Keep your home secure during holiday season

With a rise in break-ins across South East Queensland and in the wake of the horrific North Lakes home invasion, we’ve gone to a security expert for a guide to securing your home.

Home security solutions. Picture: Supplied

Home security is a hot topic at the moment due to an apparent rise in break-ins and the horrific North Lakes home invasion in which Emma Lovell was fatally stabbed.

The Courier-Mail has gone to a security expert to compile a comprehensive guide on how to make your home more secure to keep your family safe these holidays.

Leolec, which specialises in home security, was founded by Chris O’Brien in 2013.

Leolec owner, Chris O'Brien. Picture: Leolec

Mr O’Brien’s first and most important piece of advice?

“Use a licensed security installer,” he said.

“They’re able to assess, identify and mitigate security risks around the home, and they will tailor a solution to your specific requirements.

“Each property is different, and for this reason it is best to engage a professional.”

Many CCTV systems now incorporate basic artificial intelligence (AI) into entry level products, while the top tier products use advanced AI to identify human footage.

“Some of the top tier products use algorithms to focus on faces and capture clear facial snapshots if said person has entered into a trigger zone,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Other features that are now readily available are what are known as Active Deterrence Cameras.

A security camera outside a home. Picture: Leolec

A switchboard outside a home. Picture: Leolec"

These products are essentially a camera and alarm system rolled into one product that can be scheduled/armed/disarmed from your phone app.

“They can be programmed to alarm when a vehicle or a human enters a certain area within the field of view of that particular camera, the advantage to this is the alarm is activated before entry or attempted entry into a property.”

Mr O’Brien said sensor and flood lights could also be a great deterrent.

“They increase the risk ratio in the risk/reward factor for potential thieves, these can essentially be set and forget,” he said.

“Most have a lux sensor, so they can be programmed to only come on at night, even if the switch is left on all day.”

Those looking to make their home more secure should consider security screens, keep doors locked when not in use as well as avoiding leaving garage doors up when you’re not in the garage and lock side access gates.

An intercom device outside a home. Picture: Leolec

“You can have and lock and clasp authorised by Energex installed on your switchboard,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Most people’s switchboards are located outside and are easily accessible from the street.

“Power can be easily switched off from here and when you go out to check, entry to your home could potentially be made quite easily while you’re occupied with checking the switchboard.

“This was a common method used a few years ago by kids stealing cars – they would do this to get access then steal the keys and a garage remote, then come back a day or two later.”

Pets such as dogs can be a great deterrent to would-be thieves.

“Pets can often be a great home security guard as well as companion, studies have shown properties with cameras and a dog greatly reduce their risk of theft or break-ins,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Deadlocks and electronic deadlocks are also a great way to secure your home, with the latter having the ability to be locked and unlocked remotely from an app in some brands and models.”

Mr O’Brien also suggested those looking for other options should consider motion activated doorbells.

“They are also a great way to keep an eye on your property while you’re not there because if someone does press the call button it will come through to your phone.” he said.

“You can answer remotely, giving the person at the door the impression you’re at home or at least planting doubt about whether anyone is home or not, making it too risky for potential crooks to want to take the gamble.”

With a sharp increase in inquiries about parcel theft, Mr O’Brien said motion activated doorbells could be incorporated into home automation.

“You can open your garage door remotely and instruct couriers or the postie to leave your parcel safely in the garage (while you watch) and then secure the garage again once they’re out.”