Toni-Ann Neita, Staff Reporter
HOME security is now becoming a top priority for many. You cannot expect Spike (your trusty mongrel dog) to be ready any time of the day. After all, he needs his rest after chasing his tail and doing nothing all day.
Yes, there was a time that home security used to mean a dog and a good deadbolt lock. But today, with the threat of burglary becoming more of a reality, homeowners are giving more serious consideration to electronic security systems to protect their homes from burglaries.
Right until the very moment it occurs, most crime victims are unaware of their vulnerability. Awakening to the sound of breaking glass and footsteps, or arriving home to find an ugly scene is not the time to consider installing a home security system.
There were 2,184 break-ins reported last year, according to the statistics section of the Commis-sioner's Office; 892 of which were house break-ins. This works out to an average of about two house break-ins per day.
Crime statistics indicate that homes equipped with alarm systems are far less likely to become a burglar's easy target. As the television advertisement for one well-known security company suggests, burglars will see the sign indicating that the house is protected by an electronic security system and think twice.
And even when intruders are able to penetrate your protective field, losses due to burglaries average less in homes with security systems.
Another interesting fact is that if your home has had a burglary, the odds of being burglarised again dramatically increase. Why? The stolen items have been replaced with new items.
Security prices alarming?
In spite of all these facts supporting home security systems, some people continue to rely on the old favourites: man's best friend, good locks, leaving lights on, and so on. Why? It is all put down to cost and what people can afford to buy.
However, security systems are more affordable than many people think. The number of companies in the Electronic Security Industry in Jamaica has a least doubled in the last decade or so. The resulting competition has
revolutionised that industry to the benefit of the Jamaican consumers.
Even just a year or two ago, the standard of service in the industry was poor with the concept of customer service being non-existent (with a few exceptions) and the prices were indeed alarming - no pun intended. Today, the majority of companies in these industries have adopted a customer friendly approach, and imp-roved the overall standard of their service. Prices in the industry, according to the experience of some customers, have been reduced by almost 50 per cent, making electronic security in Jamaica something that more of us can afford and not just a luxury for a chosen few!
The breakdown
For some people, the investment in a security system may be under $30,000, for others in an identical home it could be $150,000. It all depends on your needs and lifestyle.
Designing a security system is a balance of meeting your needs and your budget. No matter what your needs or concerns, a security system can be configured for your home and lifestyle. Most security companies offer free security surveys and audits. Sit down with a professional and discuss your needs. Together you can design a system that is perfect for your family, home and budget.
These security companies offer services that include 24-hour monitoring with armed response, burglar alarm systems, fixed or wireless panic systems, gate automation systems, video monitoring systems, covert surveillance, and smoke/fire detection. Sounds like something out of a spy movie, doesn'
t it?
In addition to home protection services, these companies may also offer roadside assistance as well as armed escort and ambulance response services.
A Burglary Detection (or Alarm) System consists of a series of devices (magnetic or vibration contacts and motion detectors), which are designed to detect a violation at an entry point (window or door) or area. These devices are wired into a control panel, which receives information on the status of each area. If an area is violated by an attempted or actual break-in, the system will either activate an audible siren and or transmit an alarm signal to the company'
s central station, from which an armed team is dispatched.
Average response time is between five and 10 minutes. However this can vary depending on the circumstances at the time the alarm is received.
In general, an average residential burglary alarm system starts at approximately $30,000. The major factors determining the cost include the size of your home and the number of windows and doors. After installation, some companies charge additional fees if you require monitoring.
Also there is usually a fee for responding to an alarm. An installation generally takes two to three days to complete. Again this varies according to the size of the home and also the number of windows and doors to be protected.
A Panic System consists of fixed or wireless buttons which when pressed can activate an audible siren, transmit an alarm signal, or both, to the central station. The wireless systems available today are a good investment for people that are renting a home. When you are ready to move, you can simply take the system with you.
Panic systems are generally installed at no charge to the customer. However, there is a monthly charge, of about $3,000, and usually there is a response fee.
Automatic gates are becoming increasingly popular, especially due to the risk or danger involved in getting out of your car to open and close the gate. There are a wide range of gate openers for swing and slide gates, utilising both electro-mechanical and hydraulic technology. The average price for automatic gates is $65,000.
The value
Home owners who have installed security systems did so to attain freedom from the threat of crime. Additional benefits that they have gained from their investment include vacation and travel without worrying about the threat of burglary, vandalism or even fire, arriving home to a feeling of security at the end of the day, getting a good night'
s sleep, security for children returning home alone from school and meeting the protection needs of a physically or mentally challenged family member.
Persons concerned with home security have the alternative options of investing in a firearm, pepper spray or mace (which are now both legal), or in store-bought electronic security devices - motion detectors, alarms and so on. However there is a certain peace of mind that comes with opting for electronic security systems that are linked to security companies- knowing that help is on the way, whether or not you are at home at the time of a burglary attempt.
The home is the last stronghold in a beleaguered world, but how safe do you feel in your own home? How much is your peace of mind worth to you? Fortunately, you can help protect yourself and loved ones from becoming a statistic by obtaining a home security system.
