- Car lock remote control.car keys image by bright from Fotolia.com
Security systems include several electronic devices. Security appliances are automated systems that protect houses, cars and other expensive items but don't require active control by the user. Security appliances that can be installed include tracking devices, burglar alarms, concealed cameras, automated lighting systems and motion detection devices. - Tracking devices are part of a system that protects cars against theft. The tracking system does not prevent thieves from breaking into a car, nor does it sound an alarm to warn the owner and nearby strangers of the theft. However, once the tracking device is activated, it sends out a signal that the police can detect. When the car owner reports a car stolen, the police use the signals sent out by the tracking device to find the car, catch the thief and return the car to the owner.
- Car burglar alarms are common and often play loud songs or make other types of noise. Some car burglar alarms are very sensitive, and if they can sound frequently, which can annoy the car owner's neighbors. Burglar alarms may also send a silent alert to the car owner by signaling the owner's pager or car phone, according to LoJack. Burglar alarms can also be installed on houses and commercial buildings to protect them against illegal entry.
- Concealed cameras are common at retail shops and convenience stores. The cameras can be attached to the ceiling or hidden inside objects. They may also observe the parking lot. Concealed cameras observe employee theft and are used to identify robbers holding up cashiers. In large stores, a security guard in a control room watches many concealed cameras.
- Automated lighting systems are installed in many homes and businesses. Some systems are timed to turn on during specific hours. They are useful because they make burglars think that someone is in a building, even if the owner has left on vacation or gone on a business trip. Automated lighting systems in front of a house watch cars on the driveway and in the street, so setting the range correctly is necessary to prevent cars driving down the street from activating the system. As with all devices that activate when the owner is not present, the lighting system presents fire risks and uses electricity, so a system such as water sprinklers is often installed to protect against fire while the owner is away.
- Motion detection systems activate when the system detects movement. As with car burglar alarms, some of these systems are very sensitive. Motion detection systems may be connected to automated lighting systems so the lights are turned on when someone walks in front of a house. This may make the burglar believe the homeowner is around and scare him away.
