If you have invested in a security system for your home or business, you have made a wise choice. With UK crime rates showing concerning rises in vandalism, burglary and robberies, it makes sense to take security into your own hands. Still, as you might have already found out, security systems are quite complicated. There are often many surprises along the way that you did not consider!
That is why, in this guide, which has been put together by a security professional and locksmith in Leeds, you can learn the essential details. Use the information in this guide to your advantage, and you should find it much easier to:
- Set up a security system correctly so it provides the protection you desire
- Make the most of the features within your security system for maximum impact
- Understand the steps to avoid that could put your security system at risk
- Use the correct services so that your security system is installed properly
- Avoid typical mistakes that compromise security system effectiveness
First Off: Who Should Install Your Security System?
This is the most important question, and, in our experience and the experience of many locksmiths, the main reason why security systems eventually fail. Should you carry out DIY installation of your security systems, or rely on a professional, such as a residential or commercial locksmith?
The answer is ALWAYS to hire a professional. DIY installations of security systems are an easy way to make expensive mistakes that cost you due to key parts of the system not working. There is also the risk that you make a mistake during installation, reducing feature impact or even breaking the security system before it is installed correctly.
A professional should carry out any installation of a security system. There is no benefit to taking on the job yourself; the risks far outweigh the money saved. Besides, a locksmith or a security expert should provide free, no-obligation reviews and plans for installing your security systems. That means that every step and eventuality has been considered, ensuring a job well done that works.
Professionals Make Finding The Right Security Systems Easier, Too
You might have already found this problem out. Have you looked at security systems and found that every feature and available add-on sounds good? Well, that can make it hard to commit to a product.
With the help of a professional, such as a local locksmith, you can get a much better understanding of what you actually need. Tell the locksmith what you are looking for, and they can draw up a list of the kind of security systems you need to achieve that. They can help you to build a bespoke package that comes with features specific to your needs, as opposed to a general-purpose combination that offers generic, easily overcome security features.
Pro Tip: Avoid Using Package Deals
Building on the above, we want to make something clear: package deals are often the worst of all worlds. No two properties have the same needs or budget; even the layout can change. That means that what works in one “package deal” might be ideal for Property A, but useless for Property B.
Alarm systems that come with a set price and a combination of products are often generic and come with little to no property planning. A locksmith, by contrast, can build a bespoke combination of security products that includes every feature you are looking for. This avoids you being stuck with an ineffectual, basic security package that offers only the most typical, obvious coverage.
That could leave you with areas of the property which are secure, but others which are barren of security features. With a locksmith managing the package, though, you get property-wide coverage. Since you are letting a professional handle the installation anyway, let them prepare the package, too!
Always Include Alarm Monitoring Systems In Your Agreement
When your locksmith starts fitting your security systems, they will ask you what kind of features you want. One feature that we recommend every property owner take advantage of is monitoring. These alarm monitoring services mean that your alarms are connected to a central protection scheme. Why does that benefit you?
- Alarm monitoring means there is always someone available to respond to an alarm notice
- If you are busy at work, on holiday, etc., you might not be able to respond accordingly
- With alarm monitoring, you know that someone takes the alarm going off seriously
- You can track alarm usage features and statistics for better security analysis
- Monitoring can be managed through many methods, providing versatility
Pro Tip: Avoid Phone-Based Alarm Monitoring
Most alarm monitoring services in the past were managed by telephone. This means that if your alarm went off, the company would phone your telephone number to confirm if the report is genuine. Of course, if you have alarm monitoring, it is usually to make up for the fact that you are unavailable. If you cannot take that call, what use is the monitoring system, really?
There is also the risk that a criminal snips the phone line, rendering the phone alarm monitoring obsolete immediately. With cellular alarm monitoring, that is not possible.
That is why professional locksmiths recommend that you use something different. If you like the idea of sticking to a phone-based monitoring system, use a cellular dialer as your monitor. This means you can get push notifications and text messages sent instead of having to take a phone call. Even if there is an outage in the area, these systems make it easier for you to avoid such problems from emerging.
Avoid Using Universal Entry Codes
Everyone who lives/works in your building should be given their unique identifier. That means that the code you use to turn on the alarms or gain access to the building will differ from your parents, wife, children, colleagues, etc. – why, though?
- Unique codes mean that if one code is stolen, the others are not compromised as well
- Identifying who used their code (and when) makes it easier to hold people accountable
- Codes can be quickly added/erased; why bother using one when you can have many?
- Timestamps mean you know when User X entered the building; ideal for evidence building
We understand it might seem ‘easier’ to use one code for everyone. As the above proves, though, this often comes with more risk than reward. Your locksmith can show you how to add and remove codes; you just need to hand out codes to each individual once the system is up and running.
Pro Tip: Forbid Code Sharing
It takes seconds to create a new code for someone and share it with them. As such, there is no reason whatsoever for people to be sharing codes. Any expert locksmith will recommend that you have unique codes for each individual. Why?
Having people use the same code is an easy way to limit the effectiveness of your security systems. It also makes it tougher to know who entered the building, and when.
For example, in your workplace, shrinkage could be an issue. If items are going missing from the stock room, your security systems should provide timestamps for when people entered. If everyone uses the same codes, though, how do you know who entered and when?
Get A Locksmith Involved For Easier Security System Uptake
With so many options when it comes to security systems, it is easy to get lost in a phase of ‘analysis paralysis’ when dealing with your locks. Our advice to you, then, is simple: contact a locksmith.
A locksmith can go through everything we have mentioned with you, making sure that you get a bespoke system tailored to your exact needs. They can also ensure you get the long-term support and maintenance help you need to keep your security systems up-to-date and running efficiently.
Instead of risking installing an insecure security system, contact the professionals for support!
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