The Key to Home Security: Effective Deterrent Measures
Boney Maundu
Tech Contractor & Entrepreneur - Information, Communication & Security Hardware, Electronics & Systems | Tech Writer | Tech Consultancy, Support & Mgmt | Digerati | Lectiophile
A case for deterrence
Deterring and preventing theft, burglaries, and robberies from happening will always be a better tactic than depending on apprehension after an unfortunate event. Prevention frequently proves to be?better than cure.
Given the unlikely chances of recovering?stolen material after a break-in, the woeful ratio of crimes solved to break-ins makes an even stronger case for prevention and deterrence. This can become even dire when break-ins turn into violent crimes, with the potential for severe consequences.
All deterrence factors need is a little planning and security-wise caution, and they may and should be inexpensive and simple to implement.
Burglars typically select vacant, low-traffic locations with easy entry and no apparent security measures when scouting out possible targets.
Deterrence factors can be non-intrusive actions and anything that operates?well in the background with little to no human interaction required for its efficacy.
By making the intruder’s actions more difficult and unlikely to succeed, or by drawing unnecessary attention to their activities, deterrents aim to discourage, prevent, or at least postpone intrusions.
What are some of the items and products that can be used as effective deterrents?
A well-lit space is a clear no-go area for would-be burglars. Bright security lights that detect motion are also a powerful deterrent since they can let neighbors or even passersby notice that someone is lurking?around.
A potential burglar is startled when a bright security light suddenly turns on and lets them know that it’s probably only one of several protection systems in place.
Security lights illuminates?an intruder’s actions, which are meant to be covert and obscured by darkness. Most of the time, the possibility that the intruder will be visible from a distance can be sufficient to discourage them from proceeding. Certain smart lighting systems have the ability to switch on all of the linked lights in the home, flooding the house or compound?with dazzling lights.
Security signs and stickers that declare the existence of security systems or measures in place, such as “Premises under 24 HR CCTV Surveillance,” “Beware of Dogs,” “Trespassers will be shot,” and “Electric Fence,” among others, can be an inexpensive but surprisingly effective deterrent.
These work particularly well if the sign emphasizes that there is a security system in place and is conspicuous enough for?the intruder to?see. In conjunction with a physically established system, such as a noticeable security camera, they convey the impression that the property has taken extra precautions regarding security.
The majority of burglars are opportunistic and typically target homes or other targets without doing much advance planning. Such signs, when clearly and openly displayed, serve as a powerful deterrent to would-be burglars. These kinds of signage can be hung in yards, outside walls, on fences, or on gates. Even car windows can be used to display signage that alerts would-be burglars and opportunists of the presence of alarm systems, vehicle immobilizers and GPS trackers.
Heavy steel bars and barriers on doors and windows are examples of structural deterrents that give a clear message to would-be burglars that their efforts may be exceedingly difficult, if not futile.
It also indicates that those who are motivated enough to try and?break through the barrier will need to invest a significant amount of time in their efforts. Ideally, an intrusion should be a swift endeavor; the longer someone attempts an intrusion, the more likely they are to draw attention and be apprehended. Most invaders quickly consider their choices, decide against it, and look for simpler targets.
Walls and fences with spikes are further structural deterrents. Climbers may be deterred by even seemingly insignificant acts, such as placing broken bottles with sharp edges on the top of perimeter walls, which increase the risk of physical harm and make it more difficult to make quick escapes.
Barbed wire and thorny plants slow down potential intruders during an intrusion or their post-intrusion retreat, hence increasing the danger of physical harm and discouraging efforts at intrusion and burglary. The very possibility that an intruder could be stopped or delayed when?leaving deters them from attempting to gain?entry?in the first place.
Many convicted burglars admit that, in the absence of any further precautions, the mere sight of barking dogs in a residence can serve as a sufficient deterrent.
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When a would-be burglar believes that the dogs are capable of causing actual bodily harm, the persistent attention that barking dogs can bring to an intrusion?attempt is enough to make intruders consider quieter homes.
Anything that makes a break-in or intrusion appear apparent and conspicuous?is hated by would-be burglars?because such actions are meant to be stealthy and clandestine. Systems for alarm and intruder detection come into play here.
These are active deterrents that often provide a loud warning sound that practically everyone can recognize.
Targets with alarm systems installed, or even ones potential intruders?believe have a good probability of having one, are actively avoided. This is particularly true if they consider that they ought to get away?immediately when the alarm goes off and begins to draw attention.
Before attempting a home break-in, more than 70% of would-be burglars survey?a target to determine whether security cameras are present. When they discover?the target has security cameras, a disproportionately large percentage of them would shun it and seek out easier targets.
CCTV cameras serve as more than just a deterrent. Should burglars or intruders choose to proceed with their break-in attempt, security cameras have the ability to capture images that might be utilized as proof, for investigations, for tracking and apprehending suspects, and for? a myriad other?legal purposes.
Some cameras can also operate as active deterrents, meaning that when a breach is detected, they can quickly send alerts, push messages, or trigger sirens instead of passively collecting footage for later use.
While dummy or false security cameras have their uses, they are not very effective, as most people know what real cameras look like. In fact, if fake cameras are discovered, they may potentially attract the attention of would-be burglars.
Smart technologies that mimic occupancy are among the tools that can be used to deceive potential intruders and criminals into thinking the house is occupied. This is especially useful for households where the residents travel or work late and spend a lot of time away from home. Potential intruders, taking advantage of chance opportunities for intrusion, would choose to target empty homes.
Smart locks, motion detectors, and video doorbells that sound an alert when pressed or when they detect motion are a few more useful gadgets.
Home Security should be multi-layered
An effective security system ought to be multi-layered, meaning that various security and deterrent systems function together to enhance one another. For example, an alarm system that sounds and activates security lights can help security cameras take clearer pictures while simultaneously alerting those necessary, in real time.
While an alarm system by itself may or may not deter an intruder, it does become a more potent deterrent?when combined with a functional security camera that records activity in real-time.
Likewise, a?security camera by itself might not be enough to stop a thief, especially if they take precautions to hide and disguise themselves, but when combined with flashing lights and a loud siren, it can be quite effective.
A secure door, windows, and locks may discourage a burglar from trying to break in and urge them to give up before help from law enforcement or concerned individuals?arrives. An alarm system and security camera by themselves?may not stop a thief from trying to get in. A house intruder may not be deterred by electronic security systems alone, but when combined with threatening dogs, the threat of actual physical harm serves as an extremely powerful deterrent.
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