Why you shouldn’t set traps for burglars

Home security is an important factor to consider in your house, apartment, business etc. Many people think it may be wise or even fun to set a booby trap in order to possibly catch a burglar in the act! But there are a number of legal reasons and dangers involved in attempting to trap a burglar. Here are some reasons that might make you think twice before setting a trap for a burglar:

Booby traps are illegal – The most important reason to avoid attempting to trap a burglar is the fact that it is illegal! A booby trap is a concealed or camouflaged device designed to cause bodily harm when triggered by and action of a person making contact with the device. This term includes guns, ammunition, explosives, nails, spikes or toxic fumes and gases.

You probably believe that you can act in self-defense if an intruder enters your home, but it often happens that people who do just that find themselves facing legal action. So basically if you set up a trap to protect your property from intruders you will be responsible for any injury or death even if it is of a burglar.

You are putting yourself in danger – It may be tempting to try and catch a burglar in the act, even if the trap has no harmful effects. However, there really is no way to know how effective your trap will be in the event of a break-in.  Let’s say you decide to make a trap for a burglar and someone breaks into your home, there is a huge possibility that the trap might fail horribly and the burglar will be irritated and aware of your presence!

So you will never know how effective your trap will be until you test it out in real life, but why would you want to do that and put your family at risk? Instead it would be wise to consider a professional home security system from SIS – Security & Investigation Services. Always remember that even the best home designed trap isn't going to be as effective as a security system provided by a company specializing in home protection.

Leave it up to the professionals – While there are some safety precautions to deter burglars, use them in addition to a home security system monitored by a 24/7 professional monitoring team. Additional burglar deterrents include:
- Installing motion detecting lights outside your home
- Locking your doors and windows
- Placing security signs and decals on the exterior of your property
- Having a dog or a “beware of dog” sign
- installing fake or real security cameras around your home

Nonetheless, some individuals still decide to design and set their own traps for burglars. No one’s saying you shouldn't defend yourself from intruders. You just shouldn't set a premeditated trap for what you suspect might happen.

There are countless solutions to deterring criminal activity on your property, the main one being a monitored home security system. Contact SIS – Security & Investigation Services for a professional, reliable home security system.

Written By: Christine Romans

How to stay safe during load shedding

Get your candles and your torches ready because there may be more load shedding on the cards for a long time to come. With power cuts happening all across the country at random times during the course of the day, it can cause people to feel unsafe in their own homes, especially at night. Some private security companies said that load shedding can wreak havoc with alarm systems and the signals sent to your security provider’s control room.

Many people believe that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted, however, all modern alarms should have a backup battery pack that automatically activates when the electricity is cut.

When load shedding happens in your home,  keep in mind that it can increase the possibility of a false alarm activation and even though you might have a backup battery pack for your alarm system, it is important that your test your alarm on a regular basis.

Testing your alarm is a simple procedure which will take less than five minutes of your time. Make sure the testing is done as early as possible so that technicians can address any problems that they may find.

During power cuts burglars see one thing – opportunity. They are the most comfortable in the dark and can easily break into your home without being seen, especially if your alarm system has gone haywire. That’s why it is important to remember to lock all your doors and make sure your windows are closed and secure. Light candles and torches ton provide some light, but never leave an open flame unattended!

If you don’t want to be caught unawares, you should consider installing LED technology which is combined into the alarm systems wiring and will automatically switch on for a maximum of 15 minutes when the electricity cuts out.

When the dreaded load shedding happens, it’s simply inconvenient and it could be potentially dangerous too! Remember to check the schedule ahead of time to make sure you are safe and secure in your home. 

For a professional home security system contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they can provide you with a variety of services from guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

The link between your yard and home security

Did you know that the state of your yard can really impact the chances of your home being burglarized? It’s a fact that burglars will scan the neighbourhood and search for ideal targets; some of the things they look for are the luxuriousness of your house, visibility of your valuables and the signs of a home security system. But these aren't the only factors, read through these facts and make sure your home is extra safe.

Tall trees and bushes attract burglars
If your home is looking like the Amazon Rainforest, it’s time to get out the weed eater! Homes with many trees, vines and plants will draw burglars in – the overgrowing distractions will provide a great cover. Burglars prefer to be seen as little as possible and some people make it all too easy for them to stay hidden, so it’s best to always remember to keep your trees trimmed and foliage at a minimum. The last thing you want is for burglars to be tempted to sneak onto your property under the cover of darkness!

Fencing is also problematic
Be weary of tall fences, often they can be more inviting to a burglar than tall trees and bushes. It may seem strange because fences are supposed to keep people out, but its important to be aware that they could also double as a hiding spot. If you have a tall fence covering part of your house, you may want to think about upgrading your home security or replacing it with a tall gate.

An unkempt lawn means you’re not home
Maybe you just haven’t gotten around to mowing the grass lately and your lawn as become tall, wild and completely out of control, you should know that an unkempt lawn can draw the interest of burglars. Having an unmanaged lawn sends a message that you might be away on holiday for a long time! Yes, we all hate yard work, but it’s important to keep our grass and weeds in order at all times, it’s not just about having the best looking lawn on the block!

Yard signs make a great addition
How do you decorate your yard? Flower beds? Gnomes? Pretty benches? Well, you might want to think about adding a couple of home security yard signs to the mix! Even if you don’t actually have a home security system installed you can still scare burglars by posting signs on your wall and windows with home security logos and warnings.

All a well-kept yard needs is a lawnmower, a pair of clippers , the services of an actual gardener or home security system. A burglar loves an easy target, and your landscaping may be drawing them in! 

Take your home security to the next level with a quality home security system from SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they pride themselves on protecting your home or business.

Written By: Christine Romans

The best times to buy a home security system

So when is the best time to buy a home security system? You might think you know the answer: when you buy a home or move into a new place, but there isn't one right answer to that question. Here are some of the best times for you to get busy installing your home security system…

*You just moved*
You've just moved into a new flat or apartment, you have a van full of your most important possessions sitting right outside for the whole world to see. Whenever you move, everything you own is right out in the open, and anyone can take a quick peek.

There’s a myth that home security systems aren't an option for you if you’re renting a place, this isn't true at all. Gone are the days of drilling holes in walls just to install your security system, many security systems are specially designed for people who rent apartments or flats.

*You just bought really nice equipment*
The whole neighbourhood officially knows about your brand new 3D flat screen TV and your Porsche shining through your garage windows. It’s okay, it’s natural to want to show off your new stuff to your friends and neighbours, it’s horrible to have to live in fear of someone knowing you've got them and then stealing them.

While you’re busy showing off your new equipment why not show off your fancy home security system too, that way word will spread that no one should attempt to burgle your home. Keep in mind that its also a good idea to take extra precautions and cut up the boxes from your new toys before you place them outside your home by the bin.

*You’re going on vacation*
It’s the festive season, so why would you want to spend your whole holiday worrying about if someone has broken into your home or not? That one Facebook picture of you relaxing on the beach in Miami could be all it takes to convince a burglar to get up and take advantage of your unprotected home.

Majority of burglaries take place when no one is home and when your one vacation this means an even longer period of time when no one is checking in. there is one simple solution – get a home security system! An alarm system and an alarm monitoring service and you’ll know about anything that happens while you’re enjoying your holiday.

*You've got a new roommate*
A new roomie can come with a lot of interesting baggage: forgetting to lock the door or a crazy ex-lover. So even if you are super careful with your security, that doesn't mean that your new roomie will be too. Getting a home security system will help to remind your roommate, plus you can always be in control of your flat or apartment from wherever you are.

Always remember that your roommate is new so make sure to inform them about services and visitors - they won’t know that you don’t have a monthly carpet cleaner coming in and could let in a potential burglar. 

You don’t need to sit and wait for the “right time”? The truth is the best time to get a home security system is before you need it. Not after your house has been burgled, you never know what could happen. Getting a home security system is like wearing a seat belt in your car, chances are you’re not going to crash, but wearing it will make sure you are protected if you do. So if you’re driving through life always make sure to wear the seatbelt that is your home security system, and put it on before you have an accident!

For all your home security services contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they over a wide variety of services ranging from CCTV off site and alarm monitoring to general guarding and farm protection. 

Written By: Christine Romans

Weird home security devices that might actually work

There are many home security products available, most of them are fairly straightforward, like the average home security system or motion activated lights. On the other hand there are many strange and unusual devices that have been made in order to keep your home safe, here are some of the weirdest home security solutions:

FakeTV – The FakeTV is a cheap, clever home security measure. Having a timer or timed lights is a common security feature, but the FakeTV Burglar Detergent is something else entirely. It is a clever little gadget that that emits a light that is supposed to be the same as the glow from your TV, giving burglars the impression that someone is at home watching TV.

SmokeCloak – The SmokeCloak is the top of the line product for security fog, it is said to be highly effective, because burglars cant steal what they can’t see, right? The smoke from SmokeCloak is odorless and harmless, so it might be one of the few strange security products that actually work effectively.

Meet Tango – This is a clever home security audio that gives nosy neighbours and burglars the impression that there is a big, noisy dog in your house. Meet Tango is sold on CD and MP3 format and the audio can be played for as long as needed, while it might not be the most effective solution it is simple and cheap!

The Mosquito – If you have a problem with people loitering near your business or home then this just might be the solution for you. The mosquito makes an annoying buzzing sound at a frequency that only people aged between 13 – 25 years can hear, but there’s also a setting to annoy adults older than that too!

To be fair, some of these devices are clever and made add a level of security to your home, but majority of them are weird, useless and show how much people misunderstand about home security, they’re much better as harmless items for entertainment and a few laughs.

For a proper, professional home security system, contact SIS–Security & Investigation Services. They’ll protect you, your home and your business without any fake TV’s, security fog or annoying sounds.

Written By: Christine Romans

7 common homeowner mistakes – A burglar’s view

Do you know how a burglar thinks? A lot of research has been done lately to really see what’s going on in the mind of a burglar, and what exactly leads them to target your home instead of the one next door. Here are some things your neighbourhood thief doesn't want you to know:

- Ladders are awesome

Do you know how easy it is for me to climb through a second story window when there’s already a handy ladder leaning against your house or hiding behind your shed! You probably aren't even worried about locking your upstairs windows when your front door is bolted up tight, ladders just make breaking in a walk in the park.

Solution: Keep all your windows and doors locked, even the windows on the second floor and always make sure any ladders are hidden away in the garage or shed.

- Rubbish is like a catalogue
The holidays are the best time of the year, I can rummage through your trash and find out exactly what’s in your house. Where did that brand new flat screen TV’s box go or the box for your fancy new iPhone? It went in the bin, great!

Solution: Never, ever leave boxes of expensive items outside your house by the bin. If its possible take them directly to the garbage dump.

- Piles of mail are a dead giveaway
Who lets there postbox overflow and pile up? People on holiday, that’s who! I’m going to be pretty serious about robbing a house that’s so obviously empty.

Solution: Before you leave to go on holiday call the post office and tell them to hold your post until you’re back, or you can just get a neighbour or friend to collect your mail for you.

- Untrimmed bushes and dark areas are my favourite hiding spots
The more overgrown your bushes are, the more excited I am to hide in them especially if they’re near a window! Even better there are no outside lights that are set off by motion, now I can break into your home and you won’t even notice me.

Solution: Make sure your bushes and trees are as neat as possible so they don’t double as hiding spots, it is also a good idea to install motion sensor outside lights for extra security.

- Nothing is better than an alarm system with a view
I simply love being able to see your alarm system, whether it’s in a reflection or through a mirror I can easily see if its armed or not and tell what I’m getting myself into. You’d be surprised how many times reflections and mirrors have helped me break in.

Solution: If you’re planning to leave the house or go on holiday and your alarm system is visible through a window or in a reflection make sure to cover it up properly with blinds or shades.

- Burglars love Facebook too
When you sit and brag about your trip to Miami or post pictures of your current location in Cancun, I definitely won’t like it, but I will like breaking into your home, knowing that your house is empty.

Solution: It’s so tempting to post pictures and statues about your amazing trip in real time, but it’s safer to just wait until you've returned home.

- Dark houses are the main attraction
If the lights in your home aren't on for 7 days straight it’s a dead giveaway that no one is home, I like to wait a few days just in case, but if no one shows up, I get the show on the road!

Solution: Install a timer in some rooms that will turn lights on and off, that way your house will look lived in. burglars will be more cautious to break into a home if they see changing lights at different times of the day.

When a burglar does decide that your home is the one, only a monitored alarm system has the power to ensure that emergency personnel are dispatched to your home immediately, contact SIS – Security & Investigation Services for a professional home security system, they pride themselves on protecting your home or business.

Written By: Christine Romans