Improve your security with this DIY security checklist

You are receiving the alert as you either are or were a customer of Australian Security Company Pty Ltd or one of it's Bureau's and Associated Security Companies. With the approach of Cyclone Alfred, Australian Security Company (ASC) is implementing temporary adjustments to our monitoring procedures to effectively manage security events. Widespread power outages are expected, leading to a surge in "Mains Failure" event reports. To ensure critical security concerns are prioritized, the following measures will be in place: Monitoring Protocol Adjustments During Cyclone Alfred Alarm Activations: The standard response protocol for all alarm activations remains unchanged. Mains Failure Events: "Standard Mains Failure" events will be set as NO ACTION during this period. Power failures are expected to affect large areas, impacting thousands of clients. Property owners are responsible for checking the power status of their premises. "Immediate Priority Mains Failure" events will be actioned as usual. Battery Failure Alerts: Battery failure notifications will be monitored and responded to as normal. Late to Close & Out of Hours Disarm Events: Due to storm-related damages or client decisions, many sites may remain unarmed. "Late to Close" and "Out of Hours Disarm" events will be set as NO ACTION during this period. Clients are responsible for securing their own properties. These temporary modifications will allow us to efficiently process high-priority security alarms while minimizing non-critical event overload at our Monitoring Centre. We appreciate your cooperation during this time. Patrol and Guarding Clients – Issues and Incidents Given that the Monitoring Centre is likely to experience a high volume of requests, we are taking the following approach for our patrols where possible. Alarm/Patrol Responses The patrol response time windows will be suspended for the duration of the weather event. Patrol teams will respond to all jobs as soon as practically possible. All clients must be notified that patrol responses will be chargeable at the time of dispatch, and we will arrive on-site as soon as it is safe to do so. Delays in Response Due to the cyclonic weather, delays are inevitable. We have been in contact with our team, and due to adverse weather confirmed that patrol cars will be pulled off the road during peak weather conditions for safety. Please understand, while we aim to respond to clients promptly, no property is worth risking lives over. Patrol services will resume once it is deemed safe. Thank you all. Stay safe and ensure to reach out if you need assistance through this event.

The what and why? Security alarm systems make an undeniable difference in the deterrence of crime. National surveys of law enforcement personnel reveal that security alarms are highly effective in the aid of apprehension of criminals. Criminals say they are less likely to commit a crime where a security system is present. That makes the seamless function of these systems very important. Security systems rely on a network of technologies such as motion sensors and door alarms to identify a breech. These systems, by their nature, are sensitive and failure to use them properly can result in false alarms. What Are False Alarms? A false alarm is an alarm that triggers emergency response where no emergency has occurred. In most cases false alarms are generated because of user error, such as using an improper key code, improperly training personnel in the security system, and failure to secure doors and windows once the alarm is engaged. False alarms can be a big problem because they place an unnecessary burden on patrol men, law enforcement system and result in slow response times. 4 Common False Alarm Triggers The origin of false alarms can vary, but many can be attributed to the following causes. Faulty equipment is cited as the cause of 27% of false alarms. Poor installation comes in at 15% of the reason for false alarms. Inadequate employee training leads to 32% of false alarms. Other culprits include sensitive motion detectors, sensors set off by the wind, leaves, etc., and human error. Alarm Video Verification In order to know whether a triggered alarm is a true emergency or not, the alarm must be verified . This may happen through a call to the owner or other designated person. In some cases, the owner knows immediately whether the alarm is a false or not. However, if the owner is away from the property or business, they may have no way of providing verification. Even worse, sending an owner into an unknown situation can prove to be very dangerous. Alarm Video verification solves those issues by providing immediate visual verification of the nature of the emergency. This verification results in many advantages including:  Reducing costly false alarms. Faster emergency response. Increased apprehension of suspects. Increased safety. Video can be used in the prosecution of criminals. Better confirmation of the status of an emergency. Peace of mind. Today’s alarm systems must do more. Alarm Video verification technologies allow security system owners to use the systems to their fullest potential as well as address the important issue of reducing the number of false alarms. Alarm Video Verification is a great way to reduce the cost of physical guards. Rather than having a guard patrolling a site, the use of electronic detection equipment can alert our monitoring centre of an activation. Through the use of Alarm Video Verification software our trained controllers would inspect the site in real time. Depending on the visual evidence from site, either a confirmed intruder or a false alarm our controllers will take the necessary steps.

Have you ever experienced that worse feeling in the world, when someone has broken into your house and stolen your valuables? Or perhaps you are simply looking for peace of mind for you and your family, but for whatever the reason, you have decided to install a security alarm system; so what comes next? Well that’s simple, firstly decide on what your needs are, at Australian Security Company we understand that you might not fully know what sort of security alarm system you need, so we are more than happy to work with you to best decide on what products and systems will work best for you and your family. Our trained professionals will help you chose what’s best through the extensive range of products and services we offer. For example, CCTV is a visual monitoring system that is effective in not only deterring potential thieves but also adding the piece of mind knowing that even if your house is broken into, police will have a better chance of catching the thief with clear picture of their identifying features. Another feature we offer to all our customers is back to base alarm monitoring. This service is more efficient compared to other security systems as we can monitor the daily activity of your property and at the first sign of irregularity, we can dispatch one of our trained security patrol team or alert the police. Regardless of which system you decide on, our team can install your chosen system with our expert advice and regularly service them to make sure they work when they are needed the most. No matter how big or how small your needs are, at Australian Security Company we believe everyone has the right to protect their home, loved ones and valuables, so contact us today to secure your safety, click here .

Wondering what ‘security monitoring’ is all about? Basically, it refers to the monitoring or observation of your security system. Security monitoring often includes alarm monitoring and is a detection-based security measure. It’s important not to confuse security monitoring with closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage monitoring. Security monitoring, essentially, is a phrase used to describe the communication between a security monitoring centre and your security system. Your security system sends out alerts and signals to update your security company. These signals inform your security company of your premise’s security status. Simply put, the term refers to your security company receiving alarm alerts via a monitoring centre.  Security monitoring provides peace of mind. Monitoring centres don’t only observe, they act too. In an emergency, monitoring centres have trained security professionals available to assist you. They are also able to contact authorities on your behalf if they suspect you or your loved ones are in danger. The Australian Security Company, provides security monitoring throughout Australia. We also work across the Queensland Eastern Seaboard, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian Security Company offer both corporate and private security solutions. Our security and alarm monitoring services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. As a result, our licensed and highly trained operators are always available to you and your business. What’s more, we also have guard and patrol services for physical premises protection. Both our static and mobile guarding services help to reduce the risk of break-ins and theft. Not to mention, having guards on your premise means they will able to respond quickly and effectively. Looking at integrating security monitoring into your business or home security? We, the Australian Security Company, have licensed security consultants available to assist you. Contact us, and our highly trained staff will help you find a solution suited to your security needs. Get Protected with our alarm & CCTV specials There is no better way to protect your family, home or business when using the correct alarm system, CCTV system especially when used in conjunction with each other. Visit our specials page to see how Australian Security Company can assist in protecting what matters most to you

‘ Back to base alarm monitoring ’ seems to be the newest buzzword in the security industry, but what does it actually mean? Years ago, people installed alarm systems and only paid attention to them during emergencies. However, thanks to modern technologies, the security industry is now able to offer more comprehensive protection. Ultimately, back to base alarm monitoring is a service that allows security professionals to monitor your security system. In layman’s terms, back to base alarm monitoring is your alarm system speaking to a monitoring centre. There are three different methods alarm systems can communicate with alarm monitoring control centres: 1) Using your own home phone line – this method is convenient because it works during power outages. With the onset of the NBN rollout, your telephone phone line will be changed from analogue to digital. As a result, this will not allow your alarm system to communicate with our monitoring centre. 2) Using wireless cellular radio frequencies (GPRS) similar to the ones cell phones use. This method also allows you to stay connected during a power outage. Australian Security Company have a range of solutions which ensure the correct solution is applied depending on your circumstances. Please visit our Alarm Monitoring page to learn more. 3) Using a Internet Protocol (IP) system which makes use of Internet. Unfortunately, this type of connection has it’s limitations as there is no back-up power supply and will malfunction during power outages. With this in mind, it is important to note that back to base alarm monitoring protects you, your property and your people – whether it be your business and employees, or your home and family. At Australian Security Company, we offer back to base monitoring services for households and businesses. We also have highly trained staff stationed at our own state-of-the-art alarm monitoring control centre. Having our own alarm monitoring control centre means we’re able to keep any eye on your premises, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a result, we are able to act and notify you of any alarm activations without any delay. Not to mention, our ability to contact the authorities on your behalf, should the need arise. Back to base alarm monitoring is a service Australian Security Company offer to both homes and businesses with functioning alarm systems. Don’t have a functioning alarm system? Our team are happy to visit your site and perform an obligation-free assessment to ensure your security requirements are handled professionally.

Protecting your business and staff is so much more than simply installing an alarm system. In this day and age, alarm systems are an essential part of business protection. However, they aren’t the only means of protecting one’s business. CCTV cameras, monitored alarm systems and video verification are all great technological advances which help ensure the security of your business and staff. But, these security methods lack a human touch. That’s why security patrol services are an ideal security measure for business owners. Here are the three benefits security patrol services provide businesses: 1) Security patrol services act as a deterrent Few people are aware of this fact, but it still reigns true. Having trained security personnel patrolling your premises adds an extra measure of security. Security patrols also frighten off chance-takers and assist in deterring criminal activity, such as breaking and entering, vandalism or theft. 2) Human assessments save you time and money Usually, triggered alarms notify a security control centre, or an alarm monitoring control centre. It is then up to the personnel at the control centres to evaluate the situation and notify you of any threat to your business. This often entails security patrol services visiting your premises to assess the situation. However, with security patrol services there’s no need to wait for confirmation. When the patrol officers are on site they are able to assess the activated alarm. They will be able to determine if we, at the Australian Security Company, should take further action, or if we need to contact the authorities. 3) Quicker responses As a security company, it’s our job to respond to activated alarms as quickly and effectively as possible. That’s why we highly recommend security patrol services to businesses. Having our people on your premises to protect you when you need it most is effective and time saving. Our patrol officers help to keep expensive business equipment safe. Not to mention, their presence ensures your dedicated staff aren’t left unprotected – especially when putting in a few extra hours outside of business hours. At the Australian Security Company, we have highly trained and fully licensed Mobile Security Patrol Officers to patrol your business premises and provide you with peace of mind. Our Mobile Security Patrols aren’t limited to foot patrols, we also have many specialised security vehicles. These vehicles are available to provide patrols at any time, throughout the Australian Eastern Seaboard region, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne & Sydney. If you’d like to find out more about our security patrol services, or other security solutions for your business, contact us and we’ll provide you with a obligation-free security assessment .

When it comes to taking security measures during the festive season, it’s never too early to start planning. December is the season to be jolly, but November is the season to put extra security measures in place. That’s why we at Australian Security Company, are advising our clients to rethink their business and home security. During the festive season, many businesses close down. Homes are also left empty while people visit family or go on holiday. This, unfortunately, provides the perfect opportunity for chance-takers and criminals. Here are our security tips and suggestions for the festive season: 1) Festive season safety: Hire security guards As mentioned in our blog,‘ 3 benefits security patrol services provide businesses ’, having security guards patrolling your premises act as a deterrent. Having security guards on site means they can assess a situation and act immediately. 2) Festive season safety: Increase security patrols We’d hate for a break in or theft to ruin your festive cheer. That’s why we strongly advise businesses to increase their security patrols. At Australian Security Company, our patrol services are available throughout Australia, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. Our patrolmen work throughout our operational area in specialised security vehicles, patrolling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Regardless of the time of year, we are available for immediate response to any alarm activations or perceived threat. Ultimately, our mobile patrol service ensures that your premises remains locked, protected and is secure during the night. 3) Festive season safety: Install a CCTV camera system CCTV camera systems are also a highly recommended security measure. With our state-of-the-art alarm monitoring centre, we can use alarm video verification to watch your premises when you’re not there. Video verification allows us to make tactical and proactive decisions should your CCTV system notify us of any unauthorised entry or activity while you͛re on holiday. 4) Festive season safety: Make sure your alarm system & information is up to date With the excitement of the festive season, many people forget to check their alarm systems and update them. As mentioned in our blog An Outdated Home Security System Could Cost You ’, older security systems are easy to hack and bypass, which is why it͛s vital to update your system. If you will be away over the festive season please ensure that you have also updated your contact details with our Alarm Monitoring Centre. If you’re not sure if your alarm system needs an update, or you͛d like to find out more about securing your home or business over the festive season, contact us and we͛ll provide you with an obligation-free security assessment .

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a new type of network that is currently rolling out across Australia. As a wholesale-only, open access broadband communication network, the NBN uses three technologies to improve connectivity. These include fibre, fixed wireless broadband and satellite connectivity. The NBN was specifically designed to bring high-speed broadband and telephone services to homes and businesses throughout Australia. The NBN’s ultimate end goal is to move every school, home and business onto the network, within the next decade. Allowing us to gain access to better internet connections and easier access to information. Why we need the National Broadband Network: Australia’s infrastructure comes from a time when people didn’t rely so heavily on the internet. However, the old copper backbone network, which we still rely on today, can only handle limited bandwidth. This is why the NBN is being rolled out, to put a new system in place to cater to our modern-day internet needs. The NBN rollout means our existing internet and analogue phone lines will receive an upgrade. This upgrade includes replacing physical lines and cables with digital broadband connections. The National Broadband Network and your security: Unfortunately, these changes and NBN upgrades may affect your home and business alarms. Most alarm systems use older network infrastructure. Alarms often rely on analogue lines to communicate with alarm monitoring centres. This is why your alarm system may not be able to connect to an alarm monitoring centre once the infrastructure receives its upgrade. Regardless of how the NBN effects your alarm system, you can rest easy knowing that we will assist and protect you. In fact, during the NBN’s transition from cable to broadband, we are available to guide you through alternative alarm communication paths – should you need them. If you’d like to find out more about the NBN, we recommend you visit our website to find out more. Alternatively, if you have security questions, or you’d like an obligation-free security assessment, please contact us .

During the festive season, we want to make sure Santa Claus is the only surprise guest your home receives. Unfortunately, December has become both the most joyful time of the year and a notorious time for crime. Recently, global crime trends have revealed that crimes increase over the festive season. As a matter of fact, crimes such as break-ins, burglaries and theft are more popular over December and January. According to some, this increase in crime may be linked to the fact that people often struggle financially during this period. Homes often become targets during the festive season because people become too relaxed with security. Ultimately, small things like not setting your alarm before leaving the house, or leaving doors unlocked are part of the reason people become targets. At the Australian Security Company, we strive to keep you, your family, possessions and property safe. That’s why we’ve put together some handy tips to help you keep safe. Here are three tips tohelp you improve your security over the festive season: Festive Season Tip 1: Assess your security Most homes have an alarm system, but that doesn’t mean you’re 100% protected. In fact, did you know alarm systems need updating and servicing to ensure they work properly? A faulty or outdated alarm system could not only leave you vulnerable – it could also be the reason your home becomes a target. Before the festive season is in full swing, we suggest assessing your security system to ensure it’s working properly and is up to date. If you’d like to find out more about outdated security systems, read our blog post “ An Outdated Home Security System Could Cost You “. Festive Season Tip 2: Upgrading your security Security systems don’t last a lifetime and, unfortunately, criminals are becoming smarter and bolder. Upgrading your security system to include alarm verification, security cameras and video verification are a few ways you can give yourself peace of mind for Christmas this year. Not to mention, these security measures also act as a deterrent. Festive Season Tip 3: Make security a habit This is possibly the easiest part of making sure your security system works for you. On a daily basis, you should make sure you set your alarm correctly before leaving your home. You should also make a habit out of securing all assess points. Ultimately, poor security habits don’t only put you at risk, they also put your family in danger. Leaving a door open or a window unlocked could be the difference between a Merry Christmas, or a Christmas spent with the police, reporting a crime. If you’d like an obligation-free security assessment of your home, please contact us: https://aussec.com.au/contact-us/ . Alternatively, if you have security questions, or need advice on selecting a security system to suit your needs, we’d be happy to assist you.