Smart home burglary protection: security through modern technology – News Augsburg, Allgäu and Ulm

More and more people are protecting their homes with smart home products: according to a survey by Statista, in 2022, Germans made over 6 million homes and apartments safer with smart devices and spent about 2.5 billion euros on this. Renters are also increasingly choosing technology tools for their home security, as they can often take them with them when they move. But what exactly is behind it?

What is smart anti-theft protection?
First of all, the basics: “smart home” simply means technical systems that increase comfort and security in homes or apartments and are connected to each other – usually via an internet connection. Most appliances (smart devices) can therefore also be controlled using a cell phone – these include, for example, heaters that can be turned on or off on the go. Devices use sensors to process signals from their environment and perform automatic actions.

Just like most other components in a smart home, burglary protection devices are programmed according to clear sequences if: For example, if a motion sensor in the garden detects a so-called input signal that falls in a “human” mode, the sensor automatically reacts and sends an output signal to the device. Another intelligent, for example, alarm system. By redirecting signals, more automated processes are activated, such as the sound of a siren or the appearance of a push notification on a resident’s smartphone.

So modern smart home technologies offer a wide range of options to make your home a safer place. From smart camera systems to motion sensors and automated light switches, the diversity of security solutions is impressive.

There is a whole host of smart home technologies and devices for burglary protection. Nowadays, entire entrance areas of homes have become “smart”. In addition to a camera with motion detector and intercom system, the entrance door can be opened using a fingerprint or chip. In some systems, it is also possible to control the time to access this segment. For example, a cleaning worker receives a chip that only works at a certain time of day. Smart locks, i.e. electric door locks, are becoming increasingly popular and don’t just put an end to key forgetting: the smart lock is controlled via a mobile device with which residents can check via live feed who’s at the door and via Grant Remote whether they have access control – or not.

There are also smart alarm systems for emergency situations: they combine several smart devices and devices – such as motion detectors, opening and vibration sensors, as well as 360-degree cameras – with an alarm system that can be controlled centrally, for example via a smart home monitor. This allows you to individually select instances in which the alarm type is triggered. The so-called panic button at the head of the bed is especially popular in the USA: a button that can be used to trigger the home alarm system. If there are suspicious noises in the home, pressing the button will trigger networked alarms and scare potential burglars out of the house.

Presence simulation with smart home systems
A very effective approach to deter hackers is to simulate presence. By intelligently switching lights, curtains and even televisions via smart controls, the impression is created that the house is haunted. This is where many (smart) helpers come in: even simple timers are available at hardware stores; They are often already integrated into individual devices, such as TV simulators. These are LED lights that turn on and off at a specific time and are designed to mimic the typical blinking light of a television.

There are now entire smart home systems for this purpose that combine several applications. You can use it to turn lights and electrical appliances on and off in different rooms at different times of the day – even while navigating through the app. Roller blinds can also be controlled using a timer or depending on sunlight. Additionally, you can use the smart music system to play sounds such as music, vacuum cleaner noise, or a dog barking. This makes the house look alive even when you are away from it for a long time. Residents can also decide when noise should be heard, for example, when a motion sensor registers a stranger outside the patio door.

Surveillance Cameras
Modern surveillance cameras are the heart of intelligent burglary protection. They can be installed in and around the home and provide a comprehensive view of what is happening in real time. These cameras are usually associated with noise or motion detectors: they film continuously, but only record when an (uninvited) guest appears. The camera then simultaneously sends an alarm to the resident’s smartphone via the app. With high-resolution image quality and night vision function, smart surveillance cameras are highly effective even in poor lighting conditions, and the cameras can be rotated 360 degrees and can reach almost every corner.

With so-called IP cameras, that is, security cameras with Internet access, recordings can be accessed from anywhere in the world using an application – this does not always prevent intrusions, but at least provides valuable evidence of the crime for criminals. police. The best option, if you witness the break-in “live”, is to contact the apartment directly via your smartphone and a networked speaker and speak to the thief directly and indicate that, for example, the police have already been informed.

Sensor technology
In addition to cameras, sensors play a crucial role. Motion detectors can be installed on windows, doors, broken glass, or smoke detectors to detect any unusual activity. If an alarm occurs, the user is notified immediately and can, if necessary, inform neighbors or the police at an early stage. Smart sensors can already report via the app when someone approaches the window or tries to open it. Thanks to these sensors, you can also detect whether a light switch is activated in your home – and respond to this with an alarm signal or video camera activation.

The door and window contacts also ensure additional security: the magnetic contacts detect when the window is opened and then also activate additional devices for burglary protection. The practical thing of course is that you can easily close the windows while you are outside if you have forgotten to do so previously. The new smart window handles also have vibration sensors that report when someone tampers with the windows. Ideally, thieves cannot get in, but are deterred because the lights suddenly turn on and the dogs bark.

Is smart theft protection worth it?
Almost the answer: yes – investing in smart burglary protection usually pays off in the long run. While each break-in or attempted break-in causes an average of €3,000 in damage, according to the German Insurance Association, a smart home starter package is available for around €150 to €250. For a complete alarm system with smart home functions, costs are around 5,000 euros, but this is definitely worth it for larger homes. Under certain circumstances, the state also supports protection against burglary through the KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau). In addition to the reassuring feeling of security, modern technologies also provide a variety of practical functions for everyday life.

But it is also important not to overestimate the capabilities of a smart home. Even the police stress that there is no alternative to traditional protection against burglary. This means that investing in a good alarm system, locks and windows still makes sense. If you rely solely on a smart home, you may shorten the time it takes for thieves – but in the best-case scenario, the break-in will be prevented before it even happens. If you are very careless, even the best security system will not help you: professionals can open a slanted window on the ground floor in just seconds.

Conclusion:
In a world where device networking is becoming increasingly important, intelligent burglary protection is a crucial step towards a secure, modern home. By combining presence simulation with monitoring technology and sensors, smart home systems create an effective barrier against unwanted intruders. Investing in these technologies is not just a matter of security, but also a step towards the future of living. |Text: Vera Mergel