The integration of security technology is a definite trend which is applicable all over the world. The integration of security technology can be divided into the following two levels.

System Integration: This involves the integration of the various sub systems of a security management system. This paper will give an overview of the various components of a security system and then trace the history of how the various sub systems are being integrated.

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Installers and security managers need to take into account that in most access control systems, electric strikes are the gatekeepers and they deserve more than passing attention. Buying low cost strikes and installing them in a slipshod fashion is like building a goal with single lever locks.

In a typical electric strike installation, there are two key components. The strike is fitted into the door jamb and has a bolt pocket that holds the latch securely. When the strike is opened, its pivoting lip, or keeper, rotates away from the pocket allowing the bolt to be pulled away. The latch is embedded in the door and has no moving parts or power demands. The strengths of electric locks include their ability to handle high traffic areas effectively (in really high traffic areas, magnetic locks can be better), and the fact that they cut down on manpower requirements. Strikes also allow timed opening, multi-functioning and interfacing with integral safety systems.

Strikes give positive door status and lock status indications, as well as allowing remote and automatic door control. They eliminate the costly suiting of mechanical locks and end the need for key cutting and copy controls. Using an overall access system with electric strikes allows administrators to reprogram locks remotely.

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“Understanding CCTV Series”. In this series, we cover some of the important CCTV components and explain some of the issues in simple user-friendly language.
We start the series with cameras. Cameras are the starting point of the video signal and is therefore are a critical component of a CCTV system. The word camera comes from the Latin ‘camara obscura’ and means ‘dark chamber’. Artists in the Middle Ages used a dark box to trace images. Since then the camera has come a long way. Today there are three types of cameras most commonly used:

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Home Burglary Statistics:

• In Australia someone is burgled approximately every 5 minutes*
• In Victoria, on average, 1 in 66 homes are burgled every year, equating to 1 burglary every 18 minutes
• According to Victoria Crime Statistics 2009, the number of aggravated burglaries has been risen by 10.2%
• In 2009, 68% of residential locations were the most likely place of unlawful entry with intent*
• More than 35% of Australians still leave doors and windows unlocked when they aren’t home
• The most common time for burglary is between 8am and noon when people are at work
• Thieves are more likely to return to the scene of the crime within three months of a break-in
• The riskiest suburbs was found in the inner city, northern and western suburbs

From statistics compiled by the ABS based on figures provided by State and Territory police organizations.

This list is compiled from recommendations for the Crime Prevention Support Services of Victoria Police.

Make sure to:

• install a monitored security system
• prominently display window stickers
• secure deadlocks on external doors, windows, gates and sheds
• lock all manholes that are externally accessible
• ensure your authorized contact list is adequate and the phone numbers are correct – include neighbors, relatives, friends, business associates and/or a patrol service
• ensure your authorised contacts are educated on how to use your system, responsible, available
• engrave/mark valuable property with an identifiable number such as a driver’s license preceded by V for Victoria
• clear shrubs/trees that block the visibility of your premises from the street, thereby allowing would-be intruders privacy to enter
• install automatic external sensor lights and timing devices for internal/external lights and electrical appliances, such as radios and televisions, to simulate your living pattern.

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