Sometimes, it seems a miracle that these fuzzy suspects are ever caught and questioned […]
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? Electrical equipment can spark a fire within seconds if paired with a faulty or incorrect charger! Why take the risk […]
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. However, our homes are vulnerable to burglary during the summer. Our change in behaviour as the weather gets warmer can have a dramatic impact on our families and homes. You may become more relaxed about […]
6 Business Burglary Prevention Tips
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, News, Security Tips
Businesses can suffer from repeat burglaries if preventative measures are not taken from the first incident. If burglars can see your commercial property is lacking security, you’re more likely to be their next target. This can be a devastating ordeal for any business owner. Protect yourself today with these business burglary prevention tips:
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? We've compiled 5 effective tricks for preventing vehicle theft.
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. The worrying thing about this is, you’re not just sharing information with your friends and family. You could […]
6 Ways To Avoid Being Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Imagine returning home to find your rooms completely ransacked. You can see the obvious things are missing – the TV, the game console. You run upstairs to check the bedroom, but, sure enough – your family heirlooms and keepsakes have been taken too. Not only is burglary a costly crime, it’s an invasive and emotionally […]
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. Or more likely, into the day. Pinching during the daytime Yes, […]
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. Need more convincing? Here’s just five of many: 1. Deter the thieves Most convicted burglars (90%) said they want to avoid […]
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 […]
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. To reduce the fire risk at home, we've shortlisted the main factors to be aware of before settling down for a good night's rest...
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. December then bought us news that Tony Porter, the Government’s surveillance camera commissioner, would be releasing new guidelines on camera use for home security. He explained, "The concerns are primarily about the intrusion […]
New Year’s Resolution – Test Your Smoke Alarm
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Kent, News, Security Tips
Most people use January as a month of reflection and personal improvement. The most common New Year’s resolutions include: ➤Healthy living and fitness ➤Losing weight ➤Improving diet ➤Saving money ➤Pursuing a career ambition ➤Giving up smoking Are these the answers you were expecting to see? To some, choosing a New Year’s Resolution is incredibly easy […]
E-cigarette Explosion Causes House Fire In Sheerness
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Kent, News, Security Tips
On 7th December, Kent Fire & Rescue were called to a house fire in Sheerness after an e-cigarette exploded due to an incompatible charger. Resident Terry Skinner explained, “I put my e-cigarette on charge and within the space of five minutes, it exploded.” The Kent Fire and Rescue service suspected that the internal battery had […]
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. Or, perhaps not. The trick is to never underestimate the importance of Christmas safety. *batteries not included More often than not, toys and […]
Avoid Fire Hazards This Festive Season
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Fire Alarms, Kent, News, Security Tips
Kent Fire and Rescue Service have been reminding the public of safety awareness this festive season. National fire statistics show that during December, 20 people a day are either killed or injured due to accidental fires. These stats are proof that safety precautions are more important than ever. The added distractions throughout the Christmas and […]
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. Hmmm, not always so lucky... Those feelings quickly turned to stunned, horrified and upset […]
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. Many suggest that this
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. At the end of 2013, Legal & General posted an article revealing that 45% of young […]
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. Local farmers in Kent take security seriously. They are a particularly vulnerable group who present the greatest opportunity for thieves with their isolated houses and buildings in dark country lanes with less people about to act […]
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 Home security Are your windows shut and locked? Are you doors locked? Timer […]
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. Lock your windows before you go out and keep doors locked Don't leave keys on view and within reach of windows or doors Use good quality door locks […]
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. Left unattended it could lead to disaster! A […]
Crime stats matter, but look behind the headlines
Crime stats give us important information, but it’s important to understand what’s behind the headlines, here’s why: Statistics can be confusing: 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. And they can be used to illustrate […]
Vehicle Crime – Stay Safe, Don’t be a Victim
Topic: All, News, Security Tips
This video on vehicle crime is part of the Stay Safe Summer Campaign by Kent Police. The father and his daughter arrive at their destination, unclip their seat belts, climb out of the car and go on their way. They are so eager to leave that they forget to lock the car door. Within seconds the […]
Vehicle Theft – Be Aware
Topic: All, News, Security Tips
Vehicle theft. It's not always from an empty car. Another thought-provoking video from Kent Police's Stay Safe Summer campaign. The woman unlocks the car and throws/puts her handbag on the passenger seat - we've all done it! As she goes to get into the car, a woman passerby asks her a question. She is distracted […]
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. The heights of summer also present heights of opportunity for burglars. Beware! Here’s how […]
Who’s on Your Business Property – When You’re Not at Work?
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, Fire Alarms, News, Security Tips, Video Surveillance
It’s inevitable that at this time of year your work premises will be empty at some time. Empty buildings carry many risks, we know that. It's worth repeating, can't be understated, you need to know: who's on your business property - when you're not at work? The obvious, and most irritating, is the threat of […]
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. The only alarm that has ever been activated in a real emergency in our house is the CO2 alarm. A lovely looking but very old range cooker was leaking […]
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. Reading this could save you money, time and heartache. This burglar generally worked with 2 friends, the first thing that they would do is to […]
Home Security and Burglary Statistics in the USA
Further to our post on Home Security and Crime Rates in the USA, here's a small section enlarged which shows the times when a property is most vulnerable and also the methods used to gain entry. At a time when there is one burglary every 15.4 seconds in the USA, Britain is unlikely to be […]
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. It's fascinating to see the development of home security and how an Englishman's home became his castle and then his technological fortress in an attempt to […]
Home Security and Crime Rates in the USA
Another great infographic showing the effectiveness of Home Security in the USA. Whilst the figures may not totally agree with what is happening in the UK, it does give a good overview of the probabilty of a burglary if you have a home alarm and if you do not. It also covers the times of […]
Distraction Thefts in Tunbridge Wells, Westerham, Sevenoaks, Larkfield, Swanley and Edenbridge
Topic: Access Control, All, CCTV Systems, News, Security Tips
Most recent news from Kent Police is a warning on their website about a series of 'distraction thefts' in shops and offices in Tunbridge Wells, Westerham, Sevenoaks, Larkfield, Swanley and Edenbridge, resulting in the loss of mobile phones and cash. Many of the incidents involved two women of dark European appearance, who engage their victims […]
Car Keys and Home Security Installation
Topic: All, News, Security Tips
Stolen vehicle recovery experts, Tracker, have announced that the theft of cars using the owners’ keys continues to rise. Latest figures show that £15.8 million pounds worth of vehicles or 84% of all cars stolen and recovered by them in 2010 involved theft of keys. It doesn't matter how good your security installation, if owners […]
Top Tips For Home Security #2
Topic: All, News, Security Tips
Another top tip for home security from Martin Foster of Spy Alarms in Sevenoaks, Kent. Concerned about her home security, Mrs. Bartlett had got herself a guard dog - a beautiful Dobermann that she named Rambo. Mrs. Bartlett felt much safer with Rambo around. He growled menacingly when anyone came within ten yards of the […]
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