Home security

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A home security camera system software on a Windows laptop for monitoring Old Laptop Used for Home Security Monitoring.jpg
A home security camera system software on a Windows laptop for monitoring

Home security includes both the security hardware placed on a property and individuals' personal security practices. Security hardware includes doors, locks, alarm systems, lighting, motion detectors, and security camera systems. Personal security involves practices like ensuring doors are locked, alarms are activated, owning a Dog, windows are closed, and extra keys are not hidden outside.

Contents

According to an FBI report, 58.3% of burglaries in the United States involved forcible entry. Per the most recent statistics, the average burglary in the United States takes about 90 seconds to 12 minutes, and on average, a burglar will break into a home within 60 seconds. [1] [2] Most target cash first followed by jewels, drugs, and electronics. [3] Common security methods include never hiding extra keys outside, never turning off all the lights, applying small CCTV stickers on doors, and keeping good tabs with neighbours. [4]

Origin

Marie Van Brittan Brown was an African-American inventor who invented one of the first home security systems ( U.S. patent 3,482,037 ) in 1966, along with her husband Albert Brown. They jointly applied for a patent, which was granted in 1969.

Security hardware

Control panels

One main component to home security is finding an area for easy programming and user interaction. A control panel is implemented to arm and disarm a home security system. The control panel is the main connection to the alarm company monitoring a home. It typically features a touchpad or buttons to easily maneuver the system, and some newer systems also feature voice control or wireless remotes (key fobs). [5]

Door and window sensors

Door and window sensors are also implemented in most home security systems. One part of the system is installed on the door or window itself while the other part is installed on the frame of the door or window. The two part system connects securely when a door or window is closed, creating a security circuit. [5]

Window sensors use a range of technologies like magnetic switches, beam sensors, motion sensors, or a glass break sensor. [6]

Door Locks

Within the United Kingdom it is standard practice to have a 5-lever British standard mortise lock fitted to a wooden door, this will ensure that the property is compliant within the insurance sector. [7] A cylinder that is anti-snap fitted to a uPVC door will prevent lock snapping.

Presence simulation

Smart homes have started to become more advanced. New devices are emerging with the specific purpose of simulating presence. They do this through movement simulation by using light-and shadow-effects at night or sound simulation at daytime. [8]

Surveillance cameras

Surveillance cameras used in houses are IP cameras or closed circuit. IP cameras connect over the internet and stream to users’ phones using a Wi-Fi connection. Closed-circuit, or CCTV cameras, stream through wired or wireless links.  [9] These cameras stream live footage to users, allowing them to watch for suspicious activity.

Current cameras feature abilities such as motion detection and two-way audio, allowing users to receive notifications of activity and speak and listen through the camera. Home surveillance cameras used for security purposes have become more accessible, but have sparked security concerns from consumers. [10]

Motion sensors

Surveillance cameras and motion sensors work hand in hand with allowing home owners to keep an eye on areas of their home that they might not have access to at the moment. Motion sensors create zones which cannot be accessed without sounding an alarm. Most cameras do now have a motion detection function, with some brands having thermal detection so they only activate when sensing a heat signature. This function is used so cameras do not pick up false alarms from trees blowing in the wind. [11]

Glass break detector

Glass break detectors are usually installed near glass doors or a window front of a store. This equipment uses a microphone to detect when a pane of glass is broken or shattered. By monitoring the sound and vibrations the alarm only reacts to sounds above a certain threshold to avoid false alarms. [5]

High-decibel alarms

High-decibel alarms ensure that a break in will not go unnoticed. These alarm systems are loud enough so that neighbors will hear them. [5] They are also implemented with the intention to frighten an unwanted intruder.

All of the technology based security hardware works hand in hand with the control panels in a house to relay messages to the monitoring company. Home owners rely heavily on these systems to ensure their safety, and without the control panel monitoring everything happening within the home, this is impossible.

Main computer panel

This is usually in a closet or utility room somewhere on the premises. It is used in older or larger systems to link the components. Usually, you would find a PCB with many terminals or antenna for connections. Many also have built-in backup batteries for wired systems and a phone or Ethernet line in or out port. Some might have a serial port for connection to a technician's computer for diagnostics. These are the true heart of the system. Most control (user interface) panels connect directly to this panel in older or larger wired systems. In some cases, the user interface does connect directly to the components or service, but in most cases, it is relayed through a hub or main panel.

Industry

Some forecasts project the home security market as a whole will be worth $47 billion by 2020, [12] with the DIY home security market worth $1.5 billion. [13] While the market for home security is expanding, especially with cable TV and Internet service providers introducing their own security and home automation products, it is a fragmented market, with "a massive array of large and small rivals." The US market leader is ADT with more than 6 million households subscribed. [14]

The FBI reported that 1.7 million homes were burglarized in 2014. [2] The same report shows that an estimated loss of $3.9 billion was suffered by the victims in the same year. Overall, when the average value was applied to the estimated number of burglaries, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,251. Roughly, there are 2.5 million burglaries a year with 66% being home break-ins. Police typically only solve 13% of break-in crimes due to lack of information and witnesses. [15]

Statistics

It is reported that 53% of break-ins occur during the day and 47% occur at night. Break-ins are 6% more likely to occur between 6am and 6pm while most are out of the house. [15]

With only 17% of homes being equipped with home security systems, many burglars are attracted to homes lacking a system. 95% of break-ins require some type of forceful entry (breaking a window, lock picking, kicking in doors). Some common tools used for break-ins are pliers, screwdrivers, and hammers. This makes it hard to see break-ins coming since they are common household tools. [15]

A study at UNC Charlotte concluded that burglars are commonly males under the age of 25. 12% of burglars admitted to planning their break-in in advance while 41% said it was an impulsive decision. Also, many burglars admitted they consider factors like proximity to traffic. 83% of burglars said they look for evidence of an alarm system, and 60% said they do not break in if they see one is installed. [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Physical security</span> Measures designed to deny unauthorized access

Physical security describes security measures that are designed to deny unauthorized access to facilities, equipment, and resources and to protect personnel and property from damage or harm. Physical security involves the use of multiple layers of interdependent systems that can include CCTV surveillance, security guards, protective barriers, locks, access control, perimeter intrusion detection, deterrent systems, fire protection, and other systems designed to protect persons and property.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Home automation</span> Building automation for a home

Home automation or domotics is building automation for a home. A home automation system will monitor and/or control home attributes such as lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and appliances. It may also include home security such as access control and alarm systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Car alarm</span> Device installed in a vehicle to discourage theft

A car alarm is an electronic device installed in a vehicle in an attempt to discourage theft of the vehicle itself, its contents, or both. Car alarms work by emitting high-volume sound when the conditions necessary for triggering it are met. Such alarms may also cause the vehicle's headlights to flash, may notify the car's owner of the incident via a paging system, and may interrupt one or more electrical circuits necessary for the car to start. Although inexpensive to acquire and install, the effectiveness of such devices in deterring vehicle burglary or theft when their only effect is to emit sound appears to be negligible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bank vault</span> Secure space where valuable items are stored

A bank vault is a secure room used by banks to store and protect valuables, cash, and important documents. Modern bank vaults are typically made of reinforced concrete and steel, with complex locking mechanisms and security systems. This article covers the design, construction, and security features of bank vaults.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Security alarm</span> System that detects unauthorised entry

A security alarm is a system designed to detect intrusions, such as unauthorized entry, into a building or other areas, such as a home or school. Security alarms protect against burglary (theft) or property damage, as well as against intruders. Examples include personal systems, neighborhood security alerts, car alarms, and prison alarms.

A false alarm, also called a nuisance alarm, is the deceptive or erroneous report of an emergency, causing unnecessary panic and/or bringing resources to a place where they are not needed. False alarms may occur with residential burglary alarms, smoke detectors, industrial alarms, fire alarms and in signal detection theory. False alarms have the potential to divert emergency responders away from legitimate emergencies, which could ultimately lead to loss of life. In some cases, repeated false alarms in a certain area may cause occupants to develop alarm fatigue and to start ignoring most alarms, knowing that each time it will probably be false. Intentionally falsely activating alarms in businesses and schools can lead to serious disciplinary actions, and criminal penalties such as fines and jail time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Passive infrared sensor</span> Electronic sensor that measures infrared light

A passive infrared sensor is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors. PIR sensors are commonly used in security alarms and automatic lighting applications.

<i>It Takes a Thief</i> (2005 TV series) US television program

It Takes a Thief is an American reality television series that originally aired on the Discovery Channel from February 2, 2005, to April 13, 2007. The program stars and is hosted by Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey, two former thieves who use their unique expertise to teach people in an unusual way to protect their properties.

Building automation (BAS), also known as building management system (BMS) or building energy management system (BEMS), is the automatic centralized control of a building's HVAC, electrical, lighting, shading, access control, security systems, and other interrelated systems. Some objectives of building automation are improved occupant comfort, efficient operation of building systems, reduction in energy consumption, reduced operating and maintaining costs and increased security.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motion detector</span> Electrical device which utilizes a sensor to detect nearby motion

A motion detector is an electrical device that utilizes a sensor to detect nearby motion. Such a device is often integrated as a component of a system that automatically performs a task or alerts a user of motion in an area. They form a vital component of security, automated lighting control, home control, energy efficiency, and other useful systems. It can be achieved by either mechanical or electronic methods. When it is done by natural organisms, it is called motion perception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glass break detector</span> Sensor used in electronic burglar alarms that detects if a pane of glass is shattered or broken

A glass break detector is a sensor that detects if a pane of glass has been shattered or broken. These sensors are commonly used near glass doors or glass storefront windows. They are widely used in electronic burglar-alarm systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Door security</span> Methods to prevent unwanted entry

The term door security or door security gate may refer to any of a range of measures used to strengthen doors against door breaching, ram-raiding and lock picking, and prevent crimes such as burglary and home invasions. Door security is used in commercial and government buildings, as well as in residential settings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Nest</span> Brand of smart home products by Google

Google Nest is a line of smart home products including smart speakers, smart displays, streaming devices, thermostats, smoke detectors, routers and security systems including smart doorbells, cameras and smart locks.

AT&T Digital Life, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, was a maker of wireless home security systems with burglary and fire monitoring for homes and apartments in the United States. Digital Life services are no longer supported starting September 1, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ring (company)</span> Home security products manufacturer

Ring LLC is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by Amazon. It manufactures a titular line of smart doorbells, home security cameras, and alarm systems. It also operates Neighbors, a social network that allows users to discuss local safety and security issues, and share footage captured with Ring products. Via Neighbors, Ring could also provide footage and data to law enforcement agencies to assist in investigations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artificial intelligence for video surveillance</span> Overview of artificial intelligence for surveillance

Artificial intelligence for video surveillance utilizes computer software programs that analyze the audio and images from video surveillance cameras in order to recognize humans, vehicles, objects, attributes, and events. Security contractors program the software to define restricted areas within the camera's view and program for times of day for the property being protected by the camera surveillance. The artificial intelligence ("A.I.") sends an alert if it detects a trespasser breaking the "rule" set that no person is allowed in that area during that time of day.

Myfox is a privately held French company that designs and produces connected, sensor-driven, and wireless home security equipment.

Hive is a trademark owned by Centrica Hive Limited that produces smart home devices. It is one of the largest connected home providers in the UK and, as of May 2018, the company had more than 1,000,000 customers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Window security</span> Physical security

The term window security may refer to any of a range of measures used to avoid unauthorized access through windows, and prevent crimes such as burglary and home invasions. Window security is used in commercial and government buildings, as well as in residential settings.

Internet of Things (IoT) security devices are electronic tools connected via Internet to a common network and are used to provide security measures. These devices can be controlled remotely through a mobile application, web-based interface or any proprietary installed software, and they often have capabilities such as remote video monitoring, intrusion detection, automatic alerts, and smart automation features. IoT security devices form an integral part of the smart ecosystem, which is characterized by the interconnectivity of various appliances and devices through the Internet.

References

  1. ↑ School safety Archived 2022-05-26 at the Wayback Machine jsu.edu
  2. 1 2 "Burglary". FBI. Retrieved 2016-04-25.
  3. ↑ Blevins, Kristie; Kuhns, Joseph; Lee, Seungmug (2012). Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender's Perspective (PDF). UNC Charlotte. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-01-28. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  4. ↑ Dahmen, Jessamyn; Cook, Diane J.; Wang, Xiaobo; Honglei, Wang (August 2017). "Smart Secure Homes: A Survey of Smart Home Technologies that Sense, Assess, and Respond to Security Threats". Journal of Reliable Intelligent Environments. 3 (2): 83–98. doi:10.1007/s40860-017-0035-0. ISSN   2199-4668. PMC   5616189 . PMID   28966906.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "What Is a Security System and How Does it Work?". SafeWise. 2018-10-12. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
  6. ↑ "4 Different Types Of Window Alarm Sensors Explained" . Retrieved 2021-01-20.
  7. ↑ "Types of Door Locks and Home Insurance | GoCompare". www.gocompare.com. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  8. ↑ "Home alone? The Kevin speaker will ward off burglars".
  9. ↑ "Surveillance Cameras". Electronic Frontier Foundation. 2019-02-04. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
  10. ↑ "What to Know About Smart Camera Privacy". www.digitaltrends.com. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
  11. ↑ https://www.hdbrelectrical.com/blog/post/having-trouble-choosing-a-security-system [ bare URL ]
  12. ↑ Shinn, Jordan (15 June 2017). "The Modern Appeal to Smart Home Technology". Security Baron. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
  13. ↑ Wolf, Michael. "Here's Why DIY Home Security Will Soon Be A Billion Dollar Market". Forbes. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  14. ↑ Home Smart Home, Multichannel News, Jeff Baumgartner, 2016 August 8, pg. 7.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "Burglary Statistics: The Hard Numbers | National Council For Home Safety and Security" . Retrieved 2019-04-24.

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