USEFUL ARTICLES
Learn about the latest news about security, as well as useful guides to keep your property safe.
TIPS, GUIDES AND ARTICLES
Staying at the forefront of the industry allows Spy Alarms to provide our customers with cutting-edge technology, support and innovative fire and security solutions.
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.
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News
Combining a burglar alarm system with wired smoke detectors is a service we offer to our residential customers, but why do we recommend it? The intruder alarm systems we install have the capacity to be linked with a remote monitoring service. This enables your system to contact our alarm receiving centre when it's activated, so […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Topic: Access Control, All, London, News
Getting a buzzer front door entry system protects your business by denying unauthorised access. But why is this important? Granting people access to your business is a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. The building, the people - it's all part of something you've lovingly built up from scratch in order to create a better world for […]
Topic: Access Control, All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems
According to statistics from an FSB article, business security measures are lax in Britain. Incredibly, 60 per cent of small and medium enterprise respondents in the UK rely on locks and security lights to protect their business, while two thirds of these enterprises didn't even have these security measures operational during working hours. In all honesty, […]
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. So we have already been seeing the effects of this […]
Topic: Access Control, All, News
Installing door entry systems in your business is a sensible way to safeguard both your property and your employees. Yet, there is often a debate about which method of controlling your access is the safest. Some people say the fob is most secure. This a small device that unlocks the door when you hold it over the receiver. […]
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, London, News
On the 31st May 2016, Radio 5 Live announced that Westminster City Council are looking at switching off CCTV cameras to save money. Currently, £1m a year is spent maintaining the 75 cameras located across the west end, Parliament and other famous London landmarks. The council wish to rid the city of all 75 cameras after […]
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, News
There are many instances where you might want a cigarette smoke detector, if you’re a landlord, a head teacher, a business owner, a doctor in a hospital… And, there are some products on the market that are specifically marketed for this purpose. But do you actually need a cigarette smoke detector? If you already have a business […]
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 […]
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 […]
Topic: Access Control, All, News
Let's start off with the basics - what are video entry phone systems? A video entry phone system is a piece of technology that lets you grant or deny access through a door. There are individual audio and video options that allow you to make an informed decision to open the door yourself. They can also […]
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 - as shown in this infographic. How Does An Optical Smoke Detector Work? The infographic shows how a build up of smoke particles can obstruct the infrared light inside the alarm casing. This means it […]
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. Though all motion detector alarms work by sensing movement, there are several different ways they can do this. This results in […]
Topic: All, CCTV Systems, CCTV Systems for the Home, News
Choosing from the many types of security cameras available on the market is hard, from the Wifi CCTV camera to the wired, there are many differences between individual models too. So let's concentrate on what a Wifi CCTV camera actually is. In short, a Wifi CCTV camera is different because of the way it sends […]
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. No more do you have to park across the driveway obstructing the footpath and leaving your rear […]
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 […]
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. The gas can cause symptoms similar to food […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
Wired alarm systems are a great way to secure your business and prevent a burglar from ransacking your office, so why do so many businesses not have them? Well, here are 7 reasons we think they should: 1 - The Age Of The Internet You might be wondering how the internet can play a role […]
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? Well here are our... 6 Reasons To Install Intercom Systems For Home Use 1) Crime Statistics Statistics from UK Crime Stats show that in 2015 there were over 32,488 violent crimes […]
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Kent, London, News
There are two types of alarm that protect you from a house fire, smoke and heat, but we want to know how do smoke detectors work. To learn more about heat detectors read this article. In short, smoke detectors, as suggested by the name, work by detecting smoke. However, not every alarm does this the […]
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 […]
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Kent, London, News
There are a few things you can do to stop your smoke detector beeping but first you need to find out why it's going off. Did you know about 500 people die every year from smoke related deaths that could have been prevented if they were warned earlier? With that in mind, let's identify what kind of noise […]
At Spy Alarms, our main goal is always to provide excellent customer service, which is why we went to Richard Brown Associates for training. It was held at the Marriott Hotel in Bexleyheath. To ensure we still had enough staff to service our customers, we split the company in half and held the training over two days. […]
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... 1 - Your friend Jon hasn't done it before Unfortunately, your mate Jon said they could install your door intercom system for you for only […]
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. Unless you're Superman, in which case, awesome - we're big fans of your work - no matter how many carrots you eat, […]
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. We all know the consequences of not having an alarm, the potential break-in, the loss of possessions, the sense of vulnerability in your home. The list could go on. […]
"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 […]
We're excited to announce that So Secure of Edenbridge have become the latest security business to be acquired by Spy Alarms. Retirement of Andy Parker and sale of So Secure of Edenbridge to Spy Alarms Andy Parker, the owner of So Secure, has decided to pursue a new career as a fitness instructor. As a […]
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 […]
Just wanted to say that the cameras went in today and James stayed on to get the iPads and iPhone working. James went the extra mile for us and was very pleasant to deal with. Please give him this feedback and let him know we very much appreciated his excellent care Mr & Mrs Newton […]
Many thanks for sending David to install our new intruder alarm system. He is a hard worker, very tidy and thought through the install before he started. He also made improvements to a previous installation and estimated he would finish after 3 and that's exactly what happened. Mr Duffy, London
I was very happy with your engineer Dwayne’s service today - he really did explain everything about the Home CCTV very well Mr & Mrs Frankcom, Hildenborough, near Sevenoaks
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. […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
We are delighted with the care and attention/service demonstrated by your engineer today. Mr & Mrs Hughes Aylesford, Kent Our engineer, Dave Stingmore, visited this customer to fully demonstrate the intruder alarm system for their new home and to change the user codes.
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, News
Pubs and bars should have a cigarette smoke detectors to protect their businesses from some of their more careless customers. Why? Well, in the summer, when it is warm and sunny, most smokers are quite happy to stand outside in the street and enjoy the sunshine and have a chat with others while they indulge […]
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. Normal CCTV cameras don't have the capability to see very well in the dark, if the area you're looking at isn't lit incredibly well then these cameras probably wont give you the […]
A few weeks ago, Spy Alarms were delighted to attend (and be one of the sponsors of) the 21st Annual Carol Concert held by the Child Bereavement Trust, whose patron is HRH Prince William. The founders of the Spy Alarms Group are well known to the Trust's Committee and are keen to support their work […]
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. You only need to […]
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, News
Buying a smoke alarm or heat detectors used to be an easy thing to do... Yet now there are four main types of alarm, the job of protecting your family has become that little bit harder. Knowing which detectors to install and the best place for them to go can be the difference between getting out of […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
One of our engineers, Tony, provided a home alarm service to a customer in Orpington. Here's what they had to say about the service he provided: ... please pass on my thanks to Tony. He was kind, helpful and efficient and carried out the service in the limited amount of time before I had to leave. […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
... want to praise Danny Clark. He was really kind and helpful and took the time to write down all the instructions about my lights when he finished servicing my alarm. Mrs Mitchell, Bromley
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
... thank you very much to Peter who attended to carry out my burglar alarm service this morning. Peter was on time, polite and helpful. He was a real gentlemen and a credit to the company. Mr Webb, Bexley
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. Presents Increase Christmas Burglaries All those parcels are practically begging to be sold on for quick […]
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, News
If you are considering the purchase of heat detectors for your home or business, you will have noticed that you can have a battery operated model (which is usually the cheaper option) or a mains heat detector, and you may be wondering which is the best. Heat detectors are the best option in places where […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
One of our engineers, Graham, was sent out to perform a survey for a pet friendly alarm sensor in Orpington. Here's what our customer had to say about the experience: Thank you for arranging the appointment for Graham to come and survey my requirement for the installation of one pet friendly sensor. I found Graham very […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
Many thanks to Chris for his full day installing our alarm system on Tuesday....such a lovely, polite and well mannered young man! It was such a long day for him and I must admit I was a little worried at times about my new decoration but he worked so hard and hardly took a break. […]
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 […]
Topic: All, Business Testimonials, Testimonials
I have to say we received exceptional service yesterday. Clive the engineer was on site within 30 minutes of me making the call and he was extremely efficient sorting out and replacing the unit. SM at Locksbottom, BR6
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
... just phoned to say thank you very much to Dean. He was exceptional, very helpful and a lovely young man. I cannot praise him enough. Mr Murray, Beckenham
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. As the old saying goes, an Englishman's home is his castle and suddenly the perimeter has been breached. A stranger has invaded your personal space, touched your belongings […]
Topic: All, CCTV Systems for the Home
Home CCTV can play an important role in protecting the joy of holidays throughout the year, but there's one holiday that's bigger than any other in Britain, and that's Christmas. In 2014 billions of pounds were spent on gifts in the UK and having home CCTV at Christmas can have some pretty obvious benefits related […]
Topic: All, News, Uncategorized
For several years Spy Alarms have been maintaining the stadium security systems for Charlton Athletic Football Club in South London. So it was a great pleasure to get to sponsor a recent match against Huddersfield a year after sponsoring a game against Wolves. Last time we were treated to a thrilling game of two halves which ended […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
I was very impressed with the engineer's service level Mr Greenwood, Tunbridge Wells, Kent - Alarm Maintenance Visit
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. If a person walks in front of the sensor then the […]
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. We have continued to employ all the engineers associated with the contracts acquired from Swift Alarms, along with key members of the support desk. The result of this merger is […]
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.
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. Brownhill Insurance Group have specialised in Commercial, Home, High Net Worth and Art insurance for over three decades. They have won several local business awards and […]
Topic: All, Fire Alarms, Kent, London, News
If you've ever started a business then you'll know that the installation of a fire alarm system should be undertaken in accordance with British Standard 5839 fire alarm regulations and should only ever be undertaken by a qualified installer. Here's a taste of what you're up against...
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. But was […]
Spy Alarms are excited to announce that we have recently acquired SwiftSafyre Fire & Security Systems of Goudhurst in Kent. We are pleased to have continued to employ all engineers associated with the contracts acquired and also key members of the support desk. We look forward to the enlarged business being able to offer improved […]
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. House Burglary Data Request Using a freedom of information request, LV asked all 51 police forces in the UK about the number of burglaries in their area in the […]
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?”
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. From all outward appearances, the casual observer might consider the town is […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
Thank you so much for your help with the security lighting... The guys were so lovely and very friendly...the garden one just came on when I went there...made me smile as we've been without them so long...forgotten what it was to have them...please pass my thanks to them both Caron Robertson, Sidcup, Kent
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, London, News, Wireless Intruder Alarms
If you are considering the installation of an intruder alarm system for your business, you are probably aware that you can have a wired or a wireless system. However, you may not have thought about the advantages and disadvantages of each. As NSI Gold Alarm Installers we have the skill to help you to make […]
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. This is what you would have thought was a quiet country area with a few villages and a lot of fields. Crime Stats for Hadlow, Mereworth […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
A burglar alarm maintenance contract is a contract between the owner of a burglar alarm and a security company. A high-quality alarm system can decrease your chances of becoming a victim of crime. Therefore, it's a priority for the equipment to be working properly at all times. However, burglar alarms are like any other electrical […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
When an alarm went rogue in Sevenoaks, our engineers were there to help save the day. Here's what our customer, Rosemary, had to say about her experience: Thank you so much for this extended guarantee and also for all the wonderful support you gave me during the very trying 3 days with my dodgy alarm […]
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 […]
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
Just wanted to say thank you very much for all your help with my Mum recently, I know it wasn't easy. Much appreciated. Mrs Patell, Erith
Topic: All, Residential Testimonials, Testimonials
I am writing to thank you following the resolution of problems with my intruder alarm. I would also like to thank your team of engineers and the staff from the service desk ... who handled my telephone calls. It is reassuring to know that the problem was treated in a professional and supportive manner. Mrs […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, London, News
As a homeowner, although you may not realise it, current UK legislation means that, when you use a contractor – whether it is to do some plumbing, roofing, electrical work, installing a security system, glazing, or even gardening – you can be held responsible for the failings of that contractor. As a very simple example, […]
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 […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
Here at Spy Alarms, 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. What happens when you wake at 4 AM, only to be faced with a stranger in your home? Would you know how to […]
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. However, the burglary statistics make frightening reading, especially when you compare them to places like Brixton and Herne Hill in South London, where you would suppose that the figures would be far higher! Old Bexley & […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
You could be forgiven for thinking that Westerham and Biggin Hill are sleepy little places where not much happens. Read on to find out the latest crime statistics for these areas! Burglary stats for Westerham Westerham, located at the bottom of Westerham Hill, has a population of just 4,445. It has a pretty village green with […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
According to the UK Crime Statistics website, Kent Police reported a shocking 2057 burglaries in January (1153) and February (904) 2015. Not a good start to the year!
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
Many people who live and work in towns and cities such as London, the Medway towns, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford and so on, yearn to move out into the country for the “quiet life.” However, when you look at some of the crime statistics for the villages in Kent, it turns out that life in the […]
Topic: All, CCTV Systems for the Home, Kent, News
Kent Police have just released detailed crime statistics for the Paddock Wood area – including Matfield and Brenchley. 589 Crimes Committed, Yet No-one Goes To Prison These shocking stats show that in the year to March 2015, there were 589 crimes of all types committed in the area, yet not one offender was sent to […]
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 area covered includes a couple of small industrial estates, such as […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
Sevenoaks is a pretty Kentish town. It has up-market shops, a famous public school and Knole Park, where you can take a picnic and watch the deer. In fact, it is probably the last place that you would think is a hotbed of crime. During the year from March 2014 to February 2015, there were […]
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 […]
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. This stat from the Fire & Rescue statistical release shows how at risk we really are. Protect your family and home today with […]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
You may be thinking, what is 'Maslow's Hierarchy' and how does it involve me?