It Takes A Thief....to give expert security advice

 

“You lock every door and window in your house. But they know every trick in the book. Two expert thieves size up, break into and rip off real homes. And unless you know how they get in, you don't have a chance of keeping them out.”

It Takes a Thief  is an alternative reality show produced by the Discovery Channel that ran for two seasons. The show is a fly-on-the-wall view into the inner workings of a burglary. The security of residential homes is tested with a fully-fledged burglary. This gives home owners invaluable insights into the security threats in their property.  It Takes a Thief  is hosted by two former convicted thieves, Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey. 

Who better to give advice on security than someone whose “job” was to breach it? Here are a few tips by Rainey and Johnston on security alarms:

• Homes without a home-security/alarm system have a significantly higher break-in rate, so invest in an alarm system to protect your home ... and use it. Most of us ignore the sirens of car and house alarms because they go off regularly, so make sure your house alarm is connected to the police and a central station to ensure someone will respond.
• When you connect your alarm system to a monitoring station, make sure you have a back-up cellular connection in case your phone service is disrupted.
•  If you move into a house with an old alarm system contact the provider to inquire about an upgrade.
•  Consider a security system equipped with ultrasonic sensors that can detect movement inside your home, not just breaches of your doors and windows. Certain alarm systems allow your home to have separate zones so specific areas can always stay armed. Also, a panic button can be hooked up to your alarm system's central server for added protection inside your home.
•  Less expensive security options include motion sensors, sound detectors and photocells, all of which can be used to turn on lights when triggered. Especially if you live in a hidden or dark area, motion sensors on outdoor lights are an easy and inexpensive deterrent for any possible intruders on your property at night.
• Individual window alarms, which are activated by vibration, can also discourage thieves. If you have an alarm system, make sure all your windows either have contacts on them or you have glass-break sensors in the rooms.
•  A thief may try to dismantle your alarm system, so make sure the system's central panel is in a secure spot. In addition, since construction or wildlife can disrupt outside wiring, have your system tested regularly.
•  A barking dog — even a small one — will deter most burglars. The noise draws attention, which is the last thing burglars want. However, dogs are never a proper deterrent. They only become scared like humans if strangers become threatening. It's not fair to your pup to rely on its canine bravado.
•  Reflective numbers outside on the front of your home will make it easy for police and ambulances to find your house in case of emergency.

How to Test an Alarm System

An alarm system is an essential element in all households. Whether one lives in the big city or the platteland one cannot put all ones faith in locks that can be picked and dogs that can be poisoned. 

That said an alarm system also needs some maintenance. It is advised that one tests an alarm system once a month. Which is relatively low maintenance compared to cleaning up after a dog.

Keep your alarm system’s manual handy when testing your alarm.  

1.    Read the manual thoroughly. While you can use a toaster after throwing its manual away it is advised to always keep the alarm system’s manual on hand.

2.    Familiar yourself with the procedure for testing from the manual.

3.    Memorise the disarm code and other procedures of disarming the alarm system.

4.    Consult with your service provider, Free Alarms, if you are uncertain.

5.    Warn all the people of the household of the alarm test

6.    Close and lock all protected doors as if you are about to leave the house and want it to be secure.

7.    Run the test operation on your system. When everything is ready, go ahead and punch in the keys to activate the test mode.

8.    Test each sensor. Some systems will systematically tell you which sensors to check. Go throughout your house tripping every sensor to make sure the signal to the controller is strong. Listen for the alarm when you trip a sensor

9.    Remember to re-alarm your system after the test has been completed.

10. Do not forget to test the non digital aspects of your security system such as locks, deadbolts, chains, windows, entry points and of course the health of the dog.

Source: www.ehow.com

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