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Start the new year off right…

Start exercising.

Get back into routine.

Eat healthy.

But most importantly… keep your home, family, and/or business safe, sound and secure!

We may not be the experts in providing a 2021 fitness program, but what we can provide are specialist tips on keeping the things important to you safe!

You may have an alarm system, camera system or maybe even both which is fantastic (if you have neither, give us a call on 1300 73 83 93 to get personalised advice!). And while they should be something you set and forget, there are some simple things you should do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your system each year.

 

1. Update your code

This is a simple one, and one that you can do all by yourself. Regardless of whether you’ve had tradesmen working on your property, or shared it with a friend or ex-employee, changing your alarm system code regularly is heavily advised.

(Similar to occasionally updating your email password)

By doing this, you’re ensuring that your system is less susceptible to being broken into or falsely activated/deactivated.

See our new resources page to find your user manual.

 

2. Check to see whether your CCTV system is still recording and saving footage

Picture this…

Your property has been broken into. The alarm has gone off. The intruder has been scared off. They haven’t managed to take anything of real value because of your preventative alarm measures, but you want to try and identify who broke in.

So you access your camera system, but can’t seem to retrieve any footage! Looks like your camera system hasn’t been recording for a while, and you can’t find any footage of the intruder.

Believe it or not, this can happen, and there have been numerous occasions where homeowners and businesses have called us asking for help. While this mostly occurs with cheaper DIY camera systems, we recommend checking even the best CCTV security systems to see if they are recording as they should be, ensuring that they are going to be working in times of need.

 

3. Get your alarm system professionally maintained (we have some monitoring plans that provide FREE annual maintenance checks)

Similar to a car, an alarm system is only in its best condition if it is regularly serviced. We advise having a professional service (or what we like to call a maintenance check) once per year to ensure that your alarm system will work in times of need.

An annual maintenance check will usually involve a range of different procedures and include tasks such as checking your system’s battery health and ensuring detectors are working to their full ability.

Call our friendly Customer Experience team on 1300 73 83 93 to organise your annual maintenance check today!

 

4. Change the batteries in your sensors

Homes and businesses with wireless alarm systems will have wireless sensors and devices. This means that these devices are battery powered, and despite the extended life that these tend to have, it is always important to get the batteries replaced every few years – similar to a smoke alarm.

This can be done yourself or included in your annual maintenance check.

Why do you need to change them?

Like with an annual system service, it makes sure that your system and its components are all going to be operational in times of need. Making sure that your system is going to give you every chance to deter theft and harm is essential.

We like to think that your security should be something you can set and forget, however there is always going to be the element of maintenance.

Simple yet effective, our professional advice and tips are here for you to be able to get the most out of your system.

If you have any questions, feel free to visit our new resources page or call our Technical team on 1300 73 83 93.

After months of mastering Zoom calls, discovering a newfound love for finish-at-home meals, and binging on Netflix series – everything from Tiger King to The Last Dance – Melbournians have finally made it out to the other side.

We’re easing back to what life was like before lockdown, and more of us making the most out of the relaxed restrictions. Seeing friends and family, dining out, travelling out of town and even returning back to the office.

As we start spending more time away from home – whether it’s during the day or weekend away – it’s worth reminding ourselves that our homes will be vacant more often. Meaning more opportunities for break-ins, burglary and property security offences to occur.
 
 

Increased crime rates across Victoria in past 12 months and potentially another spike over the Summer period

 
 
In September 2020, Crime Statistics Agency released new data reporting Victoria recorded its largest yearly spike in crime, with incidents risen by 5.6 per cent — an increase of 21,805 incidents to 407,768 — in 12 months. Theft and security offences were among the common crime incidents that increased during this time.

Combining this information with historical trends showing increased crime rates during economic downturns and increased burglaries over the summer months, Signal Security advises homeowners to assess their security measures to continue to keep their families and home safe.

Did you know that crime rates increase during economic downturns?

Downturns such as recessions come with a large increase in unemployment rates in youths, which have historically led to increased petty crime and theft.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), unemployment in our country has increased by just over 45% – the large majority being youths and young people. This is not only a huge upset regarding the unemployment rates but also the potential increase of crime within our communities.

Before we delve into the advice, it’s worth understanding the most common reasons burglars target a premise.

In 2015, a study was conducted of police detainees, who were found guilty of committing breaking and entering offences, to gain insight on burglary in Australia. Although years have passed since the study, there are lessons and learnings that are still highly relevant — especially, as we spend more time outside and away from home.

There are two main areas of focus for targeting premises, as reported from the study, a lack of activity around the property and the visibility/attractiveness of the property.

Lack of activity was indicated by:

  • Houses that appeared vacant or unoccupied
  • No vehicles parked in the driveway
  • No lights turned on inside the house in the evening
  • Rubbish bins left outside on the curb
  • An overflowing mailbox

And visibility/attraction came down to:

  • Houses located in an affluent area
  • Houses that had an expensive car in the driveway
  • Any valuable items on display or in view either in the yard on from a door or window

Our advice for keeping your home and family safe.

Improved security and electronic security is reported as one of the most effective ways to deter burglars from attempting to enter a property. And most importantly, an effective way to ensure the safety of you and your family. After all, the most precious possession —that is irreplaceable—is … OURSELVES.

Achieving peace of mind is not simply about installing a CCTV camera outside of your premise. At Signal Security, we take a logical approach to determining which systems and services should be considered to deliver maximum impact and return on investment.

You can download our FREE booklet on How To Achieve True Peace of Mind with Electronic Security Here

In short, there are three key steps in achieving peace of mind and our recommendation in approaching electronic security for your home:
 

  1. Prevent Loss and/or Harm with Alarm Systems

    There is nothing more effective in preventing harm and loss than a professionally installed intrusion detection system (burglar alarm) with fixed or portable panic buttons. Depending on the size, shape and layout of a property, coupled with its level of risk, an intrusion detection system can come in all shapes and sizes with various types of detection devices i.e. motion detectors, door/window switches and glass breakage detectors.

    More on Alarm Systems here.

  2.  

  3. Initiate Emergency Response with Alarm Monitoring

    In its raw form, an intrusion detection system is a powerful tool that drives intruders away with its loud sirens and flashing lights but relies heavily on neighbours and passers-by to act swiftly in the case of an emergency. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age sounding alarm sirens will more often than not be ignored.

    The only way to guarantee a response is to connect your intrusion detection system to a professional security monitoring centre. With highly trained security monitoring professionals available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that every alarm signal received is dealt with in the shortest amount of time possible and that help can be sent in times that you need it most.

    More on Alarm Monitoring here.

  4.  

  5. Verify and Capture Evidence with Camera Systems

    If a professionally installed intrusion detection system will aid in the prevention of harm and loss, and the addition of a professional monitoring service to the system will initiate an emergency response. Then what next? We need to find a way to assist with the real-time verification of events as well as being able to retrospectively go back in time and review any events of interest which leads us to integrate surveillance cameras (CCTV system) into the fold.

    More on Camera Systems or CCTV here.

Leave your quarantine woes behind (and fleeting thoughts of potential break-ins too)

The thought of our homes not being a safe space can be jarring and a break-in is the last thing we want after the year we’ve had.

While we can’t predict when or what’s going to happen, we can put the right measures in place to keep our homes and family safe.

As always, our friendly, knowledgeable team of security specialists can assist you with any questions or security challenges you may be experiencing.

You can organise a free, no-obligation on-site security risk assessment by contact our team on 1300 73 83 93 or sending an enquiry from our contact page.

The term “peace of mind” is referred to a lot these days especially within the security industry. Time and time again companies promise that their product and/or service will provide it, but very rarely are they able to demonstrate exactly how they will deliver on their promise.
 
In order to solve this age old challenge, we must first ensure we gain a deeper understanding of what causes ones angst as well as have the tenured experience to know which solution or more often than not, which combination of solutions are required to adequately mitigate the risk.
 
With 20 years of experience protecting thousands of Australian homes and businesses, Signal Security has been building on its experience and continuously evolving its thinking with the aim of formalising a methodology that all team members can be trained in to help its customers achieve “true” peace of mind.
 
At the core of this methodology is what Signal Security CEO and Co-founder Justin Nesvanulica refers to as the “Hierarchy of Electronic Security” – the logical order to which systems and services should be considered to deliver maximum impact and return on investment.
 
Most people are under the impression that the number one priority for the security industry is to prevent loss and/or damage to property. In fact, the industry’s core priority is much more meaningful, it’s to prevent harm to the most valuable asset we will ever possess… OURSELVES!
 
Therefore it is important to understand that achieving peace of mind is not simply about installing a CCTV camera outside of your premise but about understanding why certain systems are installed, what their core purpose is and how layering numerous systems and services will go a long way to stopping those fleeting thoughts of whether or not your security has been compromised.

Step 1. Prevent Harm and/or Loss

 
alarm system
 
With so much on the line, where do we start? There is nothing more effective in preventing harm and loss than a professionally installed intrusion detection system (burglar alarm) with fixed or portable panic buttons. Depending on the size, shape and layout of a property, coupled with its level of risk, an intrusion detection system can come in all shapes and sizes with various types of detection devices i.e. motion detectors, door/window switches and glass breakage detectors.
 
Nonetheless, the key to preventing harm and loss is trying to detect an unauthorised entry as close to the perimeter as possible and ensuring there are an adequate amount of warning lights and sirens once activated, the attention drawn to the property will make even the most brazen criminals limit their time within the property, therefore minimising the opportunity for loss and in most cases preventing it completely.
 
Having sirens sound as early as possible becomes even more important if there are people residing in the property at the time of an invasion as it provides valuable seconds for an attempt to retreat to the most secure areas of the property. Fixed or portable panic buttons are an extremely effective way to activate sirens moments before or during an attempted invasion as occupants can trigger sirens as soon as they feel threatened. The piercing sound of internal sirens are designed to cause havoc on the human middle ear which in itself will naturally drive intruders out reducing the likelihood of altercations occurring between them and the occupants inside.
 
Intrusion detection systems are cost effective, provide exceptional value for money and should be considered first and foremost before all other security products. An intrusion detection system is the only solution that will actually minimise the impact of an unauthorised intrusion and should form the foundation of any comprehensive security solution.

Step 2. Initiate an Emergency Response

 
emergency duress buttons
 
In its raw form, an intrusion detection system is a powerful tool that drives intruders away with its loud sirens and flashing lights but relies heavily on neighbours and passers-by to act swiftly in the case of an emergency. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age sounding alarm sirens will more often than not be ignored.
 
The only way to guarantee a response is to connect your intrusion detection system to a professional security monitoring centre. With highly trained security monitoring professionals available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that every alarm signal received is dealt with in the shortest amount of time possible and that help can be sent in times that you need it most.
 
Most people are unaware that all mainstream intrusion detection systems are designed to be professionally monitored and have inbuilt features to request help via the monitoring centre, where the services of the Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade can all be summoned at the touch of a button. In addition to being notified in the unfortunate event of a break in, you will also have a quick and convenient way of requesting assistance in the event you are faced with a life-threatening emergency.
 
Adding a professional monitoring service to your system is an easy way to transform your “noise maker” into a potential life saver and contrary to what you may think a lifesaving service such as this could cost, it’s actually really affordable with your investment being less than half a cup of coffee a day.

Step 3. Verification & Collection of Evidence

 
remote viewing cctv
 
If a professionally installed intrusion detection system will aid in the prevention of harm and loss, and the addition of a professional monitoring service to the system will initiate an emergency response. Then what next? We need to find a way to assist with the real time verification of events as well as being able to retrospectively go back in time and review any events of interest which leads us to integrating surveillance cameras (CCTV system) into the fold.
 
Should an unfortunate event occur at your property the monitoring centre will call you to inform you of the breach. Being informed that a movement detector has been activated is one thing, however being able to cross reference it with live video footage is another. Having the ability to quickly and easily review as much information as possible on your smart device or laptop computer pertaining to the incident is crucial to obtaining the quickest Police response possible. A CCTV system will allow you to see what happened, show you how it happened, provide a full timeline of events from start to finish and give you every opportunity of identifying those responsible. Without this information it will be almost impossible to track down and prosecute the perpetrators and recover any of your losses.
 
A professionally installed CCTV system is the perfect companion to your intrusion detection system and professional monitoring service and should not be considered before the previous solutions are in place. Without them intruders will have nothing to drive them away from the premise and will allow them an ample amount of time to spend searching your property for items of value. Nothing is more frustrating that being a victim of a burglary only to watch recorded footage of how they did it and got away with it. Worse yet, arriving onsite only to find that your CCTV recorder with all your recorded footage was also taken.
 
Adding a professionally installed CCTV system is an important addition to overall security and should be treated as such. Being a passive solution, CCTV will never stop or minimise an incident from occurring it will merely show you how it happened.

Remember, peace-of-mind can come from the implementation of a range of security products and services, however, as a security provider with over 20 years’ experience, we believe that the way to achieve true peace of mind is by following the above steps.
If true peace of mind is your goal, there is no better way to go about your electronic security than making sure that you’re minimising loss and harm, initiating an immediate response and finally, verifying incidents and gathering evidence.
 
Want to achieve “true” peace of mind?
Our friendly, knowledgeable team of security specialists are on hand to assist with any security challenges you may be experiencing. To organise a free, no obligation on site security risk assessment please contact our team on 1300 73 83 93.

Of late, it has been impossible to turn on the TV, scroll through social media or even pick up a newspaper without reading about the huge spike in aggravated home invasions and carjackings. It’s literally everywhere which is unfortunately causing more and more concern among our local communities every day. But what’s even more unfortunate… It’s reality!

Naturally this has caused many families and couples to contact us, asking what they can do to increase their level of safety. The Herald Sun’s latest article has Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana stated that ‘everyone should make their homes harder to break into’.

As we aim to provide peace of mind to all Australians, we have compiled our top tips to increase your security and provide genuine protection so you can live life with the peace of mind you deserve.

 

Get an Alarm and Make Sure it’s Professionally Monitored

Signal Security

It’s astounding that with alarm monitoring rates as low as they are; there are still families who would rather risk the safety of themselves and their loved ones by trying to self-monitor their alarm (having it ring their mobile) or worse yet not having any form of monitoring what so ever.

Believe it or not, the overwhelming reason why people are risking it all is to save as little as $1.50 a day.

By having a professionally monitored security system in place you will have trained professionals ready to assist in the unfortunate event of a life threatening emergency e.g. home invasion. Depending on the situation at hand these professionals can quickly respond and where required deploy emergency services and or private security guards to assist you.

Most mainstream security systems installed within the last 10 years are compatible with professional monitoring and can be connected with little or no upfront investment. Once activated monitoring will open up numerous life saving features previously not available to those systems that were un-monitored or self-monitored. These life-saving features include fixed panic buttons, silent duress codes and wireless panic pendants all of which designed to alert those that are most capable of assisting you in your time of need.

 

Enable Stay At Home Arming

emergency duress buttons

Maximise the value of your alarm system by enabling stay at home arming mode. Most modern-day security systems allow you to use your alarm when you are home by turning some devices on whilst leaving others off.

Most families are unaware that their alarm systems even had such a function but once educated there was no hesitation and they immediately looked to arm parts of their home like door/window switches or even outdoor movement detectors whilst at home. This provided the freedom to move around the home, whilst still keeping their home safe, sound and secure from any unlawful entry especially whilst sleeping at night.

 

CCTV Is the Way of the Future

With technology evolving and the demand for higher levels of security increasing, CCTV is rapidly finding its way into homes all over the country. In addition to a monitored alarm system, CCTV is the perfect companion allowing home owners to verify any alarms from their smart phones as well as providing a continuous record of events, enabling police to piece together a time line in order to catch and prosecute those who are doing the wrong thing.

We recommend having a professionally installed High Definition CCTV system with night vision cameras and remote viewing function to give you the best chance of quickly identifying any incidence of concern.

The higher the definition of cameras you install the better chance there will be of capturing the finer details such as number plates, tattoos and facial features to assist with any police investigations.

 

Never Open the Door to a Stranger Again

Video intercoms provide a fantastic way to stay safe inside your home whilst speaking to any unknown visitors who arrives at your front door.

In some cases you may have a front gate which you can grant access to a visitor from the comfort of your own home.

Some video intercoms also have the ability to record snap shots and or video of all missed calls throughout the day. This is particularly important if a potential intruder is casing out your property more often than not they will ring a door bell numerous times to ensure no one is home. Unbeknownst to them, their face is being recorded at every attempt of ringing the doorbell.

There you have it, our four top tips to increasing your level of home security without costing the earth.

We understand that no two homes are alike and no two family’s requirements are the same, therefore our team of security specialists are readily available to thoroughly understand your requirements and provide the best possible advice available.

 

If you would like to speak with one of our friendly security specialists please don’t hesitate to call our team on 1300 73 83 93.

No longer is the great Australian dream staying in the same home for 20 years, rather a flexible and spontaneous shift in moving home is rapidly becoming the norm due to evolving career and lifestyle choices. As a result this causes hundreds of homes to be vacated and re occupied every single day.

It’s no secret but moving one’s home is the bane of our existence, so how do you make one of the most stressful transitions become as easy as going on a Sunday cruise.

 
 
Step 1: Fill The Tank

Once you have reached an agreement with the real estate agent and locked in your move in date, before you start ordering new blinds and furniture, start thinking about security! After all what’s the point of moving all your precious items and shiny new things into a home without any protection?

 
 
Step 2: Drop The Top

Before moving in, often you will have an opportunity to have a final inspection of your new pad. This is the perfect opportunity to arrange for your security company to meet you onsite to assess your home to organise a tailored quote.

Your security specialist should be licenced and is there to provide advice on all different security systems whether it be a monitored alarm system, CCTV or an intercom system.

In some cases your new home may have existing security equipment, whilst not knowing what state it’s in this is the perfect opportunity to have advice given and the system assessed, no matter whether the system requires a service, a full or partial upgrade.

 
 
Step 3: Hit Cruise Control

When you have received your tailored quote and you are happy to proceed it’s important to organise the upgrade or installation date as close to the settlement date as possible, before any other tradesmen. In some cases the previous owner or landlord may be kind enough to grant you access prior to the move in date, it’s always advisable to ask.

Monitored alarms and CCTV systems will provide a record of events which will allow you to keep tabs on all other tradesmen you may have after settlement.

Monitored alarm systems can track start and finish times of tradesmen whilst you are not home. This ensures any disparities in labour invoices are corrected, as you will be notified when your alarm is turned off or on, i.e. when tradesmen come and go.

We recommend you provide a temporary pin code per trade that you can set up and then easily delete once works are completed.

CCTV cameras allows you to view your cameras in real time on your PC or smart device, this allows you to check in whilst at work to make sure the tradies are doing their job (not taking excessive smokos’).

 
 
Step 4: Pump Up The Tunes

After all trades are finished you can move all your belongings into your new home with the peace of mind knowing they will be safe and sound. It’s important if you have installed new and expensive equipment into your home that you do not advertise this to the world by leaving the branded cardboard boxes out the front. The last thing you want is your new home entertainment system to be stolen.

 
 
Step 5: Enjoy the scenery

Finally, now you’ve moved and settled in its important to introduce yourself to your neighbours. They can help you feel safer in your new area and in the long term this benefits all parties as you can speak to each other about any news and events whilst fostering a real sense of community.

It’s also great to join any local community initiatives such as the neighbourhood watch, social or sporting clubs as this will allow you to get to know your new community and in turn the local community learn more about you.

 
 
Hamish May – Electronic Security Monitoring Specialist
 
If you would like to find out more about what security products or services are available to home movers Click Here.
 
If you wish to speak with our friendly security specialists don’t hesitate give us a call on 1300 73 83 93.

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