How to protect your home from burglary

Security systems such as burglar alarms, CCTV cameras, and motion detectors are one of the biggest deterrents for burglars. Thieves know the chances of getting caught are much higher and being identified on camera. They are however not the only way to prevent a burglary.

Preventing home break-ins

A burglary never happens randomly. Burglars usually monitor properties for home vacancies, occupancy trends, levels of security, or vulnerable inhabitants. Fortunately, there are now many solutions to avoid these break-ins. At PhoneWatch, we have 25 years of experience and more than 100,000 customers who trust us, two good reasons to advise you on home security issues.

Some burglary prevention methods

Before reviewing some home security systems to secure your home from theft, here are some precautions to take.

1. Quality check your locks

   Bad locks can make it easier for a thief to enter your home or garage, which is why it's important to use quality equipment. Often people may buy a garage door thinking because it has a key it cannot be opened. But bad locks can sometimes be opened by similar style keys or more tailored solutions if the burglar has patience.

   Never share your keys with anyone outside your family so keys cannot be copied. If you lose your keys for more than one day consider changing the locks as soon as you can, even if your keys are located a few days later.

2. Lock all entrances to your home

   While it sounds simple, many people can be careless when it comes to lockng their door. If you are at home and your house is being monitored by burglars, a thief may notice you are the only one at home and are cutting the lawn or wrapped up in some distracting task. The opportunity then presents to quickly sneak in through an open door or window and take valuables.

   It is advisable to check the locks 2 times before leaving your home and do not leave any windows open. Conversely, a fully locked house can deter many thieves. In addition, in the event of a burglary, if there are no signs of break-in, the insurance may hold you responsible and you will not be covered.

3. Have your mail picked up

   A full mailbox is a sign of a prolonged absence and may be the green light that a burglar was waiting for in your neighborhood. Have your mail checked regularly by a neighbour or friend.

4. Leave a light on

   If a burglar regularly checks a home each night and sees no car in the driveway and no lights on, it will be a sign to them that nobody is home. At night, try and leave some light on or use a smart light bulb which you can turn your lights on and off from your phone. 

5. Don't leave valuables on display

   It may sound obvious, but sometimes we can leave valuables such as earings, watches etc. in easily visible areas of the home. This attracts burglars attention. If going away for a long period consider putting large household items like 65 inch tv's etc in a basement or a room not visible via a window.

Choosing a home security system to protect your home from burglary

A complete home security system is the best way to ward off any attempt to break into your home. At PhoneWatch, we innovate every day to deliver quality products that meet the needs of all our customers. Some products included as part of home security system include:

• The camera motion detector

This device detects suspicious movements using infrared sensors. The camera motion detector differs from a standard motion detector, thanks to its ability to record and send images of intruders directly to the monitoring station.

In the event of burglary, these images may provide indisputable evidence when compiling an insurance file. It will also notify PhoneWatch when the alarm is activated and our agents will immediately contact the homeowner and Gardai.

Note that our device can be calibrated not to react to the presence of small animals and that its sensor can monitor the temperature of your home.

• The smoke detector

This electronic device makes it possible to automatically detect even the smallest quantities of smoke particles. Even at the early signs of a fire, the fire and smoke detector immediately warns the alarm panel. This then triggers an audible signal and simultaneously warns the PhoneWatch alarm monitoring station and the firefighters who can thus intervene as quickly as possible.

• The door and window opening contact sensor 

This system is installed at the openings of your home such as the door, windows or garage door. It works thanks to a detector that detects impacts and vibrations: at the slightest abnormal jolt, the device immediately warns the control panel, which then triggers an audible signal.

These break-in contact sensors can detect a break-in even before the burglars have actually entered your home. It can be connected to our remote monitoring company whose role is to intervene as quickly as possible after the intrusion. Our system allows partial activation to secure your home even at night while you are present. 

• Security cameras

PhoneWatch's outdoor security cameras can be triggered when motion is detected near your home and where the camera is placed. This notifies you and allows you to see what triggered it. Similarily, our indoor security cameras operate in the same way and are triggered when movement is detected near where they are placed. The cameras also allow you to communicate with the person within your premises.

• The PhoneWatch app

All security systems can be monitored or controlled via an app on your mobile phone. In case of burglary, you are immediately informed as well as our alarm center. This application also allows:
1. Activate or deactivate your system in a few clicks.

2. Monitor your home by taking a photo.

3. Receive safety notifications even when your kids are at home.

4.To be notified when your doors or windows are open.

Keeping your home safe and secure from burglary

Properly protecting your home against burglary is the way to live more peacefully at home and during the holidays. PhoneWatch offers many different tailor-made home security alarm systems to warn off burglars and secure your home against all types of intrusions.

From house alarm systems to tailored home security, PhoneWatch create and install alarm systems to match your budget and give you peace of mind. We are trusted by over 118,000 homes in Ireland to keep them safe every day. Get a personalised home security quote today.