Neighbours are using smart home technology to create a shared security network that operates in real time. Local police forces are using this information to fight crime faster.
A Modern-Day Neighbourhood Watch
Did you know that criminals who target homes often commit a series of break-ins around a town or neighborhood? This can continue until the criminal is scared away or apprehended. Your smart home security system makes your whole street, and your community, safer from crime.
What is a smart home security system?
A smart home security system, is fully installed and controlled by the homeowner. Everything is wirelessly connected and powered. You can configure instant updates to go right to your mobile phone, allowing you to respond in real time to potential security threats.
Most smart security systems are sold as kits with all the necessary pieces you need to get started right away in your home. The kit components will be configured to work together with minimal effort on your part. Keep in mind, however, that you may want additional components such as extra window or door sensors, cameras, or control bases, depending on your needs.
Smart home automation will give you the power to remotely control everything in your home! This includes your security cameras as well as your lighting, appliances, and home comfort systems. As an individual homeowner, this gives you the power to keep in touch with your home, yard, family, or pets when you’re away. For a community, it can offer detailed and real-time information so that neighbours can best help their neighbours.
How towns are capitalizing on connected communities
Home security cameras can be an effective tool for crime prevention. You can set up your smart security system to support your neighbours’ efforts in watching your home, and you watching theirs. Communities such as Strathroy-Caradoc have started capitalizing on personal home security systems when responding to and investigating crimes.
The Police Service Security Camera Initiative invites residents to register their smart home security system with the police unit, in order for the police to know who they can ask to see footage from if a crime occurs. if you are willing to take these extra steps to protect your home, the police are willing to use them to help solve crime more efficiently in your neighbourhood.
Sharing information in a neighbourhood watch program is something we have always done. You can now use your smart monitoring system to improve the quality of this information. Video footage of a burglar, captured by a smart security camera, is an excellent resource for local police. It could help to speed up their identification, resulting in fewer incidents.
Stay tuned for more about smart home technology and community safety!
Join us at the St. Thomas Home Show from March 27th – 29th, 2020, and the London Home and Outdoor Show from April 3rd - 5th, 2020. We will be offering an exclusive prize to help further the work of the communities to support, protect, and watch out for each other.
We will be also be sharing more information on the exciting technologies and real-life stories that smart home technology offers. Stay in touch on our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram in the coming weeks!