home security systems Leeds

Burglar alarms: how to choose the best one for your home or business

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In this week’s blog we’re going to focus upon finding the best alarm for your home or business premises. A wide range of alarm systems are available. However, with so much choice, deciding which is the right product can seem a little daunting! With this in mind, we’ve put together some information, designed to help you choose the most suitable alarm for your home and lifestyle…

The different types of burglar alarms

A number of different types of security alarms are available, here are some of the pros and cons of each type:

Wireless alarms: an increasingly popular choice, wireless alarms use battery-powered sensors which are designed to communicate with a central control panel through radio signals. The downside to this is that the batteries will need to be replaced periodically. However, as very little wiring is required, wireless alarms offer a cost-effective choice.

Wired alarms: although this type of alarm is generally reliable and robust, it has to be installed by an alarm installation specialist. Wired alarms can be disruptive to install as the wires required for the electronic sensors have to be hidden.

Smart alarms: the latest type of alarm and ideal for residential properties, smart alarms are designed to be integrated with a smart home system. Smart alarms will contact you or a family member if the alarm is triggered, whilst the system can be set or un-set using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Offering cost-effective, comprehensive security, this type of alarm system is becoming increasingly popular.

Bell only alarms: the cheapest option, this type of alarm is designed to make a loud noise. Best suited to homeowners with friendly neighbours or those living in a Neighbourhood Watch area, this type of alarm won’t automatically alert you or the police.

Monitored alarms: if the alarm is triggered a call centre is alerted and they will then contact the police or a designated emergency contact. This type of alarm requires a fee which is paid monthly or annual and it’s worth remembering that the police will stop responding if too many false alarms are received.

Auto-dialler alarms: designed to automatically contact you or a nominated friend if the alarm is triggered, auto-dialler alarms are connected to a phone line or mobile network. This type of alarm does need to phone line or a strong, reliable mobile signal.

Get in touch with FirstEye: your security alarm installation specialists in Leeds

A wide range of alarms are available, with products ranging in complexity. As reputable alarm installers in Leeds – please see our website for full details of our professional accreditations – we will help you choose the best alarm to suit your property and budget. To find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk

LED security lighting installations Leeds

How to safeguard your property with security lighting

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The nights are rapidly getting longer and it wont be long now until the clocks change for winter! Unfortunately, an increase in the hours of darkness provides thieves or intruders with potential places to hide. The best way to prevent this and protect your property from crime is by installing security lights, designed to illuminate dark areas.

Here at FirstEye we specialise in designing and installing a wide range of security systems for residential and business customers, including security lighting. We can help you choose the most suitable type of security lighting to suit your budget and requirements, from simple security lights, through to emergency lighting linked to a security alarm and fire protection system.

Is security lighting effective?

The short answer to this is yes! When the outside of a property, whether it’s a home or business premises, is dark and unlit, thieves are given places in which they can hide undetected. By flooding these areas with bright light, thieves immediately become visible and are deterred from attempting to enter. In addition, the sight of security lighting offers a very visible deterrent which shows you take the security of your property seriously and this, in turn, will also helps to prevent crime.

To be fully effective security lighting should be carefully located to ensure potential access points are fully illuminated. So, if your home has patio doors, or your business premises has a rear loading bay, for example, these should be covered. At FirstEye we are experts in the planning and installing security lighting. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that any weak points are fully protected, providing you with peace of mind and adequate security protection.

Security lighting to suit all budgets

Whether you’re looking for security lighting to protect a large, multi-site business premises, or would simply like a security lighting installed over your front door, we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your property.

To find out more about our security installations in Leeds, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to obtain a free, no-obligation quote.

security installations leeds

Five ways to improve the physical security of your business

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It goes without saying that the safety and security of your employees, clients or customers is of paramount importance. However, with increasingly-stretched budgets and busy work schedules, it can be hard to the security-minded business owner to know where to start. With this in mind, in this blog post we thought we’d share five practical ways to improve the physical security of your business.

• Assess physical security: many businesses already have a carefully thought out and robust physical security in place. Nevertheless, things change over time and so it’s important to carry out regular checks and/or updates. By making a thorough check of your security procedures and physical security systems at least once a year, you’ll ensure there’s a strong strategy in place, designed to prevent future issues.
• Manage visitors: the majority of businesses welcome visitors on site to some extent or another. Unfortunately, visitors can present a potential security risk. There are a number of cost effective ways to monitor visitors, including CCTV, security barriers or an access control system.
• Controlling access: access control also offers an important and highly effective way to protect the security of sensitive areas such as server rooms or stock rooms. By limiting access to areas such as these, you’ll reduce the likelihood of theft or vandalism.
• External security: securing the exterior of your business premises is a great place to start when it comes to improving physical security. Gates, turnstiles and barriers are a good place to start, as are exterior lighting and CCTV surveillance.
• Employee training: this is an often overlooked aspect of business security. Maintaining ongoing security training and communications is the best way to make sure that all staff are aware of, and adhere to, security procedures.

Contact FirstEye – your business security expert in Leeds

Here at FirstEye we have many years of expertise in providing effective security solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes in Leeds. To find out more about how we can help you improve and maintain the physical security of your business, get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk

Farm Security System Installers

What are the best ways to protect your rural property against crime?

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Although the cost of rural crime fell significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, the bad news is that it there has been a huge increase of over 40% during the first quarter of 2022*. As with all communities, crime has a significant impact upon farmers and those living in rural areas and when combined with soaring fuel prices, the effects are worse than ever.

Security systems for farms and rural businesses

The picture might sound bleak but there are positive steps which can be taken to deter criminals and prevent crime. Locking up valuable equipment, for example, helps to enhance protection, whilst installing CCTV and a security alarm is a great way to make thieves think twice.

Livestock and fuel are also prone to being stolen from rural properties and farms. Fuel oil is particularly susceptible at the moment as prices rise exponentially. Again, using CCTV is an effective way to deter criminals, whilst physical barriers prevent vehicle access to a farmyard or driveway.

Here at FirstEye we are proud of our NFU Rural CCTV Partnership which is designed to support and protect farmers and rural properties against crime. As such, the NFU are giving their members a discount of 10% off a CCTV system installed by a Rural CCTV partner such as us.

Get in touch with FirstEye – your NFU Rural CCTV partner

If you would like to find out more about how we can help you safeguard your farm, rural business or property, please get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk

*source: NFU

security installations leeds

What’s the best way to enhance the physical security of your business?

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Ensuring physical security is an essential requirement for all businesses, regardless of size or type. However, deciding how to implement the most effective physical can be daunting and confusing, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Here at FirstEye we have decades of experience in the design and installation of business security solutions to suit all budgets and requirements. We’ll help you choose the solutions which give you the protection you need, whilst also offering long-term value and reliable protection. We this in mind, here’s some advice on the best way to implement the physical security solutions you need to ensure your business is safe and secure:

Which physical security solutions are best for your business?

Here are some tips on how to implement physical security controls in your business:

1. Install security cameras and alarm systems. Security cameras can help to deter crime and can also be used to monitor activity on your premises. Alarm systems can also help to deter crime and can alert you and the authorities in the event of a break-in or other emergency.

2. Use access control and security gates. Access control can help to deter crime and can also help to protect your assets. Security gates can also help to deter crime and can provide an additional layer of security.

3. Conduct regular security audits. Regular security audits can help you to identify any potential security vulnerabilities on your premises. By conducting regular audits, you can make sure that your physical security controls are up to date and effective.

4. Educate your employees. Make sure that your employees are aware of your physical security controls and procedures. Educate them on what to do in the event of a security breach.

5. Stay vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By staying vigilant, you can help to deter crime and keep your business safe.

Contact FirstEye – your business security expert in Leeds

For further advice on how the best ways to secure your business against crime, please get in touch.

home security installations Leeds

Are you looking for a home security installation service in Leeds?

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Ensuring your home is adequately protected against crime is not only a great way to provide yourself with peace of mind; it can also save you stress, money and time by preventing a break in. Here at FirstEye we install home security systems to suit all budgets, requirements and types of property. Our home security installations are available throughout Leeds and surrounding areas, offering a range of high quality, effective solutions.

Home security solutions for all homes

Whether you live in sixth floor flat, a terrace house or large detached property, we have the expertise to install security solutions designed to protect your home against crime.

An intruder alarm is an essential piece of security kit for all properties and we’ll design and install a system which safeguards your home around the clock. The alarms we install are wireless and controlled by a smartphone app for 24/7 monitoring, regardless of where you are.

CCTV systems also provide highly effective protection for domestic properties, whether installed as a stand alone security system or alongside an intruder alarm. These are also designed to be monitored via a smartphone app, offering a convenient way to check on the interior or exterior of your home when you’re not there.

Installing a door or gate intercom offers the capability to control who has access to your property without having to open the front door or speak to callers in person. In addition, we also install security gates, designed to provide additional protection and prevent unwanted vehicle access to your driveway.

Last and by no means least, home security lighting provides a simple yet highly effective deterrent designed to prevent intruders from having a place to hide. Installing security lighting also helps to make you feel safer when you return home at night.

Contact FirstEye

To find out more or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk. Our services are available throughout Leeds and surrounding areas, with appointments available at a time to suit you.

Business Security

How to create a security plan for your business

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Running your own business comes with a set of responsibilities to ensure workplace safety. Although ‘workplace safety’ includes things like electrical safety etc., it’s also essential that you consider the personal safety of your employees, customers, whilst also ensuring your business assets are protected.

We have many years of experience in providing business in Leeds with a wide range of highly effective security solutions. We know that not all businesses have the big budgets needed to afford the latest high-tech security systems and with this in mind, we offer solutions to suit all budgets.

We also understand that the security requirements of different businesses can vary hugely as an office-based business is unlikely to need as much protection as a shop full of expensive stock, or factory used to house valuable equipment, for example. Security is important for all businesses – regardless of what they do – and we work closely with business owners to find a system that’s just right for them.

Plan ahead to save stress and money

Unfortunately, many business owners fail to think about security on a regular basis, having no idea if they are adequately protected. Whilst a ‘head in the sand’ approach might work the majority of the time, it can prove extremely expensive and stressful if the worst happens and your suffer a break in. Taking an inventory of your existing security systems is a great way to begin and spending a little time checking your alarm is a good place to start. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Is your business protected by an alarm, and if it is, when was the last time it was serviced?

  • Do you store sensitive information such as financial records?

  • Is your business in a remote area?

  • Does your business have a reception area? Is it protected by CCTV?

  • Does your business have a car park and is it protected from unauthorised vehicles?

Thinking about the security of your business is a good way to identify any areas which are vulnerable and would benefit from extra protection. Reception areas, for example, can really benefit from the protection offered by CCTV, whilst an access control system is a cost-effective way to control who has access to your business premises.

Car parks often benefit from the enhanced security provided by barriers, whilst security lighting offers a way to help staff feel more secure and deter potential intruders. Last and by no means least, ensuring your security alarm is in good working order, or installing an alarm if you don’t already have one is an unbeatable way to increase the security of your business.

Contact FirstEye to arrange for your free security survey

We take great pride in providing businesses in Leeds with a wide range of high-quality, affordable security solutions. From alarm installations and maintenance, through to CCTV, access control and security lighting, we have the expertise to ensure you, your staff and your business are safe, secure and protected from crime.

Please get in touch by calling 0113 228 8599 to arrange for your free, no-obligation security survey.

access control installations Leeds

Simple steps to improve the security of your business

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Unfortunately, many business owners fail to take security seriously and we’re often asked to install an alarm or CCTV at a business premises which has recently been broken into. Business security doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to be effective, and in this blog post we’ll give you a few simple ideas for improving the security of your business.

Cost-effective security alarms

Yes, installing a security alarm does cost money, but when you weigh up the cost of this compared to the expense, upheaval and stress of dealing with a break in, an alarm is a very worthwhile long-term investment.

At FirstEye we install business and commercial security alarms to suit all budgets and requirements. We have over 22 years of experience in planning and installing security alarms for businesses of all shapes and sizes; from small office premises and shops, through to farms, warehouses and industrial sites.

We can help you choose the best security alarm for your business, whether this is a wireless alarm integrated into a CCTV system, or a simple bell-only alarm. Then, once your alarm has been installed, we can also provide budget-friendly annual servicing to ensure your system continues to provide reliable around the clock protection.

Security lighting

Security lighting is a simple and cost-effective way to give your business premises additional protection. By illuminating dark and poorly lit areas with bright light, you’ll prevent burglars from having a place in which to hide undetected. The security lighting we install is low energy, with options to suit all requirements and premises. In addition, there are now security lighting systems available which can be integrated into other types of security, such as an alarm system or CCTV.

Access control

Last and by no means least, installing an access control system is ideal for controlling who has access to your premises, or particular areas of your premises. For example, an access control system can be installed to give additional protection to a reception area, stock room, data centre or loading bay. Access control systems are simple to install, with staff entry access provided in a range of ways such as an access card, key code or finger print recognition.

Get in touch with FirstEye for security installations in Leeds

Business security doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Why not get in touch to discuss your requirements and obtain a free, no-obligation quote?

security installations leeds

How to choose the best type of burglar alarm for your property

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Burglar alarms are an essential piece of kit as not only do they provide a highly effective deterrent, they’ll also alert you in the event of a break in. A wide range of alarm systems are available, with products suitable for homes and business premises of all sizes. But with so many to choose from, deciding which is the right product can seem a little daunting! With this in mind, we’ve put together some information, designed to help you choose the most suitable alarm for your home and lifestyle…

A number of different types of burglar alarm are available, here are some of the pros and cons of each type:

Wireless alarms: an increasingly popular choice, wireless alarms use battery-powered sensors which are designed to communicate with a central control panel through radio signals. The downside to this is that the batteries will need to be replaced periodically. However, as very little wiring is required, wireless alarms offer a cost-effective choice.

Wired alarms: although this type of alarm is generally reliable and robust, it has to be installed by an alarm installation specialist. Wired alarms can be disruptive to install as the wires required for the electronic sensors have to be hidden.

Smart alarms: the latest type of alarm, smart alarms are designed to be integrated with a smart home system. Smart alarms will contact you or a family member if the alarm is triggered, whilst the system can be set or un-set using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Offering cost-effective, comprehensive security, this type of alarm system is becoming increasingly popular.

Auto-dialler alarms: designed to automatically contact you or a nominated friend if the alarm is triggered, auto-dialler alarms are connected to a phone line or mobile network. This type of alarm does need to phone line or a strong, reliable mobile signal.

Monitored alarms: if the alarm is triggered a call centre is alerted and they will then contact the police or a designated emergency contact. This type of alarm requires a fee which is paid monthly or annual and it’s worth remembering that the police will stop responding if too many false alarms are received.

Bell only alarms: the cheapest option, this type of alarm is designed to make a loud noise. Best suited to homeowners with friendly neighbours or those living in a Neighbourhood Watch area, this type of alarm won’t automatically alert you or the police.

Contact FirstEye for security alarm installations in Leeds

As you can see, a wide range of alarms are available, with products ranging in complexity. As reputable alarm installers in Leeds – please see our website for full details of our professional accreditations – we will help you choose the best alarm for your home and budget. To find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us by calling 0113 228 8599 or email quote@firsteye.co.uk

Business Security

What’s a business security plan?

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Here at FirstEye we have many years of experience in providing business in Leeds with a wide range of highly effective security solutions. We understand that not everyone has the big budgets needed to afford the latest high-tech security systems and with this in mind, we offer solutions to suit all budgets.

We also understand that the security requirements of different businesses can vary hugely as an office-based business is unlikely to need as much protection as a shop full of expensive stock, or factory used to house valuable equipment, for example. Security is important for all businesses – regardless of what they do – and we work closely with business owners to find a system that’s just right for them.

Business security planning

Many business owners fail to think about security on a regular basis, having no idea if they are adequately protected. Whilst a ‘head in the sand’ approach might work the majority of the time, it can prove extremely expensive and stressful if the worst happens and your suffer a break in. Taking an inventory of your existing security systems is a great way to begin and spending a little time checking your alarm is a good place to start. Here are a few things you might like to think about:

  • Does your business have a reception area? Is it protected by CCTV?

  • Is your business in a remote area?

  • Is your business protected by an alarm, and if it is, when was the last time it was serviced?

  • Do you store sensitive information such as financial records?

  • Does your business have a car park and is it protected from unauthorised vehicles?

Thinking about the security of your business is a good way to identify any areas which are vulnerable and would benefit from extra protection. Reception areas, for example, can really benefit from the protection offered by CCTV, whilst an access control system is a cost-effective way to control who has access to your business premises.

Car parks often benefit from the enhanced security provided by barriers, whilst security lighting offers a way to help staff feel more secure and deter potential intruders. Last and by no means least, ensuring your security alarm is in good working order, or installing an alarm if you don’t already have one is an unbeatable way to increase the security of your business.