PFS Winter Security Tips

Winter Security Tips

Following reports of several local break-ins this past week, we thought now would be a good time to repost our tips for keeping your premises secure over the winter period:

  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked securely when you go out, as these are the main entry points for burglars. Remember to take keys out of the lock afterwards so there’s no way of anyone getting to them.
  • Avoid posting on social media about going away over Christmas. People can use this information to find out when your home will be unoccupied.
  • Never leave spare keys outside your home, even if you think they are well hidden. Always leave them with a trusted neighbour, relative or friend.
  • Draw your curtains early now the afternoons are getting darker – you never know who might be looking in to see what valuables you have.
  • Keep expensive items out of sight. Don’t leave wrapped Christmas gifts where they are visible to passers by, and make sure to not leave mobile phones, laptops etc near windows where they can be seen.
  • Consider using timers on your lights when you’re out. Lights turning on and off give the impression that someone is home.
  • Visible burglar alarms and good security lights are very useful for deterring would-be thieves. Dummy alarm systems may seem more economical, but experienced burglars will know the difference between a high-quality alarm system and a fake.
  • Make sure your alarm system is always set before you leave home, and don’t forget to ensure it is serviced annually (or twice annually if it’s a monitored alarm).
  • Prevent easy access to the back and sides of your property by installing locked gates and, if possible, high fencing or walls.
  • Sign up to your local Neighbourhood Watch. You can find your local scheme at the following link: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/get-involved/find-my-local-scheme

If you would like to discuss your home security in more detail, contact us today:

Tel: 01793 642 792
Email: sales@pfssecurity.co.uk

Intruder Alarms

Securing Your Property With Access Control

Security is a concept that should never be overlooked, especially when the safety of others is concerned. We strive to ensure that when it comes to access control when entering and exiting your buildings that nothing is taken for granted. Here at PFS Security Systems, we supply and install only the most sophisticated and secure access control systems for your staff and customers. Operating throughout Oxford, Swindon and Reading, we continue to offer only the most bespoke and complete security system service that ensures that your property is as ‘safe as houses’.

Security With You In Mind

Our high level of service has seen our reputation continue to grow since our establishment back in 1989. With an abundance of major and recognised accreditations to our name, including NSI Gold and SSAIB approved alarm installers; it’s no surprise that our customers have an unmatched confidence in our products. Whilst we offer our services on both a domestic and corporate level, when it comes to our access control, we have a multitude of experience and expertise in commercial businesses, offices and industrial units. We are here to ensure that your property and its contents are secure and safe from unwanted visitors.

Experience & Expertise

We understand that every property comes with a number of variables including location, function and well-being, which is why we offer a variety of access control and door entry systems that are best suited for you. From sophisticated smart-card technology to traditional door entry and intercom access, our team of security experts will be able to advise and professionally install your system before offering the appropriate training. For more information on our access control systems as well as our complete range of security, alarm and CCTV products, be sure to give your nearest PFS Security System branch a call or contact us online here.

CCTV

Protect your Business with Recorded CCTV Installation

Your business will be one of the most precious and valuable things to you, and you will undoubtedly spend your days trying to enhance your practises and secure success for the future. However, threats don’t just come from the stock market, your competitors and an angry customer or two, but also opportunistic thieves that prey on businesses which aren’t fully equipped to deter them. CCTV is an essential solution in preventing this, and here at PFS Security Systems, we have the CCTV systems to ensure that your business is protected.

Secure Surveillance

Sometimes businesses operate in their own bubble and burglars will act on this at any time possible – even during the day, so if everyone’s eyes are transfixed on a computer screen, a workshop or back at home, CCTV will provide the all-seeing eye that never misses a trick, capturing the burglar in the act and either alerting those monitoring to prevent any problem before it even begins, or providing the vital evidence to capture them if they did make it away. As we supply and thoroughly install the latest CCTV technology, you can be sure that your business is being protected in the best way possible, as we offer cameras which can provide the full 360⁰ coverage in high definition and even send the images back to you wherever you are – with the revolutionary step forward of remote viewing capabilities.

The All-Encompassing Deterrent

Recording and sending back images is of course the main benefit of a CCTV system, however the mere sight of it brings about even more security benefits, as many, if not all potential intruders will see the CCTV systems surrounding your premises and will instantly decide against advancing towards the property – knowing full well that their every action is being caught on film; the last thing a burglar will want. CCTV is a proven deterrent, so to gain the best, NSI NACOSS Gold service we provide here at PFS Security Systems, simply contact 01793 642 792.

Door Entry Systems

Improving The Security Of Your Building

For the past few years, the U.K. has enjoyed a steady decline in the crime rate. However, this has evidently come to an end, with the Office for National Statistics recently releasing data that shows the biggest jump in crime in a decade. “The latest figures show the largest annual rise in crimes recorded by the police in a decade,” commented John Flatley, crime statistician and analyst at the Office for National Statistics. “While ongoing improvements to recording practices are driving this volume rise, we believe actual increases in crime are also a factor in a number of categories.” These statistics suggest it has never been more important for you to ensure your home or office is safe and secure from intruders. Here are a few simple things you can do to improve the security of your building:

Install a Surveillance System

CCTV technology has dropped in price significantly over the years to the point where it’s affordable for just about every consumer and business. Here at PFS Security Systems Ltd, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of simple to use CCTV systems that provide you with unparalleled oversight of your property.

Store Expensive Items Out of Sight

High-ticket items in line of sight of a vulnerable window are very tempting to opportunist burglars. If you live on the ground floor or in an area with a lot of foot traffic, you can improve the security of your building by storing expensive items such as jewellery, artwork and portable electronics out of sight.

Install an Intruder Alarm

Few things are as effective at deterring would-be thieves as a professional intruder alarm. We’re able to install a variety of intruder alarms and detection units that include 24 hour monitoring and police response services throughout many parts of England. We’ll work with you to design and implement a security system that works best for your property.

Join or Form a Neighbourhood Watch Group

Cutting edge security technology can play an important role in improving the security of your building, but don’t forget about the power of community. An active Neighbourhood Watch group can be a very effective way of increasing security, bringing the community together and reducing crime in your local area.

Increase Outdoor Lighting

It should go without saying that criminals like to stick to the shadows where they can’t be seen. Flush them out of the darkness with some bright outdoor lighting positioned in such a way that it shines on your property’s most vulnerable areas. Here at PFS Security Systems Ltd, we’ve been in the business of securing homes and offices since 1989. With a focus on personable customer service and industry-leading alarm and surveillance systems, we’re the number one choice of security system providers in the Swindon and Oxford areas. Give us a call today and have a chat with one of our specialists about how we can improve the security of your building.

Security Companies Wiltshire

Three Effective Ways to Improve Your Business’s Security

Here at PFS Security Systems we offer a number of solutions that will help you keep your business secure. Crime is on the rise in many parts of the UK, and it is often business premises that are the target if burglaries and vandalism. If there are weaknesses in your security, it may only be a matter of time before the criminals take advantage of this. Here are just three options that you might like to consider for improving the security of your property: 

Access Control Solutions 

One of the keys to keeping your business safe is to closely control the people who have access to your property. There are a number of viable options for how you can do this. If you always have somebody at the front desk, a good option might be to install a door entry intercom system. On the other hand, if you have people coming at all times of the day or night, a much better option could be to use smart card technology. PFS Security Systems can provide many different access control solutions, and we will be happy to help you find the option that will work best for you. 

CCTV

A CCTV solution can mean that you will have every sensitive part of your premises monitored. It is even possible to create 360 degree coverage. Just having CCTV in place will be enough to deter most criminals. Us here at PFS Security Systems can not only install CCTV for you, but we can also arrange for remote viewing so that you can keep an eye on your property no matter where you are in the world. CCTV can work particularly well when it is combined with other security measures. We will be able provide something suitable for both manned and unmanned sites.

Intruder Alarms

There are many different types of intruder alarm, and there will be something to suit the needs of every kind of business. There are also a range of alarms to suit different budgets. The most important factor with any intruder alarm is that it is reliable, and we only ever deal with quality products. We will also be able to provide twenty-four hour monitoring to ensure that if the intruder alarm is triggered, it will be dealt with. Our team is committed to providing you with the alarm system that will best suit your needs, and the needs of your business. PFS Security Solutions is ready to help you make your property more secure. Contact us right now to find out about the security options that will work best for your business premises.

Access Control

The Security Benefits Of Using Access Control

Your business or workplace environment is only as secure as you make it; with confidential information such as legal, financial and personal data stored on site, there are times when access is best restricted to ward off prying eyes. Whether on paper and held in filing cabinets, on computers or across network servers, at PFS Security Systems we can make sure you have an elite security system in place, so your privacy and professional integrity are always kept protected and intact.

Access Control Benefits

As business owner, there are always areas of your premises that you want to restrict – whether it’s for safety or security reasons. By using one of our access control solutions, you have the ability to protect those areas, and prevent staff or visitors from entering areas or rooms which they are not cleared to be in, whether intentional or unintentional in motive. There are many positive benefits to gain from having an access control solution installed in your business. Using a choice of modern keypads or key card entry systems, traditional ‘lock and key’ security systems might well be considered a thing of the past. Without needing to have keys cut or the expense of having locks changed in case of a security breach, you can instead control access by disabling key cards if lost or stolen, or limit access to particular areas with a new code or password. With the right access control solution in your business, your property, not to mention your staff and customers, will be safer. We have a selection of door entry systems for you to choose from. Whether using smart card technology to allow physical access to designated facilities or a simple single door system with intercom service, security is discrete and reliable, at the touch of a button.

Business Security Solutions

Keeping your business safe and protected is our purpose and priority at PFS Security Systems. We specialise in business and home security, and can also supply and install CCTV surveillance systems and burglar alarms to meet your requirements. If you would like to see about having your work premises made more secure, please phone us at our head office on 01793 642 792. We can also be conveniently contacted via our online contact form. Being in business is all about taking the correct safety measures, so ask for a free quote or assessment from one of our security advisers today.

Burglar Alarm Company

What Are The Costs Of Not Having Property Alarms?

Installing an alarm system at your property is going to involve a little bit of financial investment initially, yet this is money is well spent when you consider the cost of not having this level of protection in place. Detailed below are some of the issues that can arise if an alarm system is not installed at your premises:

Lack of a Property Alarm Leads to Worry

If your property is not properly secured, you will have good reason to worry. Criminals are always on the lookout for opportunities, and they are highly skilled when it comes to exploiting security weaknesses. A lack of an alarm has the potential to lead to stress and worry, and could even lead to some sleepless nights.

Lack of a Property Alarm Means Loss of Privacy

If you do not take your own security seriously, you shouldn’t be too surprised to find that other people don’t respect it either. As a result, this could mean that complete strangers decide to treat your private property as if it were a public building – especially when it comes to commercial premises. By installing an alarm system, you make it clear that your property is private.

The Financial Cost of Stolen Belongings Can be High

If any criminals manage to gain access to your property, there is a good chance that a number of your belongings will be stolen. It is often the case that we only realise the value of our assets after they have been stolen and whilst some items may be easy to replace after a burglary, there are also likely to be some things that require a considerable financial outlay to replace.

Lack of a Property Alarm Can Mean Higher Insurance Costs

The cost of property insurance is based on the level of risk involved, so the lack of a quality alarm system is going to be a concern for any insurance company. If the insurance company decides that your property is at high risk of burglary as a result there being no alarm system in place, this is likely to mean the cost of your premium will be high. The cost of not having a quality property alarm in place is excessive, yet by choosing one of our systems here at PFS Security Systems, you will have the level of protection you need. This is an investment that provides a guaranteed return because it brings benefits from the moment it is installed. Contact us now so we can discuss your security needs.

CCTV Installation

Get the CCTV system that works for you

Trying to find the right CCTV system to suit your needs can seem like a bit of a minefield – there’s a lot to consider and, if you don’t work with CCTV day in, day out, it can seem a little overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to… We’ve put together a few of the essential things that you should be thinking about when preparing to buy a new CCTV system. The following tips work whether you’re buying for your home or your business:

Think about where you want it

Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to install the cameras to focus on the outside, inside, or both. This will impact the cameras you buy – for example, if you want to focus on outdoor CCTV, you’ll need to make sure they’re weatherproof. Secondly, you’ll need to consider the areas that you’d like to target. This will help you get a rough idea of how many cameras your system will need to have. You might only need 1 or you might need 6. You won’t know until you take the time to work out exactly where you want the cameras to focus.

Decide whether you want black and white or colour cameras

For low light conditions, it’s always recommended that you use black and white cameras – just to ensure you get the best visibility possible (which is essential with CCTV). Colour cameras work well in good lighting conditions so if you’re focusing on well-lit indoor areas, you might want to opt for these.

Would you prefer your cameras to be visible or hidden?

Again, the answer to this question will have an impact on the system that you buy. There are benefits to both options so you’ll need to weigh up which option works best for your needs. If you’re not sure, you can always get in touch – we’ll be happy to advise you.

Installing it yourself vs CCTV installers

You need to ask yourself whether you have enough knowledge and understanding of the system – not to mention time – to install it yourself or whether you’d prefer to have professional CCTV installers come in and set everything up. More often than not, it’s not worth the risk of installing it yourself – because if you don’t get it 100% spot on, your system might not function properly. Which, in turn, makes your CCTV system a little useless. Plus, if you do decide to get the professionals in, you may find that they’re able to advise you on which system to buy in the first place, so you can be sure that your CCTV is going to work for your specific needs.

Don’t forget about storage

If you’re planning to record the footage, how much footage would you want to store at a time. If you only want to store the previous days worth, you’ll need less storage than if you wanted to save months at a time. So take the time to consider what’s going to be best for you. Advancements in technology also mean that you now have the option to see real-time footage on your phone, wherever you are, thanks to apps. If this is something you’d be interested, make sure your CCTV system has the capacity for that.

Should you opt for an alarm and CCTV combo?

Whilst CCTV offers the surveillance aspect of security, it doesn’t always raise the alarm – which is why we would always suggest using burglar alarms alongside CCTV. That way you can be sure that your security is of a high standard and offering you great protection. Hopefully this gives you a clear idea of what you should be thinking about when it comes to buying a CCTV system, whether that’s for your home or your business. If you have any questions or would like some advice on what alarms or CCTV system would work well for you, call us now or click here to use our contact page.

CCTV Installers

Why Choose PFS Security Systems?

What we aim to provide here at PFS Security Systems is not only some of the most sophisticated and advanced intruder alarm, CCTV and fire alarm systems around, but we compliment our outstanding products with a complete and all-round service. We want you to feel secure, comfortable and have trust not only in our alarm systems, but trust in the service you receive from us. Whenever the security of your property, well-being and those around you is at risk, it really is no laughing matter, which is why you can have peace of mind thanks to our years of experience and boundless expertise. Operating throughout Oxford, Reading, Bristol and the surrounding areas, we are dedicated and committed to providing your communities with security systems that are effective, efficient and most importantly secure.

But what makes us stand out from the rest?

1. Sophisticated Security Systems 

We are proud to boast only the most advanced and technologically-enhanced security products around. Depending on the size, scale and magnitude of your security operation, our knowledgeable security experts are trained in not only installing your security systems, but also training there use. So whether you’re in need of CCTV surveillance, responsive fire alarms or secure burglar alarms, you can have faith in our products. 

2. Tailored & Bespoke Service 

We understand more than anyone the uniqueness and different factors that must be considered when it comes to security, which is why we tailor each of our projects to your individual needs and requirements. From budget, to scale, to location, our experts are on hand to answer any queries as well as advise and assist you. 

3. A ‘Secure’ Reputation 

You don’t become as established an outfit as us here at PFS security systems without being good at what you do. Since we were founded in 1989, we have continued to go from strength to strength, leading the way in the development and advancement of security systems and their implementation both domestically and commercially. But don’t take our word for it. Be sure to check out our website to find your nearest security specialists.

Security Alarm Installation

Intruder Alarms For Domestic & Commercial Safety

No one likes the idea of someone unknowingly creeping around their property. Whether you’re a dedicated homeowner or an astute corporation, the security of your residence is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Luckily, we are here to help. Here at PFS Security Systems, we are leading specialists in the supply, installation and implementation of a whole host of security systems. We take security seriously so that you can have peace of mind that once left, your residence is as protected and prepared should any unwanted visitors come knocking.

Impeccable Intruder Alarms

With nearly 25 years’ experience in our industry, if there’s one thing we know, it’s how to ensure that your premises are as secure as can be. Whether you’re looking for simple and effective intruder alarms, or state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance systems, we can find the alarm system that is right for your residence. We can proudly boast a wide range of reliable and effective intruder alarms and detection units. Our Redcare technology allows a whole range of secure monitoring whilst our wireless hybrid, audible and speech dialler systems ensure that you can find the system that you can integrate into your premises.

The Future Of Intruder Alarms

With an emphasis on connectivity and a quick response, as well as supplying standard intruder alarms to Oxford, Reading and the surrounding areas, we can implement some of the most advanced systems around. Through a wireless internet connection, you can control your security system without even being in the residence. Hooked up to your computer, laptop or smart phone, you can monitor your premises from anywhere in the world giving you peace of mind. Our qualified experts are on hand to help train and assist you in ensuring that your system is as secure and accessible as possible. Be sure to check out our website for a full look at our security services.