Being burgled or becoming a victim of a crime is a concern for many people, but for the elderly, it can be a real worry which adversely affects their lives. Whether you’re worried about safeguarding your home, or are concerned about an elderly relative or friend, there are simple steps you can take to make a property much more secure.

Home security devices

A number of security devices are widely available which are designed to provide additional home security.

Outdoor lighting provides an effective deterrent and is cost-effective to install and run. In addition, security lighting makes it much easier to find your way quickly into your home when you’re coming or going when it’s dark. A range of options are available, from low-level lighting which is designed to automatically turn on from dusk until dawn, or motion-sensor lights which are triggered when movement is detected.

A visible burglar alarm will not only put off burglars but will also warn you if an intruder enters your home. If you decide to install a burglar alarm it’s important to obtain several quotes from reputable alarm installers such as FirstEye. In addition, burglar alarms should be installed by a security professional and it’s also worth bearing in mind that some home insurance companies offer lover premiums if additional security advices have been installed.

Alongside home security devices, there are additional steps you can take to improve the security of your home. Planting a prickly hedge or putting up a strong fence will deter thieves from entering your garden, whilst a gravel path or driveway makes it difficult for burglars to approach in silence. Last and by no means least, ensure your doors and windows have adequate locks.

Contact FirstEye for professional security installations in Leeds

We have decades of experience in providing reliable security installations in Leeds and surrounding areas. If you would like to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599.

In this week’s blog we’re going to focus upon finding the best alarm for your home or business premises. A wide range of alarm systems are available. However, with so much choice, deciding which is the right product can seem a little daunting! With this in mind, we’ve put together some information, designed to help you choose the most suitable alarm for your home and lifestyle…

The different types of burglar alarms

A number of different types of security alarms are available, here are some of the pros and cons of each type:

Wireless alarms: an increasingly popular choice, wireless alarms use battery-powered sensors which are designed to communicate with a central control panel through radio signals. The downside to this is that the batteries will need to be replaced periodically. However, as very little wiring is required, wireless alarms offer a cost-effective choice.

Wired alarms: although this type of alarm is generally reliable and robust, it has to be installed by an alarm installation specialist. Wired alarms can be disruptive to install as the wires required for the electronic sensors have to be hidden.

Smart alarms: the latest type of alarm and ideal for residential properties, smart alarms are designed to be integrated with a smart home system. Smart alarms will contact you or a family member if the alarm is triggered, whilst the system can be set or un-set using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Offering cost-effective, comprehensive security, this type of alarm system is becoming increasingly popular.

Bell only alarms: the cheapest option, this type of alarm is designed to make a loud noise. Best suited to homeowners with friendly neighbours or those living in a Neighbourhood Watch area, this type of alarm won’t automatically alert you or the police.

Monitored alarms: if the alarm is triggered a call centre is alerted and they will then contact the police or a designated emergency contact. This type of alarm requires a fee which is paid monthly or annual and it’s worth remembering that the police will stop responding if too many false alarms are received.

Auto-dialler alarms: designed to automatically contact you or a nominated friend if the alarm is triggered, auto-dialler alarms are connected to a phone line or mobile network. This type of alarm does need to phone line or a strong, reliable mobile signal.

Get in touch with FirstEye: your security alarm installation specialists in Leeds

A wide range of alarms are available, with products ranging in complexity. As reputable alarm installers in Leeds – please see our website for full details of our professional accreditations – we will help you choose the best alarm to suit your property and budget. To find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk

It goes without saying that the safety and security of your employees, clients or customers is of paramount importance. However, with increasingly-stretched budgets and busy work schedules, it can be hard to the security-minded business owner to know where to start. With this in mind, in this blog post we thought we’d share five practical ways to improve the physical security of your business.

• Assess physical security: many businesses already have a carefully thought out and robust physical security in place. Nevertheless, things change over time and so it’s important to carry out regular checks and/or updates. By making a thorough check of your security procedures and physical security systems at least once a year, you’ll ensure there’s a strong strategy in place, designed to prevent future issues.
• Manage visitors: the majority of businesses welcome visitors on site to some extent or another. Unfortunately, visitors can present a potential security risk. There are a number of cost effective ways to monitor visitors, including CCTV, security barriers or an access control system.
• Controlling access: access control also offers an important and highly effective way to protect the security of sensitive areas such as server rooms or stock rooms. By limiting access to areas such as these, you’ll reduce the likelihood of theft or vandalism.
• External security: securing the exterior of your business premises is a great place to start when it comes to improving physical security. Gates, turnstiles and barriers are a good place to start, as are exterior lighting and CCTV surveillance.
• Employee training: this is an often overlooked aspect of business security. Maintaining ongoing security training and communications is the best way to make sure that all staff are aware of, and adhere to, security procedures.

Contact FirstEye – your business security expert in Leeds

Here at FirstEye we have many years of expertise in providing effective security solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes in Leeds. To find out more about how we can help you improve and maintain the physical security of your business, get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk

Ensuring physical security is an essential requirement for all businesses, regardless of size or type. However, deciding how to implement the most effective physical can be daunting and confusing, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Here at FirstEye we have decades of experience in the design and installation of business security solutions to suit all budgets and requirements. We’ll help you choose the solutions which give you the protection you need, whilst also offering long-term value and reliable protection. We this in mind, here’s some advice on the best way to implement the physical security solutions you need to ensure your business is safe and secure:

Which physical security solutions are best for your business?

Here are some tips on how to implement physical security controls in your business:

1. Install security cameras and alarm systems. Security cameras can help to deter crime and can also be used to monitor activity on your premises. Alarm systems can also help to deter crime and can alert you and the authorities in the event of a break-in or other emergency.

2. Use access control and security gates. Access control can help to deter crime and can also help to protect your assets. Security gates can also help to deter crime and can provide an additional layer of security.

3. Conduct regular security audits. Regular security audits can help you to identify any potential security vulnerabilities on your premises. By conducting regular audits, you can make sure that your physical security controls are up to date and effective.

4. Educate your employees. Make sure that your employees are aware of your physical security controls and procedures. Educate them on what to do in the event of a security breach.

5. Stay vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By staying vigilant, you can help to deter crime and keep your business safe.

Contact FirstEye – your business security expert in Leeds

For further advice on how the best ways to secure your business against crime, please get in touch.

Running your own business comes with a set of responsibilities to ensure workplace safety. Although ‘workplace safety’ includes things like electrical safety etc., it’s also essential that you consider the personal safety of your employees, customers, whilst also ensuring your business assets are protected.

We have many years of experience in providing business in Leeds with a wide range of highly effective security solutions. We know that not all businesses have the big budgets needed to afford the latest high-tech security systems and with this in mind, we offer solutions to suit all budgets.

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

Plan ahead to save stress and money

Unfortunately, many business owners fail to think about security on a regular basis, having no idea if they are adequately protected. Whilst a ‘head in the sand’ approach might work the majority of the time, it can prove extremely expensive and stressful if the worst happens and your suffer 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 a good place to start. Here are a few things to consider:

• Is your business protected by an alarm, and if it is, when was the last time it was serviced?

• Do you store sensitive information such as financial records?

• Is your business in a remote area?

• Does your business have a reception area? Is it protected by CCTV?

• 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 arrange for your free security survey

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 to arrange for your free, no-obligation security survey.