Porch pirates. Catalytic converter rip-offs. Burglaries. Car break-ins and thefts. It seems property crimes are mushrooming. Are they pandemic-related, a product of lifestyle changes, or both? Regardless of the reason, homeowners are paying a lot more attention to home security and theft prevention.

Thieves Gonna Thieve

A case can be made for the increases in crime being pandemic-related. More kids are out of school, more adults are not working and, as the saying goes, the devil makes work for idle hands. But there has also been an explosion in the number of packages delivered to residences and cars left in unmonitored spaces as more people work from home. This creates more opportunities and temptation for people already inclined to mischief.

Regardless of the reason, it’s more important than ever to make you home and property secure. Let’s take a look at some areas to consider.

Intrusion Alarms

The people and property inside your home are your most important security concerns. Statistics show that homes with security systems are three times safer than those without, plus their losses are much smaller.

Home intrusion (burglar) alarms have come a long way since they first became popular in the 70s. Instead of relying solely on telephone wiring, today’s systems are more likely to be Wi-Fi enabled and connect your cell phone, home computers, and your TV to let you decide if it’s appropriate to call the police or fire, either yourself or through a monitoring service.

Most modern alarm systems have the ability to monitor smoke, carbon monoxide, and even water leak detectors, as well. You can also get car alarms with similar remote features.

Alarm systems are available with a variety of accessories such as motion detectors, sound detectors for things like breaking glass, pressure-activated mats, medical alert functions. and remote controls. Hearing impaired persons can install flashing lights to augment or replace audible alarms. Some have dual functions that can be set to alert you if a door or window is opened without sounding an alarm, a handy safety feature for keeping track of children or others who may tend to wander away. Just weigh the features benefits against the likelihood of annoying false alarms.

Security Lighting

Outdoor lighting serves a dual purpose. It makes your property safer for navigation and less desirable for interlopers. Photocells turn lights off and on for continuous nighttime use and motion detectors light up when movement is noticed, adding visibility for both welcome and unwelcome visitors. Sometimes they will scare off intruders and, if not, they will give a better picture for any security cameras you may have.

Security Cameras

Once only the tools of government and commerce, security cameras have become one of the hottest sellers in home security, inspired by the epidemic of porch piracy. Connected via Wi-Fi to cell phones, TVs, and home computers, they don’t stop the most brazen thieves but can be invaluable to police in capturing them and helping solve more serious crimes like assaults and car thefts. Plus, they also capture fun images of people and animals doing all sorts of things.

Doorbell cameras are the most popular, not only catching criminals in the act, but letting residents know who’s at the door—welcome or not.

Other cameras can be placed to focus on areas away from the porch for more complete coverage.

Hardwired or Wireless?

A wired system connects sensors to the control panel with low-voltage wiring, where wireless systems use radio-frequency signals sent to the main control panel from battery-powered sensors. Some wireless systems may require the main panel to be wired to a power source, and all need to be connected via phone lines or other means in order to be monitored. Wired systems have a battery backup that operates if the wires are cut or in case of a power failure.

Some wireless systems are fairly simple to install, but connection to your home power system eliminates dead Wi-Fi spots and weak batteries, resulting in a more reliable and convenient system. But routing wires can be tricky and is best left to professional installers. Wiring systems may also require a building permit.

Need More Information?

The pros at Allstar Electrical Services recommend a combination of hardwired and Wi-Fi security systems for the most convenient and reliable protection for your home and family. Our home safety experts can make sure that your home is secure and well protected. We’re happy to offer a free estimate for the system that will work best for you.

Allstar Electrical Services has installed hundreds of security systems in homes and businesses for over 20 years. To learn more about home security systems and the many ways upgraded electrical services and emerging technologies can improve your home or business, visit our website or give us a call at 303.399.7420.