Smartway news

According to Federated Farmers and NZ Police, rural crime is escalating across the country. Over half of the farmers whose farms were surveyed were victims of crimes. Over 70% of these victims reported being struck at least twice. These alarming statistics demonstrate the importance of comprehensive farm security. 

What Do Thieves Typically Steal? 

Since quad bikes are easily resold, they are among the top targets for theft, and this type of theft most often occurs at night [source]. Older quads are more likely to be targeted because people are lenient with security measures. Storing your quad bikes in a locked shed or securing them with a lock and alarm is an easy way to prevent thefts like this. Besides quad bikes, other prime targets include portable equipment such as electric tools, chainsaws, and compressors, as well as other types of bikes and fuel.

What Attracts Crime? 

Crimes are largely opportunistic, so criminals are looking for properties they think are easy targets. You are far less likely to become a victim of a crime if your property has security measures such as a modern security system, motion-activated lights, a dog, fences and sturdy locks on expensive equipment. 

Criminals also target properties that might indicate affluence by looking for flashy, modern cars and farm equipment. The placement of expensive items out of view from the road can also help deter thieves. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of your property and belongings: 

* Store your valuable machinery and equipment in a lockable shed

* Keep expensive vehicles out of sight of the road, particularly cars and bikes 

* Make sure valuables in your home aren’t easily visible. This includes laptops, wallets, jewellery, and work tools. 

* Be sure all your windows and doors are locked before leaving. The majority of breaks-in occur through open or unsecured windows. 

* Leaving a spare key at your property is not advisable. However, If you must, avoid hiding it in obvious places such as under doormats, rocks and pot plants by the door or in your mailbox.

If you must then use a lockbox to secure the key with a combination code.

What Can I Do To Secure My Property? 

The first step is to identify where your security may be lacking. NZ Police offers a rural security scorecard through which you can assess the security of your property. If you are after a more comprehensive evaluation, Smartway offers a free rural security assessment. 

After identifying weaknesses in your security, it is imperative that you address them as soon as possible. If you find your farm is in need of a new or updated security system, Smartway can design a security solution that is right for you. With Smartway Security, you can monitor your property with a hassle-free system so you can focus on what’s really important.

* Get alerts when someone is at high-risk areas like fuel

* Get alerts when access points to stock are crossed

* Keep an eye on implement sheds and cowsheds

* Watch what’s going on from your phone

Take control of your farm security and protect what you’ve worked hard for. Make sure your farm is secure and safe from theft and vandalism. 

Contact Smartway Security today to speak with one of our friendly staff members about your Rural Security needs. We are the rural security professionals of choice.

Is your business as safe as you think it is?

There’s more to security than bars on the windows and padlocks on the doors. Your business could be leaking revenue via shoplifters, employee theft, or even information breaches.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to review your security measures. Spend a bit of time now making sure you’ve covered the bases, and you’ll save yourself a lot of heartache (and money!) down the line.

Read on for some advice on how to keep your business secure and identify possible security gaps. 

Control Physical Access

Do you have a policy around key control? Who has keys to what area, and how can you ensure they aren’t lost or stolen? Mechanical keys are becoming obsolete these days. They are too easy to copy, and if one is lost, you may have to spend money replacing locks.

Plus, there’s no way to track who’s coming and going when mechanical keys are used. Consider investing in an electronic system using pins or more advanced recognition techniques. That way, you’ll be able to change access quickly and easily and keep track of who is entering different areas.  

If you want to keep it old school, make sure you have high-quality locks and deadbolts installed on all doors to deter burglars.

Install An Alarm System

A security alarm system is one of the most powerful deterrents for burglars and ensures your commercial property is protected after hours.

Install a quality system that detects movement and triggers an audible alarm to scare intruders off. Don’t forget to add signs and window stickers advertising the presence of an alarm system – sometimes these are enough to send criminals off in search of easier pickings.

If you need help selecting the right alarm system for your commercial premises, then get in touch with us here at Smartway. 

Use Security Cameras

Security cameras are another fantastic deterrent. While an alarm keeps your premises safe after hours, cameras can help deter shoplifters or employee theft 24/7. They can also help police identify people if the worst does happen.

Install cameras out of reach so they can’t be disabled or tampered with. Make sure you cover entry points and the most likely target areas of your store, such as storage rooms, cash registers, and expensive items. Smartway can help with camera selection, placement, and installation.

Manage Your Online Security

Keeping your business safe online is just as important as securing it offline. Your customers trust you with their personal data, so make sure you’ve done your due diligence to protect it.

Ensure your employees use smart passwords and change them at least once a month. Use two-factor authentication and ensure your server is secure if taking online payments. Install anti-virus software on all computers, and take steps to educate your employees about online security.

Stay On Top Of “Housework”

Don’t let the small things slip! There are many day-to-day things that you can do to maintain the security of your business.

For example:

• Change passwords, key codes, or keys when an employee exits the business
• Update passwords and key codes monthly
• Conduct background checks and review references when hiring new staff
• Ensure all the lightbulbs are working in critical areas to keep entry points illuminated at night.
• Trim foliage or trees that might block visibility and provide hiding places for burglars
• Conduct a daily security walk-through every day before closing

Chat To A Professional Security Company

Smartway Security has more than 70 years of combined staff experience in alarm systems, alarm monitoring , access control, CCTV, and other commercial security products. We have installed more than 3500 CCTV and alarm systems throughout New Zealand. Providing peace of mind and property protection for businesses big and small. 

If you need support or advice about keeping your business safe and secure, we’re here to help.  Smartway can help you develop a cost effective, comprehensive security solution tailored to your security requirements. Don’t wait until it’s too late and your business has been compromised; visit our website or give us a call today. 

We are already well into the new year, adapting to and evolving with the “new normal” in our work and home lives. As part of that evolution, have you taken the time to review your home or business security systems to make sure they’re up to scratch?

Not only do we have to consider security with respect to criminals – who are reportedly getting more brazen – we must also consider efficient and effective ways to live and work safely in the COVID-19 climate. 

If you haven’t assessed your security systems in a while, now’s the perfect time to do so. Here are some things to consider.

Changes To Your Home Or Business

Before we tackle the monster issue that is the pandemic, let’s talk about some of the more mundane (but just as significant) changes that you may have experienced in the last year. 

At your business premises, maybe you have hired more employees or let some go, opened a new building or moved to a new location, increased production, or changed your opening hours.

If so, you may need to consider whether the security systems you have in place are still effective for the changes to your business. 

Are your security cameras in the best position to prevent crime? Do you need an access control system that only permits entry to certain employees? 

What about at home? Have you set up a home office for remote work, moved house, or done some renovations? A review or your security systems can help protect your property and ensure you feel safe and sound whether you’re at work or home.

The COVID Security Revolution

Regardless of the industry or size of the business, everyone has had to make changes to their workplace in the last year to accommodate the new rules and regulations surrounding the pandemic, ensuring their employees are protected.

Social distancing, contact tracing, customer limits, and other considerations are part of everyday life for everyone, and technology can help make life easier under the new norm.

Beyond the vital task of protecting your property and staff from criminals, your security system can be used in a variety of ways to ensure health and safety amidst COVID-19.

Here are just a few examples:

• Hands-free and contact-free access – keypad access  and fingerprint scanners aren’t so attractive when we’re trying to avoid a virus that can remain on surfaces for days. 
• Advanced security systems can use facial recognition to give staff access and reduce the risk of contamination.
• Remote security management – with many people working from home, and possible restrictions on who is allowed out during lockdowns, it’s essential you have the capability to monitor your security remotely.
• Control customer numbers in-store – people counting software can be highly effective in managing your business, but especially so if there are limits to how many people are allowed to enter at one time because of COVID restrictions. 
• Social distancing surveillance – the systems used above can even identify problem areas where people are forced to be too close together, giving you the opportunity to redesign the store layout for better social distancing.
• Mask detection – if mask-wearing is a requirement, you can utilise facial recognition systems to check if someone is wearing a mask before they are permitted to access a room or building. 
• Contact tracing and reporting – security systems can help track and trace areas or zones where individuals have been, helping in a suspected case of COVID-19.

Tackling More Brazen Criminals

As if we didn’t have enough to deal with in the last year, it seems that criminals are becoming craftier. Thefts from homes are happening in broad daylight under peoples’ noses, and retail crime continues to increase. 

A survey conducted in 2019 found that customer theft was the biggest contributor to retail crime, accounting for 57 percent of the losses. However, employee theft made up nearly a quarter of the figures. The survey also discovered that shoplifting was increasing dramatically.

With criminals developing a wider range of sophisticated ways to target homes and business premises, we must take the right precautions and use the right security systems to stay ahead of them.

Don’t become a victim of crime in the year ahead or get too stressed over the new normal. Get in touch with Smartway to discuss security systems and develop the best solutions for your home or business. 

For you, the holidays may be a time to slow down, kick back and relax.

But for burglars, this is their busiest time of the year. As many businesses close down for a break, commercial burglaries increase, with a dramatic rise over the summer months.

Before you clock off for a well-earned break, make sure your premises are safe and secure. That way, you can look forward to a drama-free start to the New Year.

To help you get started, here are our top tips for protecting your premises.

Invest In The Right Security System And Monitoring

If you only do one thing to protect your business before heading to the beach, this should be it. A security system is the number one best deterrent for burglars. Not only can the right system prevent potential break-ins, but it can also help police identify the perpetrators if your place is targeted.

Well-placed cameras may alert you ahead of time to suspicious activity, and alarms notify the authorities and scare the criminals into getting out of there faster, taking less of your precious inventory with them. Whether you go for a straightforward alarm system or a more high-tech system that can be controlled and monitored from your smartphone or by the Smartway team.

This is one investment you won’t want to skip and will keep your business safe.

Think Like A Thief

The best way to identify any weak spots at your premises is to think like a thief. Once you approach your business from this perspective, you can mitigate the risks and reduce the chances of your premises becoming a target for burglars.

Here are our top tips to help you assess your property:

Be Strategic With Inventory Placement

While a gorgeous window display is great for attracting customers, it can also draw in unwanted visitors after hours. Take a look at what is clearly visible from your storefront, and move high-risk items away overnight. Better yet, store them in a locked area out of reach when you lock up for the day.

Install Strengthened Glass

Smash and grabs can and do happen, but using laminated windows or tempered glass can help reduce the risk. It takes a lot more force (and noise) to break this kind of glass. That might be enough to turn burglars away – or at least draw attention to what they are up to.

Invest In Bars And Locks

If you are worried about rear windows or doors being easy points of entry, add bars to windows and install high-quality deadbolts on all doors. Double cylinder deadlocks are the best option. They require a key to open them from both sides, making it very difficult for burglars to enter or exit the building.

Don’t forget security doors and gate alerts for the front entrances also.

Light Your Property

Keeping the interior lights on at night is a great idea, as burglars prefer not to be seen. The outdoor areas are just as important though. Install strong security lights around the exterior and in the parking lot. Try to place them, so they are difficult to smash. This will put thieves off or help identify them and their vehicles if needed.

Keep Things Tidy

If your business looks well-cared for, it’s less likely to become a target. Overgrown bushes and trees can also provide great hiding spots, so keeping them trimmed is essential. Don’t leave out empty boxes that identify the kind of stock or materials you have on hand inside the premises either!

If you are worried about keeping your premises secure for the holidays, there are plenty of things you can do to get started, but for the most peace of mind, a security system is the way to go.

Get in touch with Smartway today to discuss the best options for your business, and have a fantastic, relaxed holiday – you deserve it!

Did you know that retail theft costs New Zealand and Australian businesses $3.52 billion dollars a year?

And that is just the retail sector!

Theft, stealing, shoplifting and burglaries are a major cost to any business.

Sure, there is the financial cost of lost stock, damaged equipment, repair work and insurance excesses, but there are plenty of other costs that mount up in a burglary situation.

Let’s look into them now and what you can do to minimise the risk to your business.

The Financial Costs

The most obvious cost you will incur is the financial component. Anything that gets stolen will need to be replaced. Even if you have insurance, you will need to pay your excess and cover anything above and beyond your policies.

The same goes for damaged property and equipment. The repairs or replacements will all cost money. You may even have to cover the costs upfront and be reimbursed by your insurance company if that is how your cover works.

You also need to factor in the loss of earnings as you may need to close your premises or stop work while the repairs are completed or new equipment is ordered. All of these costs soon begin to add up.

Depending on the scale of the burglary, the dollar figure can be range from pocket change, right through to bankruptcy material.

The Cost Of Time

Burglaries impact your ability to trade as usual. Whether there is glass from a smashed window to clean up, insurance claims to organise, replacement stock to order, or staff to debrief, it all takes time.

Plus, you will also have to deal with police reports and the ongoing follow ups of all the different recovery components. Obviously, that is time you wouldn’t have to spend if the burglary hadn’t of taken place.

The Cost Of Safety

We all know that burglaries are possible. After all, we see them happening in the news each and every day. However, you never really expect to be impacted by it yourself.

When you experience a break-in, you feel like your safety has been compromised. Knowing that a stranger has accessed your premises without permission can be a scary thought. It will weigh on the minds of your team and they may feel a little uneasy returning to work.

The feeling of safety is a hard one to regain as it involves factors out of your control. It is impossible to reach into the minds of your team and guarantee that they will be safe. They need to regain that feeling themselves.

What Can You Do To Minimise The Risk?

The best thing you can do to protect your premises, your team and your earnings is to have a security system installed.

Visible alarms, cameras and sensors can be enough to deter burglars. Their greatest fear is being caught and security systems greatly increase the chance of that happening. So often, when they see a security system, they will pack up and find an easier target instead.

An alarm is a great start. Even if intruders get inside your premises, they won’t stay long as the noise of the alarm going off will deter them. It minimises the damage they can do and what they can take.

You can then take your security to the next level, adding in CCTV cameras. They allow you to know exactly what is happening at your premises at any time of the day or night. And, if you choose a monitored service, you have the added security of knowing a team will be there super-fast if an incident does occur.

This Time Of Year

It is especially important to ensure your premises are well protected over the Christmas and holiday period. Opportunistic thieves are out and about as they know there is a greater level of merchandise both in-store and being transported around the country.

You want to make sure that your premises are tightly sealed every time you leave. Check all the doors and windows are locked and have your security systems active when your business is unattended.

Identify any obvious risks that you have – gaps in your fences, weak entry points, large uncovered windows – and make a plan for how you will minimise the danger. Don’t store any packaging for high priced items outside as that is simply an advertisement for what is inside your premises!

Check and test your security systems (or get the Smartway team to do it for you) so that you know everything is in top working condition before heading away for the holidays. Also, don’t forget to check that your insurance policies are up to date and relative to your current business position.

If you are ready to protect your business premises this Christmas (and beyond) then get in touch with the team here at Smartway. We have all the systems, knowledge and equipment to minimise the risk to your business.

Savvy business owners know how and where to cut costs, but also recognise where they need to spend money in the short term to ensure long-term security and growth.

One of the most valuable investments you can make for your business is in a security system.

Beyond the essential tasks of protecting your staff, premises, and goods, a modern security system can even play a pivotal role in your marketing, providing an excellent return on investment.

Let’s look at some of the ways a great security system can add to your business.

Security Systems Don’t Cost Your Business, They Add To It

Deter Theft

The most obvious way a security system can help your business is by reducing the amount of money lost due to theft. Shoplifters are less likely to go to town in a store that has clearly identified security cameras, and burglars tend to target premises without security systems.

In the event your place does get targeted, a good security system can scare burglars off before they cause too much damage, and minimise the amount of goods taken. Plus, the police have a far higher chance of catching the culprits if they are caught on camera.

Regardless of the size of your business, security systems significantly reduce the chances of being targeted. This saves you the stress and financial burden caused by property damage and stolen goods.

Reduce Insurance Costs

Insurance is another of those necessary costs of business. But a security system can sometimes reduce your insurance spend. Many commercial insurance policies require your business to be protected by a security system, and some even offer discounts that can help you save on your premiums.

More Affordable Than On-Site Personnel

Burglaries tend to happen after hours when all your staff have gone home. While security guards are one option, the cost of keeping them on is far higher than that of a security system – plus, your system doesn’t need to take breaks or ask for time off!

Peace Of Mind For Your Employees

Satisfied employees are productive employees, and ensuring your staff feel safe in the workplace is one way to provide job satisfaction. Knowing they are protected by a great security system will give your team more confidence in their surroundings.

Future-Proof Your Business

Modern security systems are entirely flexible and adaptable. If you change premises, downsize, or scale up your business, your security system can scale with you so that you won’t lose money on the initial investment.

Keep Customers Happy

Security systems have evolved far beyond security. Modern technology can transform a simple camera into a powerful tool to aid in customer service. For example, you can monitor queue lengths to ensure you have enough staff on-site during busy times, or even optimise the flow of customer traffic throughout your store.

Maximise Your Marketing

Do you know your busiest times of day and days of the week? How about what parts of the store and what displays attract the most attention? A security system can help with these and so much more, playing a vital role in your marketing strategy and analytics.

Security systems are a must for any business, regardless of size. Without one, you are more likely to fall victim to shoplifting and burglary, which can be a massive blow to your budget. The right system can even contribute to your marketing strategy and help you make more money.

If you are interested in protecting and boosting your business with a security system, contact us now to discuss your options.

When And Where Do Burglaries Occur?

Unsurprisingly, most commercial break-ins happen after hours – typically, at night or on weekends.

While many factors combine to make a business a target – such as location and security measures – the presence of people is generally offputting to burglars. As such, places that are open 24-hours or those located in busy areas are less likely to be targeted. 

How To Prevent A Break-in

To prevent a burglary, you need to think like a burglar. While some thefts are opportunistic, most are planned, and properties are selected for a reason. Wander around your premises and ask yourself what kind of things would make your property attractive to burglars, and think about would deter you.

Light the place up

Make it impossible for someone to sneak around in the shadows by ensuring all potential entry areas are flooded with light. Ensure that it’s difficult for someone to break any lamps or bulbs.

Secure the doors and windows

Most burglars enter a property the same way we do – through the door. Failing that, they will target a window. If windows feel too accessible, install bars and use strengthened glass. Invest in some high-quality deadbolt locks for all entry points, and don’t forget to keep tabs on who has a set of keys! Roll-down grates or grilles are also great for preventing forced entry.

Mark the goods

Mark any equipment with a serial number or some other form of identification that can’t be removed. This makes it harder for thieves to sell, so they’re less likely to grab it.

Hide the goodies

Window displays full of expensive goods may attract customers, but they will also attract burglars. Avoid shelving expensive and desirable items near the front of the shop. If possible, store them in a secure area or safe after hours.

Install Alarms And Video Surveillance

The presence of an alarm is an enormous deterrent for a would-be burglar, as is a CCTV system.

Once you have cameras and an alarm in place, advertise it!

If someone is casing the joint, they are more likely to look elsewhere if they see signs in the window stating that the property is fitted with a security system. Cameras can alert you to suspicious activity that may precede a break-in, and help police identify the criminals if one does occur.

So, if you want to protect your premises and minimise the risk of a break-in, then we want to help you do it here at Smartway. We offer full surveillance and alarm systems to protect any property. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Firstly there has been further announcements that copper lines are to be discontinued in areas where Ultra-Fast Fibre (UFB) is already installed. That means if you have Fibre available at your gate you are going to have to change very shortly.
Before you do though you will need to remember that you are going to need an IP module connected to your Security Alarm Panel so it can keep communicating via broadband.

We are still offering a special deal on the IP module which will also enable you to talk to your alarm from a mobile device.

Stock is limited so get in quick before we run out and the special offer finishes, because then you will have to pay for them. Our offer will save you over $250.00. Better call today!

For Business customers think about this………

Grow Your Business With A Security System

Imagine if you could read your customer’s minds as they wandered around your shop or showroom!

You would know instantly what they like and dislike about your business space, your staff, and your products, and convert this knowledge into profit!

While there’s no magic pill that can imbue you with mindreading superpowers (yet), there are solutions that can get you pretty close, such as a security system.

That’s right – the modern “eye in the sky” systems can do much more than just protect your property.

They also provide invaluable tracking and analytics to help you understand your customers and grow your business.

Using Your Security System For Business Intelligence

Features once considered futuristic are now accessible for the everyday business. For example, facial recognition – once thought to only be available for the FBI on crime TV shows – is a common feature available on security surveillance systems. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

The same technology that helps you monitor secure areas, track suspicious behaviour, and identify criminals can be adapted to give you incredibly useful data to help your business save money, operate efficiently and understand your customers.

Let’s look at some of the possible applications.

Queue Management:

Nobody likes waiting in long lines to make their purchase. To avoid unhappy customers, you can implement queue management systems through your security system.

Gather data on how many people are standing in line throughout the day and the average wait times, then analyse the information to manage your staffing requirements in response. Not only will you save money by simply bringing in enough staff for peak times, but you will also gain the numerous benefits of keeping your customers happy.

Customer Footfalls:

Track the number of people walking past the front of the shop, as well as the number entering. Even this basic information gives you a valuable snapshot of your business.

What day of the week (and time of day) do more people enter your shop? How many people stop to look at your window displays or signage? How many walk out without buying anything?

Once you look at that information in conjunction with different promotions, store displays, or signage, you have a way of assessing what’s working and what isn’t.

Shopper Tracking:

Being able to see the routes people follow through your store, where they spend the most time, and the impacts your layout has on purchasing, allows you to optimise the space – and products offered – in your favour.

You can even utilise facial recognition technology to estimate the gender and age of customers, identify returning customers (for info on loyalty), and notify you when a VIP customer wanders in. The potential of this kind of information is outrageously exciting.

Business Growth Potential

The list goes on, but here are a few more ways to utilise a security system for business growth:

• Analyse customer pathways to create the best flow and product displays
• Create in-depth customer and loyalty profiles
• Track conversion rates
• Evaluate promotions and signage
• Monitor the impact of weather on sales
• Optimise staff time and allocation
• Licence plate recognition and tracking

As you can see, the benefits of a security system go far beyond protecting your assets, although that’s an essential role, too. Chat with us today about how we can help transform your security system into a beneficial resource for business management.

Here we are halfway through the year and in the middle of the cold and dark nights. While we are all shut up inside in our warm and cosy environments and with so much darkness around at this time of year there are people who love this time of year and it is the ideal time for unwanted visitors to take advantage! How do we protect ourselves then from unwanted visitors?

Firstly there is a Gate Alert to let you know that someone has entered a particular driveway or area, this will make a sound from the base station to alert you that someone is there. If there are more than one area or driveway that you need to cover we can supply a model that will make different sound for each driveway.

Secondly there are Outdoor Motion Detection Floodlights and this is one of the best deterrents as they light up when someone moves into the area and often it is like a rabbit caught in headlights as the bright lights startle the intruder.  With adequate lighting for all approaches to the site, this will discourage most attempts at unauthorised entry and make it hard for the burglars to hide.

Then thirdly there are CCTV Cameras so that when the lights come on – if the cameras have been installed correctly, they will clearly see what is happening and you will have a record of the incident.

Why is this important? Because you can go back over the footage and see what or who set off the lights, it’s like having eyes in the back of your head.

Cameras can do a lot if they are A. The right camera for the job – yes there are lots of different cameras and you need to know exactly what you are being expected to purchase – that is why we can bring our CCTV demo truck around to you place and SHOW you what the cameras can do, and B. installed correctly in the right positions where you don’t get Infra-Red flareback from the night vision LED’s.

So make sure you buy cameras from a CCTV specialist like us at Smartway because we have been installing CCTV for 20 years.  

Contact Roger and his team today and book a free site survey to help get you protected.