Homes: Security system helps but not the perfect solution

Homeowners seeking peace of mind are turning to high-tech alarms and surveillance equipment to protect their investments. But police say the best prevention is still a pair of eyes.

Although Lisa Baumeler has never had a problem with property crime in the 17 years she has lived in her North Saanich neighbourhood, she still made sure her new home was fitted with the latest high-end security system.

"While we live in a lovely neighbourhood, we thought it would be a good idea to add an ounce of prevention for the future," says Baumeler, who shares the house with husband, Rick, and three children. "It has to do with resale as well. People just expect a security system at a certain price."

Her alarm system's wiring runs in tandem with the home entertainment, cable, television and high-speed Internet cabling throughout the house, ending with controllers in each room. "It's very handy," Baumeler says.

The alarm extends to out-of-sight outbuildings on her property. Baumeler says the house is also pre-wired for the inclusion of closed-circuit cameras for surveillance, if the need ever arises. "I sleep very well at night."

"We are seeing our members taking a more proactive role in home security," says Brooke Hanson, product manager of home insurance for BCAA. "We have seen residences fitted with monitored alarms increase by 32 per cent since 2003."

She says homeowners who install home-security systems benefit from a five-per-cent discount on their home insurance.

The increased vigilance pays off in other ways. Claims paid by BCAA to compensate for property loss and damage have dropped by 10 per cent since 2003.

Hanson says if homeowners do not have the funds to install a home alarm system, they can explore a number of low-cost alternatives, such as creating a Block Watch on their street or by installing dead bolts, both proven to deter criminals.

Some new condominiums have also gone high-tech to address occupant safety.

Gone are the intercom buzzer of days gone by. When somebody buzzes Wendy Pryde at her condominium complex in Victoria, she turns on her television.

A camera trained on the front entrance allows her to not just hear, but see who is at the door.

"Coming from a house in the suburbs, I never thought much about security, never gave it a thought," Pryde says. "Thank heavens the system was included. Living downtown, I am glad I have it. I can never go back."

She says that even if criminals gain access to the lobby, they would find it impossible to reach the individual condos. Operating the elevator requires an electronic key.

Should a building's occupant lose his or her electronic key, it would only grant access to the homeowner's particular floor and not others. Once it is reported stolen, the building manager can disable the key quickly.

Pryde, who is on the strata council of her building, says a good security system can add to a building's maintenance costs, but is worth it "for the ease of mind."

While she is optimistic about the effectiveness of such high-tech systems, BCAA's Hanson warns homeowners against becoming complacent.
"As security technology has become better, so have thieves," she says.

"Homeowners need to continue to be diligent."

The installation of alarms is becoming more widespread, says John Law, a security expert for Price's Alarms.

"At one time, there would be areas of town that would attract more crime," says Law. "These days, there are no good or bad areas."

The relative affordability of alarms has also helped sales. Unlike the price of houses, the cost of home alarm systems has remained stable during the past few years. Technological advances in the components that make up most alarms have helped hold down costs.

Law says a basic homeowner package, which includes a keypad, control unit, two door or window contacts, an interior motion detector and a siren costs $700, installed. If the homeowner signs up for a three-year monitoring contract, the system is free. Typically, homeowners pay a $29.95 monthly monitoring fee. That charge has increased by about two dollars in the last seven years, Law says.

Home builders can also help lower the cost to the homeowner of adding a home-security system. Law estimates it might cost a builder $100 to pre-wire a house during construction. That compares with up to $240 in labour to do the same wiring after the drywall has been installed.

The popularity of security systems can also be attributed to an aging population. Personal safety becomes more important to people as they age, says Law. He estimates 60 per cent of his business comes from clients over 50, many of them single. "A house alarm gives them a sense of security."

While he supports the use of home-security systems, Saanich Police Const. Brad Brajcich advises against an over-reliance on them. "Alarms are only one tool of many tools," he says.

The most powerful deterrent to crime is a pair of eyes, Brajcich says.

Criminals generally avoid houses that are clearly visible from the street, look maintained and have motion-sensing lights. Programs such as Block Watch encourage neighbours to look out for each other.

"While we encourage residents to make their houses less attractive to criminals, we don't want people to live in a fortress," says Brajcich. "We want to create a happy medium."

He is encouraged by recent trends in multi-use development that see the creation of commercial space on the ground level of multi-family condominiums.

"The typical break and enter happens at night for businesses and during the day for residences," Brajcich says.

Commercial activity during the day reduces crime for homes while sleeping residents at night discourage break-ins to businesses located beneath them.

"It's a perfect combination."

(prepared by Pedro Arrais/Vancouver Sun)