TIPS, GUIDES AND ARTICLES
Find useful tips, guides and helpful articles
from your local security specialist
Browse through our articles section below. If you have a question, get in touch with our friendly team.

Burglars In Paddock Wood Are Getting Away With It!
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 […]

Kent Crime Stats: Alarming Results For Medway River
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 […]

Shocking Crime Facts! Burglaries in Kent 2015
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!

Mrs J Philpott, Sevenoaks, Kent.
We are pleased with the work that your engineer has done for us today, he was very tidy, polite and professional’ Mrs J Philpott, Sevenoaks, Kent.

Crime Statistics for Kent: Homes Under Attack
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 […]

Burglaries Are Rife In Sevenoaks, Kent
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 […]

The Art of Summer Burglary Prevention
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 […]

10 Fantastic Kitchen Fire Safety Tips
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 […]

Distraction burglary – Who’s knocking on your door?
Burglars are always learning and adapting their techniques. Just as we let down our guard thanks to a new home security trick, a burglar is busy working out how to best it. Bogus callers and rogue traders are a big concern for the elderly, but anyone can be a target. Who is the stranger on […]

6 Business Burglary Prevention 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:

Cooking Fire Safety Tips For Your Kitchen
Want to be the next Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsey? Before putting on your apron and preparing your kitchen surfaces – pause and consider the dangers. Nearly two thirds of all domestic fires happen because of cooking. There are many safety tips you need to consider before sporting that chef’s hat! Your kitchen can be […]

Maslow’s Hierarchy – It’s up to you to secure your home
You may be thinking, what is 'Maslow's Hierarchy' and how does it involve me?

Burglary Prevention On Social Media
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
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 […]

Maidstone Serial Burglar Caught!
26 year old Carl Chang smashed a window when breaking into a home in June last year. The serial burglar had targeted other Kent homes in the past. He had only just been released from jail before the summer burglary. A spokesman for Kent Police described him as, “A prolific burglar, whose offending has caused a great deal […]

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
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 […]

Don’t become a crime survey statistic!
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. This figure is actually 16% lower than the previous year’s survey results, but nonetheless is shocking. What […]

Alice, Forest Hill, London
We had an alarm fitted by Spy yesterday and I just wanted to drop you a note to say how professional, efficient, friendly and tidy Andy was. I know people often complain about bad service but don’t comment when they experience good service so I wanted you to know what a credit he is to […]

KW, Bromley
Just a quick note to say my Mum is really happy with her alarm, and her fitter was a really nice guy she was really pleased with it all, he did a really nice clean job. He was a definite credit to your company. Thank you. KW - Intruder alarm installation in Bromley

MH, Kemsing
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for the alarm system you fitted for us, I just felt the service was outstanding!... From the promptness of the 1st visit to assess and discuss our needs and giving ourselves a very reasonable quotation. Also the efficient and professional way your engineers carried out […]

Mick Everett, Charlton Athletic FC
The service we receive from Spy is excellent. Also on home match days they send an engineer to deal with any problems that may occur. Whenever we have had to contact their office, we have found them to be helpful, polite, and efficient. All in all we are very happy with the service that Spy […]

Mr M Canty, Blackheath SE3
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you as we are very pleased with the new alarm system. It was a hassle free installation and the engineer was courteous and tidy. Mr M Canty, - Intruder alarm installation in Blackheath

Kemsing, Kent
We have just had one of your security systems fitted and I just want to contact you to let you know what an asset your team are to your business. I can find no fault with any of the service I received throughout and will definitely recommend you and your team with ease. I would […]

Crayford, Kent
I would be grateful if you pass on my appreciation… of how helpful and professional your Engineer was… Security installation in Crayford, Kent

West Wickham, Kent
I had my alarm fitted on Friday and your Engineers were a pleasure to have in my house. They were excellent ambassadors for the company. Alarm installation in West Wickham, Kent

Edenbridge, Kent
Many thanks for a good job carried out. Security installation in Edenbridge, Kent

Spy Alarms Testimonial by Warners Solicitors, Tonbridge
"Spy Alarms have recently taken over monitoring and maintenance of the alarm systems at our offices in Tonbridge. The quality of service and advice we received from Spy Alarms before, during and after the hand-over was excellent. We would have no hesitation in recommending Spy Alarms to others." Security installation for Warners Solicitors in Tonbridge […]

5 Tricks For Preventing Vehicle Theft
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.

Two Kent Burglaries In One Day
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
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
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 […]

London – The Burglary Capital Of The UK
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. The figures were issued in January of 2014 by Moneysupermarket.com which used its burglary […]

E-cigarette Explosion Causes House Fire In Sheerness
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
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
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 […]

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.

£1.5m Jewellery Burgled in Belgravia, London – How to Protect Your Valuables
On the 18th October, residents of one of the wealthiest districts in England endured a surge of burglaries. According to figures from Scotland Yard, this area has suffered sixty break-ins or accounts of robbery this year.