Owing to advances in technology that have brought down costs, homeowners might find that they can actually afford to keep their properties safe with state-of-the-art security cameras systems these days.
Options include cameras that can send alerts to the homeowner’s mobile devices and stream live videos when motion is detected.
READ: Is a burglar alarm enough? Security tips to protect your home
Considering their many benefits, from preventing vandals to deterring criminals, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, says that it can be worthwhile to invest in security cameras for your home. “One of the main reasons to install a security camera system is for the safety benefits that it brings. The 24/7 monitoring of your home usually deters crime before it even happens and can also increase your home’s resale value down the line, not to mention that you may also save on your home insurance premiums,” he notes.
While a complete home security system will be more effective than relying on just one camera, a study conducted in the US showed that the presence of any form of increased security measures is likely to deter criminals from targeting that specific home. The only downside to installing security cameras is the privacy concerns neighbours might express, especially if you’re one of the first homes in your street to install security cameras. “The key here is to ensure that none of your cameras point directly at any neighbours’ houses,” says Goslett.
To ensure that households get the most out of the security cameras, Goslett mentions the importance of ensuring that your home security cameras are installed correctly by a certified professional, “otherwise you may run into issues when trying to receive your electrical compliance certificate when you later decide to sell.”
You should also be certain that the cameras are protected by a firewall to prevent them from being hacked and are installed in hard-to-reach places to prevent them from being stolen or tampered with.
READ: Take control of home security with remote access
When it comes to deciding what security cameras are the best option, this will differ according to the needs of each individual. “Depending on which security system you choose, some may be expensive to set up and might require cloud storage and additional potential service charges. However, it is possible to recoup some of these costs from the resulting resale value after these features have been added,” says Goslett.
One main thing to decide is whether you want your home security camera to record footage continuously or to only start recording based on a trigger such as when motion is detected. While recording 24/7 does ensure that nothing is missed, it will require a lot of bandwidth and storage space. It is also useful to have a camera system that has an easy-to-use mobile app that can send notifications to the homeowner’s smartphone and other devices. Most importantly, the system needs to deliver clear, high-definition video of the event, as this will help to identify criminals if needed.
"Home security is a touchy subject for a lot of people. Some people would like to assume that something bad would never happen in their neighborhood, but the truth of the matter is that tragedy can strike anyone and there’s no sure way to tell who’s going to be a victim next. That’s why people invest thousands of dollars to sophisticated alarm and intruder detection systems that enable them to have complete control over their domicile.
"But besides the obvious things like security cameras and alarms, is there anything else you can do to tighten things up as far as home security is concerned? In this day and age, convenient “hacks” are all the rage and people are figuring out how they can leverage simple concepts to complete complex goals. Now I’m not suggesting you go full Home Alone here, but there are a few ways you can make sure that your things remain yours," says Goslett.
Home-Dzine suggests two security options for homeowners to consider:
1. A metal or wooden block to secure sliding doors
Sliding patio doors are often not the most secure and since they’re at the back of the house out of view they are a very appealing target for any would-be burglars. However, no matter how many locks, they pick or windows they break to unlock the door, if you put a piece of wood or metal into the path of the sliding door, there’s no way they can get short of breaking down the door and making tons of noise.
2. Metal-framed security doors
This type of door is typically a metal frame with or without added mesh screening that serves as an extra barrier between the door to your house and the outside world. The benefits of the simple addition of security doors are more multifaceted than simply being another layer of protection. These doors are fastened on tight and are much more resistant to being broken down or having their locks manipulated to open the door without a key.
With a security door you’re able to open your first door while still giving no opportunity for any would-be thief to get a good look at what’s inside of your house. On top of that, should someone unknown to you be knocking at your door, you can quickly jump out of the way and know that if they decide to try and forcibly enter your home the police will be well on their way before they even start making a dent in it.
Some of the most effective security tips are also the simplest. Sometimes a more sophisticated answer is required when thieves are using clever tactics, but the vast majority of home break-ins can be avoided or stopped in their tracks with simple tips like these. Don’t overthink it, but make sure your home is secured.
Before selecting a home security camera system for your property, Goslett recommends speaking to a security professional and arrange an onsite consultation, as they will be able to assess your property and recommend what systems will work best in your home,” says Goslett.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
