Security gadgets to help protect your home
Over 80% of burglaries occur when a house is empty so Alice Beer is here with her guide on how to keep your home safe..remotely.
From clever gadgets to make you look like you’re home to the doorbell that allows you to see who is at your front door and even speak to them - don’t leave home without taking on Alice’s handy tips.
HIGH-END
RING VIDEO DOORBELL, £159, CURRYS
The Ring Video Doorbell lets you see who's at the door before you open it.In order to use, you set up motion detector zones around the area outside your front door that will alert you on your phone when movement is detected. After downloading the ring app, the doorbell will then send an alert to your IOS or Android device and you'll be able to see in and around the entrance to your property. The camera covers a 180 degree field of view and can see up to a range of 30 feet. The item also comes complete with built in speakers and a microphone so you are able to talk to any potential visitor - not only can you find out if you know the person at the other side of the door, but that person will have no idea whether or not you are actually at home or not.
YALE SMART HOME ALARM, RANGE: £249 - £750
The smart home alarm uses app technology to arm or disarm the system from anywhere via your SmartPhone. You can also add on additional accessories including a 'Power Switch' to turn home appliances on and off remotely and a camera to view the inside of your home from anywhere in the world. You can also add a Yale Smart Lock to the front door which can be controlled from your phone, so no more worries halfway to the airport that somebody forgot to lock up!
NEST CAM INDOOR, £159, ARGOS
Simply use the magnetic stand to place the NestCam into a strategic place into your home and you'll get a 24/7 live stream of everything in view from your phone in HD. It will also check for either physical activity or any noises out of the ordinary and then send an alert to your phone should anything come up. It also comes complete with a built in microphone and speaker, so on a day to day basis, you can check on your pets.
MID RANGE
ELECTRONIC GUARD DOG SECURITY ALARM, £69.99, FESTIVE-LIGHTS.COM
This electronic guard dog security alarm uses radar technology to act as an early warning for occupants especially at night. The hidden speaker also works as a threat to any intruders.
LOW RANGE
EXTERNAL DUMMY CAMERA, £29.99, MAPLIN
Far cheaper than a real CCTV set-up, dummy cameras can still be an effective deterrent to troublemakers. The shell is made from real camera housing and the interior contains a genuine camera body and lens.
FAKE TV LIGHT, £24.99, HALFORDS
A new update on the timer switch, the fake TV light mimics the coloured flashes and glow of a television. It can be set to 'ON' at all times but it can also be pre-set. It uses minimal power - the same as an average night-light - and is also environmentally friendly.
CAMO SAFE, £12, SPYCATCHERONLINE.CO.UK
This design takes household staples such as crisps and fizzy drinks and turns them into secret compartments. If you flick the switch on this can of Coke it's not going to give you any refreshment, but if you twist the lid you'll see that it gives way to a mini-safe where you can keep small valuables or cash. Spycatcher has an entire range of 'camo' safes made out of real, branded grocery products. Either hide it among your tins at home, where a burglar wouldn't even think of looking or take it with you to the beach.