Twenty First Security – Blog

A video intercom can provide a fantastic benefit to the security of a property. An intercom can also make it easier for people in terms of access control. They’re great for businesses and residences, giving people effective control over who can safely enter a premises.

What is a Video Intercom System?

A video intercom system is a device or more so devices that provide the ability of two-way communications. Video intercoms in particular transmit both video and audio. Intercom systems also exist that transmit audio only. Generally they’re installed at a front gate or door.

Intercoms also complement or include an access control system, which allows the property owner or renter to easily unlock the door where a visitor is requesting access.

Security Benefits of a Video Intercom

Intercoms allow people to check who is looking to gain access to their building. The addition of video to audio lets a user thoroughly check who is potentially entering the building. When the person inside is comfortable providing access to the visitor, they generally can just hit a button which will open the relevant door.

Intercoms are effective for housing complexes, large businesses, not-for-profits and government premises.

Access Benefits

An intercom can be very useful for avoiding missed deliveries. An alert is sent to the tenant or owner when someone presses the relevant intercom button. The tenant or owner could then grant access to the courier, then ensure the front gate or door is locked once the courier leaves. This is very useful for residences, businesses and organisations, particularly for those in large complexes.

Some intercom systems also integrate with an app. If you like the convenience of being able to oversee who wants to enter your property from your smart phone or tablet, then look at quality intercom systems to suit. These can even allow you to provide access to someone when you’re not at home, such as if you have a tradesperson doing work at your home.

From a pandemic perspective, intercoms can be very useful for reducing contact while maintaining a high level of security. Hotels for example can benefit as the hotel manager can see who is accessing the room and facilities, while the guest experiences high quality security while they stay there.

Why a Intercom Should Be Professionally Installed

A professional and experience security product and intercom installer knows what will work best for your situation. They can install the system at an appropriate height and test it thoroughly to ensure it works for your needs.

A wired intercom offers fast and effective data transmission, though requires cables to be run throughout the property where needed. For an effective access control and intercom system, you want to be sure that the components and wiring used are of a reliable quality and made to withstand its environment. All of this takes considerable time to research and install, which is why it can be more effective on a security and cost front to use an experienced and qualified installer that is well versed on what works well.

A professional security product installer will also most likely fit the system in a clean and aesthetically pleasing manner. If you have a commercial property or even a nice residential property, a good looking entrance with an intercom to suit can help with those first impressions.

Need a Video Intercom at Your Property in Melbourne?

If you’re interested in improving the security and ease of access to your Melbourne property with a video intercom, we can help. For over 30 years, we have helped Australian businesses and property owners transform their security for the better. Our qualified and accredited security technicians can advise you on the best solution to suit your needs, property and budget. Visit our intercom system section to find out more or contact us by calling 1300 315 522.

Lighting provides a fantastic deterrent to opportunistic thieves. Thieves don’t want to be lit up like a Christmas tree and clearly visible while they’re attempting a break in. Motion sensor lights can detect when someone or something is moving in their detection radius and then immediately turn on. This can have numerous benefits, from spooking would be thieves, to safety at night for when you’re around home, to even their energy saving element.

A Deterrent Against Criminals

Lights coming on when entering a property can be enough to stop many opportunistic thieves. Lights turning on draws attention to the area, leading the residents to investigate what is going on. Any criminal activity is made more obvious when lit up. If you have surveillance, a criminals face could also be lit up. All these elements could cause a criminal to bail and not even bother to attempt a break in or malicious damage.

Help Neighbours Keep an Eye on Your Property While You’re Away

It’s common for people that get along with their neighbours to ask them to keep an eye on their home while they’re away. A security sensor light could alert your neighbours by lighting up an area of your home if someone appears.

Energy Saving When the Lights Aren’t On

Rather than keeping a light on all of the time, motion sensor lights can be on only when motion is detected. Most motion sensor lights allow you to set the time span they’ll remain on for as well. This could help save on energy costs overtime.

Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights Help When You Arrive Home in the Dark

The automation of motion sensor lights can be very convenient when you arrive home in the dark. Rather than bumbling around in the dark in a potentially unsafe manner, a motion sensor light will light up the area when you approach it.

Motion Sensor Lights Are a Benefit for Your Security

Motion sensor lights can be a fantastic benefit for your security. The automated lighting can deter criminal activity and potentially help neighbours keep an eye on your property from afar. Alongside preventing criminal activity, they can also benefit you by helping you when you arrive home in the dark, plus they have potential energy saving capabilities as they’re only on when required.

If you’re looking to improve the security of your property, consider having motion sensor lights installed. They can be of great benefit for homes and businesses alike.

Planning to head away on holidays during this Easter? Australians are well known for loving their holidays and Easter is no exception. With a 4 day weekend in Victoria, many people are choosing to go away camping, visiting new areas, catching up with loved ones and travelling interstate.

While people going away on holidays generally have good intentions, these holiday periods of the year can unfortunately be a time for opportunistic thieves to strike. These simple security tips can help you protect your property during the Easter break.

When Away, Don’t Post Publicly on Social Media

It is very tempting and understandable the desire to share photos and videos of your holidays with those you’re connected with on social media. Avoid posting on social media though while you’re away. Criminals have been known to use this information and target the homes of those that they know are away. Chances are you may not know absolutely everyone you’re connected with on social media. Also, if you make your social media posts public, this information could unfortunately fall into malicious hands.

If you really want to share your adventures with those close to you, contact them directly while you’re away. Private messaging keeps the conversation and details between you and them. Also consider sharing photos or any other media when you’re back from being away.

Bring the Bins In

Bins left out on the curb can be a sign to opportunistic thieves that nobody is home. If you’re bins aren’t in dire need of emptying, consider keeping them in and off the curb until you’re at home for the next rubbish collection date. Alternatively, ask your neighbours, friends or family that you trust to bring the bins in for you while you’re away.

Use Security Lighting (Automated Lighting Works Great Too)

Have the entrances and exits to your property well lit. Many thieves do not want to be lit up while they attempt to break into a house. Motion sensor lights can be useful in these situations too. There are also modern systems that allow you to set when your lights will come on in the evening. This can give the image that someone may be home, further deterring thieves.

Secure Your Home with Good Locks

Good locks on your doors and windows make a big difference. Some thieves may be deterred just by encountering a lock that is challenging to break. Would be lock pickers may find their amateur tools break or are ineffective against high quality locks.

Locking up your tool shed, garden shed or garage is another good security effort. Not only could they take the valuables of your shed, though it could also provide a burglar exactly what they need to get into your house. If you have a second story house, a ladder from your own storage shed could be utilised by criminals to gain access. Throw in a crowbar or various tools from your shed and they could be busting in through a second level or unexpected method. Don’t give house thieves a chance!

Though remember, good locks are only useful if you actually lock your doors and windows. Remember to lock up before you head away!

Following the security tips of not posting on social media while you’re away, using good locks, bringing the bins in and using security lighting can protect your property while you’re away during Easter and during all times of the year. These simple security methods can give you that peace of mind to focus on what’s important – enjoying your holidays.

From the team at Twenty First Security, have a fantastic Easter.

Access control technology provides great methods to secure your property, whether it’s a commercial or residential property. Over the past decade, developments in access control has been slow. Though recent increase in customer demands for better experiences to control access, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused a large shift in developments of access control systems.

These new developments have helped improve access control systems in multiple ways. These enhancements have included protection against more vulnerabilities, taking advantage of new technologies and greater user convenience. These benefits help streamline access control use while also further protecting premises.

Keep reading to discover 4 detailed reasons to upgrade your access control technology in 2022.

Mobile Access Control

More users are preferring to use their mobile device, being a smart phone or tablet, for access control authentication and management.

A benefit to using mobile devices for access control is that key card systems may not be required then. Key cards are one of the most commonly forgotten items in a workplace. Mobile credentials also offer incredibly secure encryption options.

Mobile devices are also used as part of multi-factor authentication, where a user must provide multiple methods of approved authentication to obtain access.

Automatic Detection of Suspicious Activity

Modern access control systems feature improved automatic detection of suspicious activity. These systems can quickly alert appropriate staff members by phone or other methods, such as security guards, if an anomaly is detected. An example of this would be if another staff member scans their access card outside of their normal working hours. This automatic detection and notification frees up security staff to focus on patrolling and other important tasks. They can then be notified immediately upon the detection of suspicious activity via their mobile device and respond appropriately.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication requires a minimum of two methods of authentication to provide access. Multi-factor authentication has improved security over single-factor authentication, requiring a user to provide two approved methods of authentication. Most commonly, mobile credentials are used as an additional method of authentication, which can be in the form of a authenticator app or a one-time SMS code.

Legacy Systems Can Be Less Secure and Become Expensive to Maintain Overtime

Old access control systems may also require specific skills and technology to keep running effectively. If you’re using an old and rare access control system, it may become difficult to find a specialist to assist with the upkeep and repairs. The specialist may also charge a considerable amount if this older system has become difficult and time consuming to work with.

Upgrading access control technology in 2022 can create numerous benefits for your business and home. The benefits of being able to utilise and authenticate modern and secure access control systems with your smart phone and automatically detect suspicious activity can help streamline and improve your overall security.

Are you interested in upgrading your access control system for your Australian business or home? Then speak with a local and fully qualified security product expert who have experience with what works well in the Australian security product market. Twenty First Security are an experienced and fully qualified security product provider and installer based in Melbourne, Victoria. For over 33 years, we have helped businesses and individuals protect their property with tried and tested security products. Our expert team are readily available to discuss the security needs for businesses and home owners in Melbourne. To discuss your access control and security needs, call us on 1300 315 522 or send your enquiry.

Today there are a huge range of security cameras on the Australian market. You may have heard of 8MP security cameras. What are 8MP security cameras and how can they benefit you? Are they any better than 2MP or 4MP security cameras?

MP Means Megapixel

MP stands for megapixel, where 1MP equals one million pixels. In the case of 8MP cameras, they would have eight million pixels. 8MP security cameras are considered high resolution cameras.

High Resolution Cameras Can Capture Greater Detail

8MP security cameras can capture footage in far greater detail. This is incredibly useful when zooming in on the recorded footage to identify intricate details like number plates, signage on a vehicle or a person’s face.

More Pixels Isn’t Necessarily Better

While greater detail has its definite benefits, high resolution cameras do have their drawbacks in this day and age. 8MP security cameras are more expensive generally. They also require greater bandwidth and storage for their large video files. Very cheap high resolution cameras can also be a terrible trap, where while they may offer a high resolution, they could handle lighting very poorly and give you a less than satisfactory image. Thus if your going for a high resolution camera, consider a good quality camera to make it worthwhile. For low light and night vision cameras, the best cameras of this type are currently around the 4MP to 5MP range. None the less, developments in high resolution cameras continue, plus they are gradually becoming more affordable or available.

4K and 8MP Security Cameras

4K, also known as Ultra HD, is 8MP and has the resolution of 3840×2160.

Read our article on 4K security cameras to find out more about them and if they’re worth it for your purposes.

If you’re interested in an 8MP high resolution security camera to protect your business or home in Melbourne, our team are here to help. For over 34 years, we have advised home and business owners with quality security cameras and systems that have been thoroughly tested and work well in Australian conditions. To find out more, give us a call now on 1300 315 522.

The festive season is a time where people might be enjoying a well deserved break from work, catching up with family and going away on holiday. Unfortunately though the festive period can also see a spike in offences related to property. In the rush of this time of year, people can often forget about security. Though security through the festive season doesn’t have to be tough on you. Here are some simple tips you can use to keep your home or business safe during the festive season.

Don’t Post Pictures of Gifts or When You’re Away on Social Media

It is exciting to receive gifts and spend time at fantastic holiday destinations. It can be tempting to share this with everyone you’re connected with on social media, though you should be very cautious of doing so. Thieves can use this information from Facebook or Instagram to determine if you’re away and if robbing your property will be worthwhile, with all of those new festive season gifts. If you really want to share your experience, you could alternatively privately contact someone that you know and trust well, rather than sharing it with everyone on your broad social media profile.

Keep Your Windows Secure

Before going away, make sure all your windows and entrances to your home or business are secure. Good quality locks on windows and doors make a big difference.

Lock Up Sheds and Garages

Make sure your garage or shed is locked, along with any onsite building that contain tools and ladders. Thieves could use these to actually break into your home or business, such as using a ladder to get to a higher level of the building.

Don’t Leave Large Boxes from Presents and New Purchases Outside

Leaving the large boxes from TVs, bikes and other new purchases on the curb for rubbish pickup can draw the attention of thieves. Instead, break these boxes up and put them in your recycling bin.

Light Up Entrances to Your Home

Burglars don’t want to be obvious and lit up like a Christmas tree if they’re attempting to break in. Install lights at each entrance to your home. Modern lights can be automated to turn on and off at certain times. They can also be controlled remotely with various apps and web services available today.

Make It Look Like Someone Is Home

If it’s obvious nobody is home, this can definitely encourage opportunistic thieves to strike. Do what you can to make it look like someone is home at your property. Avoid leaving the bins out if you’re going away. Ask a neighbour you know and trust to bring your bins back in and collect your mail. Empty bins left out and mail piling up can be an obvious sign that nobody is home. Consider automated lighting for entrances and exits around your home, along with even automating a light in the house.

Don’t Rely on a Cheap DIY Security System

Unfortunately there are a lot of DIY security systems on the market that can be prone to fail. Some of these DIY cameras are very easy to evade or damage, without a backup readily available. Consider having a security system professionally installed that is suited to the layout of your property and can also include various backup features to protect recorded data and keep the system running. A security system specialist can advise you on appropriate placement of cameras, along with a robust system that is made to endure and do the job well. Our expert security technicians on Twenty First Security can advise you on quality systems that are tested in Australian environments. If you’re looking for a security system to protect your property in Melbourne this festive season, enquire with our expert security team.

At the time of writing this in 2021, there are some powerful 4K security camera options on the Australian market. Though rather than jumping on the 4K train already, first consumers, businesses and organisations need to be aware of the value of quality cameras over cheap options.

Ideally a security camera and system should be suited to what it’s protecting and the goals of the owner. 4K can definitely benefit users, though for many residential and business scenarios, 1080p works great.

4K Offers Extremely Detailed Footage

At such a high resolution, 4K security cameras provide an incredibly detailed image. This is fantastic for identifying finer details. This could be a license plate or a person’s face.

Good 4K Comes at a Cost

To take full advantage of 4K footage without loss, ideally you would need a 4K monitor. This is an expense to consider.

Quality of the image and the ability of the camera come at a greater cost to have at such a high resolution. A high dynamic range, which assists capturing images in low lighting, along with other features, can potentially cost more than their 1080p counterparts.

The 1080p camera market has a huge range of options at more affordable prices. There are fantastic 1080p security camera options on the Australian market today. These are well worth considering when creating a system to suit your needs.

Not Every 4K Security Camera is Created Equal

Beware that not all 4K cameras are created equal. Some can perform incredibly poorly when filming a moving subject. This can result in the subject being unrecognisable and the footage potentially useless. When selecting a 4K security camera, find out how it performs with movement, compared to other 4K cameras and cameras with a lower resolution.

Consider File Storage Space

4K footage does take up more file space. Your digital storage capacity will have to suit the quality, frames and duration of footage that you want to store.

We too often hear of break ins and thefts at holiday homes. Dealing with a robbery and damage to your property is a painful process that can leave you out of pocket.

Strong deterrents, quality locks and a comprehensive security system can make the difference. These features can stop criminals even attempting anything, plus depending on the security system you use, help ward them off or catch them in the act.

We’ve compiled a straightforward list of security elements to consider for your holiday home or rental. We understand that some of these may not be simple for some properties, such as for some very remote properties, though any step made towards improving the security of your premises can make a difference.

Deterrents Make a Big Difference

Well placed cameras and durable locks show to thieves that breaking into your property will not be easy. This can be enough to deter opportunistic thieves who instead aim for an easier target.

Easy to Use Access Control Systems

Numerous access control systems exist on the market today that are easy to use. These can help you control who can access your property while also simplifying access for people.

Twenty First Security offer a wide range of high quality access control systems, tested in Australian conditions.

Don’t Forget the Simple Things Like Lighting and Good Locks

Criminals don’t necessarily want to be lit up like a Christmas tree when they’re breaking into someone’s property. Place lighting around access areas and doors to make anyone attempting to enter visible.

High quality locks do make a difference. They’re harder to pick and cut, which can stall thieves or stop them there and then.

Consider installing window guards. Avoid the prison bar look and find something that suits the aesthetic of your holiday rental. These are fantastic for stopping windows as easy access points.

If you would like help identifying a security system to suit your holiday property, our Melbourne-based expert team are here to help. Contact our qualified security technicians on 1300 315 522 to discuss your requirements.

Video surveillance is used throughout many parts of the world today. Some people find it a revolution of safety and security, some people find it to be to intrusive. Whatever your stance, CCTV and video surveillance technology is going to stay and become more powerful. How did video surveillance first appear and become what it is today?

The first documents of video surveillance detail that it was created by a Soviet scientist called Léon Theremin. Léon Theremin also created the Theremin, the electronic musical instrument that doesn’t require physical contact. Back to the first video surveillance system, which was a camera with a wireless transmitter and receiver. This system was demonstrated to Joseph Stalin and other high ranking Soviet officials, winning their approval. It was then installed in the courtyard of the Kremlin in Moscow, being used to monitor people visiting.

In 1942, another early CCTV system was invented by in Nazi Germany. This was used to observe the launch of V-2 rockets. The US was quick to follow interests in video surveillance technology and by 1949, a video surveillance system was commercially available.

Colour cameras became available in the 1950s. With these early cameras, debates ensued about if black and white or colour was better for surveillance. Black and white provided better low light sensitivity and resolution. Colour on the other hand assisted with identifying the colour of a person’s clothing and features.

Earlier surveillance cameras were generally used for viewing due to their not being many good options for video recording. Reel to reel tape recording systems were available but complex and challenging to use. Once videocassette recorders (VCR) were introduced in the 1970s, this helped increase the popularity of surveillance cameras as recording the video content became easier and more accessible.

The introduction of IP cameras in the mid 90s was another leap forward for surveillance. These cameras now used Ethernet network cables and the signals were now digital, rather than analog. The initial IP cameras had a resolution similar to analog cameras, though by 2002 a 1.3 megapixel (1280 x 1024 pixels) was released, which was over four times the resolution of older VGA analog cameras.

Commercial development continued and by 2003, large companies such as Panasonic, Sony and Samsung were researching and creating their own IP camera variants. By 2007, high performance megapixel IP cameras were developed.

Once 2014 hit, IP cameras dominated the video surveillance market. There were more IP cameras sold than their analog equivalents. These days, it is estimated that there are over 100 million surveillance cameras across the world.

Today, professional surveillance cameras have grown immensely in terms of capabilities, offering businesses, organisations and government sectors with sophisticated options to protect their property. IP cameras today have far better low light sensitivity, wider dynamic range and long distance lenses. 4K camera options now exist, though with these a good suitable lens can be quite expensive, thus be careful of the quality if you find one for very cheap. Even the domestic consumer market has grown, now offering simpler surveillance systems that can be setup easily in DIY applications. Competitive pricing is another big factor of the domestic consumer market. Various simple cameras exist now that can be setup and integrated with your home network, allowing you to access and view their footage easily via a web browser or mobile app.

The history and development of video surveillance, like much technology, was created and spurred forth by government and commercial competition. Today it is integrated throughout our lives more intricately than ever before and this integration will continue to grow. With the technology not stopping development anytime soon, expect to see even more powerful and portable cameras for professional and domestic use.

If you’re wanting CCTV installed on your premises (home, business or both) or are thinking about it, it’s essential you get the right installers. To help you we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that tells you everything you need to know.

What Exactly is CCTV?

Before we do a deep dive into local CCTV installers, it’s important that you actually have an understanding of CCTV. CCTV, also known as video surveillance and closed-circuit television uses video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place. It keeps an eye on that place. Increasingly both homeowners and business owners are turning to CCTV to keep an eye on their premises. Your local security experts can help you choose the right CCTV system for your premises and budget.

Find out more about what CCTV means.

Benefits of CCTV for Your Locals Premises

CCTV is a powerful tool in modern crime detection and offers several benefits for your local premises (both home and business) like:

• You can capture even the smallest and complex detail close up.
• You can see both day and night vision.
• You can see footage captured in bad weather in better lighting.
• You can see the invisible light not seen by the human eye (infrared) allowing you to see imagery not easily seen by the human eye.
• You can view areas that are difficult for a standard camera to capture like corners, narrow paths etc.
• You can play hours of footage captured back.
• You can save this footage for a later use.

Must Have Traits for Local CCTV Installers

When you’re having video surveillance installed on your premises its essential that your local CCTV installers have the following traits. If they, don’t it should be a red flag so we would advise not to go through them. Shop around and do your research well!

Expertise, Experience and Credibility

You must always go through a security company that have certifications, experience, and overall credibility for both their products and services. If you go through someone that’s lacking in these, you may find that your video surveillance system won’t be of high quality and neither will installation and even ongoing support. Remember you can’t DIY these. You need professionals – local security technicians who know what they are doing as they are fully trained and qualified in CCTV installation.

A Good Range of CCTV Security Systems Are on Offer

Your local security company should have on offer a good range of CCTV security systems. That way you have more choice and are not limited or forced to choose one particular type of closed-circuit television system. The range should be of the highest quality for a variety of needs and budgets. They should be able to answer all of your CCTV installation questions in an effective and efficient manner.

Work One-on-One with You

Your local security company along with their CCTV installers should be working one-on-one with you. That way you can rest assured you are getting the best and also tailored service for your circumstances. It should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. A good security company will work with you to plan, design, engineer and implement your CCTV system for your own unique circumstances.

Positioning and Placement Is Right

When it comes to installing your CCTV system at your premises, its not just a matter of getting it out of the box and ‘Voilà its installed’. Good CCTV installers will ensure the following:

• Your CCTV is in an elevated spot which will help maximise its visibility and its coverage of a wider area but also makes it harder to tamper with as harder to reach.
• Your CCTV isn’t placed directly in front of the sun. The glare will interfere with the images captured by the camera.
• Your front door and front area are sufficiently covered with CCTV. Remember you need to identify who’s coming and going out of your property day in and day out.
• Your back and side entries are also properly covered. So much crime happens from these places as criminals naturally target these areas.
• Your backyard gets CCTV coverage. Thieves will often hide in the garden before striking.
• If CCTV is being installed inside your property, installation is on high accident areas like staircases where a lot of accidents occur.
• All your security questions are answered in a timely and effective manner by the installers so there is no guesswork or wondering on your behalf.
• Friendly and good customer service is given to you throughout installation. The installers also clean up after themselves!

Affordable Installation and Maintenance Services

Your CCTV installation shouldn’t break the bank and so should ideally be part of your overall CCTV system purchase. After your system has been installed it needs maintenance. This should be every six to twelve months. When calling out security technicians to carry out maintenance it shouldn’t cost you the world. Costs should be reasonable and match the actual service and time being spent on the job. Sometimes if certain parts are required to be ordered which are hard to find then the cost can be higher, but overall installation and maintenance shouldn’t be out of reach.

We provide local CCTV installation in metropolitan Melbourne and surrounds and maintenance services at an affordable, competitive price. Feel free to get in touch with our security technicians for any questions about the installation process.