Burglary Detection

A home security sign serves as a huge deterrent for burglars. Of course, it’s not just a sign—it indicates that your home is protected with a security system and potential intruders could get caught:

• An alarm will sound if the home is breached when the system is armed, alerting the homeowner and the neighborhood. If a system is backed by 24/7 monitoring, that support team will also receive notification of a break-in.
• Most home security systems included outdoor surveillance cameras. Burglars know this and don’t want their crimes or identities recorded. Vivint’s outdoor cameras take security a step further and actually alert intruders that they’ve been spotted.
• Would-be burglars often assume they can enter a home undetected through a back door or window. Stickers and signs placed on back windows and in the backyard can further prevent intrusion.
• Burglary detection as part of a security system adds another layer of protection. And that means motion sensors, door and window sensors, and glass-break sensors. If any of these are triggered, an alarm will sound.

Most motion sensors today are wireless, and electronic or digital. They employ active, photo or passive sensors, and here’s how they work:

Active Sensors

• Active sensors, also known as radar-based motion detectors, emit ultrasonic sound waves.
• When a person or moving object causes an interference, the sensor sends a signal. The signal causes the sensor alarm to sound, a light to illuminate, or even a door to open.

Photosensors

• Using laser beams and light sensors, this type of motion detection emits a light beam and sounds a sensor alarm when a notable change in the level of light occurs.
• When a figure walks by, it causes a change in the level of light that detects the intruder.

Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors

• Residential homes are most commonly equipped with PIR sensors.
• PIR sensors detect infrared energy released as heat from humans and animals.

Given that they can recognize intruders and trigger alarms, effective motion detectors are vital to a full home security system. Pair them with other home security products like video recorders,  glass break protectors, security cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and smart locks for a complete protection.

Several alarms sensors can help detect burglars and prevent intrusion:

• Motion sensors. If movement is detected while your system is armed, an alarm will sound and you’ll receive an alert on your smartphone. With a Vivint system, the security monitoring team will be notified so they can contact you or the authorities if you’re unavailable. 
• Door and window sensors. An intruder attempting entry through a door or window while the system is armed will trigger an alarm. The monitoring team will immediately be notified and you’ll receive an alert on your smartphone.
• Glass break sensors. Glass break sensors set off an alarm when glass is broken, adding an extra layer of protection to your windows and home exterior.

Window sensors are a key component of any home security system. Many starter systems come with a set number of window sensors with the option to add more for additional fees. But to get the most protection, a sensor on each window is recommended though many people opt for sensors on first-floor windows only.
 
When you explore your options with a Vivint system, our professionals can help you determine the right number of window sensors for your home. And we’ll install them for you.