ADT Fire and Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Research has revealed summer is the second worst time of year for burglaries in the UK, with over 277,000 recorded.  Crime and burglary rates  Security experts at ADT have looked at government and ONS data to determine the crime and burglary rates for different police force areas in the UK. They also looked at these figures per quarter, to see which time of the year has the highest crime and burglary rates. Seasonal offences Time of the year that burglary offences occur the most: Steps to secure home To keep the property safe, ADT has shared its best tips to secure a home: Lock doors and windows If users think they have locked doors, it is extra safe to double-check. The same applies to windows too, any points of entry must be locked when they go to bed or leave the house.  For an added level of security, users could also add an extra lock to doors and windows.  Invest in a smart security system Additionally, users can receive arming reminders if they leave home without setting their alarm A more modern approach to protecting the home is to install a smart security system, which is becoming a much more popular option. These systems come with a host of features, such as allowing users to check live and recorded video footage from cameras and video doorbells.  They also allow to remotely toggle an alarm on and off from phone. Additionally, users can receive arming reminders if they leave home without setting their alarm.  Ensure the alarm system is professionally monitored Users can’t always be sure to catch alerts sent to their phone, but with professionally monitored alarm systems, they can be at ease. These systems use a monitoring system that sends an alert when it detects a burglary or fire for instance, then contacts the appropriate authorities on the user's behalf, ensuring a swift response.  The calendar could be used against the user This one is a little more outside the box, but if users leave the calendar close to a window, for instance, they are potentially showing everyone their plans.  Doing so could be showing off holiday plans or other events when the user might not be home. Planning things ahead of time is fine, but just be sure not to leave those plans where burglars could benefit.  Light up home A video doorbell and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs Lighting a home is another way to signal to a burglar that the home is occupied, even if it isn’t, and as such can deter attempted break-ins. Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but user can stagger the times they come on and can operate the lights in the home remotely, no matter where they are. A video doorbell and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs so when they detect motion outside, the system can switch on lights.  Don’t leave keys outside This is an all too common practice, however, users should avoid leaving a spare key outside, even in the case of emergencies. There are better contingencies to take to ensure whoever needs access to the key can reach it. For example, the user could leave it with nearby relatives or trusted friends, or neighbours.  Keep expensive goods out of easy view Where possible, users should avoid leaving expensive and valuable items in clear view Where possible, users should avoid leaving expensive and valuable items in clear view. Putting valuables in clear sight makes it easier for burglars to scope out a property, making it easier to target the most expensive items to steal.  Cancel or rearrange deliveries If users are planning on going away for any period, they should consider cancelling or making alternative arrangements for any deliveries.  Often, delivery drivers may leave parcels on doorsteps or other “safe places”, assuming users will be home shortly to collect them. However, this is a clear indication to burglars that they aren’t home, and as such property may become a target. 

As the UK hits another recession, more and more people are struggling to pay for food, heating and water. According to Google trends, searches for ‘food banks near me’ have risen 7000% since last Christmas and ‘help with heating’ searches have risen by 880%. People are clearly struggling - but what does this mean for crime rates? Motor vehicle theft Glenn Amato, Managing Director at ADT UK&I Subscriber, comments: “Recession and violent crime do not go hand in hand, but we can expect to see a rise in burglary and theft over the coming months. During the great recession in 2008, UK police forces reported rising instances of robbery, burglary and motor vehicle theft. During the recession, thefts increased by 25% and burglaries by 4%.” During the recession, thefts increased by 25% and burglaries by 4%" “This rise in thefts could also be seen during the 1990 recession and 1980, as well as an increase in fraud. So, as the country prepares for the longest recession since records began heading into 2023, it is important to equip your house to warn off any potential burglars.” Posing significant risk How to warn off burglars and keep the house safe: Check windows and doors - Security flaws in the property could include things like unsecured windows, garage doors and hidden keys. Ahead of the winter months, double-check that the locks are working on both the windows and doors. The door for the pet is also more likely to assist an intruder if it is too big, so make sure users keep its size to the minimum required for the pet to enter and install a lock for further protection. In addition, simply never keep the key in a secret place outside. While convenient, this way of storing a key poses a significant risk. Traditional timer switch Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but users can stagger the times Outdoor Lighting - Check that the outdoor lighting is in working order. If any of the outdoor lights are not working properly, this is the time to fix them - having the areas outside of the property well-lit makes it a lot harder for burglars to get in discreetly, thus making the house to be a less likely target. Light up home - Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but users can stagger the times they come on and users can operate the lights in the home remotely, no matter where they are. Also, video doorbell and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs so when they detect motion outside, the system can switch on lights. Most valuable items Keep valuables in a safe place - If possible, move the most valuable items in the home to a more secure place, such as a safe. Remember that safe boxes can be lifted and carried out, so ideally, the safe should be built into a wall. If users don’t have a safe or the items won’t fit, make sure users store them away so they can’t be seen through the window, as this might encourage burglars to try and break in. Burglars most frequently target the following items, so make sure these items aren’t on display in their home: Cash Electronics Expensive jewellery and watches Designer fashion items Home security camera Thieves are likely to try car doors and look for any quick wins such as cash Secure home with an alarm and cameras - Consider investing in security cameras. Teamed with a good intruder alarm, security cameras make the chances of the home being broken into really slim. While it is perhaps the most obvious, it is also one of the most effective - a home security camera makes the home 30% less likely to be targeted by intruders. Keep car doors locked and valuables hidden - Thieves are likely to try car doors and look for any quick wins such as cash, bags or any items of value stored in cars. It is in the best interest to take any items from the car and move them into the house. If users cannot take these items back to the house, hiding them from sight will stop thieves from being able to see them. Video doorbells and cameras watching over the car can act as a deterrent to any possible thieves. Home alarm system Do not neglect the garden - Keep the garden in check - don’t forget that the garden is an extension of the property, and a garden can be seen as an easy target by burglars - more than half a million garden thefts are reported across Britain on a yearly basis, and this number has seen a surge this year. Remember to keep the gate shut at all times, and make sure to put the furniture and tools away. Don’t forget to set the alarm - This may seem like an obvious one, but many people with alarm systems forget or choose not to set their alarm when they go out. If they already have a home alarm system, remember to set it before leaving the home, even if users away for a few hours. But don’t worry, with an ADT home security system they can be sent arming reminders if they haven't set the alarm. Effective security measure Get a video doorbell - Video doorbells not only allow users to see and speak with whoever is at the front door, wherever they are, but they also act as the first line of defence as a visual deterrent, notifying users immediately when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. Install lockable sash jammers - Often burglars use a crowbar to wedge the window mechanisms out of place and gain access to the targeted properties, therefore, sash jammers could represent a very effective security measure. Rely on furry friends - Dogs can also be an effective weapon against break-ins. Getting a sign that indicates that a dog is in the house, even if there’s no real dog, could discourage burglars from targeting the property.

As the UK hits another recession, more and more people are struggling to pay for food, heating, and water. According to Google trends, searches for ‘food banks near me’ have risen 7000% since last Christmas, and ‘help with heating’ searches have risen by 880%. People are struggling - but what does this mean for crime rates?  Rise in thefts Glenn Amato, Managing Director at ADT UK&I Subscriber, comments, “Recession and violent crime do not go hand in hand, but we can expect to see a rise in burglary and theft over the coming months. During the great recession in 2008, UK police forces reported rising instances of robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. During the recession, thefts increased by 25% and burglaries by 4%. “This rise in thefts could also be seen during the 1990 recession and 1980, as well as an increase in fraud. So, as the country prepares for the longest recession since records began heading into 2023, it is important to equip your house to warn off any potential burglars.”  How to warn off burglars and keep the house safe   Check windows and doors Ahead of the winter months, double-check that the locks are working on both the windows and the doors Security flaws in the property could include things like unsecured windows, garage doors, and hidden keys. Ahead of the winter months, double-check that the locks are working on both the windows and the doors.  The door for a pet is also more likely to assist an intruder if it is too big, so make sure users keep its size to the minimum required for the pet to enter and install a lock for further protection. In addition, simply never keep the key in a secret place outside. While convenient, this way of storing a key poses a significant risk.  Outdoor Lighting  Check that the outdoor lighting is in working order. If any of the outdoor lights are not working properly, this is the time to fix them, having the areas outside of the property well-lit makes it a lot harder for burglars to get in discreetly, thus making the house to be a less likely target. Light up the home  Smart plugs can be used like a traditional timer switch, but users can stagger the times they come on and they can operate the lights in their home remotely, no matter where they are. Also, users' video doorbells and camera devices work in collaboration with smart plugs so that when they detect motion outside, the system can switch on lights.  Keep valuables in a safe place  Remember that safe boxes can be lifted and carried out, so ideally, users' safety should be built into a wall If possible, move the most valuable items in a home to a more secure place, such as a safe. Remember that safe boxes can be lifted and carried out, so ideally, users' safety should be built into a wall. If users don’t have a safe or their items won’t fit, make sure they store them away so they can’t be seen through the window, as this might encourage burglars to try and break in. Burglars most frequently target the following items, so make sure these items aren’t on display in the home: 1) Cash 2) Electronics 3) Expensive jewelry and watches 4) Designer fashion items Secure the home with an alarm and cameras Consider investing in security cameras. Teamed with a good intruder alarm, security cameras make the chances of the home being broken into really slim. While it is perhaps the most obvious, it is also one of the most effective, a home security camera makes the home 30% less likely to be targeted by intruders.  Keep the car doors locked and valuables hidden  Thieves are likely to try car doors and look for any quick wins such as cash, bags, or any items of value stored in cars. It is in the user's best interest to take any items from their car and move them into their house. If users cannot take these items back to their houses, hiding them from sight will stop thieves from being able to see them. Video doorbells and cameras watching over the car can act as a deterrent to any possible thieves. Do not neglect the garden  A garden can be seen as an easy target for burglars more than half a million garden thefts are reported Keep the garden in check, don’t forget that the garden is an extension of the property, and a garden can be seen as an easy target by burglars more than half a million garden thefts are reported across Britain every year, and this number has seen a surge this year. Remember to keep the gate shut at all times, and make sure to put the furniture and tools away. Don’t forget to set the alarm  This may seem like an obvious one, but many people with alarm systems forget or choose not to set their alarm when they go out. If users already have a home alarm system, remember to set it up before leaving their home, even if they are away for a few hours. But don’t worry, with an ADT home security system, users can be sent arming reminders if they haven't set the alarm. Get a video doorbell Video doorbells not only allow users to see and speak with whoever is at their front door, wherever they are, but they also act as the first line of defence as a visual deterrent, notifying them immediately when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. Install lockable sash jammers Often burglars use a crowbar to wedge the window mechanisms out of place and gain access to the targeted properties, therefore, sash jammers could represent a very effective security measure. Rely on the furry friends Dogs can also be an effective weapon against break-ins. Getting a sign that indicates that a dog is in the house, even if there’s no real dog, could discourage burglars from targeting the property.

Many businesses will already have some form of security in place, but what is often overlooked is the need to assess whether the protection is suitable enough for the nature of their business, or efficient enough for the premises they are utilising. As the country continues to face unprecedented times, it is crucial than ever to protect your business, particularly outside working hours or if at present the majority of your workforce is working remotely for the foreseeable future. So, what can you do to ensure that you’re protected? Intruder prevention For many intruders, bypassing the security of a building will just be target practice and an opportunistic attempt to see what they can find, often without any real plan or knowledge of the building’s precautionary measures. With this in mind, it can be worth pre-empting any unwanted entries with a more sophisticated process: fogging. A fogging system is a fast-acting deterrent for intruders. When activated, a thermally generated white smoke-like substance instantly delivers a dense, impenetrable As the country continues to face unprecedented times, it is crucial than ever to protect your business, particularly outside working hoursfog that covers the surface area where valuable equipment and other contents are kept, obscuring them from sight, and protecting them from the possibility of theft or damage until authorities arrive on the scene. Fogging system provider, Bandit UK works with ADT Fire & Security to enhance security measures, providing additional safeguarding for business properties. Putting this in place can mean that considerable cost, time and effort can be saved in the event of an attempted break-in, whilst disruption to business is reduced to a minimum. For small business owners, the financial burden of enhancing your security may seem unfeasible at the moment. In order to make a more informed decision, here are some other useful steps you can adopt, whether you are open or temporarily closed for business. Secure your equipment  Simple routine checks such as regular property and equipment audits can help keep track of equipment and help to allocate responsibility for particular items to individual employees. Tagging computers and recording details of serial numbers will also help track down stolen equipment but is also useful for contacting IT services in the event of theft to ensure confidential information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Consider securing expensive equipment to floors or walls, this will make it difficult for opportunistic thieves to dash around grabbing expensive computing equipment for example. The right locks There should be a robust locking system in place, with a minimum of two locking points on external doors that meet British Standards. While you’re not physically on the premises, all internal doors, including fire doors, should be closed. Ensure that you have recorded each member of staff that has keys and therefore access to the building; this should be kept to a minimum for monitoring purposes. Perhaps it’s been several years since the locks were changed, and personnel have changed or sets of keys have gone missing. A locksmith can quickly and cost-effectively change your locks if necessary. Window glazing It may be a good idea to consider additional glazing on your windows. Installing laminated glass provides an extra layer so that windows cannot be easily tampered with or broken. Boarding of windows is another option and will completely prohibit outsiders from having a direct view into the building – this could be a cost-effective measure if you are temporarily closed. Review your monitored intruder alarm system So, you already have CCTV installed on your premises. From a maintenance point of view, how long has it been since you tested your system? Although you can review simple things like whether the lens is still picking up clear visuals, it may be best to ask an engineer from your security provider for advice on how to service There should be a robust locking system in place, with a minimum of two locking points on external doorsyour technology. It may be some years since you first installed the system, so it is worth checking if there have been any app developments, as this is a fantastic way to monitor your premises without being there. Also be sure to check you have adequate storage so that you are able to browse through previous footage if needed. Some companies use a cloud-based service; do you know what yours uses? Don’t forget fire hazards Electrical items can also be the biggest culprit of fires. In the first instance, the mains integrity should be checked, gas and electricity lines (for frayed or faulty wires), as well as plumbing. All electrical appliances should be repaired or installed by a certified firm to reduce risk of electrical fires, and it’s advised that a routine PAT test should be implemented every twelve months. It is a legal requirement for UK businesses to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) - this identifies a host of fire-related pitfalls, such as fire hazards, the people at risk if fire strikes, emergency exit plans and even covers staff training. Ensure you have this document regularly updated (and in an easily accessible place) to ensure that all bases are covered.  Invest in external lighting If your building is in a poorly lit area, it’s a good idea to invest in external lighting. You won’t need planning permission for this but use your best judgment to decide on the area you want to light up, and what gradient you’d like to use. It is best to have a system installed that automatically switches on when visibility is reduced. This also goes beyond just security; entrances and exits, ramps, pavements, and car parks should be well lit for additional safety for staff and visitors. Property maintenance Your business may be operating at a reduced level or potentially even closed in line with the government’s lockdown recommendations. It may still be important to have a senior member of staff visit the site at regular intervals to ensure that everything is in order. There’s never an ideal time to review your security, but it’s important to do it regularly to help pre-empt any potential opportunistic burglars and give yourself complete peace of mind.

We still have some way to go before we see 5G service rolled out as a UK-wide service, but we can discuss future implications of 5G, and how it can improve device capabilities once its widely accessible.  The impact of 5G lies within the increase in the amount of data that can be transferred between smart home devices through a cloud-based system. By utilising the cloud’s mass computing power and its ability to process data in larger capacities, we are able to receive more in-depth analytics that can help improve smart home devices by making them faster, more informed and intelligent.  Will  5G  boost innovation in the smart home market, if so, how?  Innovation using 5G can be shown with current smart home CCTV systemsAn example of innovation using 5G can be shown with current smart home CCTV systems. Products at present allow you to use functionalities such as motion detection. As it stands, this is a basic form of monitoring that monitors changes in picture and notifies the owner when something unusual has happened.   Once 5G comes into play, the video data captured can be sent off to the cloud, interpreted in more detail, and can allow the system to conclude whether the movement is from a human, object or animal. Facial recognition could also come into play here, providing a more seamless service when reporting incidents to the police.  Similarly, you can use data from various different devices within your home to toughen security measures. A video camera used in conjunction with a presence or heat detector can eliminate small errors by providing the ‘bigger picture’ with more data points to work with - an amalgamation of all smart devices used in tandem.  We can’t solely rely on smart devices to make decisions for us, but what we can do is improve device processing so that by the time we step in, we already have all the necessary information to assess the appropriate call to action.  What will 5G enable homeowners to do within their homes?  Smart homes using 4G currently operate in a fragmented fashion, incorporating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other network protocols. Unlike 4G, 5G will work with low-power devices, making it useful for a broader array of connected products. This means that all devices we will be able to connect any internet connected product in order to allow integrated communication between all devices.   Can be connected to work together in conjunction with your home system Your fridge and other kitchen appliances, for example, can be connected to work together in conjunction with your home system to create an entirely automated home. If your freezer is internet connected, you may get a notification if it loses power, but as everything else is also connected within your home, you will be able to determine whether it is a power fault or product fault straight away. Faster connectivity means that users can quickly take advantage of the data their smart devices provide, such as water use sensors which can monitor levels and allow for behaviour changes to curb water usage The same can be applied with vehicles. Cars in future will be autonomous and include an integrated dashcam which can then be connected to your security system to provide added security on-site in the peripheral of your home, alerting you to potential intruders before they reach your front door. 

A total of £1.6 billion worth of goods are reported as ‘lost’ to in-store theft in supermarkets each year, with figures increasing steadily. The presence of self-checkout systems have increased in supermarkets, as well as other industry retailers. By 2021, we’re globally on track to have 468,000 self-checkout machines in operation, nearly double the 240,000 in existence since 2016. While this increase comes with such benefits as reduced wait times for customers and staff costs, it also comes with a risk of retail theft at self-checkouts. With the circumstances the world now finds itself in i.e. mass unemployment, financial uncertainty, the retail industry has seen an influx in these types of petty crimes, hitting retailers during an already turbulent period. While retailers are taking precautions to protect themselves and their patrons in this new era of in-person shopping, it’s important to ensure the business itself is protected. A popular method to combat these fears is to employ on-site security personnel, however, as we continue to adapt to new operating guidelines, retailers must begin thinking past the immediate future, and begin implementing long-term security solutions to prepare for life after lockdown such as strong CCTV systems with remote access. How has the security industry adapted its services to a post-lockdown world? Technological innovations like thermal recognition are key to adapting security systems for a post-lockdown world. Businesses which previously relied on facial recognition now must update their methods to account for shoppers wearing masks on-site and in-store. By 2021, we’re globally on track to have 468,000 self-checkout machines in operation, nearly double the 240,000 in existence since 2016 Biometric systems are now able to identify people with face masks, and thermal recognition such ADT’s Thermi-Scan system which can track human body temperature without the need for contact. Implementing these safe protocol procedures protect both employees and customers against virus outbreaks such as COVID-19. The need for these advances in video surveillance will reportedly increase the biometric facial recognition market by 14 per cent by 2027. Artificial intelligence has been hailed recently as the way forward for remote security needs, and whilst business-owners continue to navigate procedures of returning to work post-lockdown, having remote access to real-time security monitoring is essential now more than ever. What are the main measures stores can take to prevent or reduce theft? Strategically placing a multi-camera surveillance system to ensure clarity, eliminate blind spots, and deter thieves should be top priority. It’s equally essential to invest in a system which has an efficient playback programme, particularly in situations where reviewing important footage efficiently can offer vital information to the police force. Advances in video surveillance will reportedly increase the biometric facial recognition market by 14 per cent by 2027 As business-owners continue operating at reduced hours and with limited on-site staff, being able to access camera footage quickly and remotely is a key factor to consider. Whether owners opt to receive an alert on a mobile device allowing them to review notifications, or if their system is monitored by a remote security centre, it’s important to be able to access footage quickly for added efficiency and ease. Facial recognition and AI have been popular points of discussion in relation to security cameras and CCTV. While careful considerations must be taken prior to utilising any sort of facial recognition technology, including conducting a Privacy Impact Assessment, the benefits include being provided with real-time tracking of repeat offenders which immensely helps the prevention of in-store theft. Here are some key points to consider when choosing in-store surveillance: Assess your needs – To get the best out of your security system, it is essential to analyse what your requirements are for your business as they might have changed to adapt to a post-lockdown world Camera setup – With store layouts shifting to accommodate social distancing guidelines, it’s important to re-evaluate the current set-up of any security cameras. Depending on any layout updates, it might be important to consider operating multiple cameras in one area to ensure a peripheral view and eliminate any blind spots Camera positioning – For optimal performance, check that light sources are not obstructing your view such as glare from the sun. It is also worth considering the height at which cameras are installed to maximise surveillance Check the focus – It is worth testing camera lenses bi-monthly to ensure that lighting or weather hasn’t affected the focus of the lens, resulting in a blurry visual Remote access – As guidelines continue to evolve, ensure you’re able to access any necessary camera footage quickly and safely in case of emergency Will we begin to see a reduction of theft as new technology is implemented? We’re beginning to see incidents of shoplifting and theft being taken more seriously by law enforcement. In the coming months, for the first time in Britain nearly twenty shoplifters who were either caught red-handed or identified on CCTV will be appearing before magistrates. While currently these court cases are being pursued by a private police force, these actions come after a Government plea to high-level police to prosecute shoplifters stealing under £200. Retailers have long voiced concerns that forces have abandoned low-level thefts and these steps are small but show that businesses are being heard. As innovations in surveillance security continue, we’ll be seeing a move away from human involvement which will create a more reliable and efficient system able to rely on machine learning and analytics. While there have been wider strides made in utilising AI for surveillance, these are largely being used currently by local governments to alert police forces to threats of criminal activity. It’s not unreasonable to think that in the near future, these types of smart technology will be employed by private businesses to analyse suspicious behaviour or possible theft. However, as we see an increase in the advancement of security technology, we anticipate that those inclined to commit in-store theft will adapt their methods, therefore retailers should look to regularly evaluate their security needs to keep risks at bay.