Business and homeowners alike often ask us whether it would be best for them to have a CCTV system rather than a burglar alarm. Unfortunately, it’s hard to give a definitive answer to this question as with so many things in life, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work! A number of factors need to be taken into consideration if you’d like to decide whether or not CCTV is best for you, including:

• Will CCTV offer the most cost-effective solution?
• Is regular maintenance going to be possible to ensure that the CCTV system continues to provide effective protection?
• Is the best option to simply install a security alarm AND CCTV system?

Although there’s no doubt that CCTV cameras provide a highly effective deterrent, if remote monitoring isn’t available, camera footage can only be used retrospectively as evidence. Despite the fact that the sight of CCTV cameras is usually enough to put off most thieves, there are some who are determined enough not to be put off.. Therefore remote monitoring is the most effective solution and can could you save money on other crime prevention measures.

What is remote monitoring?

CCTV systems which are remotely monitored will alert you as an incident happens because those monitoring the system will contact you or the emergency services. This clearly offers a far better opportunity to catch thieves whilst they’re committing a crime and footage only needs to be used once the offence has occurred. Bear in mind though that in the majority of cases though a remotely monitored CCTV system is usually sufficient to stop intruders in their tracks.

Monitored burglar alarm systems

Burglar alarm systems are also more effective when they’re monitored. Unlike simple bell only systems and depending on the type of monitoring you choose, either yourself, an emergency contact (a neighbour, for example) or the police will be informed if the alarm is triggered. Monitored alarms are much more efficient than bell only systems as when the alarm is activated, the professionals who monitor the system will asses the risk to security. A well-designed and professionally installed burglar alarm offers real benefits to home and business owners alike, providing you with protection and peace of mind, no matter where you might be.

CCTV installations in Leeds

If you’ve thought about installing a CCTV system but have been put off by the cost and disruption, we thought we’d set out the five main benefits which the latest systems offer. CCTV is now a cost effective option and whether you have just one camera or several, installing a system can offer your business a number of real benefits. Here are five examples of how CCTV could help you safeguard your business and enhance security:

• Deterrent: if cameras are installed in locations where they can be easily seen, CCTV offers a very effective way of deterring thieves from entering your premises. In addition, signs to warn criminals that they will be prosecuted are displayed alongside, they’ll think twice before attempting to break in. It’s also worth bearing in mind that criminals are most likely to target businesses which appear to have little or no security protection. This means that installing CCTV offers a way to give yours the protection it deserves.
• Aid prosecution and prevent false claims: the CCTV systems we install are designed to provide crystal-clear images (even when it’s dark), helping to increase chances of prosecution whilst also providing you with valuable evidence to use with an insurance claim. Furthermore, CCTV footage can also help to safeguard your business against fraudulent insurance claims or claims for personal injury or misconduct.
• Safeguard your employees: installing CCTV will help your staff feel safer, especially those who have to work alone or at night.
• Enhance work and safety: a benefit of CCTV which is often overlooked is the advantages it can offer in terms of creating a safe working environment. CCTV cameras help to encourage staff to adhere to health and safety rules, therefore helping to minimise the risk of them taking potentially hazardous shortcuts. In addition, CCTV can also prove useful in emergency situations, such a spotting a fire or accident.
• Safeguard your premises 24/7: The latest CCTV systems can be viewed on a smartphone, tablet or laptop, offering you the capability to monitor your business premises regardless of where you are. Not only does this provide peace of mind, it also gives you the chance to take immediate action in the event of a break in.

Contact FirstEye to find out more

At FirstEye we have many years of experience of working with commercial businesses throughout Leeds, designing and installing CCTV systems designed to meet their budget and requirements. If you would like to find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.

Electrical gates installed in Leeds by FirstEye

Electric gates offer a number of security benefits and in the majority of cases, are installed by homeowners for security reasons. Designed to provide a highly visual and robust deterrent to car thieves, burglars and vandals, electric gates are an effective way to ensure your home or business premises is protected around the clock.

Close your gates without having to get out of the car

Traditional wooden or wrought iron gates which have been left wide open are, unfortunately, an all too common site. The irony is that despite the fact that the majority of gates are installed for security reasons, closing them involves getting out of the car; something which is not ideal when the weather is wet or whilst it’s dark. This is where electric gates can prove incredibly helpful as thanks to the automated closing system, they can be easily opened or shut using a remote control designed to be kept in your car. In addition, systems are now available where the gates are operated by a mobile phone app, designed to provide even greater ease of use and convenience.

Electric gates installed in business car parks can be easily opened and closed in a similar way using a range of entry systems, from number plate recognition through to key pad access or remote control.

The ideal way to deal with unwanted traffic

If your driveway or businesses’ car park is open onto a busy road or in a high-traffic area, you’ll be all to aware of the frustration caused by other drivers using your property as a turning circle, or even parking on your premises. These situations are easily prevented with electric gates which can, in addition, provide an effective way to safeguard children or pets.

Electric gates designed for all types of business premises

Whether your business is office based or in the business, industrial, manufacturing or commercial sectors, the installation of security gates offers a highly effective way to safeguard your premises. Electric gates will not provide you with complete control over who has who has access, they can also be used to protect your employees’ cars from theft and prevent unauthorised parking.

Choosing the best electric gates for you

The most appropriate type of electric gate for your property or business premises will depend on a wide range of factors. Here at FirstEye we have many years of experience in installing electric gates, bollards and barriers in homes and business premises of all shapes and sizes and we’ll work closely with you to find the best solution for your budget and requirements.

Residential security systems installed in Leeds by FirstEye

As lock down slowly eases, many of us are keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll be able to get away on holiday this summer!

Whether you’re going to be able to go on holiday this summer or not, now is the perfect time to ensure your home is safe, secure and protected. The sight of a security system alone – whether a burglar alarm or CCTV system – is usually enough to deter the majority of thieves and rather than waiting until the worst happens and you’re broken into, it’s much less stressful to ensure your home is adequately protected in the first place.

Here at FirstEye we work closely with our clients to install a wide range of security solutions, with options to suit all budgets and requirements:

• CCTV: increasingly popular with homeowners, CCTV offers unbeatable protection 24/7.
• Security alarms: an essential piece of security kit, an alarm will protect your home whilst deterring potential thieves.
• Access control: particularly suited to elderly vulnerable homeowners, the latest access control systems offer the capability to check who’s at the door without having to answer it.
• Smart doorbells: these work in a similar way to access control systems and will enable you to ‘answer’ the door even when you’re not at home. A great way to avoid missed deliveries and verify callers, a smart doorbell offers a cost effective way to enhance security.

Get in touch with FirstEye to obtain your free security survey

We experts in installing a wide range of security systems for homeowners in Leeds. We provide free security surveys and are happy to offer advice on the best solutions to suit your home and lifestyle. Get in touch by calling 0113 2288599.

Business, commercial and industrial security solutions installed in Leeds by FirstEye

Although any, many businesses are facing incredibly challenging times at the moment, business security is still an important issue and if overlooked, can prove incredibly costly and stressful to resolve. If you run your own business you’re likely to be all too aware of your responsibility to ensure workplace safety. Whilst the term ‘workplace safety’ includes things like electrical safety etc., it’s important to make careful consideration for the personal safety of your employees, customers, whilst also ensuring your business assets are protected.

At FirstEye we have many years of experience in working with business of all shapes and sizes in Leeds, providing a wide range of highly effective security solutions. We know that not everyone has the big budgets needed to afford the latest high-tech security kit and with this in mind, we offer flexible solutions to suit all budgets and requirements.

We also understand that the security needs of different businesses can vary significantly as an office-based business, for example, is unlikely to need as much protection as a shop full of expensive stock, or factory used to house valuable equipment. Security is vital important for all businesses – regardless of what they do – and we work closely with business owners to find a system that’s ideally suited to their needs.

Planning your businesses’ security

Unfortunately many business owners fail to think about security on a regular basis and as a result have no idea if they have sufficient protection. A ‘head in the sand’ approach might work the majority of the time, but it can prove very expensive and stressful if the worst happens and your business suffers a break in. Taking an inventory of your existing security systems is a great way to begin and spending a little time checking your alarm is also a good place to start. Here are a few things you could think about:

• Is your business protected by an alarm, and if it is, when was the last time it was serviced?
• Does your business have a reception area? Is it protected by CCTV?
• Do you store sensitive information such as financial records?
• Is your business in a remote area?
• Does your business have a car park and is it protected from unauthorised vehicles?

Thinking about the security of your business is a good way to identify any areas which are vulnerable and would benefit from extra protection. Reception areas, for example, can really benefit from the protection offered by CCTV, whilst an access control system is a cost-effective way to control who has access to your business premises. Car parks often benefit from the enhanced security provided by barriers, whilst security lighting offers a way to help staff feel more secure and deter potential intruders. Last and by no means least, ensuring your security alarm is in good working order, or installing an alarm if you don’t already have one is an unbeatable way to increase the security of your business.

Contact FirstEye to start protecting your business today

Here at FirstEye we take great pride in providing businesses in Leeds with a wide range of high-quality, affordable security solutions. From alarm installations and maintenance, through to CCTV, access control and security lighting, we have the expertise to ensure you, your staff and your business are safe, secure and protected from crime.

Please get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599 or by email at quote@firsteye.co.uk