Welcomes Visitors Deters Intruders!
There is no doubt that security
lighting can deter burglars, it also reduces the fear of crime, a simple
plug in timer could be enough to put off an opportunist criminal from
burgling your home. The burglar often makes up his mind to target a
property from across the road, if your property is lit then he will
generally look for a softer option.
Take a look down your street after
dark, can you see anyone lurking in the undergrowth?
There are numerous security lighting
products on the market, which usually fall into one of the following
four categories
Timers
These devices can be programmed to switch on lights externally
or internally during the hours of darkness or for any time in
between. There are timer switches that are designed to replace
existing room light switches as well as plug in units which fit
into a three pin socket. Some models allow for multiple on/off
periods. A plug in timer can also switch on a radio tuned to a
talk channel giving the impression that your home is occupied.
Manually operated (Light
switch)
This is your typical room light switch, you would switch a light
on for short periods using this method ie when someone is at the
front door. The major drawback with this method is that the
light or lights may be left on all night and in the summer
months the sun gets up before you do, wasting electricity.
dusk till dawn V sensor
operated
Movement sensor operated
Still the most common form of lighting is a PIR (passive
infra-red receiver) operated tungsten halogen lamp. This form of
lighting has a number of drawbacks, including,
-
It is extremely energy
inefficient
-
Often causes annoyance to
neighbours
-
They create harsh light and
extreme shadows
-
Quickly lose their credibility
by false activation’s.
-
They are easily defeated, by
masking turning or in some cases stolen
-
When activated by a criminal,
he is often already committed to breaking in
-
When fitted near a road it can
cause a dazzling effect for motorists.
These fittings can also increase
the fear of crime, because of their false alarms, triggering
when a cat, dog walks in front or a tree sways in the wind.
how many lights will I need?
Your home need not look like The Blackpool Illuminations and
everyone's needs are different. You should aim for at least one
or two lights which operate on a dusk till dawn sensor and
perhaps a light which is connected to a movement detector, or is
manually operated.
And finally
Remember that
security lighting forms part of a security package. You should
always consider the fitting of good locks and possibly an alarm.
It should also be remembered that lighting only has real value
when the area illuminated is capable of being seen.
There is
little point in terms of security, illuminating an area that no
one can see. Even though there will be social and safety
benefits for the householder
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