Clients of Fidelity ADT have been warned of a new target for theft – outdoor beams for alarm systems. According to the security and guarding company, the beams are stolen to make it easier to break into homes without detection, and also to make thieves some extra cash when sold.
“Criminals often target outdoor detection beams, not only to make it easier for them to break into your home later but also as a means to sell them for some extra cash,” Fidelity ADT district manager for Pretoria Leon Muller said. “Criminals know that a lot of homeowners do not activate their outdoor beams when they are home. This makes them easy pickings.”
According to Muller, they have received increasing reports of homeowners reporting their outdoor beams as missing or stolen.
“We are urging all our customers to safeguard your outdoor detection beams, to keep you safer,” Muller said. “These outdoor beams act as an early warning detection system and offer valuable time to security companies responding to your emergency.”
According to Muller, the following tips will ensure your outdoor security beams are safer:
- Always arm your alarm, and especially your outdoor beams when you are at home
- Make sure to test your alarm and beams regularly to pick up if any of them are faulty
- Report stolen beams or other small items to the police
- Make sure to keep yourself safe by using your alarm all the time
- If you have outdoor pets, or if something is setting off your alarm beams frequently make sure to check what is causing the issue. It could be a tree blowing in the wind or rodents and insects.
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