With the number of break-ins in Queensland reaching its highest level in a decade, securing your home and protecting your loved ones is more crucial than ever.

Now, while the increase in crime can be partly attributed to the ongoing cost of living crisis – and the fact that people are more desperate – another factor was people returning to the office after two years of working from home. Subsequently, being at home more made lots of us complacent about our security habits – which criminals took advantage of.

This has led many people to review their home security measures, with 24/7 security monitoring becoming an increasingly popular option. Let’s look at the benefits of 24/7 monitoring services and why you should consider implementing back-to-base monitoring for your home or business.

What is 24/7 Security Monitoring?

24/7 security monitoring is a security setup in which your home is surveilled by a professional security company – around the clock. Under a 24/7 security monitoring arrangement, your security company will:

• Receive notifications if your alarm system is triggered, i.e., from a criminal setting off one of the sensors, to a fire alert from one of your smoke detectors, a medical alert from a medical pendant or a duress/panic alert from a panic button
• Monitor the live feed from your security camera for commercial clients. This can be matched to your alarm devices to allow the operator to choose which camera needs reviewing based on what area the alarms are coming from
• Send a security guard to check on your property
• In some cases, on certain properties like gated communities and apartment buildings, for instance, arrange and manage a rotating security patrol
• Contact and coordinate with the police when necessary

Components Of A Typical 24/7 Security Monitoring System

Alarm Systems: alongside security cameras, alarms are one of the first things that come to mind when thinking of security systems with back to base monitoring. A security alarm system usually comprises a central control panel connected to several sirens positioned around your home. You must arm the system when you leave the house and, conversely, deactivate it, usually by entering a code on a keypad, when you return home.

Subsequently, with professional 24/7 monitoring, your security company will call you if your alarm system is triggered – to double-check if a member of your household failed to deactivate the system quickly enough or if there’s been a break-in. Depending on the devices you have on your alarm, you can also be monitored for Fire, Medical & Duress.

Security Cameras: security cameras provide continuous, real-time video footage of what’s happening on your property. This allows you to view your home remotely and ensure the premise is safe at any given time and act quickly if something is out of place, such as an individual approaching your property. Security cameras are also invaluable as they’ll record footage in the event of a break-in, which helps the police in their subsequent investigation.

Door and Window Sensors: these are connected to your alarm system and triggered when someone attempts to break in through a door or window. Similarly, glass break alarms can be installed on windows and doors (sliding patio-style doors, for example) as an additional security measure.

Motion Detectors: motion detection sensors work in a similar way to door and window sensors but are instead strategically positioned around your property to detect intruders making their way through your home.

Panic or Duress Buttons: some alarm systems feature panic buttons that alert your security company back at the monitoring centre. These are ideal for home invasion situations when you could be confronted by the home invader(s). Best of all, while the alarm won’t sound in your home, they will hear it in the monitoring centre – so as to not alert the intruder and make the situation worse.

Monitoring Centers: this is the security firm’s base of operations, from which they monitor the footage on your security cameras, receive alarm notifications, and coordinate security patrols and/or authorities’ involvement.

Security Screens: security screens, such as Crimsafe, can be installed on doors and windows to make forced entry even more difficult. Potentially, while a criminal is trying to get past the security screen, it gives the person surveilling your property more time to notice them and send a security guard to your property asap.

The Benefits of 24/7 Security Monitoring

Now that you have a better idea of how around-the-clock surveillance works and the range of equipment required, let’s look at the various advantages of 24/7 security monitoring.

Peace Of Mind

The first advantage of 24/7 security monitoring is the considerable peace of mind that it provides. With your home being watched around the clock on your behalf, you can feel completely assured that any security issues will be noticed and acted upon.

Additionally, with 24/7 security monitoring, unlike self-monitoring, you don’t have to worry about being unavailable to receive notifications. This could happen for many reasons, such as your mobile device running out of power, being in an area of low connection, etc., – causing you to miss out on crucial security alerts at the right time. 24/7 security monitoring means that your security company is always there to act on your behalf – and will proactively take the appropriate steps to protect your property if you’re unreachable.

Better still, your home is being watched over by security professionals trained in what to look out for.

Deterrence Of Potential Intruders

The visibility of the various components that make up a 24/7 security monitoring system can be enough to deter criminal activity. A potential intruder will see equipment like security cameras, alarm sirens, and Crimsafe screens, accurately determine that your property won’t be easy to break into – and will likely pick another target.

However, one of the most popular, emerging trends in home security – active deterrent cameras – crank up the deterrent aspect even further. When a person comes within range of an active deterrent camera’s sensors, they’ll trigger flashing lights and an alarm and/or a recorded message. This makes it abundantly clear to the individual that they’re under surveillance and also attracts attention from those in the vicinity.

Rapid Emergency Response

Because alarm notifications are transmitted directly back to your security company’s monitoring centre, you’ll receive an immediate response to security breaches.

As mentioned above, because a security company is keeping a watchful eye over your home, you don’t have to worry about being uncontactable during a security incident. Perhaps best of all, you don’t have to worry about making decisions under pressure, e.g., rushing back home and potentially coming into contact with the burglar(s), because your security firm will act on your behalf while constantly keeping you appraised of the situation.

Additionally, the security firm can involve the authorities as soon as necessary. This makes it more likely that they’d catch the criminal in the act or apprehend them close by if they’ve already fled the scene.

Remote Access And Control

Now, although the true strength of 24/7 security monitoring is your home being under the care and protection of security professionals, many 24/7 security monitoring setups also allow for self-monitoring through remote access – via integration with a mobile app.

Firstly, the app will allow you to view live footage from your security camera, switching between the cameras in different parts of your home to get a complete picture of what’s happening, in real time. Some security cameras also allow you to control them through the app – changing their line of sight if you need a better view of something. Additionally, some cameras offer two-way talk functionality, so you can address whoever you’re surveilling.

Secondly, mobile apps will send you real-time notifications and updates if something happens within your home. For instance, if an intruder triggers your alarm system or a motion sensor on a security camera, you’ll be notified through the app and can act accordingly.

Lower Insurance Premiums

Because installing a 24/7 security monitoring system is likely to reduce the risk of theft and property damage, some insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for properties with a security system installed. This is extremely handy as it allows you to offset part of the cost of your professional security monitoring subscription with the money saved on your insurance.

Choosing The Right 24/7 Security Monitoring Service

Factors To Consider When Selecting a Security Company

1. ASIAL Grading

24/7 security monitoring centres are graded by the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASAIL), responsible for maintaining the quality and standards at monitoring centres through regular, independent audits.
ASAIL evaluates monitoring centres on:

• Construction: physical protection measures, fire prevention, adherence to health and safety protocols, etc.
• Communication: the stability and efficacy of internet, telephones, radio, and duress communication infrastructure
• Redundancy: power supply, communication methods, monitoring equipment, data collection and storage, etc.

The highest grade that ASIAL can award a 24/7 security monitoring centre is A1, so if you’re looking for the best available protection for your home, choose a security company with this grading.

2. Reputation And Reliability

Choosing a security company with a solid track record of keeping their customers safe is vital, as this ensures they have the experience and expertise to properly implement a 24/7 security monitoring setup. Better still, if they’ve earned a reputation for their ability to keep homes secure, that’s an excellent indication that they’ll make the process of selecting, and subsequently installing, the ideal 24/7 security monitoring system for your property as seamless as possible.

3. Integration With Existing Security Measures

Another key consideration is if a prospective 24/7 security monitoring service is compatible with any security equipment you already have installed. This could be an alarm system you originally installed for self-monitoring, but now you’re looking to upgrade to back-to-base monitoring. Alternatively, you may have moved into a property with a security system installed and want to make the best use of it. In either case, choosing a 24/7 security monitoring service that utilises your existing equipment is preferable and will save you both time and money.

4. Customisation Options

The flexibility of a security system, i.e., your choice of security components, is another important factor when choosing a security firm. Say, for instance, that a security system only has a fixed number of cameras. In that case, this may restrict your ability to adequately cover all the main entrance points, including your front and back entrances, lower level windows, garage (above your vehicles), and so on. Similarly, an insufficient number of sensors, sirens, floodlights, etc., for the size and layout of your property restricts your ability to secure it.

Subsequently, you need to choose a monitoring service that accurately assesses your security needs and provides all the required components that satisfy those requirements.

5. Pricing And Contract Terms

The monthly subscription cost is often the main barrier preventing people from signing up for back-to-base monitoring. However, if price is your main criterion, check the terms and conditions of cheaper subscriptions to ensure they offer enough protection to cover your property. For example, some 24/7 security monitoring services may offer a budget back to base surveillance – but it only extends to a limited service such as SMS notifications only (not a live person), and you can be charged for any reports you ask for.

Another important aspect of your subscription is the contract length; a 24/7 security monitoring service may have a low monthly subscription cost for a longer term. This however does ensure your pricing for that term.

Tips For Finding The Best Security Provider

And lastly, here are a few quick, practical tips for finding the best 24/7 security monitoring security company.

1. Research And Compare Companies

Firstly, research the security companies in your area and compare them against your criteria for choosing a 24/7 security monitoring security service, e.g., monthly subscription cost, customisation options, etc. It’s also a great idea to ask your family, friends, and neighbours for a recommendation if they have a security system installed.

2. Read Customer Reviews

Next, if you have a security company in mind, read reviews from their existing customers. You can find these on their website, as well as on Google, Yelp, and other trusted review sites.

3. Consult With Security Professionals

Contact the security companies you’re considering and consult them about 24/7 security monitoring and overall security needs. Fortunately, good security companies typically offer complimentary security assessments, so seeking their advice won’t cost you a thing, while making your decision easier.

Summary

To recap:

• 24/7 security monitoring is a security setup in which your home is surveiled by a professional security company – around the clock. 24/7 security monitoring typically includes:
  • Receiving notifications if your alarm system is triggered
  • Monitoring the live feed from your security cameras
  • Sending a security guard to check on your property
  • Arranging and managing a rotating security patrol
  • Contacting and coordinating with the authorities, if need be.
• Components of a typical 24/7 security monitoring system include:
  • Security cameras
  • Alarm systems
  • Door and window sensors
  • Motion detectors
  • Panic or duress buttons
  • Monitoring centres
  • Security screens
• The benefits of a 24/7 security monitoring service
  • Peace of mind
  • Deterrence of potential intruders
  • Rapid emergency response
  • Remote access and control
  • Lower insurance premiums

Factors to consider when selecting a security company

1. ASAIL grading
2. Reputation and reliability
3. Integration with existing security measures
4. Customisation options
5. Pricing And Contract Terms

Tips for finding the best security provider

1. Research and compare companies
2. Read customer reviews
3. Consult with security professionals

Investing in a professional 24/7 security monitoring subscription is one of the best steps you can take towards ensuring the safety of your loved ones and the security of your home. If you’d like to speak to a knowledgeable security professional about how to set up back-to-base monitoring for your property, get in touch, and we’ll be thrilled to help.