25 April 2024 - Lara Velasco
Featured in: Market Insights, Intrusion detection
With the increasing value of outdoor equipment, from luxurious patio furniture to high-end gym equipment, BBQs or gardening tools stored in sheds and garden cabins, ensuring the security of gardens is crucial. The challenge, however, lies in securing these open, often secluded spaces without compromising on aesthetics or the natural beauty of the landscaping.
One of the most common security solutions are cameras, but these are not without their challenges, predominately false and missed alarms. False alarms can be triggered by non-threatening movements such as pets, wildlife, spiderwebs, rain or vegetation sway. These incidents not only cause unnecessary panic and potential fines, but can also lead to complacency among homeowners who might start ignoring alarms, thinking they are more likely to be false. Even more worrying is the challenge of missed alarms, which occur when a security system fails to detect an actual threat, a dangerous shortfall that could lead to unchallenged intrusions.
Reducing false alarms
While the threat of false alarms is a reality faced by any security system, integrating motion detectors can significantly enhance the reliability of the system to detect intrusions effectively, particularly in challenging outdoor environments. Motion detectors serve as the frontline defence in garden security. They are designed to sense movement in an area, thereby enabling them to reliably alert homeowners or security services to potential intruders. The key to reducing false and missed alarms lies in choosing the right type of motion detectors and strategically positioning them around the property.
Early detection starts at the perimeter
The security needs of the perimeter will largely depend on where the property is located and whether the perimeter is open or enclosed. Consideration should be given to whether it is a detached property or a villa in a gated community, and whether it borders other properties or public areas. The house may be adjacent to countryside, forests, beaches or parks, so the vegetation and type of wildlife should be taken into account.
In the case of enclosed perimeters, it is necessary to analyse the type of physical protection, whether is a wall, fence, gate, and determine whether its goal is aesthetic or if it serves as a security barrier. Infrared (IR) beams, such as AX series, are compact and truly versatile, and can be mounted on top of walls or fences to detect anyone attempting to climb over for ranges from 20m and up to 200m. They are designed with an optical pitch to reduce false alarms due to accidental beam interruption by falling leaves, birds, and so on.
In open perimeters, beams can be either mounted on poles or stacked into towers, allowing to create a virtual perimeter around the property. The enclosing of the SL series IR beams makes them durable and resistant, so they are ideal for protecting spaces close to water surfaces or areas prone to extreme weather conditions.
Wide open spaces and patios
This area depending on the size of the plot, may include a variety of spaces. Consideration should be given to whether the terrain is flat or uneven, e.g. hillside gardens. A common vulnerability in gardens is often vegetation, which can hide an intruders approach. If there is garden furniture, areas with sports equipment, BBQ spaces or play areas, these should also be taken into account to protect the space adequately and reduce unguarded gaps.
Wide-angle or panoramic detectors, such as the WX Shield and WX Infinity series, offer 180-degree coverage up to 12m, perfect for protecting wide flat terrain areas and in many cases they may cover a full garden just with one detector. Both types of sensor feature two completely independent detection areas (left and right) triggering independent alarm outputs, which can be utilised in PTZ activation, for example.
If the space is large, but uneven, for example in the case of slopping gardens, high-mount sensors such as the QXI series (installed between 2.2m and 2.7m) are the most suitable option. Other spaces where these sensors are appropriate are where there is garden equipment or other structures that would hinder the detection of a sensor mounted at 1.2m. Height mounting has the advantage of aesthetic discretion and protection against vandalism by being at a height where it is difficult to sabotage.
In corners or more enclosed spaces in the garden, 90-degree volumetric sensors such as the VX Shield series or our best-selling VXI sensors are the perfect solution. Dual-technology (PIR and MW) models can be very effective for locations prone to strong sunlight and air currents (for instance near air conditioning units), while still being capable of detecting small movements.
Securing sheds and other outbuildings
Sheds and garden cabins often store valuable tools, bikes, gym and office equipment, making them prime targets for theft. Security in these spaces can be fortified by outdoor detectors protecting the building boundary; the sensors can precisely identify anyone standing close to the outbuilding and can trigger audio alerts, CCTV or floodlights (this one being one of the most effective deterrents for burglars).
For larger outbuildings, dual curtain detector BXS protects up to 12m on each side, with independent detection settings. For smaller sheds, or where only protection is required around doors or windows, single curtain detectors such as the FTN series is a discreet and convenient solution.
Sometimes a breach can’t be avoided and to cover for this potentiality it is recommended to use indoor motion detectors. OPTEX’s innovative FlipX series thanks to an advanced pyro sensor with human catch element can focus on real intrusions. The rotatable lens in FlipX series also allows to customise the detection coverage by simply flipping the lens 180-degree, to create either long narrow detection areas or wide detection areas.
Conclusion
Reliable garden security not only protects valuables, it also enhances the overall safety of the home and gives greater peace of mind to homeowners. By integrating advanced motion detectors in the alarm system, the risks associated with false alarms and missed detections can be considerably minimised. With the right security setup, these sensing and detection systems can provide a formidable barrier against unauthorised intrusions, ensuring gardens and outdoor spaces, along with the valuables within sheds and garages, remain safe and secure.
