When it comes to keeping your property secure, there are a number of different routes you can go down. To the point where it can be a bit overwhelming at times! One of the things we’re asked about most often is remote monitoring systems – specifically what they are, and what extra value they bring to your security systems. So today we want to answer that question, and give you a bit of information about your options as well.

What is Remote Monitoring?

Simply put, remote monitoring is when your security systems are connected to a separate control centre (also known as an ARC, Alarm Receiving Centre). At this control centre you will find skilled operators, who can monitor activity on the site. If any unusual activity occurs, then the team will be able to investigate and act appropriately, keeping your premises safe.

It’s one of the more proactive forms of security, and is often used by businesses and construction firms to ensure their sites are safe and not being broken into when they are vacant. That being said, it can also be used in residential properties, particularly if you have a lot of valuables inside, or your home is left empty for long periods of time, and you want to make sure everything is safe.

What Does It Add?

This is a fair question, because remote monitoring is essentially an add-on, rather than a whole security system in itself. For example, you can have a CCTV system, or you can have a remotely monitored CCTV system. The difference is that normal CCTV is only really useful in retrospect – once a break-in has already happened, as a way to identify and apprehend the culprit. Which is useful, of course! But remote monitoring CCTV is much more useful as a way to catch intruders ‘in the act’, and deter them from actually going through with their plans. This is because someone is actively watching the image feed from the cameras, and can see what’s happening in real time as soon as the alarm is tripped. This means they can call the police and let them know what’s happening, inform a keyholder of what’s going on and what action has been taken, as well as activate other security measures to scare off the intruder – like playing a pre-recorded message to let them know that the alarm has been activated, and the police are on their way. In short, remote monitoring is a much more proactive form of security, compared to the passive security of alarms and CCTV. And when they’re put together, you get the best of both worlds.

What Are The Types of Remote Monitoring?

Depending on your need, and whether you’re a business or an individual, there are a number of different remote monitoring options you can choose from. At Securifix, we offer two main types of remote monitoring security, using state-of-the-art security equipment:

Intruder Alarms: These systems allow you to have more control over what happens if your alarm triggers, and peace of mind knowing the process, and that someone will be alerted. We can set your alarms up to:

• Play a pre-recorded message within your property when the alarm is activated (e.g. the security system has been activated, and the police have been notified.)
• A text and speech dialler.
• Automatic connection to a central station, where the operator can contact either a keyholder, the police or both if the alarm is tripped.

CCTV: Most people are pretty familiar with CCTV systems. But remote monitoring CCTV is a step further than your standard domestic camera system. Once again, your CCTV systems can be connected directly to an ARC using your internet connection, so the footage can be reviewed live by an operator at any time you choose. So if an intruder was to enter your home or premises, the system would send an alert to the ARC, and the operator could view the live footage and contact keyholders or the police to handle the intruder. In order to do this your CCTV systems do have to be BS8418 compliant, which might mean you need to upgrade before you can get started.

At Securifix, we specialise in providing not only equipment, but high quality certified remote monitoring security services, giving you complete peace of mind about your site security. If you would like to find out more, just get in touch with the team today.