Having an intruder in your home is a nightmare scenario that everyone hopes will never happen to them.

In figures published by the Office of National Statistics, it was reported that over 430,000 burglaries occurred in England and Wales during the year ending June 2018. That's a 2% increase on the previous year.

That figure equates to around seven burglaries per thousand people. According to Brandwatch.com, the average Facebook user has around 338 Facebook friends - so, statistically speaking, two of your Facebook friends will be burgled in the next year.

Burglary and home invasion are rare but real occurrences, which begs the question: what would you do if an intruder entered your house while you were in?

This guide is here to help you answer that question and prepare for this worst-case scenario.

What to Do During a Break-In

So, picture the scene: you're at home, you hear the sound of glass breaking downstairs, and you know there's someone in your house. What do you do?

It's often recommended that you either:

• Escape the premises and get to safety, calling the police as soon as you are able to do so, or...
• Hide in a safe place where the intruder is unlikely to find you. This may be a safe, lockable room (ideally one equipped with a phone) or a safe spot that is out of general visibility.

While confrontation isn't encouraged, self-defence may be necessary if you come face to face with the intruder(s). At this point, it's good to know that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) allows anyone to use "reasonable force" to protect themselves or others. You are also permitted to carry out a citizen's arrest in order to prevent a crime.

However, it's important to note that this isn't a green light to act like John McClane. Confronting an intruder can result in dire consequences, especially if the invading party is armed. You should only engage your intruder as a last resort - it's always best to get out if you can, or hide if escape isn't possible.

Preventing a Break-In

It's long been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and taking certain security measures can help to ward off intruders before they've even set foot in your home.

The mere presence of a camera or alarm in a visible spot attached to your property can be enough of a warning sign to dissuade opportunistic criminals, making them a great crime deterrent as well as a useful reactive safety feature.

Home Security from IDS

We at IDS Security, we offer a variety of options to help keep you, your family and your property safe from home invasions, ranging from basic intruder alarms to state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.

House Alarms

Monitored around the clock from a remote monitoring station, our high-quality house alarm systems utilise the latest digital signalling equipment to provide ample protection in the event of break-in, alerting the emergency services should such an incident occur.

Access Control Systems

While more commonly used for business premises, door entry systems can also be used to great effect in residences. They offer designated people access to specific rooms using a card, fob, etc. This can be particularly useful if you want to keep a particular room off-limits - ideal for a safe room.

CCTV Cameras

We use cutting-edge security innovations to provide you with the most advanced CCTV solutions available. This can include digital recording, fibre optic / radio transmission and computer monitoring, as well as remote-controlled lights.

For more information on our home safety systems, call 029 20 753 251 today to speak with one of our specialists or contact us online via the link below.

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Choosing a security system for your property or business premises is an important decision to make, bringing with it some serious safety implications.

As such, choosing a security system that’s fitting, effective and right for you is vital in keeping your property safe and sound.

Choosing a security system

Here at IDS Security, we take home and business protection seriously. This is reflected in our wide range of high-tech options and top-of-the-line security measures.

Our services can be split into two primary forms of security – domestic and commercial. These are categorised as the following:

Home security systems

Remotely supervised by a central monitoring station for heightened security, our home security systems offer state-of-the-art domestic safety measures, designed for proficient property protection.

Designed to securely protect your property and its contents, including your loved ones, the mere presence of our home security systems is enough to ward off potential intruders. What’s more, they are also successful in reducing the cost of home insurance.

With IDS home security, we can inform the relevant emergency services the very moment your alarm is triggered, ensuring your property is protected at all times, even when you’re not around.

Business security systems

When it comes to protecting your business premises from theft and fire damage, IDS Security is second to none.

Boasting a variety of flexible options that can be combined and tailored to suit your business needs, a full package of precautionary measures can turn your premises into a veritable Fort Knox.

Our in-house security professionals are seasoned experts backed by decades of knowledge and experience. Their expertise can make finding an appropriate package for your business a breeze, with secure installation to boot.

Our special maintenance package even includes round the clock monitoring of your security systems, providing 24/7 protection of your premises for the ultimate peace of mind.

What’s the best security system?

When it comes to knowing what’s the best security system for your property or business, it’s worth knowing exactly what’s available.

At IDS, we have a whole host of options that are fantastic security solutions for both domestic properties and commercial premises, each with their own unique perks and benefits.

Surveillance cameras

Available in flexible packages ranging from conventional, single-camera CCTV format all the way up to multi-site modern digital systems, our surveillance camera options provide secure visual documentation of the daily goings on at your property.

Security alarms

With year-round monitoring, and engineers on call at any time of the day with our maintenance contract, our security alarm service is as comprehensive as it gets when it comes to building security. Designed to alert the emergency services of any unscrupulous activity, as well as other incidents such as fires and medical emergencies.

Access control/door entry

Whether it’s single door use or a multisite network of control points, our magnetic door release options can be used to secure both internal and external doors. Each door can be secured further using either a smart card, key fob, intercom or even biometrics, depending on your preference.

Fire protection

With over 20+ years of fire detection experience, our team of specialists can design, install and maintain a fire alarm for your premises, be it commercial, public or residential. Includes 24-hour monitoring, cutting-edge technology and an unrivalled call out service for maintained customers.

Security barriers

In addition to the above, we also offer security barriers for control and access limitation of on-site vehicles and pedestrians. These range from gates and barriers to rising bollards and turnstiles, providing manual or automated accessibility, as well as remote control capabilities.

Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured your property/premises is safe and sound with IDS Security systems. To find out more, call 029 20 753 251 today or click the button below to get in touch online.

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There’s no disputing the fact that fire alarms save lives. Moreover, they also save buildings, businesses and homes too, making them a hugely beneficial addition to any property.

However, that’s not to say they are perfect. Like any safety appliance, fire alarms can also cause issues, particularly if they’re triggered by mistake. False fire alarms are a massive burden to firefighters nationwide and cost the fire service untold amounts of time, money and resources.

As such, preventing false fire alarms should be a priority for any business owner with a fire safety measure in place.

Implications of False Fire Alarms

According to the London Fire Brigade, there were an astounding 38,000 false fire alarms in 2017. That figure equates to 104 false calls a day!

Not only is this a waste of time for the hard-working members of the fire brigade, but it’s also taking up precious time that could be better spent elsewhere, attending real emergencies and saving those in need.

If your workers are pre-conditioned by previous false alarms to believe an alarm doesn’t need their urgent attention, a real incident can result in slowed reactions which can translate to catastrophe.

So, as you can see, there are a few very important reasons that you do what you can to prevent false fire alarms for your safety and the safety of those around you.

False Fire Alarm Penalty UK

Local authorities have been toying with the idea of implementing a false fire alarm fine system for several years now; however, nothing has been set in stone as of this writing. That being said, persistent false-callers and re-offenders may be charged if proposed plans continue.

As of June 2019, London Fire Brigade planned to implement changes if they attended eight false alarms at the same site within 12 months, with further plans to charge for every additional false call-out that occurred thereafter.

Furthermore, while there isn’t an official system in place for a UK false fire alarm penalty at the moment, that’s not to say that a false fire alarm doesn’t incur some hefty costs all the same. If fire brigade resources are taken up unnecessarily, it could well hinder the treatment of a very real fire elsewhere. It is always in your interest to prevent false fire alarms wherever possible.

Common Causes of False Fire Alarms

Fire alarms can be inadvertently set off for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from the logical to downright trivial. If your fire alarm isn’t well maintained or overly sensitive, you could be at risk of a false alarm.

Some common causes of false fire alarms include:

• Cigarette smoke
• Large amounts of steam (eg. from a bathroom)
• Cooking/burning food
• Dust within the unit
• Mould or mildew within the unit

Read more: Fire Alarm Maintenance UK

It’s also important to have the right fire alarms in place for your property and the occupancy. Fitting a fire alarm system that’s not appropriate for your business or premises could well lead to a false fire alarm down the line.

Competent installation can also have an effect on performance, as can efficient maintenance thereafter. A slap-dash job of installing is a recipe for disaster, while lack of care can render the system useless.

Preventing False Fire Alarms

To prevent false fire alarms from affecting your premises, it’s universally recommended that you enlist the aid of an expert fire alarm installation team.

Professional attention can guarantee the correct installation of the right system for your business, immediately reducing the risk of a false call out and the many knock-on effects they incur.

At IDS Security, our team of specialists can help you choose the right fire system for your business and install it professionally to the highest standards possible. With over 20 years of experience, we also offer round the clock monitoring and a 24/7 call-out service for maintained customers, offering unrivalled peace of mind and professional care.

Fire safety is no time to cut corners and take shortcuts. Call IDS today on 029 20 753 251 or click the button below to keep your premises safe and secure.

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CCTV is a wise addition to any business premises. In fact, it should really be considered a pre-requisite.

The benefits of CCTV for businesses are lofty and wide-ranging, providing recorded monitoring of your site. These recordings can be invaluable should a criminal incident occur.

What’s more, even the mere presence of a visible CCTV camera can act as a crime deterrent, with the ability to put off would-be thieves and vandals by simply being there in eye-shot.

Police reports indicate that over 1000 burglaries occurred in Rhondda Cynon Taf between May 2018 and April 2019. Needless to say, for businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf, CCTV can be extremely important.

Why IDS?

At IDS Security, we offer knowledgeable advice and expert guidance, backed by over 20 years of industry experience.

We continually strive to remain up to date on the cutting edge of CCTV technology to ensure we provide the most fitting security solutions for today’s marketplace.

As a result, our CCTV services are truly state of the art, utilising fibre-optic transmission, computer monitoring and modern digital recording to provide the most effective security measures available.

When it comes to CCTV, Rhondda Cynon Taf is in good hands with IDS Security.

Types of CCTV for Rhondda Cynon Taf

With our wide range of security cameras, Rhondda Cynon Taf businesses are virtually spoilt for choice when it comes to CCTV options.

From traditional CCTV cameras to high-tech digital recorders, we can provide a close-circuit solution that’s right for you and your business.

Our CCTV services include the following:

PTZ Camera

IP Cameras & Surveillance

External CCTV Detection Units

Digital Video Recorder and NVR

Hard Drive Recorders

For an in-depth run-down of our extensive CCTV services, call now on 029 20 753 251 and speak with one of our helpful advisors. Alternatively, get in touch online using the button below and we’ll respond in due course.

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For many modern businesses, the term “security” is often immediately associated with firewalls, anti-virus and spyware protection. However, physical security of the premises themselves can be just as important, if not more so.

While cybersecurity is undoubtedly extremely important in 2019 and beyond, lack of on-site protection and second-rate safeguarding can leave your business extremely vulnerable from a physical standpoint.

Think of it as locking your valuables in a safe before you go on holiday, only to leave the front door to your house wide open. One is only as good as the other and security across the board is vital.

Crime Statistics

In figures released in April of 2019, the Office of National Statistics reported that 2018 saw a notable 11% increase in police recorded robbery offences. That should come as a stark warning to any business that values their property, premises and their personnel.

If you’re a business owner, general manager of decisionmaker in your working environment, it’s inherently important to take care of your staff and your inventory so be sure to bolster your security for your business with the appropriate safety measures.

Business Crime

The Crime Victimisation Survey published at the tail-end of 2018 revealed that there were almost 8.5 million crimes committed against businesses in the year of 2017. Somewhat expectedly, businesses in the wholesale and retail sector were hit hardest; however, the sheer magnitude of this fact was quite shocking.

Based on the CVS stats, out of the 8.5m reported crimes in their study, a whopping 8.1m of these were committed in the wholesale and retail industry. By contrast, the manufacturing industry allegedly saw just 117k crimes committed.

That being said, that doesn’t mean your business is off the hook if it lies outside of the wholesale/retail category. More than anything else, these statistics prove that thieves, burglars and robbers are extremely opportunistic and the slightest chink in the armour can be seen as a golden opportunity. As such, safeguarding your business is beyond important.

Crime Trends

Before you send out an office-wide alert striking fear into the hearts of all employees, it’s not all doom and gloom on the statistical front. An impending mugging is not an inevitability, so don’t feel the need to carry mace on every trip to the canteen.

While robbery has seen a dramatic increase, burglary has seen a marginal decrease with a 3% drop by the close of 2018. However, this comes following a 6% rise in March 2018 and a preceding 3% rise in March 2017. So, while it is good news, it’s a million miles from the all clear.

Security Solutions

Luckily, there are a variety of ways to improve your business security measures, many of which can be implemented with minimal fuss, disruption or inconvenience.

As experts in security, IDS Security Systems knows a thing or two about safeguarding businesses. We have been providing security solutions since 1996 and our experiences in that time make for good advice, particularly when it comes to business security.

In our experience, whether you’re a shop owner, an office manager or otherwise, there are certain security systems no business can afford to do without.

CCTV Cameras

From traditional CCTV systems to digital IP cameras, state-of-the-art surveillance is key for on-site security. Remote-controlled systems that provide remote enabling of site facilities (such as lights, doors and gates) can be particularly useful.

Intruder Alarms

A quality intruder alarm will provide 24/7 monitoring of your premises for round the clock updates and alerts. This can often be supplemented with on-call engineers to ensure complete year-round security.

Access Control Systems

Whether it’s a single door or a multi-site network, access control panels are ideal for secure internal and external entry points. These are commonly available for both electronic and magnetic door release and typically compatible with smart cards, fobs and intercoms for minimal disruption.

Security Barriers

Particularly useful for parking sites, public buildings and commercial properties, security barriers offer efficient control of vehicles and pedestrians to your site. These typically range in style from automated gates and barriers to rising bollards and turnstiles.

Fire Alarms

While not always crime related, fire alarms are one of the most important security measures for any property – commercial or domestic. Ensure the safety of your property and your workers with a comprehensive fire alarm that offers 24-hour supervision.

Business Crime Prevention

Whether you opt for all, some or a combination of the above, you can rest assured that your business is as safe and secure as possible. Stop crime on your dime and provide your workers with something money can’t buy – peace of mind.

For more information on security measures for your business, feel free to contact IDS Security Systems personally on 029 20 753 251 and discuss your business security in further detail.

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