Outdoor alarm systems provide break-in warning

The indoor alarm is effective but will only go off once movement has been detected by the sensor inside the house or once somebody opens a door on which there is a magnetic contact.
Outdoor infrared sensors are weatherproof and pick up movement outside the building. They can be calibrated so that they respond to human movement but are not activated by birds or small or domestic animals.
Electric fences provide double protection. They give the thief who comes into contact with the fence an electric shock. They also set off an alarm. The alarm will also go off if the fence is cut or if two of the wires running parallel to each other touch.
If the fence alarm goes off but when you switch the alarm on and off it no longer alarms, then it is possible that there may have been an intruder who has made contact with the fence and you need to be alert for other possible signs of an intrusion.
If it continues to alarm after it has been switched on and off, then it could be that a wire has been cut or that a tree branch has fallen onto the fence and forced two strands of the fencing wire into contact with each other.
Another effective outdoor early warning system is the use of electronic beams, which can be placed around the house. For maximum early warning they may be placed close to the perimeter wall.
Modern electronic beams are cone shaped beams that can be overlapped, making it difficult for anyone to crawl under or jump over them without triggering the alarm. Each beam can cover a distance of from 30 to 100 metres. Unlike the electric fence, the beams are not obvious. The first an intruder knows of them is generally when he has passed through one and set off the alarm.
The alarm siren is likely to frighten the thief away. It will certainly alert the occupants of the house or building, enabling them to contact the police or summon assistance from friends, relatives or the neighbourhood watch.
If the alarm system is linked to a rapid response service, it will set off a warning at the rapid response centre as well, ensuring that help is on its way before any attempt has been made to break into the building.
The thief will have lost the important element of surprise. If he continues with plans to break into the house, he will find the householder ready for him when he reaches the house. The rapid response team or the help that has been summoned may also arrive while he is still attempting a break-in.

– This column is sponsored by Safeguard Security in the public interest. If you have  security issues you would like advice on in this column, please e-mail your request to mail@mhpr.co.zw or telephone Jackie at Safeguard Security, Tel. 751395-9.