We have always emphasized the need for securing your home and not advertising your possessions and holidays. Another key area to protect is yourself from identity theft.

Identity Theft

Here’s Mike’s story!

Mike says, they lived in a rented flat at the time in Ipswich and they were preparing to move to Croydon with family. He had a new job lined up. As with any flats, he put all his rubbish in the shared waste bins and never thought about it.

The move went well and after about 6 months, he received a bill from 3 mobile for pending payment and he ignored it thinking it was a mistake. A few days later a Vodafone bill arrive asking for payment of £1500, which again he ignored. He used to get odd debt recovery for old tenants in his old flat, so he assumed it was sent in error. 

A bill came from O2 came through after a month mentioning a new iPhone was ordered and then the big one hit home! A letter from Blackhorse Finance demanding repayment for a BMW 3 series. Mike called Blackhorse. They quickly established Mike was probably a victim of identity theft and recommended he contact the police. Then he contacted every other company that sent him a letter and established there were big contracts and new expensive items were purchased in his name. Mike says Vodafone was the most helpful and they recommended he also contact Experian and look at his credit file.

The Investigation

Experian asked Mike to open a credit account to look at all the credit accounts and identify ones he did not open. Experian also filed a report with the police.  Mike’s credit score at this point was 7/999. Anything this low is generally considered bankruptcy level. At this point, Mike and his best friend were planning to buy their first homes, next to each other and they were looking to secure mortgages. He had to drop the plan and wait for his name to be cleared.

Police came home and advised Mike his identity was definitely stolen but he hasn’t personally lost any money. In such cases, police write to all companies involved confirming Mike’s identity was stolen. He got responses from Vodafone, O2 and Blackhorse Finance confirming the debt is now cancelled. He hasn’t heard back from some others.

Turn Around

Experian advised him to join a credit improvement program – which is a paid service. He also put a Credit Lock on his credit file, again a paid service from Experian. Credit lock allows you to stop any lenders from accessing your file without you manually authorizing a payment. Over a period of a few months, his credit score bounced back to the high 900s.

He had to stay on the Experian program for 3 months and it took a total of 7 months to clear everything.

Identity Theft Data

Identity theft is a major crime in the UK and the last reported figures for 2019 show around 200,000 cases of identity theft cases in the UK and the cases are rising at an alarming rate.

According to CIFAS, The UK’s Fraud Prevention Community, Identity fraud rose by nearly 20% in 2019, accounting for the largest number of cases recorded by Cifas members at 61%. People aged over 31 were specifically targeted by this type of fraudulent conduct, with victims aged 60 and over on the rise. The highest number of victims (68%) were recorded in the South East region.

How to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft?

1.       Invest in a shredder. They cost as little as £20 quid and shred all important bills and documents before disposing them into the bin.

2.       Moving home? Make sure you update your new address with all service providers. Here’s our detailed blog on everything you must do when moving homes.

3.       Set up mail forwarding with royal mail – you can do it for up to 12 months, so you don’t miss out on any letters sent to your old address.

4.       Open a free credit check account, keep an eye on your credit accounts, credit associations and report anything suspicious.

5.       Identify theft often happen after a burglary. Secure your home with a professional alarm system.

6.       Secure your home Wifi and be careful on public wifi.

7.       Secure your passwords and avoid using the same passwords on different sites.

8.       Where possible move to digital statements instead of paper ones.

9.       Don’t respond to cold calling or emails you do not recognise.

10.   Be careful of what you share on social media.

How to Report Identity Theft?

If you think you are a victim of identity theft or at high risk, do the following immediately.

1.       Check your credit report with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion

2.       If you find suspect credit accounts, contact their fraud support teams

3.       If you receive any bills or invoices you do not recognise, contact them and confirm you did not open an account with them.

4.       Consider adding a notice of correction against any fraudulent transactions in your credit file

5.       Add a notice of correction password to protect again fraudsters opening a new account without your permission.

6.       Report to police

7.       Work through each fraudulent credit account until they are cleared your credit score is back to where it was.

Stay vigilant, stay safe!

We are often contacted by landlords, estate agents, and tenants regarding property security, and there is always misunderstanding about how to safeguard the property without spending an arm and a leg and use the solutions despite tenants and maybe estate agents changing as well. We have years of expertise working on behalf of landlords, estate agents, and tenants who want to safeguard their homes and provide moving solutions. The following are our major takeaways for all rented properties.

1) Door and Window Locks

Doors and windows are the most common access and exit points in domestic burglaries. In fact, burglars have been known to force entry through a door or a window to gain access to a property. Make sure you have high-quality, hard-to-break windows and locks installed throughout your home.

Deadbolts are among the most secured locks you can use on your property. These locks involve a one-of-a-kind mechanism that provides the best protection against burglaries or break-ins. It is usually a good idea to put locks on all of your windows.

Also, make sure to use window blinds to prevent intruders from peeping into your home. Make it a point to do it at every entry and exit point to make it impossible for the burglar to get in.

You can also use smart locks that are operated through a digital code and is only accessible to those who have access to them. You can improve security by changing the password regularly.

2) Install an Alarm System

Burglar or Security alarms are an excellent way to protect your property. These alarms are designed to trigger a loud siren and alert the user when there is a break-in. Burglar alarms are paired with motion sensors that detect unauthorised movement and communicate to the control panel and trigger the alert.

Burglar alarms can have different features and specifications that allow you to protect your home in a better way. The main categories you can look at are:

• Remote monitoring through your smartphone app. You can sync your smartphone with your system, and you can control, manage, and monitor your alarm from your phone remotely.
• 3^rd party monitoring is where your house is being monitored by a third party or police authority and if there were an alert, they would instantly take an action. Highly recommended for commercial or high-value properties.
• The call-alert feature allows your system to call you on your phone when the alarm is triggered. In this case, your system uses your landline or a GSM connection to communicate to your phone in case of an emergency.
• Smart alarm with home automation capabilities that connects to your other smart devices like voice assistant devices or smart appliances and allow you to automate the task for enhanced safety and security within your home.

New tenants generally look at the properties more favorably, if they have good quality security systems installed. All our alarms on service plans get annual service visits, unlimited remote support for tenants and property managers if there is an issue and we deal with seamless transfer of alarm user ownership from one tenant to another when they move. The landlord does not have to deal with any of these issues and in fact, most landlords pass the service charges on to tenants.

3) Security lights

This is another security measure that landlords should invest in to improve house security. We all know that most burglars will wait until the night to get into your home undetected. When burglars try to approach the property, security lights such as motion sensors and floodlights have a startling effect on burglars. It is ideal to strategically place them around your property so that if someone tries to break in at night, it will scare the burglars and notify the neighbours and the homeowner that someone is trying to approach their house. You can position them in front of your entrance gate, backyard, or near your garage to deter anyone from attempting a forced entry through these areas.

4) Safeguard your Backyard or Garden

The backyard door or the garden is another area of your property you need to protect from any kind of intrusion. In some of the cases, burglars break in through the backyard door or garden. If you have a garden on your property, make sure you have put a fence around it and the door is lockable. Make sure you are trimming the shrubs and grasses around your garden. Sometimes, burglars hide behind these long bushes and wait for the right opportunity to attack. Don’t make it easier for burglars to target your property. Also, make sure you are using motion sensors at your backdoor.

5) Take appropriate measures when the property is not rented

If you’ve rented out your apartment, be sure you’re taking the necessary precautions when it’s empty. It is ideal to have a security system in place so that you can receive instant notifications if anyone tries to break in. The most vulnerable properties are those that are vacant. Burglars target properties that are empty and have no trace of tenants. It becomes simple for them to break in and finish the work without being interrupted. If the property is furnished, it may be a red flag if it is not professionally secured.

6) Check your Insurance Policy

Make sure you understand your insurance policy. People frequently fail to consult with their insurer about the implications of theft and burglary on their insurance policy. For instance, insurance companies do insist on taking effective security measures like installing a professional security system. They do not recommend DIY security systems as they are not British 2 or 3 graded systems. Also, ask your tenant that your building insurance doesn’t cover their belongings and they need to ensure their belongings with appropriate content insurance.

7) Use a CCTV system

A home camera system is another great way to take charge of your home security. It helps you keep an eye on your home and allows you to track who is accessing your property. There is a wide range of camera systems available for residential properties for internal and external use. Choose a plug-and-play camera with a smart app for indoors and, if possible, two-way audio with pan and tilt capabilities. We would recommend a professionally installed and fully customised CCTV solution for the outdoors, such as FHA ones. Remember that CCTV that does not provide local recording and relies on your broadband connection is not as reliable as CCTV with local hard-drive recording. A professionally installed CCTV system is a one-time cost solution that will rarely require additional maintenance and will provide complete protection. When possible, choose products that are secure by design and secure by default.

8) Change the locks once before the new tenants come

When you rent out your flat to multiple tenants, your property becomes more vulnerable. That means you must be extra cautious because you have no idea who is accessing your house. The best approach is to change your locks and keys before renting your property to a new renter. It is strongly suggested if you have a difficult tenant or someone you do not trust. You never know if they still have keys to your apartment and may try to get into it later.

Summary

We are a security installer who works with a variety of security systems that are customised to each property. If you are a homeowner who wants to protect your property, please contact us. We can provide a free phone consultation or a free property survey of your property. Please call us at 020 3137 8727 or 0800 193 8727 or send an email to hello@fhasecurity.co.uk.

Home Security has become an integral part of most of the homes in the UK. Over 1000 burglaries were reported every day in England and Wales last year. With burglaries on the rise, no matter how secure your area could be, people do not want to take any chances. Most of us are turning to professional home security systems as the number of burglaries increases year after year.

It is undoubtedly one of the most effective methods of deterring burglars and ensuring complete protection of your home, loved ones, and possessions. Professional security solutions boost your home security and provide a high level of protection against opportunist burglars.

Even insurance companies ask homeowners to take adequate precautions, such as installing a security system, especially if the property is high-risk. In fact, insurance companies frequently deny claims if there is no professional security system on the property.

Most of us can find it tricky to choose the ideal security system for our property especially when we have no knowledge about these security solutions.

Our quick guide to home security is a great way to learn about home security’s most important aspects and the best security solutions. This guide will go over how security systems work against burglars, the various security solutions available, and their key components.

It will provide you with a clearer picture and a better understanding of home security, allowing you to make an informed decision.

How do burglars target homes?

Burglars are professional experts who know how to carry out a burglary. While many studies show that some burglaries occur on the spur of the moment. However, in the vast majority of cases, burglars conduct extensive research on their victims before targeting them.

Burglars are experimenting with new and creative ways to target potential homes. For instance, they might disguise themselves as salespeople or local government members and approach people on their doorstep to access their properties. This type of burglary is known as Distraction Burglary.

Burglars are even using social media platforms to identify soft targets, often known as Social Media Burglary. There are certain things that get the attention of burglars and lead them to target specific homes or people.

• No one is at the property:

  Burglars find it more convenient to break into an empty house without confronting anyone. The ideal time for burglary is when people are either out on vacation or during the day. 

• Doors or windows are open:

  Around 20% of burglaries happen through unlocked doors and windows. Therefore, make sure you lock all your doors and windows before you go out or go to bed at night.

• Unattended mails at your mailbox:

  A pile of mails lying at your mailbox could signal burglars that the owner is away. And a vacant property is an ideal target for burglar as vacant homes is their primary target. 

• Open Backyard:

  Burglars try to slink through the unfenced backyard. It is easier for them to break in especially during the night without drawing anyone’s attention. Therefore, properties with an unfenced backyard are always at a higher risk.

• No sign of a security system:

  As per research at the University of Carolina,  a burglar alarm or any indication of a security system would discourage burglars from proceeding. Most burglars tend to look for an alternative property if they find properties with an alarm system.

• No sign of a Dog:

  Burglars prefer to stay away from home with a loud, barking dog. Dogs tend to get the attention of homeowners or neighbours when they see strangers trying to access the property.

• Valuable items are visible from your window:

  People frequently keep their valuables in plain sight, which can be seen through your window. It may attract the attention of opportunistic burglars passing by your home. This will notify them, and your home may be on their hit list.

• Targeting the same property again:

  Burglars tend to target the same property as targeting a new property puts them at greater risk. And you could be at risk if you haven’t upgraded your home security. 

Burglars target homes with the sole purpose of getting as many valuables as they can.  The following are some of the most common items burglars look out for.

• Cash- Simple to carry and use without being detected.
• Jewellery- Extremely convenient and easy to carry, and it can get burglars a good deal on the sale.
• Electronics- Burglars often look out for expensive electronic items such as mobile phones, laptops, computers, or tablets.
• Luxury Cars- If you have an expensive car parked in your driveway, a burglar may be looking for the keys to your vehicle.
• Personal information- They are also interested in gaining access to your personal information, such as your bank account information. This gives them access to your accounts, which is a serious risk.

It is always best to keep your valuables in a safe place and out of sight. Burglars might sneak peek into your home through windows to find out if it is worth targeting your property.

Are home security systems effective?

People often talk about using simple tricks to deter burglars. Some may suggest getting a loud and barking dog that guards the home. Some might prefer to use motion sensor lights to startle burglars who might try to slink into your home at night.

No doubt, these tricks do work, but the most important question here is, can these tricks ensure home security all the time?

This is where you would require a security system that can monitor your home 24*7.

Some people often question the effectiveness of these home security systems. A security system is designed to offer you complete protection and deter burglars. However, the effectiveness of the security system will also depend on your security requirements.

There are several security systems available on the market equipped with the latest technologies. However, every security system is designed to fulfill different needs. You must always assess these security systems and see which one would be a good fit for your requirement.

Latest trends in Home Security

• In the last 15 years, we have seen a decline in the wired alarms’ market share from over 90% to less than 5%. A majority of the leading burglar alarm manufacturers have either discontinued or relegated their wired alarm range.
• Since 2005, smartphone penetration in the UK market has risen from 76% to a consistent 95%. As a result, the burglar alarm market has seen a noticeable impact. At FHA Security, we’ve seen a rise in interest in smart alarms from 34% in 2014 to 78% in 2020. We anticipate that this trend will continue in the coming years.
• CCTV cameras remain the second-best defense against burglaries, mainly vandalism, and vehicle theft. For complete protection, we still recommend fully wired CCTV that covers all entry points into the house.
• Ring video doorbell has become a popular security system since its recent invention in 2013 by entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff. They are one of the fastest-growing product technologies in the security industry, with a 48% expected growth rate.
• Home automation is another popular security solution that has recently gained momentum. Home automation devices that use z-wave wireless technology have been around for a while. FHA’s latest home automation series integrates smart alarms with the full range of home automation suites, smart locks, smart video doorbells, and various smart internal and external cameras with unprecedented data and analytics. Its integration with alarm.com’s sophisticated cloud services truly transforms it into an effective all-in-one home management solution. It is a system that adapts to your changing needs. And you can control it with voice-activated devices such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Voice Assistant, your smartwatch, and many others.

Types of Home Security Solutions

1) Burglar Alarm

Burglar alarms or intruder alarms were first invented in 1853 to help people secure residential or domestic homes.

Burglar alarms have evolved over time into a more intelligent system that proactively monitors and protects your premises from intruders.

They are one of the best security systems used across the UK to resolve burglaries’ security concerns.

Burglar alarms are available in various packages from different brands. Each of them offering a bundle of features and capabilities from standard to advance.

In general, burglar alarms are available as wireless alarms and wired alarms.   

Tip: We always recommend all our customers to opt for a wireless burglar alarm. It offers plethora of benefits to the user with advanced capabilities and features, and is more secure than a wired system.

Read our previous article that talks about why wireless alarms are better than a wired alarm. 

Key Features of Burglar Alarms

1) Ease of operation

You can use an alarm system either using a keypad fitted on the wall or a proximity tag that requires a single tap on your control panel. Alternatively, you can also use a key fob and control your system from anywhere in the house. It is the most convenient way to arm your system during night. Therefore, it is critical that you choose the best way to operate your alarm system that suits your convenience.

2) Zone Partitions & Controllability

With burglar alarms, you can zone partition your home partially or completely depending on your requirement. Zone partitions decide how a security system should control the sensors within your property. These sensors are dedicated to each zone that trigger the alarm in case of an intrusion. The control panel immediately then displays the zone number on the screen. It is always good to install the sensors at all the critical entry and exit points to ensure complete protection.

3) Communications

Telecommunicating burglar alarms enable the control panel to send you an alert in the event of an intrusion. These alarm systems include a communication module that can connect to a landline, GSM, or broadband connection. These network connections enable the alarm system to reach you via your phone.

4) Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring is one of the most important features of the alarm system. It allows you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere through your smartphone app. The app will enable you to monitor and control your system remotely. You can also arm and disarm your system from anywhere. Its visual verification feature allows you to verify the alert virtually via the photos it sends every time an unauthorized movement triggers the alarm.

There are 4 types of alarm monitoring services you can get with your alarm system.

• A self-monitoring alarm gives you complete control of your home security. It connects your security system to your smartphone app and allows you to monitor your home remotely. It sends alerts to you directly in case of a break-in.

• 3rd party monitoring allows a third party to monitor your home security 24*7. The alarm system directly connects to the alarm receiving center (ARC). in case of a break-in to take an immediate action.

• Keyholding service monitoring allows a private security company to monitor your home. In case of a break-in, these guys will access your property and take the necessary action. It is most suitable for high-risk commercial properties.

• Police monitoring allows the system to alert the police directly. However, it could create a problem if there are frequent false alarms at your property. The police sometimes either downgrade your property to a lower level or can blacklist. This means you will not get an immediate response when the alarm triggers next time. It is most suitable for high-risk properties.

5) Add-on accessories

The alarm system supports a wide range of add-on accessories that help you fully protect your home. Following are some of the critical add-ons you can pair with your alarm system.

• Door/window contact sensor that detects unauthorised movement across the doors and windows.
• PIR motion detector connects to your alarm system and detects the movement within the armed zone. You can always choose a pet-friendly motion detector that ignores any pet movement within the house up to a certain level. This helps in the reduction of false triggers as a result of pet movement.
• Smoke sensors trigger the alarm system in the event of a fire. 
• Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors detects the concentration of CO within the house and transmits alerts to the control panel.
• Shock sensors activate when an impact exceeds a predetermined level.
• A panic Button is a wireless device that connects to your alarm system and triggers the alarm when pressed in the event of an emergency.
• Curtain sensors offer perimeter protection without triggering the alarm and protect doors, windows, and all-glass walls. This detector causes the least false alarms as it distinguishes human motion from other disturbances.
• Flood detector detects water in basements, yachts and many other residential and commercial applications, providing early warning of developing floods.

2) CCTV or Home Security Cameras

There are many home security camera systems available for both indoor and outdoor use in residential homes. There are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.

• Where do you need to place the camera?
• What level of recording and access are you looking for?
• Do you want the camera to pan and tilt?

Choose a plug-and-play camera with a smart app for indoors and, if possible, two-way audio with pan and tilt capabilities.

We would recommend a professionally installed and fully customised CCTV solution for the outdoors, such as FHA ones.

Remember that CCTV that does not provide local recording and relies on your broadband connection is not as reliable as CCTV with local hard-drive recording.

A professionally installed CCTV system is a one-time cost solution that will rarely require additional maintenance and will provide complete protection.

Tip: Ensure that you follow the CCTV laws if you plan to use a CCTV system at your residential property. 

3) Smart Doorbells

A smart doorbell is a relatively new product on the market that is a useful smart device. The following are some of the critical features of a smart doorbell.

• Motion-triggered notification
• Push notification through a smartphone app
• Optional built-in cameras can send live video notifications and support 2-way video communications.

There are numerous smart doorbell devices on the market, some of which are from unknown brands and costs from as little as £20. But, among all of them, the Ring doorbell stands out as one of the best. If you want to watch historical videos, these devices have a variety of subscription options.

Tip: All smart doorbells make use of your home broadband as well as your smartphone. You should only connect trusted smart devices to your broadband, and you should only install secure apps on your phone. The reason for this is that there are security risks associated with hacking. In fact, there have been reports of security breaches where ring products were hacked.

4) Floodlights with motion sensor

Floodlights are high-intensity lights that are used to illuminate your property’s perimeter. Because of their startling effect, motion sensor flood lights are best used to deter burglars. These floodlights are activated by any movement around them, making them ideal for protecting property from intruders.

5) Deadbolt doors and lockable windows

Several surveys and studies have revealed that burglars frequently use doors and windows to gain entry into a property. That means you must use high-quality, difficult-to-break locks on all of your doors and windows.

Using a deadbolt door is an excellent way to secure your doors. Its locking mechanism provides excellent protection against forced entry. Standard locks are easily broken by burglars using weapons such as knives or crowbars; however, deadbolt locks are difficult to break. Burglars would have to work harder to get past them, providing good security.

Securing windows, on the other hand, is another way to ensure complete security. Windows typically have a standard lock; however, additional locks can improve the security of your windows. There are various types of locks available on the market that are appropriate for various types of windows.

To select the best locks for your home, consult with a professional. It is an excellent way to add an additional layer of security to your security system.

6) Home Automation

The integration of home automation into security system has unveiled efficient ways to manage and secure your homes. This comprehensive all-in-one smart security system, blends well with your smart home. It comes with a bundle of capabilities and features that prove to be the most efficient security solution for your smart home.

It integrates with your other smart devices like smart lights, thermostats, heating systems, etc., and you can manage and control everything from your smartphone app.   

Our new Home Automation Alarm Kit from Visonic is the most advanced solution available on the market that enhances your home security and is a crucial security device for your smart home.

It comes with a smartphone app that gives you full remote access to your system. It allows you to monitor, protect, and automate your home from your phone. And its dedicated connection gives you reliable and uninterrupted protection even when the network is down.

Benefits of Home Automation

1) Complete security

With smart security systems, you can get updates anywhere, anytime. Unlike the traditional alarm system that only works when it’s armed, it gives you real-time updates on your phone. You can quickly get a glimpse of your home when you’re out and relaxed, knowing that everything is safe and secure.

2) Reliable and Resilient

These systems are more reliable than the traditional wired alarm system. A standard wired security system can easily be tampered with by cutting out the wires from outside. The alarm control panel and accessories work on dedicated wireless frequency. They are not affected by failures of power supply or telephone lines. You can add multiple communication channels, so even if your broadband fails, a multi-network sim card in the alarm can continue to communicate with you.

3) Proactive approach

Smart security systems are advanced and intelligent systems that use a proactive approach. It continuously sends you alerts if you have forgotten to take the necessary action, such as arming your alarm system or locking your smart door.

4) Convenient and easy

Because your alarm system is connected to your smartphone, you can efficiently operate and monitor your House remotely. It doesn’t require your physical presence at home to control your devices.

5) Integrate into your smart home

You can now integrate your security system with other smart devices, such as smart lights, door locks, smart thermostats. By doing this, you can manage all your smart devices centrally. It can further automate the responses that make your life easier and happier.

Professional Security vs DIY Systems- Which one is better?

While evaluating different security solutions for your home, one common question is,

“Which security system would be better – DIY or Professional system?”

It all depends on your security requirements.

Every system has its pros and cons, and you must always evaluate each one of them to find out which one best addresses your security requirements.

DIY security systems

DIY systems are simple to install and as the name implies, anyone can install the system and make it up and running. It usually comes with a user guide that explains how to install and use the system in detail.

Renters prefer these systems because they are portable and do not necessitate the installation of a third party. They are also less expensive, and you only have to pay a one-time fee for the system.

Professional security systems

Professional security systems, on the other hand, need assistance from an expert who takes care of the installation process. These systems are grade 2 and grade 3 systems that are audited and labelled based on their ability to detect intrusion.

Professional companies that work with these systems provide you with complete assurance that the system adheres to quality standards and complies with industry regulations.

Read our blog Professional security vs DIY systems and learn more about these systems in detail. 

Tip: DIY security alarms, such as Yale alarms, also require professional assistance. We’ve spoken with several customers who were unable to install their DIY kit and ended up contacting us for the installation. DIY kits may appear to be simple to install at first glance, but they are not, especially for people with no prior knowledge of these systems. A professional installer can help you avoid a similar situation and get your system up and running as soon as possible. They even provide maintenance services to ensure your system’s long-term productivity and performance.

Our Recommendations

1) Wireless Burglar Alarm

A wireless burglar alarm can be best used as the first line of defense. With changing needs and technology, burglar alarm has evolved into a complete security solution with a host of capabilities that allow you to manage, monitor and control your home security.

To start with, you can always choose a wireless burglar alarm which you can eventually upgrade by adding other devices or sensors.

We highly recommend the following wireless alarms that go with all types of residential properties.

a) Visonic Powermaster Wireless Burglar Alarm

Visonic Powermaster is one of the best professional wireless burglar alarms. It is one of the superior ranges from Visonic that is most suitable for advanced and heavy-duty operations. 

Visonic has used its in-house wireless technology- PowerG that makes them highly secure, super reliable, and robust systems that deliver high-performance. 

Key features of the Powermaster alarms:

• Robust and Reliable- It uses FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology that eliminates any wireless appliances interference. Its two-way communication ensures the messages are not lost. Moreover, they are AES-128 encrypted that makes them more secure and reliable.
• Remote Control- You can remotely control the configuration, review, and diagnosis of these systems.
• Quick Installation- It has an easy set-up process that makes the installation faster and quicker. Moreover, it has a long transmission range. Therefore it doesn’t need repeaters.
• Green Technology- Its long battery life reduces pollution and saves energy.

b) Risco Agility 4 Wireless Burglar Alarm

Agility 4 is a multi-layered smart alarm system that offers multi-dimension security and provides complete protection, both outdoors and indoors. 

Critical features of Agility 4 systems. 

• Enhanced performance-It is robust and reliable with enhanced RF performance capabilities.
• Advanced communications-It supports all sorts of communication modes (3G/IP/PSTN/GSM) that makes communication resilient.
• Visual verification-It comes with integrated camera sensors. They help in real-time event verification through the iRISCO smartphone app. This also helps in eliminating false alarm triggers.
• Compact design-It comes with a stylish, sleek keypad that compliments your home interiors.

c) CommPact Wireless Alarm System

CommPact is a cost-effective alarm system ideal for both homes and offices. It comes with a live video verification feature and uses integrated camera sensors. The real-time video verification feature will help you to check every time there is a trigger. And you can easily eliminate false alarm triggers, if any.  Moreover, the iRISCO app gives you complete control over your property. And you can also remotely arm and disarm your system.

CommPact alarms are convenient to use, easy to install, and super reliable.  It is ideal for people who are looking for a standard budget alarm.

d) Yale 6400 Wireless Burglar Alarm

Yale is a popular brand with a wide range of wireless alarm series, Yale 6400 being one of their best selling alarms.

It is a cost-effective, user-friendly system with a simple keypad to use. It has all the basic features you would need to protect your home. And if you’re someone who wants a simple, easy-to-use system, then this is the best alarm system for you.

These systems, however, can be customised and upgraded based on your requirements.  

2) Wired CCTV System

A wired CCTV system is ideal for surveillance purposes. A fully functional CCTV system compliments any property, and strategically placing cameras deter opportunist burglars. It allows you to monitor the property using your smartphone app remotely.

FHA offers various customised CCTV packages that include the camera of your choice at no extra cost.

3) Home Automation System

Most of our customers frequently ask us about an integrated solution that can manage alarms, cameras, and doorbells.

Our new home automation kit, “Visonic Qolsys home automation security system,” combines Visonic’s most advanced wireless alarm technology PowerG with alarm.com’s most efficient home automation platform in a stylish iPad-like control panel by Qolsys.

You can integrate a wireless doorbell, smart door lock, various internal and external cameras, and a variety of existing and new smart home automation devices.

Check out the exclusive product with an introductory pricing offer here.

Conclusion

Choosing home security systems can be difficult, and this is where FHA can assist you by identifying the best system that fits your property’s needs.

If you are looking to buy a security system for your home, book a free consultation with us. Our team of experts will talk through your requirement and provide you with the best recommendations. If needed, we can also conduct a free survey of your property to identify critical security concerns.

Are you going to move to your new home? Do you have a plan in place or a moving home guide to refer to?

Moving to a new home is an overwhelming experience. But if it’s not done right, it can cause inconvenience at a later stage. It’s a cumbersome process, and you need a lot of effort to make it smooth and hassle-free. People often haphazardly begin their transition process. It not only causes trouble but also causes a great deal of distress to the family members who are moving. There is no clear plan in such cases.

We understand that moving home is an uphill task. Sometimes people find it difficult to do it without any reference or guidance. That is why we have designed a comprehensive moving home guide for all those who are moving homes in the UK. The idea is to help you manage your things as you move into your new home without worrying about it.

This transition takes about 8 weeks (on average) whether you are renting or buying for the first or the nth time. This guide consists of a comprehensive yet informative checklist for your reference.

What could you expect from this guide?

This guide covers all the things you need to do, week after week before you move in. You can study this guide into 4 parts.

1. Weeks in advance

2. Before you move

3. The day of the move

4. After you’ve moved

We have tried to provide informative tips at each step to make things easier for you. At the end of this guide, you can also use our downloadable checklist.

8 weeks before your move

1) Finalise your moving date

Get a final date officially confirmed with your house seller and conveyancer once the property has been finalised. Keep enough buffer to plan and execute your move. Don’t rush things because this is an important step, and it can cause inconvenience if not done right.

Tip: Keep a buffer of at least 8 weeks to execute your shift smoothly.

2) Inform your landlord

If you have rented out your current home, you will need to inform your landlord of the moving date.

Tip: Check your tenancy agreement, as your notice period may be different than what you expected.

3) Hire a mover

If you’re planning to move on your own, hire a van from a reputable hire company. In case you plan it through a professional service, carry out a thorough investigation of the companies, and book the mover as soon as possible before the dates are not available.

If possible, avoid shifting in the summers as most movers are booked in advance as the peak time is. You should not forget to inquire about the insurance details if they are covered.

Tip:  1) Plan your moving dates in the middle of the week as charges on a weekday are always cheaper as compared to those on a weekend. 2) Book your hiring service as soon as possible to avoid higher charges. 3) Plan your moving dates in the middle of the week as charges on a weekday are always cheaper as compared to those on a weekend.

4) Pre-plan your leave of absence from work

Plan your leave with your employer to move your home on the final day. It is recommended that you take enough time out to assist in the final shift even if you have hired the best mover company.

Tip: Take at least 3 days off- for a day before, the final day, and a day after you have shifted.

5) Prepare a list to notify the change of address

Start creating a list of people you would like to know about your change of address and update it regularly till you send an official notice to everyone. Don’t miss out on important contacts, as this may cause you trouble once you’ve moved out.

Tip: Download our checklist to make sure you haven’t missed out on anyone.

6) Security Audit of your NEW HOME

Get acquainted with your new neighbourhood and conduct a security audit of your home. Since you’re new to this area, you need to find out about the crime patterns from your neighbours or the police. Check and confirm if there are any existing home security solutions in your home. If you got one, GREAT! You must do a full inspection of the operability of the security system with the help of a professional security service provider to check the health of your device.  

FHA is a home security expert and offers a suite of customised home security solutions to residential and business properties. If you have a home security requirement, you can speak to our team on 0800 717 8727 or 020 3137 8727 and can get the best recommendations for your property.

7) Repair work

It’s always important to leave your home in good shape before you move out. Take note of the repair work you need to do in your existing home, whether you’re renting or selling your home.

Tip: If you’ve rented the property, it’ll help you get your full deposit money.

8) Book cleaners

You are expected to hand over the property in good condition, so get in touch with professional cleaners. Some real estate agents insist on having the cleaning done through a professional service provider and ask tenants to provide evidence. This, too, plays a major role in getting your full deposit.

Book them in advance for a later date, preferably 2 weeks before your moving date once you have packed most of your stuff.

Tip: Consider using professional cleaning services for oven, carpets, garden and bathrooms.

6 weeks before your move

1) Moving supplies

Make a list of supplies that you’re going to need to pack your stuff. You’ll need boxes of different sizes and shapes to pack your items. Use bubble wraps and other protective wraps for fragile and valuable items to keep items safe until they reach their destination. If you use a professional moving company, you will be provided with boxes and other wrapping items in advance as part of their service.

Tip: Don’t keep the boxes empty, you can put some packing paper or clothing on to fill it up. As movers often do not move loosely packed boxes.

2) Declutter your home

It’s time to declutter your home. The best way to do this is- room by room. Scan your wardrobe and check if you’ve got any unwanted clothes to donate. Prepare a list of items that you want to sell, donate, or discard, and try to clear all of these items as soon as possible, as it may take most of your time. Start packing the items in your boxes.

Tip: To make it easier, you can start with non-essential or seasonal items that are not often used.

3) Transferring of School Records

If you are relocating with children to a new location, you need to inform existing as well as future schools about the relocation of your children. The new school will need a set of documents that can only be arranged through the existing school. Make sure you’ve already planned it for a hassle-free transition.

Tip: For in-year arrangement, please speak to the local council to get details about the school arrangements in your area.

4) Set up a Home Security Solution

The home security system plays a huge role in protecting your home from intruders, which is why it is of great importance. If you don’t already have a system installed, please get in touch with a professional service provider. It begins with a property assessment that usually takes about 5-6 weeks before you move in. The survey can be done either on call or in person, and you can get a recommendation on the appropriate security systems for your home based on your requirements. Choose and finalise the best home security system that suits your requirements.

Tip: If you do not yet have access to your property, call us at 020 3137 8727 and our survey specialists can do a remote security survey and make security system recommendations to you, ready to be implemented once you collect the keys of your home.

5) Transfer of Service

It is time to contact your service providers and transfer the services to the new house if they provide services in the new area. In case you wish to change your utility supplier, now is the best time to get into action. Check and compare the best gas and electricity supply deals and evaluate what’s best for you.

In the case of gas and electricity supplies, you can easily exit the contract and switch to another supplier if you are on a standard tariff plan. However, you probably need to pay a penalty fee if you are on a fixed-term contract and are willing to change the supplier. But if you have made the change request in the last 49 days of your contract, you can get off with the penalty fee.

Tip: Key list of suppliers to contact at this stage. 1) Gas and Electricity- This is pretty straight forward, but you’ll still need to give your final meter readings when you’re out. Some providers are asking for longer notice to terminate or move utility supplies. We, therefore, recommend that you check your terms at this point. 2) Broadband and TV- Internet and TV providers usually need 2 to 6 weeks to arrange for your services to be moved. It’ll be easy if your new home already has all the services and connections in place. Otherwise, this will include visits by Sky or BT Openreach engineers.

4 weeks before your move

1) Reduce food purchase

Stop over-buying groceries. Instead, start consuming the food stored in your refrigerator or cupboards to avoid wastage.

Tip: Do not transfer frozen and refrigerated food on the day of your move as it either becomes contaminated or wasted.

2) Label your boxes

People are often unorganised when they plan to move to a new property. They end up hastily putting items in the boxes, making a mess. Packing items in an organised way is going to save you a lot of time. Create your scheme to label the boxes you’re comfortable with. It could be numbers, names, or colour patterns that make it easier for you to identify your things. This will make your life easier once you’re in your new home.

Tip: Use the right size boxes, place heavy items in the small box, and place lighter items in the larger box. This will help you to lift the boxes if you are a DIY mover.

3) Register to Vote

If you’re moving to a new location, don’t forget to register with your new address. This will give you the right to vote in the elections.

Tip: You can visit GOV.UK and follow the steps to register.

4) Change GP Practice

If you’re moving to another location, it’s best to change your GP practice as soon as you move in. Do thorough research on the best GP practices available in your new area and register yourself and your family. Please inform your current GP practice that you are leaving.

Tip: Care Quality Commission has an excellent website that allows you to search and learn about the best GP practices in your new location.

5) Moving your prescriptions

Check out the best pharmacy in your new area. You need to inform your current pharmacy that you’re leaving. You might probably need to take a prescription from your doctor to inform the new pharmacy if any.

6) Check out the property before you move in

Find the time to take a walk through the property and check that everything is in place as per the contract. If something is missing or not fulfilled as promised, contact the estate agent immediately.

Don’t forget to check out the interiors of the house before you move in and note down all the measurements of the rooms to avoid any problems when putting the furniture inside the house.

Tip: It’s going to be a good idea to carry measuring tapes, so you know the exact measurements of the rooms to find out whether your existing furniture or the new ones you’ve ordered fit into the room.

2 weeks before your move

1) Prepare a list of essentials

Start preparing a list of things you’re going to need for the first night in your new house. The first few days may be a little messy when you set up your new house. All the essentials must be handy, and you don’t have to struggle to find it out from your boxes.

Tip: You can keep a separate labelled box for these items to make things easier for you on your first day at the new house.

2) Deep Cleaning

After you’ve finished packing your goods, it’s time to deep clean your house thoroughly. We are hoping you must have booked professionals to clean your house as stated above (8 weeks).  Now is the time to call them and get everything cleaned up.

Tip: Check your lease agreement if you have rented the property. The agreement often outlines things you’re expected to do before you leave the house. Don’t miss out on any of these things, as they will have a direct impact on your deposit.

3) Water, Sewer & Garbage Services

Get information on the water, sewer, and garbage services in your new area. Make sure you contact them so that you can get these services from the very first day of your move. Contact your city’s public utility services before you move in.

Tip: Visit GOV.UK website to get details about the garbage collection in your new area and GOV.UK to get details about your water and sewer service provider in your area.

4) Order your new Security solution for your new home

Once the property assessment has been done, you can choose the best security system for your new property. This is the time when you can place your final order and schedule an installation service call with your service provider once you have moved in.

Tip: We, at FHA, recommend carrying out the installation of your new security solution the day after you collect the keys. Our installation lead time is 5 days typically from the date of order, while the industry average is roughly 3 weeks.

5) Notify the change of address

It’s time to get on with the list that you’ve prepared for your new address notification. Send a message about your new address and the date of your move to everyone on the list. Don’t miss out on anyone-family, friends, local authorities, household authorities, health care, post office, etc.

Download our Moving Homes checklist.

1 week before your move

1) Final check

Check if all of your non-essential items have been properly packed in the boxes. Prepare a separate box of things you’re going to need in your early days in your new home. Please refer to the list of essentials that you prepared a few weeks ago.

Make a final check of all the rooms before you leave just in case anything remains to be taken care of.

Tip: Label each box by the name of the room it is going to and if it is necessary or not. Saving a lot of time for everyone as the movers put them directly in the right place for you.

2) Dismantle furniture

Start dismantling your furniture, such as cupboards, tables, and drawers, and get them ready to move to the new property on the final day. If you hire a mover to move, check with them what needs to be done at your end. Also, let them know if you have any oversized furniture so that they come with all the tools that will be needed to carry it on the last day, or else it may cause a delay on the day of your move.

Tip: Check with your mover if they can dismantle furniture as some movers dismantle, transport, and assemble your furniture back really fast for a small fraction of the cost.

The Final Day

1) Final Walkthrough

Do a final check before you leave, as you don’t want any of your stuff left behind. Inspect the lights, gas, water, and electricity thoroughly and make sure they are switched off before you move out. Verify that all doors and windows are locked properly.

Tip: Checklist for the final walkthrough. Turn all the lights off Check that all the taps are closed Close all the doors including the garage door Flush toilets Turn off the heat and air conditioning Close all of the windows.

2) Dispose of Garbage

Dispose of the garbage or other items that you would like to rid of before you leave. Please don’t leave it to the new owner to clean up.

3) Meter Readings

When you leave your home, take note of all the required meter reading. Make sure that your suppliers are informed before you depart to avoid any unnecessary charges for those services.

Tip: Take photos of the meter readings for your reference and submit it as a record on your signed inventory.

Once you have moved in

1) Deep Cleaning

Once you’ve moved in, make sure you’ve cleaned your house thoroughly before you unpack your goods. Prefer to set up your furniture first before you unpack your boxes, or it might be not easy to move everything around to make room for the setup.

Tip: Make sure you have a separate box of supplies required to clean your house like rubber gloves, duster, broom, bucket, etc.

2) Change the locks

If you have purchased the property, you should change the locks as soon as possible. Don’t delay because someone might still have access to your house. This is a small investment worth every penny. It’s pretty simple as you can get the help of a local professional locksmith who would normally take a few hours to sort this out.

Tip: Buying the lock with the right measurements is important so that it fits in your home. Before you purchase a new lock, measure your existing lock.

3) Set up the security system

If you’ve ordered a security system for your property, make sure the engineer arrives on the next day of your move. Ensure that the system is fully installed and operational.

4) Council Tax

You need to register to pay the council tax in your new area. You will need to contact both the councils (old and new areas) and update the information.

Tip: Visit GOV.UK website to check your local council and register yourself for the council tax.

5) Contact the utility suppliers

Once you have moved in, follow up with all the service providers we mentioned above if the service has not yet started.

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to streamline your things while you are planning your transition to your new home. Don’t forget to download our moving homes checklist to keep your things handy and manage your stuff throughout the process. 

Why winters have a greater number of burglaries?

• Shorter days and longer nights- Burglars prefer darkness to target homes,  as it is easier for them to carry out jobs without being caught.
• Holiday season– People are usually on a break and often go out on vacation, towards the end of the year. This gives burglars a good chance to target empty homes and get hold of their valuables. 
• Festive Season– The festive season is around the corner during the winters. During this time, people usually buy new items and valuables. As a result, burglars are more likely to get a good number of valuables at home that they target.

Tips to protect your home during winters

1) Security Alarms

A security alarm is one of the best ways to protect your home from intrusion due to its startle effect on burglars. It is considered to be one of the best burglar deterrents. Burglars tend to avoid homes with a security alarm. In fact, properties without a security system are more vulnerable and have a higher possibility of getting burgled.

These alarms come with different features and functionality; however, basic features remain common in all systems- to alert you in case of a break-in. But, based on your requirements, you can choose a more advanced system such as a smart alarm or a home automation kit that can be integrated with your smartphone.

The alarm system comes with several sensors that alert you when a motion is detected. These sensors help you protect the key entry points that are often used by burglars. A camera sensor plays an important role and captures footage which is beneficial when someone wants to check when not at home. It even sends you a snapshot of your phone automatically when an alarm is triggered.

Choosing the right system with the right number of sensors is crucial and this is where we come into the picture. We conduct a free security survey for all our customers and provide the best options for your property.

2. Security Camera

A CCTV system is another way to protect your home. It’s a great low maintenance surveillance tool that helps you monitor activities in and around your home using high-resolution cameras. It’s recording feature helps you record activities that can be saved for your future reference. You can even get a live view of your home on your smartphone app that allows you to take immediate action in the event of an emergency. These systems also come with a motion detection recording facility, which is optional, which triggers a recording if a motion is detected.

Intruders often do not target properties installed with a camera, as they consider it as one the biggest deterrents. That’s why it’s considered to be one of the best home security systems to keep burglars away.

CCTV systems come with a lot of cameras. However, based on your requirement, you can conveniently choose the right CCTV system that fits your property.

3. Locks, windows and doors

Identify all the entry points in your home and make sure they are well equipped with sturdy locks. It’s a good thing to do a regular inspection just before the peak season hits every year. The most common entry points used by the burglars are doors or windows. Sometimes, they can easily pass through unlocked doors and windows, and sometimes make a forced entrance by breaking the barriers.

We need to take care of a couple of things:

• Do not leave any of your doors or windows open whenever you go to bed or leave your home. Sometimes people forget to check their backyard or garage door. Never leave a door unlocked. This stupid mistake could cost you a fortune.
• Always use good quality locks to make it very hard for burglars to break through your doors and windows. Make it difficult for the burglars to get to your home wherever possible. This will discourage them, and they will return empty-handed.

4)  Sensor Lights

Use motion sensor lights outside your home that alert you as and when motion is detected. It will also bring the intruders into the spotlight who are trying to make their way into your home in darkness. This would be the last thing they would want.

Darkness is a sign that no one is at home. And empty houses are the main target for the burglars. So, if you’re not at home, make sure your lights are turned on. The best way to do this is to use smart lights that can be operated remotely with your smartphones.

5) Don’t showcase your valuables

The main reason behind any burglary is to steal all the expensive items and sell them at a good price. Most of the stolen items are cash, wallets, cards, jewellery, electronic devices, and car keys.

And if they see any of these valuables from outside, it’s easy for them to do the job quickly. They often try to sneak into your house through windows to scan through the items. Therefore, you should not display any of your valuable items through your window or doors.

It’s worth using a safe to keep your valuables like jewellery and cash. By doing this, you reduce your chances of getting into the spotlight of intruders.

Conclusion

Security tips to protect your home may be endless. However, the tips described above may significantly reduce your chances of being a victim of domestic burglary.

We are an award-winning security company offering tailored security solutions for residential and commercial properties.

If you need advice on home security and are looking to buy a home security system for your home, please get in touch with our team. We will conduct a free property survey for you, and we will provide you with the best recommendations based on the results.

Get in touch with us today for more details.

As security specialists, our aim is to educate people about security systems and help them make informed decisions. Therefore, we have compiled a list of information that you should ask security companies before you purchase a home security system.

1. Are you an insurance approved home security installer?

Your insurance company might insist you have a home security system in place. Especially if it’s a high-risk property, or if the neighbourhood is prone to burglary. A DIY security system might not always satisfy the criteria of your insurance company. However, a professional-grade alarm system fitted by an insurance-approved security company will definitely fulfilled because these alarms are EN50131 standards-compliant systems. That is necessarily not the case with a DIY system.

Insurance approved companies are either approved and regulated by SSAIB or NSI. Therefore, it is a must for you to check if your service provider is insurance approved. You can easily find these details on the website. 

We are an SSAIB-certified security installer and are regulated and audited by SSAIB.

2. Is the product offered to you insurance approved?

Some companies have their monitoring stations registered and certified by regulatory bodies such as NSI or SSAIB. But still, they offer products that do not comply with the British standard grading of a security system. Some big giants still don’t have fully compliant products in place. This might turn out to be a sour thing for you when you claim insurance in case you’re burgled. Always ask the company to put it in writing that their products comply with EN 50131 standards.

We often hear stories about Verisure alarms not being insurance approved, as their product does not meet the grading standards.

3. Does your Burglar Alarm come with an audible outdoor bell box?

Do you know that two of the biggest home security installer in the UK do not offer live sirens to be placed outside your property? ADT only offers a dummy siren to be placed outdoors, while Verisure puts a sticker outside the house. A loud outdoor siren is essential as it triggers the alarm. This will definitely draw the attention of your neighbours in case of an emergency. And eventually, you will get instant help to stop the burglary.  This is, however, not possible if an outdoor live siren is missing.

4. Who’s going to own the product?

Some home security installers or companies do not disclose that they are leasing their products to their customers. In such cases, a customer has to pay high monthly costs for the system throughout the life of the device. Most home security systems are designed to last approximately 10 years or so. In that case, you would end up paying 3 to 4 times more to use the solution. This is why buying a product is always more cost-effective than leasing.

Also, if you decide to opt out of the contract, you may be charged a cancellation fee and additional charges to remove the system or all the features of the system will be disabled.

However, all the security solutions (security alarms and CCTV) we offer will be yours from day one, even if you choose not to opt for a maintenance plan for the system.

5. Do you offer flexible finance?

A security solution is a huge investment, and most of the time, people are not willing to pay the full amount upfront. Flexible financing plans will help you pay the cost over a certain period. Some of the providers do offer a wide range of flexible financing options so that you can pay for the system at your convenience.

6. Do you have independent reviews that we can check?

Independent reviews have a significant role to play and help you form an opinion about the service provider based on the customer feedback. Check each provider’s independent reviews and, in particular, check the bad reviews on their websites or other review websites. Google Reviews and Trust Pilot are the most popular platforms to check the ratings and reviews of service providers.

We are proud to hold 5 star ratings at Google Reviews and 4.9 star ratings at Trustpilot over many hundreds of reviews over the last decade to show our consistent quality of care and service offered.

7. Do you have engineers of your own, or are they sub-contractors?

Companies employing their engineers tend to invest more in their employees and thus have a higher service standard compared to those who have contracted it. We take pride in employing all our engineers and investing in their well-being and training. This enables us to take ownership of the way we deliver our services. Our engineers carry Company ID cards, drive branded vans and wear our uniforms.

8. Are your engineer’s security screened?

When you give the engineer access to your home, who is a stranger to you, you have the right to ask the supplier for the credential of people visiting you. All of our engineers and office teams are security screened to the highest standard available in the UK-BS7858 screening and DBS checks to ensure that no one with any criminal records is employed.

9. How is the system monitored?

Make sure you have a few options when it comes to monitoring your alarm. Some providers only offer self-monitoring or monitoring by third parties. However, we offer a range of self-monitoring, third-party monitoring options as well as level 1 police response and private guard response systems where customers can choose from these options as required. You can even add monitoring at a later date if you wish. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance charges shall apply.

10. Can I have my alarm installed without opting for third party monitoring?

Explore with your service provider if you are allowed to opt for a system without any ongoing monitoring charges. With most customers opting for smart alarms, you will have more information available from the app than any monitoring station has. If you have a smart alarm, especially if you have a camera sensor, we recommend that you opt for self-monitoring before signing up for any lengthy monitoring plan. You should explore your options for adding or removing monitoring and police response options at a later date, to make sure the system and the security provider can adapt your changing requirements. 

11. Do I need to sign up for your maintenance plan?

Some companies insist that you choose a fixed contract maintenance plan as part of your security system. However, we give our customers the flexibility to choose between pay-as-you-go maintenance service (some call it fit-and-forget service), annual maintenance, annual maintenance with extended warranty, and police response service with 2 services per annum. 

12. Who makes the intruder alarm you’re installing?

It is common for installation companies to rebrand the products they sell to their customers that do not allow them to use any other service provider to service their alarm. For instance, ADT used to sell Honeywell alarms and is now using Visonic. However, these products are always branded under their name. On the other hand, we always let our customers know the make and model of the alarm we use, which allows you to cross-check and find out more about the products before you make an informed purchase decision.

We also often do in-depth reviews of the products we install and we also recommend you take up on our free consultation to design and receive recommendations for the best security systems to meet your requirements.

13. Does the burglar alarm come with a free app?

a. Is there an ongoing cost to the app?

Some manufacturers and service companies charge an ongoing fee to use the alarm app, such as the Pyronix app, which is free only in the first year and has an ongoing charge from the second year onwards. We selectively recommend products that do not charge any ongoing fees for using the alarm app or are transparent about their pricing from the beginning. To be fair, all most all manufacturers who provide good quality ongoing service for apps and other cloud-based services now charge for their apps.

b. If I don’t service the alarm from you, will the app be turned off?

This is one of the tactics that some security providers are trying to force their customers to use their services against the customer’s will. We value our customers and therefore, do not engage in such tactics. You will only have the system serviced by us if we meet your expectations.

14. Do I need my security system to be serviced by you?

All alarm manufacturers, insurance providers, and, indeed, we recommend that you service your alarm on an annual basis. It helps with the maintenance and functionality of the system and ensures that everything works fine. However, we do not force you to sign up for any maintenance plans, and the choice will be yours.

15. What is the warranty of the home security system offered by you?

All of our security systems [burglar alarm and home cctv] come with a minimum of 1 year of on-site warranty. 

16. Can I extend the warranty of my security system?

We offer industry-leading and insurance-recommended maintenance plans with an extended warranty. This gives you up to 10 years of warranty with free callouts and a fixed-cost service. We will also change all batteries and replace any faulty parts at a fixed cost, with no additional charges applicable apart from the cost of the plan.

17. What are your opening hours?

Make sure that the security provider you choose offers services on weekends and holidays as well as you don’t want to get stuck with your faulty system for a long time. Also find out if this isn’t a one-person band, in case your engineer goes away on vacation and you’re stranded until he’s back.

We work 7 days a week, and our sales offices work from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Our customer service numbers are open 24/7, so you’re always in safe hands.

18. How do you deal with my system when something goes wrong?

This is an important question that must be asked. We promise to respond to all of your reported faults on the same day. We can find faults and fix most of them remotely on the same day. On odd occasions, if an engineer needs to come out, we’ll give you a temporary solution on the same day and arrange an engineer visit — usually within 1-5 working days, depending on your availability.

19. How quickly can you install it?

The average lead time of the industry is around 3 weeks from the date of the initial inquiry. Our standard lead time for most installations is 3-5 working days. We also offer an express installation service at a small additional cost, giving priority to your job in the next 24 or 48 hours of the order, and can even install it on a Saturday for you.

Contact Us

FHA Security is a professional security provider in the UK and has been delivering quality services for over a decade. We have expertise in home security solutions specialising in burglar alarms and CCTV systems tailored to the needs of the customers.

We offer express installation service to all our customers where you can ask us to schedule the installation within 24 to 48 hours of placing the order so you can secure your home quickly and conveniently.

Even if you don’t plan to get a home security system right now, you can still call us to get some free advice on how to secure your home and your loved ones.

We believe in helping people protect their homes.

Call us now at 020 3137 8727, 0800 193 8727 to secure your home immediately.