Homeowners dig deep for security

With crime gripping the nation and people paranoid over the fear of being kidnapped, many are forking out and digging deep into their pockets to invest in security systems. This paranoia comes at a high price, said one security consultant, noting that people have decided to turn fear into action by investing in security. Even though the most basic security systems can cost roughly $4,500 to set up, security companies have suddenly appeared on everyone’s speed dial. Michael Blanc, a security consultant at Securicor, was able to give a clear perspective of the price protection goes for these days. There are numerous options available to a home owner and a businessman if he wishes to secure his home and business, it all depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are. According to Blanc, most security companies usually assess a home owner’s premises at no cost to the owner. “This is a complete survey which involves counting the number of entry points and examining the architecture of the building,” said Blanc. Once the company has seen the layout of the premises, they can advise the owner on the type of protection he needs.

Security systems can be electronic or physical, said Blanc. The physical systems, or guards, fall into three categories: the fully armed guard, the K9 or dog guard and the static or baton guard (unarmed). Guards need to be paid by the hour in accordance the with Minimum Wage Act of $7 per hour, said Blanc. So if a person decides to get a guard for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it will cost him over $40,000 a year for physical security. But, if you want electronic security, it can cost you an even bigger chunk of change. Security experts say that electronic security takes many forms. You can have intrusion systems which are widely known as alarms, you can have automatic gates, close circuit television (CCTV) and intercom systems (video and audio). A standard alarm system for a three-bedroom house would cost about $4,500. But again, Blanc pointed out each case would differ depending on the layout of the home. Most alarm systems allow the owner to have multiple codes for arming and disarming the system. It is good to use this type of system if you have a lot of temporary visitors, experts say. The CCTV system which is basically a camera set up to monitor movement, is another option available to home owners. A basic system of two cameras, to the front and back of the premises can cost about $6,500. But the price goes up the more sophisticated the system gets, said Blanc. For example, if a person wanted a colour monitor instead of black and white or if they wanted more than two cameras on the premises, costs can take a gigantic leap. That can go for about $12,000. Another common form of security is the automatic gate system.

“This system allows the owner to control the gate entry and exit on the premises from another location, like his vehicle,” said Blanc. A basic set up can cost $15,000. Blanc said the amount varies depending on the dimensions of the garage and whether or not the owner wants a swinging gate or a sliding gate. The intercom is another control system people can place in their homes, said Blanc. It allows communication between someone inside the premises and someone outside. A basic system is about $3,000 for a one-storey house. Blanc said the number of stories affect the number of units that need to be set up for the intercom, in turn increasing the cost. A variation to this is the video intercom system. Immediately the price goes up to $7,000. The video intercom allows the same communication but with the added feature of a camera, so the owner can see who is outside while speaking to them. Blanc said it is up to the owner to decide whether the camera is hidden or visible. Blanc pointed out that most of these systems are ineffective unless the owner has some sort of recording device in place to record possible illegal activity on the premises. “You have a better case, if you can show evidence to the authorities,” said Blanc. He recommends having a VHS, digital or multiplex recorder be installed. “A person can be in south and be able to monitor what is going on in his home in north or even up the islands, depending on the level of technology he wants to install,” said Blanc. In other words, the more technology you pump into your security, the more leverage you have and unfortunately, the more it will cost, he said. Security options for businesses are even greater. Blanc said commercial property owners can also implement access control on their premises. “Companies like banks utilise electronic locks and card entry systems for security,” said Blanc.