USEFUL ARTICLES

Tips, guides and advice from Spy Alarms

Learn about the latest news about security, as well as useful guides to keep your property safe.

TIPS, GUIDES AND ARTICLES

Find useful tips, guides and helpful articles from your local security specialist

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.

19th August 2022

Cloud Based CCTV

Better for Security, Better for Costs, Better for the Environment

20th July 2022

How Mobile Credentials are so much more than just cool...

Better for Security, Better for Costs, Better for the Environment

Previous Guides, Tips and Advice

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.

Market for Video Surveillance Equipment-Saudi Arabia making progress 

The second edition of its Middle East Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment report was just published by IMS Research (recently acquired by IHS Inc. (NYSE:IHS). The 2012 edition predicts that the market in Saudi Arabia will grow very strong and overtake that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) thus becoming the second largest […]

Market Growth in 2012 by BRICs Bolster Global Video Surveillance 

IMS Research, recently acquired by IHS Inc. , not so long ago published the ninth edition of its World Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment report. The 2012 edition predicts that irrespective the weak and uncertain economic climate, the world market for video surveillance equipment will grow in excess of 12% in 2012. Senior […]

Cyclopes Pro 

Each Cyclopes comes with an 8 metre and a 3 metre lighweight, telescopic handle where the wireless CCTV camera and monitor/DVR attach securely allowing the surveyor to select and prove the ideal camera location as well as record video of the location to show the end user typical images that will be achieved from each […]

CCSec Provides Site Security Solutions to Protect Swan New Homes 

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. Oldchuch Park in Romford, Essex consists of 376 apartments and houses with a mixed […]

City Surveillance Projects to be Fastest Area of Market Growth in India 

In a recently published market report The Indian Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment, IMS Research, recently acquired by IHS Inc. , forecasts that city surveillance will be the fastest growing vertical market in the country over the next five years. Such city surveillance projects have received much media attention due to their size […]

Growing Public Acceptance of CCTV Since SummerÂ’ Riots 

New research released early this week by D-Link has shown that the majority (86%) of people believe Britons are more accepting of CCTV, as a result of the successful identification and prosecution of hundreds of rioters based on CCTV evidence. Furthermore, more than two-thirds (68%) of people stated that they believed that video evidence will […]

CCTV Design Lens Calculator 1.0 

CCTV Design Lens Calculator offers all features of other standard Lens calculators and in addition several new and more effective tools: * Calculating camera field of view in 3D, taking into account camera height and tilt angle. * Calculating spatial resolution (pixel density) at any distances or calculating distances of specified spatial resolutions. * Simulating […]

Magenta Security Says CCTV Can’Â’t Replace Traditional Security Measures 

According to studies conducted by various research groups, Britain has far more watchful eyes trained on its population than other countries. And surveys carried out following the riots which hit the UK last summer suggest that public support for CCTV surveillance has grown. But Abbey Petkar, managing director of Magenta Security one of the countrys […]

MEL Secure Systems Introduces a New High Speed IR PTZ CCTV Camera 

Warrior, a new high speed PTZ CCTV camera has been launched by MEL Secure Systems, a developer of surveillance and security solutions. It features a combination of wide and narrow beam LED infra-red (IR) illumination and 360 degree pan and tilt night vision to deliver class leading performance at ranges of up to 150 metres. […]

Fire Alarms and Fire Detection Systems 

Spy Alarms, the leading installers and suppliers of security systems, are also expert in fire alarms. We supply, install and maintain fire alarms and fire detection systems for both residential and commercial properties. Our expertise covers small residential or business systems to complex multi-point systems for office blocks or factory premises. Fire safety is paramount […]

Axis Launches AXIS Camera Companion for Easy-to-Use Surveillance 

This new AXIS Camera Companion introduced by Axis Communications is an entry-level IP video solution for small installations. Consisting of a free software client and Axis network cameras or video encoders with SD-card support, the solution is designed for systems from 1 to 16 cameras. It is ideal for retail stores, offices, hotels or other […]

IndigoVision Installs CCTV System at Shanghai Diamond Exchange 

A state-of-the-art IndigoVision CCTV system has been installed at Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), the only diamond exchange in China. The system provides assurance of legal and fair transactions. SDE worked with IndigoVision partner, Shanghai Tuijin Electronics Co Ltd, to identify the ideal monitoring solution for its premises. IndigoVision was chosen because of its full frame […]

Winsted to exhibit at key CCTV seminar 

Leading control room furniture manufacturer Winsted EMEA will be exhibiting at Global MSC Security's 6th March seminar and exhibition, being held in Bristol in conjunction with Bristol City and South Gloucestershire councils. Focused on the theme of CCTV budget cuts and the riots how did we adapt? the event is aimed at CCTV, Facility and […]

BPT Door Entry 

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. BPT Security Systems (UK) Ltd have been market leaders in their field for over 30 years, and provide high quality video and audio […]

House security tips from a burglar 

  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 […]

UK Burglary Statistics Infographic 

Scary facts - in 57% of cases, someone is at home while the burglary is committed and 56% of burglaries happen at night. Lone parent households are 3x more vulnerable to attack than those without children. You are SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY to be burgled if you don't have both window locks and double locks […]

Introducing new battery solutions for fixed and redeployable CCTV applications 

MEL Secure Systems launched a new range of battery solutions for CCTV applications. Designed to meet the needs of system integrators and installers, they deliver market-leading performance in a wide range of overt and covert CCTV and ANPR applications. They can also be used also used for temporary radio stations and Wi-Fi networks. The new […]

Genetec Launches the SV-PRO, Unified Video Surveillance and Single Access Control 

Genetec launched yesterday the SV-PRO, a true hybrid solution on the market that offers unified video surveillance and access control in a single appliance. Powered by Genetecs unified security platform, the Security Center, the SV-PRO can also be deployed in video-only and access control-only installations. The launch of the SV-PRO expands Genetecs series of SV […]

Seamless Management of IP and Security Data for Enterprise CCTV Installations 

Bosch launched a new version of the Video Management System (BVMS), making it more flexible and extending its use into even larger enterprise installations. BVMS version 3.0 now supports up to 2000 camera inputs and 100 workstations. The increased scalability allows many new application opportunities and system designs. The system seamlessly combines Bosch IP cameras […]

10 Home Security Tips – Know Your Enemy 

Here are ten home security tips – know your enemy so that you can defeat him. 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. It merely means your home security has not […]

GenetecÂ’s Omnicast Video Surveillance System Installed at Fulham Football Club 

Fulham Football Club, London's oldest first class football club, has installed Genetecs Omnicast video surveillance system in its 22,000-seat stadium. Genetec is a pioneer in the physical security industry and a leading provider of world-class unified IP security solutions. When Fulham recently sought a new video surveillance platform, Nicholas Pendlebury, Head of IT Projects at […]

Introducing Wireless 2MP IP Video Surveillance Camera from Toshiba 

Toshiba Surveillance IP Video is bringing wireless ease to indoor video surveillance with its IK-WB16A-W two-megapixel IP camera equipped with 802.11n wireless connectivity. Megapixel resolution enables a single IK-WB16A-W to wirelessly capture overviews of very large indoor areas, such as a grocery, shopping mall or casino, as well as high-detail situations including close-ups on items […]

Access Control – New Technology to Avoid False Alarms 

Future Fibre Technologies have produced The Boundaries of Security report 2012 covering the latest methods of detecting intruders, including C-OTDR fibre optics, fibre Bragg grating sensors, and ground based radar systems. The 110-page document includes the latest information on how new technology is being used to prevent false alarms and how to choose the best access […]

CCTV Surveillance System Helps Prevent Theft at Recycling Site 

Due to high commodity prices metal theft is afflicting numerous industries, with many property managers and landlords finding their buildings targeted, particularly in the rail, construction and telecoms industries. Inevitably metal stockholders are being significantly affected. D J P A Pennill, a metal recycling site in Market Drayton, Shropshire that processes steel and copper, found […]

High-tech Stations in Dubai updated with AG Hybrid Video Surveillance Technology 

Tecom Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, centralized its security for a total of 24 buildings in three technology parks with artec technologies AG's video surveillance system MULTIEYE-HYBRID®. This has been implemented at the highly modern technology sites known as Internet City, Media City, and Knowledge Village. These three locations are not only home to […]

Demand for Video surveillance Systems will Remain Strong 

Despite the economic turbulence, the global CCTV and video surveillance equipment market continued to grow throughout the downturn. IMS Research remains confident that demand for CCTV video surveillance equipment will remain strong through 2012; growth for network video surveillance equipment sales is forecast to exceed 25%. In a previous press release (The Tipping Point Approaches […]

Home Burglar Alarms – Be Safe Not Sorry 

‘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. My partner and her girls love the sense of security that they can […]

Security Company Kent

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. It’s time to make sure that your home security is up to date […]

Sevenoaks Businesses Raise Cash for London Hospital 

A report from This is Kent on the fund raising efforts of Sevenoaks businesses for the Variety Club's Children's Hospital in London.

Fire Alarms and Systems in the Plastic Workplace 

In this day and age, the growing use of plastic in the workplace presents a new range of safety problems when considering fire alarms. Fire Alarms for the Plastic Workplace The use of plastic multi-level storage bins and plastic racking is on the increase, along with plastic parts and finished goods. Plastic wrapping is becoming […]

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 Alarms or Guard Dogs? 

Infographic courtesy of Fixr.com Find out about our burglar alarms for protecting your home from burglary.

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 […]

Home Security and Social Media 

With thanks to Credit Sesame for this fabulous infographic demonstrating how the social media activity of the inhabitants of your home could put your home security at risk. Checking into a location away from your home can give away much more than you might desire as you will see below. Apparently, in a recent study, […]

Camera Surveillance 

Whether it is the jealous MP’s wife stealing a kitten from the home of his mistress in Birmingham or the lady in Coventry caught putting a cat in a wheelie bin, the successful use of mini CCTV camera surveillance has been very much in the news recently, and not just for spying on your pet. […]

Door Entry Systems, Intercom Systems and Shoplifting Prevention 

The experts always told me opportunists are the big threat to a local shopkeeper and that I should have noisy door entry systems, an intercom system for those moments when I wasn't at the front of the shop, electronic tags for products, as well as the burglar alarm. The intruder alarm I understood, that’s something […]

Data Protection Law and CCTV Systems 

It is vital that funding is made available for both local councils and private establishments to keep cameras and systems up to date and in compliance with the legal requirements of Data Protection Law. This applies to commercial businesses as well as to those in the public domain and so it is always good to […]

Canterbury CCTV Systems Used In Search For Hoax Bombers 

According to Kent News, another suspicious package was found in Canterbury on Wednesday 14 September and Kent Police are, again, examining CCTV footage from local premises in the Broad Street area, as well as carrying out house to house enquiries. As with the two which caused massive disruption in Canterbury at the end of August, […]

The Safety of Automated Gate Security 

Electric automated gates are an easy way to ensure the security of private premises and can be used for all sized properties. However, automated security gates must today meet all of the relevant safety requirements, allowing the customer and the public to be confident the job has been done properly. When they are opening and […]