For many, the Australian summer is a time of fun and relaxation. A big part of the summer holidays is travelling, unwinding and taking a well-earned rest after a busy year.
However, if you’re not careful, home break-ins and theft can ruin what should be a restful time. Fortunately, a well-equipped home security system can help protect your home.
Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that more than 850,000 households fell victim to various crimes between 2022 and 2023. Ranging from break-ins to property damage and theft, these crimes can have devastating effects.
Most break-ins occur when people aren’t home, especially during holidays. Before you embark on any trips, make sure your home security is up to scratch.
Tips to improve your home security
While a lot of wisdom surrounding home security may sound like common sense, it never hurts to brush up on the basics. Victoria Police’s guidance on preventing home thefts is a good starting point.
It essentially boils down to locking everything you can, making it look like someone’s home, and not publicly advertising that you’re going away. But what else can you do to secure your home?
Locked gates and doors won’t deter every potential burglar, so a smart home security system is another tool at your disposal. Cameras, sensor lights, alarms, and video doorbells are among the most easily accessed devices, with plenty of affordable options.
Many home security gadgets now support centralised connectivity, letting you monitor everything from your phone. Not only can you capture footage of any criminal activity, but you can also deter would-be trespassers in the first place.
Smart home security devices to protect your home
With plenty of options to choose from, where do you start? Before you buy any new gear, think about your home and any specific needs. Do you have a large property that might need multiple surveillance points? Or do you perhaps only need to worry about a single method of entry?
A quick evaluation can narrow down what will best suit your home security system. From there, it’s time to look at your specific options.
Video doorbell
Suitable for any home, a smart video doorbell watches over your front door. It lets you know when visitors arrive – whether expected or unexpected – records video, and lets you talk with people, even when you’re not home.
One option is TP-Link’s battery-powered Tapo 2K video doorbell. It’s able to identify people, cars, pets, and deliveries, keeping you on top of any comings and goings. Thanks to the built-in battery, the doorbell lasts for months on end before needing to recharge, acting as a guard dog for your front porch. With its connected smart chime, you can save footage locally in the event you need to refer to it later.
If someone does try to enter your property, you’ll receive a notification on your phone, so you can respond in real-time from wherever you are to warn off intruders. Aside from the security benefits, the Tapo 2K video doorbell is also handy for knowing when packages arrive and greeting guests when you need an extra moment to get to the door.
Security cameras
One of the core components of any home security system, indoor and outdoor cameras give you peace of mind that your abode is being watched 24//7. Modern home security cameras are highly sophisticated, able to monitor real-time events and connect to other smart devices.
Look for cameras that offer a range of features like night vision, motion-sensing spotlights, and two-way communication. You can spend as much or as little as you want on these devices, but it’s worth finding something specific to your needs.
For outdoors, the Tapo C410 KIT includes a solar panel, generating its own source of power, leaving you with one less thing to remember. It also supports colour night vision and includes built-in spotlights to help record clear footage.
To cover larger areas, the Tapo C520WS provides panning and tilting features, which can rotate 360 degrees horizontally to eliminate any potential blind spots. Another device with two-way communication, you can give instructions to delivery drivers or tell unwanted visitors they’re being recorded. Its “starlight sensor” also produces clearer and brighter colour night vision than many other cameras.
Many of Tapo’s security cameras are also just as well suited to indoor use. There are plenty of indoor-specific cameras too, like the Tapo C110.
With its 2K footage, it keeps an eye on your home’s happenings, pinging the Tapo app with any detected motion. Which, in the best-case scenario, is your cat or dog getting up to mischief while you’re at work. A gentle scolding via the two-way microphone will let any mischievous animals know their owners are watching.
Smart sensors
Sometimes, a camera might not be able to see everything that happens in your house. Or you want privacy in some rooms while keeping some level of security. In this instance, a smart sensor is the way to go.
Sensors, like those included in the Tapo T30 KIT, can be placed on walls, doors, windows, mailboxes – you name it, a sensor can likely go there. When installed, they detect motion, like someone walking past or opening a window, sending an immediate notification to your phone.
When you’re away, these sensors can also activate an alarm if a break-in occurs. Any smart lights connected to the sensors turn on too, scaring off intruders on the double.
Smart sensors aren’t just for home security though. They double as smart home automation devices, switching lights on and off as you move between rooms, for example. For young families, sensors can even keep an eye on young children without needing a camera in their room.
Smart lighting
Like sensors, smart lights can be used as a deterrent and a home automation tool in equal measure. Some security cameras come equipped with powerful floodlights, illuminating your property, while indoor smart lights provide both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Take the Tapo C720 as an example. Its bright 2800 lumens floodlights are ideal for driveways. Anyone approaching will immediately know a camera is tracking their movements, potentially making them think twice about approaching any cars parked outside.
Meanwhile, pairing any combination of smart bulbs and light strips with motion sensors and a Smart Hub gives you various options. For home security, you can program lights to automatically switch on upon detecting motion, giving the impression that people are home. A more fun use is having control over lighting colours and brightness levels – why limit yourself to factory default settings?
Stay safe this holiday season
With these tips and devices, you’re well on your way to securing your home over the holidays and beyond. Don’t leave safety to chance – invest in a good smart home security system now to help prevent anything untoward from happening in the future.
Whether you need a video doorbell, a security camera, or motion-enabled technology, there’s a Tapo device to suit you.
For more information about home security, visit the Tapo website.
The post How to protect your home from intruders this holiday season appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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