Alarm systems help to deter intruders

There was already a security system in place when Karen moved into her 3,100 sqft house overlooking the beach in a quiet part of Hong Kong. 'The home had been burgled and the previous owners installed it for protection. But it was deactivated when they moved and we never bothered to reactivate it,' she said. Even after a recent attempted break-in next door - unsuccessful only because the thieves could not get past the sturdy locks - she still has not reactivated the alarm system. 'The thieves skipped our house but got in to the one across the street. We think they skipped us because of the large alarm left on the front of the house. But, of course, it doesn't work. I guess we're a disaster waiting to happen,' she said. Despite a decrease in domestic premises burglaries in Hong Kong last year, (there were 2,781 cases last year and 3,653 cases in 2006, according to the Hong Kong Police Crime Prevention Bureau) you still do not want to be a statistic. Industry professionals agree home security systems are beneficial as a deterrent. Roger Tsang Ting-bong, general manager, Hong Kong and Macau, ADT Security Services, said: 'It is important to have a reliable home security system even in a relatively safe city such as Hong Kong because crime still exists. The absence of a home security system will make the property a good target for crime to take place.' However, security systems can take on many guises according to budget and tolerance to potential threats. The ultimate in home security is to buy a live monitoring system that will alert authorities in the event of a burglary, medical emergency, fire or harmful gas leak. A monitored home security system is connected to a call centre that has a team of trained security and safety professionals working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When an intrusion is detected or a sensor detects smoke, the alarm will send a signal to a monitoring centre. A security professional at the centre receives the signal, determines the nature of the emergency and immediately responds by contacting the homeowners. Then they decide on the appropriate action, such as alerting the emergency services. While the Crime Prevention Bureau does not totally discount the benefits of paying for a security system, Carmen Tam, senior inspector (Operations I) with the bureau, advises homeowners that low-tech methods can also deter crime. 'Home security systems, if they are used properly, are useful in preventing crime. However, members of the public are not recommended to rely solely on the systems because there may be technical or manual problems,' she said. She suggested that people safeguarded their homes following the tips provided in the booklet, How to Secure your Home, which will soon be available through the Regional Crime Prevention Offices. Different types of homes had different security needs. But everyone from high rise dwellers to garden flat owners could benefit from an 'intrusion detection and alarm system', cited as the 'most effective' security system by Mr Tsang. These systems involve fitting the doors and windows of a home with contacts and the alarm is triggered once the door or window is forced open and a motion sensor detects intrusion. Then, as with all live monitoring systems, 'When intrusion is detected, it will send a signal to the monitoring centre where the security professional will contact the homeowner and take the appropriate action,' Mr Tsang said. For homeowners with land or a garden, in addition to the home intrusion detection and alarm system, ADT recommends adding 'point-to-point infrared' sensors outside the house to protect the garden area. Whatever add-ons you choose, according to Mark Brisson, managing director of Chubb, Guardforce and Kidde Hong Kong, 'The best way to protect your home is to let thieves know you have a security system. Make it highly visible.' He also recommended that decals and alarms with the security company logo be prominently displayed outside the home because that might deter a burglary. There are cheaper alternatives to a live monitoring system. One is to install a local alarm that, when triggered, will make a loud noise alerting those in the area that help is needed and that can also scare off a potential intruder. Motion detection lighting is another popular low-cost choice. But, as a first line of defence, security professionals agreed that home protection should start with the best deadbolt door lock you could afford. Mr Tsang said that alternatives such as video surveillance systems were 'not suitable for home security as they are used for recording events and for deterrent purposes'. Once you've made the decision to buy a home security system you will need to choose either the 'direct line' or 'auto-dial' option. A direct line will provide a dedicated private wire from your apartment to the call centre. An auto-dial is cheaper but uses an ordinary telephone or fax line that may be occupied by other users in your building and, in the event an alarm is tripped, may delay your connection to the call centre. In addition, 'an auto dial system does not provide duress and panic button service as provided by a live monitoring centre', Mr Tsang said. A duress button sends a special signal to the monitoring centre to phone a designated telephone number - for example a spouse's office - to indicate a special type of help is needed. A panic button is similar but indicates another type of pre-assigned problem has occurred. Another choice in pricing is a wired or wireless system. A wired package is cost effective and uses an installed touch pad for communicating with the monitoring centre. The wireless package is more expensive, but it can be installed quickly and includes a wireless panic button that can be carried around the home for added security. But Billie Chan, sales and marketing manager of RTX, a manufacturer and distributor of security systems, said for all their advantages as a deterrent, home security systems did not provide protection in themselves. She said their greatest attribute was that they served as a 'first response' to alert others that there was a problem. When shopping for home security systems, use word-of-mouth and consider the company's reputation, size and history. Make sure the company has a range of products and services that fit your needs, including an after-sales service available 24/7 where you can seek advice from well-trained and experienced staff. Prices for home security systems vary and are based on the features you choose. Usually there is a one-time set up and equipment fee, in addition to a monthly fee. Saving the family silver aside, you could also save on homeowner insurance. Most insurance companies will offer premium discounts if you have a home security system installed. So make sure to ask. And, it doesn't matter if you rent or own, the system can move with you. Relocation and reinstallation services are provided by security companies at a nominal charge. Buying an alarm is your choice - with or with out the bells and whistles.