Despite many of the Auckland based Police reports you might read showing ‘reported’ crime dropping year on year. ‘Real’ crime rates continue to rise, this makes improving the safety of your home and and business even more important.
Everyone looks to protect the people and the things they cherish most, their family, home and business. There is an increase in the number of home and business owners in Auckland who realize the importance of alarm monitoring systems.

Despite not being at home or on-site all the time, they have peace of mind knowing that everything is safe and that they will be alerted if this changes.

Top Benefits of Alarm Monitoring

Quick Response to Break-Ins
Although home security systems are effective, they are simply lights and sirens when unmonitored. When was the last time you turned your head when a car alarm went off?
A monitored alarm sends a signal to the monitoring station the second the alarm goes off. For those with CCTV, they can easily see whether it’s a true break in or a false alarm. This helps a lot in reducing costly call out fees and your cellphone ringing at 3am.

Fire Detection
Alarm monitoring is not only just about detect intruders. You can have your carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms be monitored. This will allow the monitoring company to alert the fire department directly.

Or in cases of other home emergencies, alarm systems have a panic feature. This activates the alarm by remote and alerts the monitoring company for an immediate response.

Peace of Mind
This is the most important aspect of an alarm system. There are various reasons to protect the home, but the main concern is the safety of your family and assets. Monitored alarm systems can ease the stress and worry by ensuring your family will always be coming back to a secure house.

Home versus Commercial Monitoring

There are two kinds of monitoring: home and commercial. Aside from the costs, knowing the differences will help home and business owners understand the advantages and limitations of their monitoring service.
Home Monitoring- This operates through the use of home security systems which may include the following alert devices: smoke and heat sensors, carbon monoxide detectors and entry / motion sensors.

Home monitoring has 24/7 alarm surveillance, which means that a control center is permanently watching the home, always ready to dispatch a response team.

Commercial Monitoring- Whether your business is a local shop  or a large warehousing facility, it needs a reliable and user friendly security system which may include the following: video surveillance, access control, burglar alarm, fire detection and carbon monoxide alarms, energy management, mobile solutions, and even environmental hazard monitoring.

Activation Only versus Full Service Monitoring

Activation Only Monitoring- The standard monitoring service which responds to alarm activations, informs you of fault signals and logs all system activation/deactivation history.
Full Service Monitoring- This is activation only monitoring plus additional security services such as regular night patrols, open and closing monitoring checked against a schedule – identification calls (if staff come in early or stay late, the monitoring company will call to identify them)

Live in Auckland and Want a Monitored Alarm System For Your Home or Business?

Use our quote request form to the right hand side of the page to get a free onsite quote of a fully monitored alarm system for your home or business.

Although the prices vary depending on the alarm monitoring company, basic monitoring is usually around $1 per day. Additional services and full service monitoring prices increase from there
Safety and security is an investment, having a good alarm system that is monitored 24/7 installed in your house or business will keep you, your family, staff and assets protected

The post Home and Commercial Monitored Alarms Auckland appeared first on Security Search - Home and Commercial Security.

There are a number of high quality brands of burglar alarms available throughout NZ, with alarms and security systems to suit everything from entry level residential needs to top of the range, heavy use commercial requirements.

Though crime rates throughout the country remain relatively low on an international standard.

A steady increase in some urban areas such as parts of Auckland, Wellington and particularity Christchurch have resulted in increased demand for burglar alarms and security systems for homes and businesses.

Bosch

Bosch is a worldwide supplier of trusted high quality security products and a leader in innovation and design. Bosch offers a complete range of home security system components for both residential applications as well as large commercial installations.

Bosch is considered by many security experts as the industry leaders in quality alarms. They are particularly strong in the residential market due to reliability and a reasonable component cost. Bosch is the go-to brand for many professional alarm installers in NZ.

Keypads

The solution series keypads includes 10 models of keypads including the popular ICP-CP516W and ICP-CP508W models. All pieces are attractive and designed to blend in with today’s contemporary homes. You will find the main differences to be in display features.

All Solution series keypads include:

• Single button arming
• Back lit screen and buttons
• Fire, medical and panic alarm functions

Control Panels

Solution series control panels come in 5 sub-lines offering to the CC610PB

Main features of Solution control panels include:

• Multiple users
• Partition for multiple zones
• Access control integrability
• Proximity keypads

Detectors/Sensors

The motion PIR Blue Line series contains 6 unique sensors, all designed to perform in different environments.

All are are able to be integrated into a wide variety of Bosch alarm installations

Aimed at residential and light commercial applications such as shopfronts.

The 3 most popular sensors in this series include:

• ISM-BLP1 – A passive infrared detector and the most affordable in the range. It is best utilised when animals and overly active areas are not in the area, such as a retail environment.

• ISM-BLQ1 – This quad PIR unit acts like two detectors on one and is designed further reduce false alarms, and can be used accurately in areas of high activity. If you have a regular motion in one part of your room that would cause a normal detector to go off, this will not.

• ISM-BLD1-P – This alarm combines infrared and microwave technology to provide the most sensitive detection system available from Bosch. It is suitable for commercial use and also residential properties where large pets are present.

Bosch offer complete range of security products including smoke detectors, CCTV cameras, wireless microphone systems and much more.

Expect to pay $699+ GST for an entry level Bosch domestic system with 2 PIR motion sensors.

For a more convenient wireless system expect to pay $899+ GST

DSC

DSC (Digital Security Controls) was founded in 1979 and is a global, Toronto based company that services over 140 countries worldwide, and specializes in producing products that are easy to install and upgrade.

All DSC products come out of their Canada and Italy manufacturing facilities. There are no low quality import components when it comes to DSC.

DSC has a quality range of detectors known as the Bravo series. These sensors utilise similar technology to the Bosch systems in terms of combining infrared and microwave detection systems to produce a highly sensitive, pet-proof system that greatly reduces false alarms.

The Bravo range also offers digital temperature compensation to ensure that detection occurs across a wide thermal range.

DSC also offers a range of outdoor motion sensors suitable for commercial or residential use with low light functioning, waterproof qualities, pet-proof sensing and thermal regulation.

Also in the commercial range from DSC are the Acuity Glass Break Detectors (AC-100 and AC-102), using both shock and acoustic sensors for highly accurate and reliable results.

While still not widely available in NZ. DSC’s recently release the PowerSeries TouchScreen Security System (PTK5507) is hailed as the next generation of home security and smart home automation combined.

With it’s 7″ full color touch display it looks and operates more like an ipad than the standard alarm keypad we’ve all long become accustom to.

DSC produces a range of other products including home security systems, CCTV cameras, and top of the range alarm monitoring software.

Expect to pay $649+ GST for a standard DSC domestic system with 2 sensors.

For a basic wireless system expect to pay $849+ GST

Paradox

Paradox has been providing burglar alarms in NZ for over 20 years, and also offers CCTV camera systems.

The company has most recently been focusing heavily on software development to accompany their products.

Paradox has a high quality range of motion detectors and sensors available for commercial or residential use.

These products utilize pulse signal processing (a patented technology) to drastically reduce the number of false alarms, and automatic temperature compensation to ensure function over a wide thermal range.

There are currently 13 digital sensors in the Paradox range, allowing for a wide range of applications.

The reliable digiguard series includes models like the DG55 and Elegance are ideal for everyday use.

Where high performance is a must choose a product from the Envy line like the DG85 Outdoor High-Security Digital Motion Detector.

The DG85 boasts the following features:

• Impact and temperature resistant casing

• Patented digital motion detection

• High reliability and false alarm free

• Dual optical filtering system

• Multi level sensitivity adjustment

Expect to pay $699+ GST for the entry level Paradox domestic system with 2 PIR motion detectors.

If you want to go wireless – expect to pay $899+ GST

Micron

Micron products have been designed and manufactured in NZ for over 35 years, making them the number one local choice.

Micron specialises in surveillance equipment, intercoms, medical emergency response equipment and a range of home security systems.

In terms of burglar alarms, Micron are right up with the leading international brands like Bosch and Paradox and DSC

Their range of Scorpion sensors use a combination of infrared and microwave technology for greater detection, and with pet immune technology to reduce false alarms.

Micron’s entry level Scorpion Z6L control panel provides reliability with 6 zones and 12 user codes.

For demanding commercial installations the Z16040C provides all the options and the zones you need, along with up to 4 partitions.

Micron’s line of security components also features a quality glass break sensor the BG100, adding another level of security to your home or business.

Micron also produces high quality access control, surveillance, medical alert and intercom products

If you’re looking to support a local business, Micron is a great option for burglar alarms in New Zealand, offering reliability, affordability and high quality products.

Expect to pay $599+ GST for an entry level Micron domestic alarm system with 2 motion sensors.

If you want to go wireless – expect to pay around $749+ GST

Crow

The Crow Group designs and manufactures advanced security solutions for the worldwide integrated security market, and specialise in intrusion, access control and CCTV systems across residential, commercial and industrial markets.

Crow offers a range of wireless detectors with their Freewave series, as well as glass break, shock detectors, and regular wall or ceiling mount detectors.

The MR series of detectors represents the top of the Crow range, and utilises new technology to enhance the signal to noise ratio, drastically reducing the number of false alarms.

Crow’s flagship Serenity alarm system is a beautiful and functional control centre for your home security system.

Featuring 32 wireless zones, 2 way voice, LCD display, and wireless relay for home automation integration.

Crow also have the Smart series which utilise the latest in detection system technologies to provide products with high sensitivity and excellent systems for discriminating between human movement and pets or other motion.

Expect to pay $599+ GST for a basic Crow home alarm system with 2 motion detectors.

For a wireless system – expect to pay around $749+ GST

OEM Brands

There are a number of burglar alarms in New Zealand that are manufactured by one brand and then purchased and distributed by another in NZ.

For instance, Bosch burglar alarms are currently distributed throughout New Zealand by Connect Security, and CCTV systems from Bosch are currently distributed by Zone Technology.

While this is not the case for a majority of burglar alarms in New Zealand, it does occur in some instances.

Summary

There are a number of high quality brands of burglar alarms available for purchase in New Zealand.

Internationally renowned brands Bosch and Paradox currently provide the highest quality and utilise the latest technology in burglar alarms.

These are our picks for a reliable and effective home security solution.

While local companies such as Micron offer a made in New Zealand alternative that is able to rival the quality and features of the larger brands.

As home automation reaches more mass market, expect to see these larger brands move into the next generation of fully wireless smart alarm systems with full color touch screen displays and complete smart phone integration.

While many of these great features are already available they are still expensive, particularly in New Zealand where the standard entry levels alarm systems still account for more than 80% of residential alarm installations.

For more information on any of these brands and a security system to suit your needs. Use the quote form to receive a free a quick no-obligation quote 

The post Top Brands Of Burglar Alarms NZ appeared first on Security Search - Home and Commercial Security.

During the daytime, many businesses have a large areas of space open to the public and have people coming and going, it is easy for thieves to plan sneaky robberies.

Daytime thieves will usually target handbags, wallets and laptops which are easy to take and conceal.

At night time, businesses rely on entrance locks and security systems to prevent and deter burglars from targeting their site.

Business robberies are usually more planned and organised than home burglaries, thieves target specific businesses, have seen the site layout in the daytime and know exactly what they are looking for usually stock/inventory or specialised equipment.

Primary security

• Get a commercial grade security system installed by a professional alarm company

• Make sure your installer has shown at least 2 people in your business how to check your alarm system is operating properly. Then put a testing schedule every 6 months so you know your system is in good working order

• Get your security system monitored by a professional monitored alarm company

• Install a CCTV surveillance system for the exterior and interior, particularly at main entrances/exits and areas of key importance e.g. stock rooms, rooms containing safes

• Consider installing a keypad or biometric access control system, limit levels of access to employees as much as is practical

Individual security

• Employees should lock their computer screen when they are away from their desk. This prevents unauthorised use and data theft.

• Employees should lock their offices if leaving the building

• Employees should avoid leaving hand bags under the tables, wallets/key in unlocked drawers, especially important in open plan offices

Site security

• Ensure all visitors are signed in at reception, this ensures a record of people coming in and out of the office

• Laptops are a one of the most common targets for thieves in a commercial setting, cable / plate locks should be installed at desks. In addition to the replacement laptop cost, data theft can be an even much greater concern

• Petty cash should be kept in a locked cash box, inside a locked draw. Limit key holders of boxes and draws to the minimum that is practical

• Ensure all employees in the relevant areas are aware if a tradesman will be working in their area on a given day. This improves chances employees will pay attention if unscheduled tradesmen move about their sites.

The post 12 Security Tips For Safer Businesses appeared first on Security Search - Home and Commercial Security.

Retailers and cash businesses are high risk categories for targeted theft. Businesses in the liquor, pharmacy and nightclub/bar trades are extremely high risk categories.

These recommendations have been provided by professionals who have extensive experience in retail and cash business security.

Primary security systems

• Get a burglar alarm installed by a professional alarm company!

• Make sure your installer has shown you how to check your alarm system is operating properly. Then set a testing schedule every 6 months so you know your system is in good working order

• Have your security system monitored by a professional monitored alarm company

• Install a CCTV surveillance system for the exterior and interior, particularly at entrances and the till/counter area

Secondary security systems

• Consider installing a safe with a drop-chute, businesses which handle large amounts of cash should be depositing sums throughout the day to ensure complete days takings are not held in tills

• Consider installing a panic button at the till area

• Convex mirrors allow you to see down aisles and in corners where shoplifters are most likely to steal, they are also a good deterrent

• Display burglar alarm and monitored alarm stickers/signs prominently on gates, entrances and windows as deterrents

Security procedures

• If you sell high risk items such as cigarettes, insure minimal stock is kept on display and on premises. If possible store excess stock in a locked safe, and move all stock to the safe on close of business

• Particularly if your business is in an extremely high risk sector such as liquor retail ensure you have at least two staff members on site and visible throughout trading.

• Always ensure you have at least two people on site for closing

The post 11 Security Tips For Retail And Cash Businesses appeared first on Security Search - Home and Commercial Security.

Access control directs how employees, contractors and visitors gain entry and exit to and from your commercial site.

Access control systems are well worth considering as part of your security system upgrade. They are able to be fully integrated with CCTV and monitored alarms giving you trusted security and a clear picture of what is happening on your site whether you are present or not.

Benefits of business access control

• Security improvements

No more lost employee keys or worrying about potential security breaches when a disgruntled employee leaves the company

With an access control system, employee access to the building can be immediately erased from the system and completely withdrawn.

• Entry and exit records

Access control systems keep track of all entries and exits. Know when employees started work for the day and left at the end and who oddly came back at 9pm for half an hour.

• Access limitation

Access control systems allow you to setup people for different levels of access to the building during restricted times.

For instance, contracting clearers may be given an access code which allows them access the building between the hours of 7-10pm Monday to Friday, outside of these hours their access code will not work.

A part time telemarketing employee may have no business being on any floor other than level 1, thus their proximity card only allows access to level 1 of the building

Types of access control systems

Many access control systems are combining two or more access control methods for flexibility and additional levels of security. e.g. A proximity card pad with finger print access control

• Proximity card access control

Currently the most common type of access control system for commercial applications. Unlike old technology swipe card systems which require the magnetic strip to pass through the reader, proximity cards only need to be waved over the reader to work.

Ideal suited to both small, medium and large business applications

• Keypad access control

Keypads and an extremely popular method of access control, they require numerical passwords that are used for keyless entry. Multiple passwords including temporary passwords can be programmed for flexibility.

Best suited for small to medium sized businesses

Biometric access control

A sub-catagory of access control that utilises a part of human body for identification. This includes finger print scanning, voice recognition, iris scanning, facial scanning. The trend in popularity is a move towards non invasive biometrics which require zero physical contact with person and scanner.

• Finger print scanning

Fingerprint scanners are well tested, fast and one of the most reliable biometric access control systems in the market at present. Finger print scanners come with attendance software which operates like a detailed punch card for employees. Fully integratable with burglar alarms, finger printer scanners are best suited to smaller and medium sized operations

• Iris scanning

Not to be confused with retina scanning which is an entirely different process. Iris scanning seems a bit futuristic though is already being applied in access control by high end hotels, leading airports and other forward thinking businesses

While still at the premium pricing end of the biometric access control market, iris scanning is quickly gaining popularity for it’s high data capturing ability and non intrusive nature.

Ideally suited for medium to large businesses

• Facial scanning

Facial scanning is extremely accurate with a low error rate and lightening fast speed. Costs are currently high for this for this newer biometric, although as prices steadily decrease it is sure to be a favored method of access control.

Best suited for medium to large operations

•  Voice recognition

While there are a number of voice recognition access control products on the market many security professionals feel their reliability is not yet high enough when compared to other biometric access control alternatives.

As interest and demand is high, access control hardware companies are continuously improving voice recognition technology, it will not be long before voice recognition access control products are as reliable as finger print scanners.

Summary

A growing number of New Zealand businesses are now installing access control systems to improve site security and employee time record keeping.

The biometric access control business is focusing on the continued development of less invasive methods of scanning.

While keypad and fingerprint scanners systems remain the most popular in the NZ market, we can expect to see more voice and facial recognition technologies jostling for better position.

The post Business Access Control Systems appeared first on Security Search - Home and Commercial Security.

Break and enter records for 2012 published by the NZ Police show 7334 reported cases for the Auckland area.

More than 28% of these cases relate to to commercial premises and frighteningly only 7.8% of cases were actually resolved

Commercial alarm systems are required to be more sophisticated than home alarm systems as they are designed and installed to protect property of far greater value.

Warehouses, retail shops, hotels, restaurants and offices all require alarms systems to protect inventory, equipment and information.

The most common improvements from simple home burglar alarms include an improved variety of sensors and the installation of  CCTV / IP surveillance cameras

CCTV / IP camera systems

Internal and external site surveillance recording is a strong deterrent for burglars, installing CCTV at front entrances where they can be easily seen from road side can stop many unplanned burglaries.

Should a break in occur from a planned burglary, camera footage can be used in identifying thieves. Though in many burglary situations, especially night time robberies – intruders will be wearing head coverings like balaclavas making identification difficult.

In these situations CCTV is still very useful in assessing how intruders gained access to the site, what they were looking for and improving overall security to minimize future break ins.

Security cameras improve employee safety on site, by monitoring what happens on site during and after hours. Any problem events will be captured on camera and can be used to identify perpetrators.

For retailers, CCTV has long been used to lower instances of shoplifting and employee theft. Both of which are large contributors to decreases in profits for businesses

Commercial access control

Swipe card access control is the most popular and common form of access control for commercial sites.

Keypad access control is still widely used commercial sites, used however lacks some of the flexibility allowed by more modern swipe card systems.

Finger print access control is the second most popular form of access control in NZ and is used by a lot of smaller to medium businesses.

Access control improves security by enabling different levels of access to be granted to separate people, instant cancellation of access when required and of course detailed access history records.

Sensor upgrades

While home alarm systems commonly use simple infra-red motion sensors, high tech sensors are more suitable for commercial applications

• Glass break sensors

Glass break sensors pickup the frequency of broken glass, installed near main windows or glass doors

• Photoelectric detectors / point to point beams

These sensors emit a beam between that runs between to two laser units, if something passes through the beam, the alarm is activated (think red light beams and diamond heist movies)

• Vibration detectors / shock sensors

Vibration detectors sense the vibrations made when a break in attempt is in place. They are installed at break in entrances i.e windows and doors.

• Reed switches

These magnetic sensors are used to detect unauthorized opening of doors and windows.

 They work by operating as a closed circuit and are activated when the magnetic circuit is broken i.e when the door or window is opened.

Smoke screen security

Smoke screen devices work by emitting a thick cloud of non-staining smoke upon break-in. This makes it difficult if not impossible for thieves to find what they are looking for and move about the site.

Smoke screen security are an effective means of internal security as they can help to foil burglary attempts even after thieves gain access into the building.

They are becoming especially popular with businesses who hold valuable stock which can easily be stolen in a smash and grab burglary.

Summary

Talk to our alarm installation professionals about the variety of fully customizable commercial alarm systems.

They will tailor them to your unique business taking into account your unique associated business risks.

If the need and the budget is there for your business to install a high tech commercial alarm system. You will be pleased to know there are virtually limitless upgrades in system features available on the market, remember the security system for the Bellagio vault in the Ocean’s Eleven, this gives you an idea of what is possible.

The post Auckland Commercial Alarm Systems appeared first on Security Search - Home and Commercial Security.