Top tips on how to secure your property this Christmas
Remote monitoring isn’t just for Christmas. Good security measures are essential, whatever the season. Even so, regular CCTV service checks throughout the year are easily forgotten. However, as winter approaches it’s particularly important to pay attention to how your system is operating, which is why we at PSM are here to provide you with a few informative hints, tips and tricks of how to secure your property whilst keeping yourself safe and making sure your Christmas this year is a merry one.
Here are our top six tips of how to secure your property this Christmas :
Conduct Property Maintenance
There’s an oft-repeated mantra at the PSM control room: the more false alarms a system generates, the less secure it becomes. It is therefore imperative that you clear your property of any objects that, when subjected to the elements, might trigger an alarm. This means clearing away debris, fallen leaves, rubbish and loose materials; and you’ll want to ensure any tarps and covers are tied down securely.
Secure the Perimeter
Severe winds can loosen fence panels, and all manner of things can conceal unwanted gaps. Give your fences and barriers a thorough inspection to identify any openings or fissures. Also, move away from the fence line any vehicles, containers, crates or other objects that could be used as entry or exit points for would-be trespassers.
Check Camera Functionality and Lighting
With the increased likelihood of heavy rain, snow and strong winds, it’s wise to prepare your system for longer nights and the worst weather that winter has to offer. Adverse weather conditions can affect your CCTV’s functionality, and low light can hinder image clarity. Be sure that your cameras are securely mounted, and look out for signs of exposure and wear-and-tear. Detector-activated lights or infrared cameras are good for overseeing darker areas. Check if your PTZ cameras are able to pan, tilt and zoom as they should—they won’t if they’re frozen in place!
Clear Obstructions and Blind Spots
Your cameras are only effective if the image they transmit is clear and distinct, so you don’t want anything obstructing the view. Examine the lenses for dirt and condensation, and trim any overgrown foliage. Spiders like to make their webs in and around cameras, and the reflections from the lens can attract moths and other insects, so try to keep your system as pest-free as possible. A feather-duster and a can of camera-friendly bug repellent works wonders.
Communicate Changes
Changing seasons means changing schedules, and the festive period brings a few holidays along with it: Christmas, New Year and Boxing Day. To keep your property as safe as possible, and to ensure that the system is set and unset at the correct time of day, remember to inform your security provider of any changes to occupation times. It’s also worth keeping your installer abreast of any changes so that maintenance can be scheduled appropriately.
Be Aware
The darker evenings, abundance of presents in houses and relative lack of staff in workplaces are all enticing opportunities for burglars and thieves. When away from your home or business, lock the doors, close the shutters and/or blinds, and consider leaving a light or two on inside to give the impression that the building is occupied. If you’re a homeowner holidaying abroad, arrange for a trusted friend or neighbour to keep watch while the house is vacant.
Wishing you a very safe and Merry Christmas.
For further information, please email Kerry Jones at kerry@psmrvrc.co.uk
Kerry Jones
I’m co-founder of Professional Surveillance Management (PSM) Ltd. PSM has reinvented remote monitoring, allowing us to offer you unique and tailored CCTV solutions.
