Twenty First Security – Blog

What is the meaning of CCTV? CCTV stands for closed-circuit television and is a sophisticated form of surveillance that provides business owners, not-for-profits and home owners an extra layer of protection. If you’re a business owner, you should consider investing in CCTV if you haven’t already. Read on to find out more about the meaning of CCTV and the features and benefits you get with it.

Quick Overview of CCTV

CCTV, also known as closed-circuit television or video surveillance, is the use of video cameras transmitting a signal to a specific area to keep an eye what’s going on in that area. Increasingly more and more business owners are turning to CCTV to keep a watchful eye on their premises. Your local security experts can help you find the right CCTV system for your business.

Short History of CCTV

CCTV is just under 50 years old, having originated in America in 1949 when so much technological innovation was taking place during the post-war years. As you can imagine, the technology just like with all other technologies, have changed a lot. Video surveillance have become highly sophisticated and will continue to become more sophisticated as technology evolves. You now have so much choice to choose from when choosing the right CCTV system for your business or even your home.

Features and Benefits of CCTV for Business Owners

Now that you hopefully have a better understanding of what CCTV is, let’s look at more specifically how it can benefit your business no matter the type (sole trader, small business, large business, organisation like a school etc) through the following features and benefits:

High Resolution Cameras

You can capture even the smallest and more complicated detail close up. This is useful for identifying people from a distance.

Day and Night Cameras

You can see both day and night vision. It also allows you too see footage captured in bad weather in better lighting.

Infrared Illumination

You can see the invisible light not seen by the human eye (infrared) giving you access to imagery not easily seen by humans.

Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

You can view areas that are difficult for a standard camera to capture like corners, narrow paths etc.

Digital video recorders (DVRs)

You can play hours of footage captured back. You can also save this footage for a later use.

A Powerful Tool in Crime Detection

CCTV / video surveillance is a powerful tool in crime detection. Often, you’ll find just the presence of CCTV is enough to deter a would-be intruder or criminal from your premises. CCTV has captured theft and misconduct and other forms of criminal activity. It’s even been used in courts around Australia and the world to help convict criminals. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, CCTV footage has helped police catch criminals and solve crimes to a greater degree.

Is It Worth It for Your Property?

CCTV is a great addition for businesses, not-for-profits and home owners that are looking to improve their security.

For businesses, CCTV can be great internally and external of a business. Any business which has valuable items or information and values the safety of their staff should seriously consider implementing CCTV. For example, automotive specialists, car yards and vehicle wreckers often use cameras throughout their property to protect it out of hours. Convenience stores and super markets often use CCTV to stop theft during operating hours and for after hours. Even large corporations use it in their lobbies and various floors to stop malicious intruders.

Non profit organisations can also benefit from cameras. Thieves can target some not-for-profits for their more relaxed nature and less stringent access control. Protecting the valuables of these properties is just as important and cameras a great method to deter and catch criminals. Like businesses, cameras can also improve the safety of staff and any stakeholders.

Homes throughout Australia are continuously adopting cameras of various types. These are great for city homes with regular activity. They’re also great for rural properties that may have nobody occupying them at points throughout the year. Whether the home is in the city or rural, cameras are a powerful deterrent.

Are you now looking to install cameras on your property? Whether it’s commercial, not-for-profit or residential, our fully qualified and trained security experts with 34 years of industry experience can help you. To get started, simply call us now on 1300 315 522 or send your enquiry by our contact form.

The city of Melbourne, along with the rest of the world, attempts to slowly return to a sense of normality with COVID-19 and its seemingly endless lockdowns for some. As a homeowner, business owner or both, security has really changed due to the pandemic. What will security look like for your home and business? What security technologies are coming onto the market? Read on to find out more.

Increase Of COVID-19 Related Scams via the Web and Phones

During the first lockdown in Victoria, cybercrime like COVID-19 scams on the web and via phones (texts and calls) increased. These try to scam people out of their well earned money. They use phishing tricks, malware and dodgy products. These of course still pose an ongoing threat as scams become more sophisticated so you must stay aware and vigilant. Good security habits at work, the home and online are always worthwhile.

Touchless Security Systems

Given what we now know about viruses like COVID-19 and how they spread easily, people are wanting to avoid touching security systems or any surfaces wherever possible. Now thanks to technology advancements you can with touchless security systems – contactless biometrics. These allow you to use technology like facial recognition which doesn’t require you to touch anything. Masks have then furthered development in this area. New systems are immerging that can recognise users even while they wear a mask. In addition, there are key card systems that allow you to place a key card near a sensor without having to actually touch it. These systems are becoming more and more popular among businesses and organisations, particularly with efforts to keep workplaces safe and running well.

Smart Security Systems

Along with touchless security systems, smart security systems which are already in place across millions of Australian households are growing in even more popularity. These allow you to manage and monitor your entire security system remotely through your smart phone/tablet. You don’t even have to physically be at the location. You can do it all at the touch of your screen which is remarkable. Over 10 years ago this technology was seen as futuristic and now it’s ‘normal’.

Man’s Best Friend – The Dog

During the second Victorian lockdown in 2020, dog adoption hit an all-time high. Dog popularity has continued to grow and in some cases, demands for new dogs have exceeded breeder’s supply.

Dogs can be amazing to help protect a property BUT please keep in mind that dogs need a lot of love and affection, along with requiring a high level of commitment and responsibility. If you can’t or are not prepared to give it, it’s best not to get a dog. Though if you are prepared, you’ll find that a dog can be one of your best deterrents against crime. Just its bark can scare off a would-be intruder. Do research first to find the best breed for your personality and lifestyle.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed security and the way we view the world forever. People are turning to more devices that allow them to avoid touching surfaces. Scammers unfortunately aim to take advantage of the pandemic, preying on internet user’s fear. Additionally, dog ownership has risen, providing great companionship and in some cases security for many people. Remember that good security practices and habits are always useful, whether at your property or online.

It’s important to keep on top of your security system both in your home and business. This increases not only its longevity but also your overall safety. Let’s face it – it’s easy to let this slip especially when you’re “busy” and life just gets in the way. But by implementing a couple of best practices illustrated here, you’ll go a long way in staying on top of your security system.

Do a Security Audit at Least Once a Year

It’s highly recommended that you conduct a security audit at least once a year. This simply involves checking your home inside and outside (do it for your business too) to identify any weak spots. These are areas that are easy targets for burglars to gain entry to your premises. These include an easy to open window, a weak door, a pet door etc. Once you’ve identified them, you can fix them.

A good guide and starting point is the Home Security Audit checklist provided by the Queensland Police Service. This checklist is applicable to any home in Australia, whether you’re in Melbourne or far up north in the NT. It is comprehensive and for some homes, it would be challenging to obtain every item. There is also a lot of merit to having a security specialist provide an onsite audit at your property. Their up to date knowledge and years of experience can spot vulnerabilities that you may not even be aware of. This works for homes, businesses and not-for-profits. Look for qualified Australian security product experts, such as the team from Twenty First Security, who will be the best to help you with your audit.

Keep an Eye out for Malfunctioning Security Systems

As advanced as the technology is with state-of-the-art security systems for both home and businesses, things can wrong. This is where not only maintenance comes in useful but also keeping an eye out for malfunctions of security systems. Often when a security system like an alarm is malfunctioning or just not working to its fullest capability, it gives off signals. This could be a flashing light or a buzzing noise or any other sound that shouldn’t be there. Don’t ignore it, do something about it. When a problem occurs, talk to your security company and get it checked out ASAP!

Implement Good Daily Security Habits

Just like your health is a daily habit (nutrition and fitness), treat your security as a daily habit. Practice good daily security habits like being aware of your surroundings, noticing suspicious behaviour, swiping on and off with your security card, making sure windows and doors are locked, turning your alarm on and off at the right times etc. These will go a long way in helping you become a much more aware and safer individual.

Encourage and Teach Others about Good Security Practices

Once you begin practising good security habits, you are now ready to encourage and teach others around you (family and work colleagues) good security practices. Talk to them about the importance of having a high-quality security system and help each other learn the ins and outs of that security system. If you have young children, start teaching them about the importance of security. They will then thank you later as adults.

Not sure what the best security devices are to suit your needs? Are you based in Melbourne and need help onsite? Enquire with our fully qualified and experience security experts on 1300 315 522 or send a message With over 3 decades of experience, we’ve helped numerous businesses, home owners and not-for-profits secure their property effectively.

Australia is without a doubt one of the safest and most secure countries in the world and the city of Melbourne is well known for being a safe and secure city. This doesn’t mean it’s free of crime though. There is unfortunately plenty of crime to keep our police at work. As citizens we all play a part in helping to prevent crime with proper security measures as outlined below. These security measures benefit us as individuals, our homes, businesses and our local community.

Opportunistic Crimes

Many burglaries are opportunistic crimes. They quickly take advantage of lapses in security. This could be an open window or an unlocked door or gate. This gives them the perfect opportunity to strike and make their move. So always ensure that your security for your home and business is secure. In addition, it’s good to use online tools and resources that provide you with statistics about crime, hot spot information and details about reporting a crime in Australia. These online tools and resources can give you an edge when dealing with what threats or security issues you may likely face in your local area.

Surveillance for Both Private and Public Use

Surveillance has become an increasingly important tool in crime detection and prevention. CCTV (closed-circuit television) is just one form of surveillance that provides you with an extra layer of security.

Improve Building Security Standards

It’s amazing how just sometimes simple improvements to your security, both at home and in business, can make all the difference in crime prevention. For instance, locks and security screens go a long way in stopping thieves in their tracks. Exterior lighting and alarm systems also go a long way in deterring thieves. Such improvements need not be difficult. Some of these improvements can be easily implemented yourself. Licensed, qualified and experienced security experts can also review your premises, advise and assist in upgrading your security.

Controlling Access

Access control is crucial to determine who gets access to a building and is useful for both your home and business premises. In addition, it’s useful for many organisations like laboratories, high security facilities, medical centres, schools etc. In addition, created barriers like fences, walls, shutters, hedges, and the overall design of a building also play a part in access control. We should all invest in some type of access control for our homes and businesses, even if just simple analogue methods of a good lock and key.

Extra Security Tips

These extra security tips provide extra assurance for both home and business security:

• Design or modify your home to eliminate dark corners, and hidden recesses.
• Invest in glass that’s reinforced with shatter resistant material to prevent entry. Window protectors / shutters are great to retrofit to properties for security purposes.
• Ensure skylights can’t be easily removed from the outside.
• Fit your main entry doors with viewing ports to allow identification of visitors.
• Ensure that entrances are well illuminated.

As you can see, we all play part in crime prevention. There are things we can all do to help prevent crime occurring at our home or business.

If you’re looking to go in-depth even further with security for your premises, consider speaking with a qualified security system provider. They have the expertise and industry knowledge to advise you on areas where your security could be improved. They can also install security systems for you. The fully qualified team of Australian security experts at Twenty First Security are here to help with advice and security systems when you need it. Simply contact our security team now to find out more.

Stay safe, Melbourne.

Aside from cyber security crime, which poses a real risk to many businesses across Australia, many businesses are also at risk of a physical security breach like a break in and theft due to a lack of proper security systems. This puts your business at serious risk – property damage, loss of money etc. Don’t let it happen to your business. Read our guide that shows you how to properly secure your business.

No CCTV Installed on Business Premises

More and more businesses across Melbourne and Australia have installed CCTV (closed circuit television) on their premises to monitor their business 24/7 and for good reason. Often this monitoring extends to their surrounds (ie: outside a shop front). CCTV provides you with extra security as a business owner and peace of mind. It acts as a deterrent with visible cameras. It captures theft and misconduct at your business.

In addition to protecting your premises, CCTV can sometimes be useful in catching other incidents and crime or helping solve the crime. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, CCTV footage can be useful in helping police catch a criminal or solve a crime. This is in particular for offences involving theft and property damage.

Outdated Security Alarm System or No Alarm System

As a business, you’re doing yourself a great disadvantage if you have an old and outdated alarm system or worse no alarm system at all. With advances in modern security technology, every business owner from small to medium and large must invest in some type of security alarm system that offers protection against theft and break ins at your premises. It’s one of the best investments you will ever make. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a security alarm system. There is just so much on offer. But rather than get overwhelmed by all the options speak to your security experts who can assist you in choosing the right security alarm system for your premises and budget.

Lack of Maintenance of Your Security System

Just about everything in our lives requires maintenance and your security system is no exception. It’s easy to forget to maintain it when you’re busy working and running your business. But if you’re not maintaining your security alarm system there is a good chance that it may not work properly or even work at all. This puts your business at risk. Just imagine someone breaks in and the alarm doesn’t go off because the panel isn’t working or there is a technical problem with the actual alarm. The good news is you don’t have to do the maintenance as there are security experts who will take care of if for you. They will do a test and see if your alarm system is in working order or not.

No Intercom or Access Control System

Access systems (like key cards or electronic key pads) and intercoms can give businesses an edge with their security. Access to and from a business property can then be easily controlled and monitored.

Intercoms allow you to see and speak with visitors before allowing them to enter. Without an intercom system, visitors could potentially come and go as they please without any vetting. This isn’t always a problem of course but can be. Having control over who enters your premises will ensure the safety of your assets, your employees, and the building itself.

Well made access control systems provide an easy method to control who can and cannot enter your property. They can be setup to allow different levels of access to different parts of a property. The access automation and enhanced security greatly benefit businesses. These can be integrated alongside intercom interfaces easily.

Without adequate security your business is at risk of burglary, trespassing, vandalism, and other forms of misconduct. It’s your responsibility as a business owner to reduce these risks. Get your business secured, contact the security experts at Twenty First Security for a free discussion on your requirements.

Security has changed a lot over the ages and thanks to developments in technology and science, it’s become a lot more effective and convenient for us. The great tried and tested security methods have stood the test of time, which we’ll touch on in this article.

Security of the Stone Age

As soon as humans first began having things of value, they wanted to guard it. Our early ancestors who spent a lot of time in caves did set up an early primitive security system, which they would be well and truly involved in. They used rocks, branches and whatever they could wield to defend their areas and property. Later when wolves were domesticated around 30,000 years ago in some parts of the world, they came to guard the home. In latter times came the guard dog which is still a form of security both for the home and business.

Security of Ancient Egypt

The earliest lock ever found was discovered in the ruins of the palace of Khorsabad of the city Nineveh, the capital of ancient Assyria. The ancient Egyptians continued with the lock, inventing an elaborate system of wooden pins on the outside of their doors. These were connected to bolts on the inside that held the doors shut. If you inserted the right key it would lift the pins and open the door or else the bolt would stay in place. These locks were used both in the home and at work. For extra precautions, the Pharaoh often employed night watchmen to keep watch over homes and towns. These watchmen would then alert soldiers of any dangers. The cat was a sacred animal to the Egyptians, and many believed it would warn its owners of a burglary through specific movements of its tail and body.

Security of Ancient Rome

When the Romans came around, they adopted and improved the Egyptian locks by replacing wooden locks with metal. This helped prevent the door from being broken down. Metal made it easier to produce better keys. The Romans established a huge empire, so they needed lots of security to protect it against intruders. They came up with an early form of a padlock known as a puzzle lock. Designed as a burglar deterrent, it ensured that whatever was secured could only be opened with the correct key. This padlock was made of bronze, had patterns on it and was usually shaped into the face of a god. Many Romans, especially rich ones, kept guard dogs to guard their villas and shops.

Security of the Middle Ages

When you think of the Middle Ages, you generally think of castles and knights. These two did in fact play a big role in security. For more than 600 years, the castle and its knights helped protect European towns and people from raids and invasions. The Middle Ages gave us a number of security measures like the crossbow, arrow, moat and bridge to stop intruders getting across, along with high walls to make it hard for intruders to get in. Many towns in Europe still have their castle and moat with their high walls. They serve as a reminder that humans need to protect themselves and their property against theft no matter what age we live in.

Security of the Industrial Age and Victorian Era

The Industrial Age and Victorian Era was the time of much progress, discovery and innovation in many different fields. One of these fields was security. The Victorians developed high security locks that are still in fact used today. Their lock manufacturing was of the highest quality. They have become highly valued to collectors of antiques. During the Victorian era there was a lot of poverty in places like Britain, America and even Australia. This meant that theft and burglary was high.

With advancements in science and electricity in the 1800s, early alarm systems were invented. These usually consisted of magnetic contacts on windows and doors. When tapped, they would send a signal through a series of wires that would sound the alarm. With further advancements in science and technology eventually came the sophisticated alarm systems of today.

Thanks to advancements in science and technology, security has come a long way. We now live with many different forms of digital security that help keep us and our property safe. Though tried and tested methods of a strong metal lock and a dog stand the test of time.

Twenty First Security is an Australian security system provider based in Melbourne, Victoria. We focus on providing high quality security products and services to suit, all at competitive rates. We’re passionate about helping people protect their property, whether it’s residential or commercial. Our team are readily available for security system consultations throughout the Melbourne metro and regional areas.

It’s important that you maintain your security system to keep it in good working order. It can be easy to forget about it or put it on the back burner, though your security system (whether for your home or commercial premises) is vital to keeping your property safe. Follow our best tips for easy to follow methods for keeping your security system running optimally.

Don’t Ignore Any Signals

Often when a security system is malfunctioning or just not working as best as it could, it gives off signals. These could be a flashing light that doesn’t normally flash or a buzzing noise or any other sound that’s not supposed to be there. Don’t just simply ignore such signals, contact your security company and get them checked out.

Test Your Control Panel

Your control panel is the very heart of your security system so it’s essential that it’s in full working order. Ideally, you should test it every 6-12 months to make sure it’s working. Get a qualified security technician to come out and do further testing if there are ongoing issues.

Stay Aware of Updates

Just like with software updates for your phone or computer, there are updates for security systems. It’s important that you are aware of them as they can impact the functionality of your security system. Stay in the loop by speaking to your security company and if instructed by your security product provider, check for and install updates if your device offers them.

Schedule Inspections

Treat inspections of your security system like a medical check-up. Often, we dread them or just procrastinate over them, though we know they are important. The same applies to your security system inspections. You can, of course, carry out a DIY inspection, but just like with a doctor, you can’t go past a professional. A security inspection should ideally be carried out every 12 months.

Check Your Camera Placements

Make sure that your camera is positioned correctly, is producing clear images and is actually recording your property. Speaking with a security expert will help establish where the best placement for a camera is on your property. They will help identify potential blind spots in your property based on its layout and structure.

By implementing these simple and highly practical tips, you can rest assured that your security system will be in top working order. Contact our security team at Twenty First Security for more tips and inquiries about maintaining your security.

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful with so much to think about. One of the things you must think about is your security. After all, you want to make sure that your home is protected. Check out the following good practices you should implement for security of a new home.

Find Out What Security Is Already in Place

Its important to know what security is already in place at your new home, if any. These can include alarms, security systems, shutter blinds etc. From here you and your family can make the decision of either upgrading the existing security or simply repairing it and undertaking better maintenance than perhaps it previously had.

Research Your Area and Look at Crime Statistics

Research your area involves speaking to neighbours about crimes in the area but also utilising online tools that provide you with statistics about crimes. For Victoria, the Crime Statistics Agency regularly release statistics, and information on their website, crimestatistics.vic.gov.au. It is an invaluable resource.

Changing the Locks

Changing the locks on a new home is always a smart move since you can’t really be sure as to who has access to your property. Remember to change not just front and back door locks, but also any side doors, garage doors etc.

Know Your Home’s Easy Access Points

This is essentially knowing your home’s vulnerability spots – those areas that are easy targets for burglars to gain entry to your home. These include an easy to open window, a weak door, a pet door etc. Once you know them, do something about it!

Put in Place a Security Plan

Ideally all families when moving into a new home should discuss what security best works for their home. This is where you consider factors like the size of your home, your going ins and going outs, the safety of the area, friendly neighbours (that look out for you), your budget etc. From here you can speak to a security specialist who will further advise you on your best options.

Moving into a new home and need a hand to get the security in order? Contact Twenty First Security, the experts in home and commercial security systems in Victoria.

When choosing a security company for your home or business or both, don’t just pick a company without doing proper research. You must ask questions to find out if they are the right security company for you. To help you, we’ve put together a range of questions you should ask.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

You want to choose a security company that is well established and licensed as this shows a good track record and credibility. In addition, a company that is well established is often affiliated with security associations and has won industry awards.

Twenty First Security have over 33 years of experience in the security product industry. We are licensed, a member of ASIAL (Australian Security Industry Association Limited) and winner of multiple Australian Achiever Awards in the Australian Security Industry Services and Supplies category.

Is Your Company Australian Owned and Operated?

Ideally you want to be supporting local industry and local operation. This makes it so much easier to source parts and speak to people that are actually based in Australia, not offshore.
Our team have been assisting Australian businesses, organisations and individuals with their security requirements for decades. We’re Australian owned and operate in Melbourne, Victoria.

What Brands Is Your Company Associated With?

Its essential that your security company is associated with high quality brands for you to be able to get high quality products. This extends to high quality installation, repairs, replacement, and monitoring.

Twenty First Security stock and provide only high quality brands that we have extensive experience with on the Australian market. This includes Bosch security systems, which we have effectively installed for years and have a proven reputation for reliability and quality.

What Type of Warranty Do You Give on Your Products?

Ideally you want your security company to offer you a good warranty on both your home security installation and your business security installation.

Do You Offer 24 Hour Monitoring?

A good security company offers you 24-hour monitoring with operators on standby at a control centre ready to deal with any emergency that comes up.

Twenty First Security provides 24 hour surveillance monitoring with a grade 1 monitoring station. Grade 1 is the only grade that ensures a police response to an alarm condition.

We hope these questions have got you thinking about what you should be looking for in a security company. For more good tips and help with security systems, both home and commercial, don’t hesitate to contact the security experts at Twenty First Security.

We know that technology changes at lightning speeds and security technology is no different. As a homeowner or business owner or both, it’s vital that your aware of the latest security trends. So that’s why we’ve compiled this list of the latest security trends for you.

Wireless Alarm Systems

Requiring no cabling whatsoever (less hassle for you), these are state of the art alarm security systems that are fast becoming a popular option for many businesses and homes. Some of their features include:

• A message centre (local or remote recording of voice messages, with message notification after person arrives on premises and disables system).
• Super easy accessibility (via a secure mobile, internet, or landline phone connection).
• Real-time remote viewing (webcam connectivity allows view of premises inside/outside anytime, anywhere from any computer).

Automation

What was once seen as futuristic just a few years ago, is now an everyday reality. More and more businesses and homes across Australia and the world are becoming automated. With just a touch of a screen (phone or tablet), you can operate vital security operations on your premises without you or anyone else having to be there.

Infrared Cameras

Infrared cameras are the ideal solution for your night-time surveillance of your premises as they don’t require any visible light to capture media. They work by detecting heat energy and produce images through capturing radiation formed by the amount of temperature an object is emitting. This makes them perfect for capturing intruders who can’t hide the heat emanating from their bodies.

Smart Lights

Aside from their high energy efficiency smart lights can be set to turn on at specific times via your smartphone or computer. This means you can easily control them through your devices even when your away.

Door Locks With a Difference

Say bye bye to your standard dock locks and hello to these innovative door locks transforming door security. Consider these:

• Digital door locks – work through an electronic impulse (card reader, keypad, or wireless remote-control sensor).
• Keyless door locks- work through a smart entry system (access can be via phone/tablet).

Before 2020 is over, reassess your security and take advantage of some of these security trends. Our friendly and expert team are here to help you. Contact Twenty First Security today!