With a market packed full of gadgets to protect your home, it’s easy to feel baffled and a little intimidated by the breadth of choice. Here’s a look at some of the best and most innovative home security technology that’s been designed on some clever thinking.
Home security deterrents
You’ve probably heard it many times before, but prevention really is better than the cure. For those on a budget something simple like a fake alarm box on the outside of your property, or an imitation security camera above front and back doors, can be enough to deter unwanted visitors.
Some of these simple ideas have been developed into quite elaborate ones to offer solutions for people who leave their homes unoccupied for days or even weeks at a time.
Once upon a time you would leave a light on, or even program it to come on at a certain time, to suggest someone was at home. Now there are devices that simulate the flickering of TV screens (but use much less electricity), or dog barking machines that are triggered remotely when infra-red sensors detect movement.
Protect your home with remote technology
As you would expect, home security now has the technology to operate remotely. Special infra-red sensors can be linked to smartphones and tablets so that when it detects intruders or fires it’ll send you a text or email.
Although a little tricky to set up, a mobile webcam can be synced with your PC or laptop to provide a live feed of your home while you’re away. You can even get it to send images and videos when it detects movement so you’ll always have a record of any activity.
Intercoms can also be linked to your mobile phone so that when someone calls to check whether you’re in or not, you can still answer and give the impression you’re at home, even if you’re on holiday.
Beat the burglars with advanced technology
Keyless fingerprint locks are readily available on the market, making it impossible for anyone to enter using a skeleton key. And on those unfortunate occasions when intruders get inside, invisible tagging liquid helps to reunite stolen items with their rightful owners through unique codes that can be read under ultra violet light.
Beat the burglars with CCTV
However, little technology comes close to offering such comprehensive security as CCTV cameras. Apart from being a visual deterrent to would-be burglars, they give you uninterrupted views all around your house and have the capacity to record and hold days of constant footage.
A CCTV security system is like having a person watching over your property every minute of the day, even when you’re not there. And the best thing is that they’re more affordable than ever and available from home alarm specialists such as ADT.
Video surveillance – more than just cameras
CCTV has become the most important piece of home security kit. While they help you see who’s at your front door or gate, they can also monitor your garden, bushes and side alleys, giving you an almost panoramic view of your entire property.
Some cameras are designed so that they only start recording when they detect motion – which extends the storage capacity further. They switch between day and night mode automatically without the need for extra lighting and they can be used indoor or outdoor.
They are fully monitored alarms that notify you and a nominated key holder – even the police – in the event of any suspicious activity.
The future of home security
New technology in the home security market is always emerging and it means you’ll never be far from the perfect solution. Digital and wireless technology is offering new and alternative ways of thwarting intruders and reducing your chances of becoming a victim of crime.
Do you use any gadgets or wireless technology to protect your home? Share your thoughts with others on the comment section.