Important Questions to Ask about Home Security Systems

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Are you thinking of hiring a security company to monitor and secure your home? Are you aware of the services and packages they offer? Any effective system would notify the monitoring company in the case of a break-in, or if someone tampers with a door or window. Some systems immediately alert homeowners in the case of fires or gas leaks, giving them sufficient time to vacate the building.

If you are looking for a security system for your home, there are several factors to think about. Research providers in your area and see what they offer. The following are pertinent questions you should ask.

  • How does the system work and what protection is offered?
  • Does the security system warn against dangers such as storms, floods, fire or hazardous gases?
  • Does the system function efficiently if there is a power outage?
  • What devices are available in your basic home package?
  • Can the system be customized to suit my needs?
  • How much do these systems cost?
  • Would the installation affect the aesthetics of my home?
  • Does the system cater to the elderly in the case of a medical emergency?

If you are taking care of an elderly person, find out if the company provides medical alert devices. Some popular ones come in the form of a single button to press. There are also devices with a sensor. An elderly person wears the device and it triggers an alarm if they fall.

Once you are comfortable with the answers to these questions, you will be well on your way to securing your home. Acquire a home security system that will be monitored 24/7 and will keep you and your family feeling safe and secure. At Locksley, we have a range of security systems from which to choose. For further information, contact us today.

Need Peace of Mind and Security?

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Protecting your home and preventing robberies is a decision every homemaker wants to make. Some may have a difficult choice in deciding whether to use a Self-monitored Security System or a Company-monitored Security System. Both types of systems may contain sensors on doors and windows, silent or non-silent alarms, security cameras, and motion detectors. However, there are factors that you must be aware of when choosing the right system for your home.

Self-monitored Security System

A basic home system may contain a silent alarm that will notify the homeowner on their phone. A major disadvantage is that some of these self-monitored systems require Wi-Fi. And if there is an outage, they will not be functional. If you miss a notification on your phone, the response time will be delayed. Another point to note is that the homeowner is responsible for contacting the police if the alarm is triggered. Also, you must be careful when reporting, since false alarms are considered a waste of police time. As a homeowner, you may not always have a friend or neighbor who can check the premises when the alarm is sounded.

Company-monitored Security System

A company-monitored system has the alarm (normally a silent one) linked to and controlled by a company. The company monitors your home and notifies the police of a robbery or any other trespassers on your premises. In most cases, you will be contacted first to ensure that it was not a false alarm. Most phone lines are used for these systems, so the owners will get a notification, even during a power outage. Monitoring is done 24/7, so even though the homeowners have to remember to set the alarm, they do not have to do the monitoring themselves.

Feel free to go on vacation and rest assured that your home is properly monitored. Contact us for more information.

Should Business Owners Install a Security System?

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Should you have a security system installed for your business? It is a well-known fact that most people don’t give attention to the subject of security because they believe it is the job of the police to secure their lives and properties. Most businesses don’t see the need to implement security measures within and around their premises but this perception needs to change. Below are the top five reasons why your business needs to install security systems.

1. Protect your business from robbery or theft

The foremost reason why your business needs security systems is to keep the burglars at bay. Knowing that their faces will be captured on video will discourage them from stealing your goods or equipment.

2. Increase employees’ overall productivity

This will prevent them from slacking or sleeping while on duty. They know that video recordings can be played back to show what happened when the boss is not around.

3. Prevent employee theft

Due to the trust and confidence that the employer gives his employees, employee theft is a challenge many business owners face. Hidden cameras will enable you to catch the real culprit especially if he or she is one of your employees.

4. Attract customers to your establishment

Having a security system makes your customers feel at ease knowing that you are monitoring the activities in your establishment.

5. Great way to gather evidence

The cameras in your security system enable you to document the activities and actual events in your establishment. The recordings will help the police gather the evidence they need to catch culprits in the unfortunate event of an armed robbery.

Security is a personal duty, and should not be reserved for the government security agencies alone. Increasing your security awareness will pay in the long run. At Locksley, we can install a reliable security system that is right for your property. Contact us now for pricing.

Top-Rated Security Cameras in 2019

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Security cameras are vital assets in protecting your home and property. Thieves can get away with ease if you don’t use the right technology to identify them. Modern outdoor security cameras offer the convenience of smart home device features with high-quality camera technology for remote viewing of your premises. The top brands can send alerts to your phone when they detect motion, record in HD quality even at night, and withstand any type of weather.

Here are our picks for the top-rated security cameras for 2019:

HD TVI Cameras

HD TVI cameras are affordable, the installation process is easy. Their video quality is one of the best you can find. These cameras can be used as another option to the conventional analog CCTV and megapixel IP surveillance cameras.

2MP Turret Camera 2.8mm

In darkness and poor lighting conditions, these cameras can capture clear-cut images and have a wide dynamic range of up to 120dB. They are used for outdoor surveillance and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

PTZ Cameras

PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) cameras have an extensive range of footage capability. The image quality is superior and gives high-quality detail with the use of one camera. They can be easily incorporated into your security system and has an automatic zoom feature, which sets in when there is a possible security breach.

Infrared Cameras

Infrared cameras are also known as the thermographic or thermal imaging cameras. They can be both mounted and hand-held. They function efficiently under harsh environments and can detect pending dangers via temperature changes. They work perfectly for both indoor and outdoor.

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are great for indoor and outdoor use. Their features include tamper-proof and Night Vision as additional security for periods of darkness. They can also monitor ranges from 180 – 360-degree angles.

At Locksley, we have these high-quality brands available. To learn more about the one that’s right for you, give us a call today or send us a message.

Why Business Owners Install Hidden Security Cameras

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The use of hidden security cameras is a highly debated topic. It raises the issue of privacy which can be a deterrent for business owners, with legal and ethical standards making their use seem excessive or reckless. However, some business owners forge ahead with hidden security cameras. As long as all legal regulations are followed, they are able to enjoy the benefits and peace of mind that these cameras deliver.

Business owners prefer hidden cameras for many reasons. Take a look at three reasons highlighted below.

Deter Theft and Fraudulent Activity

Theft from both customers and employees can have a very heavy toll on a business financially. The costs add up, whether it be stolen merchandise or office supplies. Hidden cameras enable business owners to see ‘behind the scenes’ and identify the perpetrators.

Enhance Customer Service

If your customers complain of poor or unprofessional service, having evidence on video can help you determine why. Video surveillance can help you identify training opportunities and know where gaps need to be filled. It can also help you identify employees who may not fit in well with your business culture. This kind of evidence can assist you in ensuring that each customer experience is a positive one.

Protect Their Business

Any business could be the potential target of a false accusation. Some false claims could be more serious than others. Having archived footage can save your business from false accusations and potentially detrimental slanderous claims.

Hidden security cameras are critical for business. The benefits are hard to ignore, and the rewards are promising. At Locksley, we have a highly skilled and qualified team available to advise you on how to secure your business using hidden cameras. We guarantee you that we can provide you with just the right hidden security camera system for your needs. Message or call us today.

Why Are Wireless Security Camera System So Popular?

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Wireless cameras can work without the physical connection of cables. While bypassing that route, they operate by transmitting the video footage through a radio transmitter. The video is relayed to a receiver that is connected to a storage device. But why the increasing number of its users?

A wireless security system has emerged to be more reliable and overtly practical than the wired system. The dynamics of technology have made it even easier to install and operate. The fact that they do not use a battery and require less expertise to put up makes them even more preferable. We look into some of the reasons a wireless security camera system is increasingly becoming popular and driving away the wired connections.

It’s Very Flexible

  • You’re not required to open up walls for installation. You’re only required to mount the devices and strategically position each component. This setup allows you to easily move, reset or even expand the whole system.
  • You can always move with your system if you decide to move to a new home. It’s also easy adding some components to the existing system. This is not true about a hardwired system that requires a technician to do the work.

The wireless setup lets you incorporate many home-based appliances with so much ease and grandeur.

Quite Reliable

  • The security system can encode all the data thereby preventing access to any unauthorized entity.
  • Its reliability on Wi-Fi networks makes the transmission of data more efficient and fast.

Use of Battery

  • The wireless system is a battery-operated device that does not rely on electricity to operate. It is, therefore, appropriate to use in areas where electricity is unreliable and unstable.

Other Considerations

  • During the installation of a wired setup, different cords and cables are used. These wires could be cut off by thieves or intruders. You do not need to worry about wires being vandalized if you have a wireless system. You are always safe from outside intrusion.
  • A wireless system can send encoded data to the clouds. This allows you to review or watch the video footage from anywhere.
  • The wireless cameras do not only come in quality models. They are also able to provide quality pictures and videos.

The wireless security camera system not only ensures quality video footage but also assures reliability. More than anything else, it is easier to install and therefore a darling to many home users. Contact us now for more information.

What’s a CCTV Camera? How Does It Work?

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A closed-circuit television camera, typically abbreviated CCTV camera has four major components. They include the camera, lens, monitor, and video recorder. CCTV cameras are mostly used in buildings and homes for security purposes.

The most important of all these is the camera. The camera collects data or images and sends them to a monitor or video recorder. The camera does operate the same way an ordinary camera works, however, it can be left to operate on its own.

How Do CCTV Cameras Work?

A complete closed-circuit TV system comprises of the following:

Security cameras that can either be analog or digital

  • Cables
  • Video recorders
  • Storage unit
  • Display unit

The Security Camera

The camera comes with a motor that helps in moving the zoomed images. The type of lens in use determines the ability to zoom. The camera captures the video while an opened hole at the front of the camera seizures light as it streams through the lens.

The camera is fitted with a digital chip that captures the continuous light stream. The light is then converted into a stream of images. The camera then records the signal to be conveyed either through the cable or wireless system. The camera has the Infrared Light Emitting Diodes that detects the brightness of light it receives.

Cables

These are wires that are used to connect different equipment in the CCTV setup. CCTV cameras are very specific to the types of cables they use. The cameras use either RJ45 or RJ59 cables. The RJ59 includes the BNC connectors that connect the camera to a video output or power connectors. The RJ45 cables are mainly used in the CCTV camera setup.

Video Recorders

Video signals that are sent by the CCTV camera are stored somewhere. This helps in future reference. The two main types of recorders are digital and analog recorders. The most prevalent and widely used presently in recording video footage is the Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) or the Network Video Recorder (NVR).

Hard Disk

This is a storage device that sores the video for later use.

A Display Unit

It displays the video on the screen by fetching the video images from DVR or NVR. The most interesting bit about CCTV cameras is that they can use one or more cameras at a time. It is, therefore, able to locate every part of the building or compound and capture all activities. Contact us for more information about CCTV’s and our security camera services.

Popular Security Systems for Business Owners

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Protecting your business using a security system could be a step in the right direction. However, deciding on the choice of the system to install within your premises could be quite challenging. If you’re ready and fired up to secure your premises then let’s get rolling.

We’ll look into five of the most popular security system for business owners:

1. Vivint

Vivint is mostly used by home-based businesses. This is because it has many home-based automation features. The unique features are:

  • Smart door locks
  • Remote garage door controller
  • Doorbell

Vivint’s doorbell cameras enable you to see who is at your door and quickly respond to them just by a mobile connection. You can do this from anywhere you are.

2. ADT

ADT is suitable for a business that manages many employees that have access to the business. It allows the business owner to create distinctive codes for each person who has access to the alarm system. The code sends mobile alerts whenever someone comes into contact with the alarm system. Below are its features:

  • Key fobs
  • Alarm system

If you’re keen on monitoring movement within your premises and access to the business, then ADT is a common choice.

3. Nest

Nest is generally designed to be easy for you and hard on intruders and criminals. One of the most striking features of Nest is it’s high-quality cameras that can produce excellent pictures. The mere presence of these high-quality cameras is enough to prevent any form of theft. Below are its features:

  • Security camera
  • Video doorbell
  • Smart lock

4. Frontpoint

The front system has a unique feature that sets it apart from the rest.

It has the Crash and Smash Protection. This feature automatically alerts the law enforcers when and if a burglar destroys the system’s control panel. It means nobody can destroy the system to enable them to have access to your premises.

5. Abode Security

This system is fixed with an all-in-one security kit. The feature enables one to access:

  • Motion detection
  • Video surveillance
  • Two-way talk

Additionally, it has custom engine (CUE) technology that enables you to create automation. The automation turns on the lights when it’s dark and locks your home once everyone leaves.

The security system you chose should be able to serve your business. Consider the features before you purchase. Contact us for more information.

What Is a Card Access System? How Does It Work?

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The goal of a keycard access system is to permit and restrict access to certain areas of your business. There are different terms used to refer to keycards. Some people call them proximity cards, swipe cards or magnetic cards. It doesn’t matter what you choose to call them, they all follow the same principle, using an electronic chipping system to access an electrically powered door.

What is a Card Access System?

A card access system is a two-step validation system that provides a high level of security and access control. The design of the cards follows the same pattern; they look like your regular plastic card. However, they operate differently to achieve their purpose of securing an area. For the system to be effective, the card should be able to:

• Restrict the access of unauthorized persons to a certain area at certain times of the day.
• Take records of all valid and invalid use of the card.
• Controls the use of elevators and other systems that the card is paired with. For example, computers and security systems.

With a keycard, you don’t need to make use of traditional metal keys to access an area. That could be a benefit if you don’t like the weight of metal keys in your pocket.

How Card Access Systems Work

Card systems need a card reader to work. The reader is installed on the door and you need the card to gain access. Depending on the type of reader system, you may have to swipe against or insert the card into the reader to gain access.

The credentials of the user is embedded in the card chip and is examined by the card reader each time it is used. Once the reader accesses the information on the card and recognizes it, it sends a signal to the locking mechanism to grant access to the card. The entire process takes only a second.

Card access systems are best used when you’re looking to provide access to multiple doors. With a keycard access system, you don’t have to carry metal keys in your pocket. You can easily slide a keycard inside your wallet, and you won’t feel any added weight.

Card systems are commonly used in public buildings in Toronto where anyone can make it past the front door. Examples of such buildings include hotels, hospitals, libraries, and museums among many others. Contact us now for more information.

Why Does Your Business Need a Security System?

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Surveillance systems are a necessity for any modern business in Toronto. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you employ the right security systems to safeguard your premises. You may be considering if it’s worth it, spending on a new security system for your business. The truth is it’s up to you to decide if you’ll be installing one or not, we’re only here to help you make a decision. Here are some of the reasons why your business needs a security system.

1. Prevents Employee Theft

Installing a new security system in your place of business in Toronto will prevent any form of theft. You don’t have to worry about your employees stealing from you. Since they’re being monitored, chances are they’ll think seriously before carting away with the company’s equipment.

2. Increases Employee Productivity

A new security system may be all you need to improve the productivity of your employees. With cameras installed at strategic locations around the office, you can bet your employees would not want to get caught doing something else on the company’s time. It reduces scenarios such as employees using the company’s Wi-Fi to watch Netflix or browse their social media accounts.

3. Improves your Corporate Image

You can improve your corporate ratings by installing a new security system. It can be the easiest way to assure your customers that you’re a step ahead in guaranteeing their safety when on your premises. You can also position yourself as a business that is interested in keeping up with the current best office practice.

4. Prevents Unauthorized Entry

How do you protect your business after office hours? You may consider hiring a night guard, but their duty is to watch the perimeter. Who watches the night guards? You can prevent unauthorized entry to your office complex in Toronto both from the outside and inside with a security system.

5. Takes Note

Most security systems in Toronto are fitted with recording devices that document every single aspect of the business day-to-day. You can playback the recordings in case of an investigation, and you can trust your security system to provide you with the evidence you need to assist the police in carrying out their duties. So it’s safe to say that security systems also improve the security of life and property in the environment of your business.

Remember that you don’t need to spend much on a surveillance system to secure your business, and you can easily find one in the Toronto area. Contact us now for more information about our security camera systems in Toronto.