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We miss our holidays too but we can get prepared now for our eventual return to normality. Check out the tips down below to ensure your home stays safe whilst you’re away using our Risco security systems!

I recently decided not to renew my accreditation from from The SafeContractor scheme. Whilst agreeing with the principle of this scheme it has become apparent that we were already complying with the majority of the requirements asked by the scheme. I only went down the route of this accreditation because of a request from one client who insisted that we could not continue to supply services to them without it. As it has become apparent that the main function of the accreditation appears to be to generate an income rather that protecting consumers I have decided to withdraw. This decision was made even easier when it became apparent that i had to pay a fee to be put on a list which would then only be available to clients of the approved scheme and these clients also had to pay to have access to the list. 

This had made me think who is really benefitting from these schemes? The cost of gaining accreditation was acceptable but i cannot justify the annual fees demanded for continued membership which will inevitably have to be passed on to my customers in the form of increased rates. 

Larger corporations would not even feel the effects of the membership fees whereas a small family run business are finding it increasingly difficult to compete. This accreditation scheme has not followed up with us to see if we are meeting the requirements to stay on the scheme rather they have just requested monies to renew it. I have been working in this industry for around 40 years now and I think that counts for something. We don't advertise much and most of our customer base has been built on recommendations from existing customers, does being accredited and having a logo and certificate make me any the better at my job? 

I would love to hear your opinions! 

After an inquiry in to service timers we thought we should share the reasons why service timers are used on alarms and how servicing your alarm could effect your insurance policy.

                When taking out home/contents insurance you may find you're asked a billion and one questions that you think "what has that got to do with this?" and likely hood is at least one question will be about your home alarm. "What type of alarm is it?" "When was it last checked?" It can all get a bit confusing. So here's a few questions and answers.

            1. What type of alarm system do you have?
There are many types of alarms out there, you may even be tempted to buy a DIY from your local B&Q but some insurance companies will only cover for professionally fitted systems.
Bells only system.
A bells only system will externally sound (For a maximum of 20 minutes due to most local authorities rules) if an intruder is detected. The internal alarm will continue to flash until it has been turned off with a valid user code.
Monitored system.
A monitored alarm is connected to an external security company, which monitor signals received from your alarm for a fee.
Typically, someone at the call centre will call your home for a password and to check everything is OK if your system is triggered.
If the agreed password isn't given or you and/or a nominated key-holder have not answered the call then the police are notified.
Dummy alarm box.
The cheapest option but some insurers will void or add charges for this one.
A dummy box is a empty box (though some have a flashing light) that is not connected to anything and serves as a prevention tool but nothing else. Be mindful when choosing a dummy box as some burglars can tell a fake a mile off.
Wired and wireless systems.
Wired alarms tend to be installed by professionals so all the wires are hidden and safety measures are taken.
Wireless alarms are battery powered and are usually easier to install.
          2. When was it last checked?
Some insurance companies have clauses as to how often your system has been maintained and by whom. If your alarm system is checked every 6-12 months then your insurance company should be happy with that and is unlikely to void your claim should anything happen. When making a claim some insurers will also ask for proof of maintenance from the previous years.  

​Most systems have a service timer to comply with British standards 4737 requiring maintenance on an annual basis the timer should not use the lock out function unless it is agreed in the terms and conditions. Another reason for a service timer is a system is rented or under an insurance warranty in which case the system must be maintained on a regular basis and being rented if this is not carried out at the scheduled times the system will lock out until maintenance is carried out and/or payment of fees are made.  

I hope this has helped clear things up and if you have any questions/comments please post them below!

Do you know how many crimes have occurred in your area in the last 12 months? If not then you might want to find out as the numbers can be distressing. On my home street 2 crimes were reported in November 2016 to the police, around my local supermarket an astonishing 5 were reported. From anti-social behavior to burglary, crime happens no matter where you live so the question is : How can i avoid being a victim of crime? Well here is few tips to help you. Look out for future posts about how to prevent crimes from happening to you.

HOW TO PREVENT BEING A VICTIM OF BURGLARY.
I know going on holiday can be an exciting experience but do not post about it online, you don't always know who is reading your social media page. On the same note don't go around telling casual acquaintances or your post man, why you may ask? Well do you really know the person you are telling? Can a stranger standing around hear what you've just said? It's always better safe than sorry, so only tell those people who NEED to know.

When going away put your lights on a timer for the times you usually would be in your home with the lights on. Leave your curtains, blinds etc in there normal positions so not to attract unwanted attention from passersby.

Install outdoor lighting that automatically turns on with either a timer or motion sensor. It's a simple yet effective deterrent for would be chancers.

Install a burglar alarm and CCTV equipment and let everyone know about it. Post signs saying that you have this equipment in place and that you will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law.

Make sure your home is secure. We are all guilty of it, boiling hot summer and you've forgotten to shut and lock your bathroom window. You have just carried 10 bags of shopping from the car and forgot to get the keys from the door until a nice neighbor knocks on to inform you that your keys are still hanging out of your door. These things happen but it puts your home at risk. Double check all windows are locked before leaving, get in to a habit of putting your keys down in a memorable and secure place when you've unlocked and locked your door.

Is there any tips you would like to share? Comment them below.

Look out for new posts with tips and tricks. If you would like to find out about crime in your area you can use https://www.police.uk/ and search with your postcode or town.