Recent reports of burglaries in Gibraltar are a reminder of the importance of reviewing how well our homes are protected.
Security does not necessarily mean turning your home into a fortress or investing in complicated technology.
Often, a combination of sensible precautions, good habits and properly maintained security equipment can significantly improve the protection of your property.
At Fortify Security Systems, we believe security starts with awareness.
Start With the Basics
One of the simplest things you can do is review the potential entry points into your home.
Doors and windows should be properly secured whenever the property is unattended, even if you are only leaving for a short period. In apartments, it is also important not to overlook balconies, terraces and accessible windows.
Communal entrances should be treated with the same care. Avoid allowing unknown individuals into apartment buildings and make sure communal doors close and lock correctly behind you.
Outdoor and entrance lighting can also help improve visibility around a property, particularly around entrances, terraces and other areas that may otherwise remain dark.
Don’t Advertise an Empty Home
If you are travelling or going away for several days, be careful about publicly sharing that your property is going to be empty.
Where possible, ask a trusted family member, friend or neighbour to keep an eye on the property. Small things such as collecting post and checking the property periodically can help prevent it from appearing unattended.
Good relationships between neighbours can also play an important part in community security. If something appears unusual, being aware and looking out for one another can make a difference.
Use Your Alarm System
Having an alarm installed is only useful if it is actually used.
If you already have an intruder alarm, make a habit of arming it whenever the property is left unattended and at night where your system allows appropriate zones to be armed.
Older alarm systems should also be checked periodically. Batteries deteriorate, sensors can fail and communication methods used by legacy systems may eventually become obsolete.
Fortify can inspect existing systems as well as install modern wireless alarm solutions such as Hikvision AX PRO, which can provide protection without requiring extensive new cabling throughout the property.
Check That Your CCTV Is Actually Recording
A camera being visible on the wall does not necessarily mean you have usable CCTV.
Cameras should be checked periodically for image quality, correct positioning and obstructions.
The recorder should have sufficient storage, the date and time should be accurate, and recordings should be tested to make sure footage can actually be retrieved when required.
Hard drives are particularly important. CCTV recorders operate continuously, which is why Fortify uses purpose-built surveillance hard drives rather than standard desktop storage in the NVR systems we deploy.
Remote access should also be checked so that authorised users can securely view their system when away from the property.
Wireless Security Can Be Ideal for Apartments
With a large proportion of Gibraltar residents living in apartments, installing extensive new cabling isn’t always practical. Modern wireless security technology provides another option.
Wireless CCTV cameras and wireless intruder alarm systems can provide effective protection while reducing the amount of cabling and disruption required during installation.
A system can include cameras, motion detectors, door and window contacts, internal and external sounders and smartphone notifications. Depending on the property, a combination of wired and wireless equipment may provide the best solution. There is no single security system that is right for every home, which is why the property should be assessed before deciding what equipment is required.
Maintain the Security You Already Have
Security systems should not simply be installed and forgotten.
Cameras can become dirty or move out of position, batteries eventually require replacement, hard drives can develop faults and devices can go offline.
Regular maintenance helps identify these issues before you discover them at the moment you actually need your security system.
Fortify offers dedicated residential CCTV and alarm maintenance options for customers who want their systems checked and maintained regularly.
Be Security Aware, Not Alarmed
The objective of home security is not to create unnecessary fear. It is about reducing opportunities and making sensible preparations.
Lock your property, pay attention to communal access, use the security equipment you already have and periodically check that everything is working correctly.
Most importantly, if you witness suspicious activity or believe a crime is taking place, do not put yourself at risk by confronting someone. Contact the appropriate authorities.
Need Advice About Your Home Security?
Fortify Security Systems provides CCTV, wireless CCTV, intruder alarms, wireless alarm systems, access control and security system maintenance throughout Gibraltar.
Whether you are considering a new system or simply want someone to review your existing setup, we can help identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend an appropriate solution.