Illegal home occupations have risen during the first half of 2020, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior: 7,450 reports between January and June. This translates to 5% more than in 2019.
Part of this situation is due to the lockdown experienced during March and April, and the mobility restrictions in May and part of June.
Many second homes were left empty due to the owners' inability to travel there for a long period of time. Something that squatters have been quick to exploit.
The problem doesn't stop, and it's time to ask yourself: how do we prevent illegal squatting? The answer, you already know: protect your home and increase security as much as possible. An anti-squatting alarm could be the perfect solution to save you worries.
What features should an anti-squatter alarm have?
No system will be infallible, but it can certainly help us avoid a long and costly legal process, as, by law, the police need a court order to evict squatters if more than 48 hours have passed since they entered the property.
Therefore we must protect ourselves to be able to act quickly. A security system will alert us instantly of a break-in and we will then be able to alert the authorities to achieve a faster response.
The features that an anti-squatting alarm should have are the following:
- Sending alerts Push the SMS to our mobile: The alarm must be able to quickly notify us if there has been an intrusion or if something is wrong. That way, we'll be able to alert the authorities within minutes.
- Integrated sirenWhile we alert the police, our alarm siren will sound, which will serve as a warning to the rest of the neighbours. It's also possible that upon hearing it, the squatters will decide to leave.
- Connection with the outsideIt is recommended not to be the only ones with notifications activated. If the alarm can store different phone numbers, that would be better, as it will not only notify us in case of an alert.
- Total remote control from a smartphoneWe’ll be far away but not disconnected because of it. It’s important that we can easily manage the alarm from our mobile.
- Responsible electricity consumptionGiven that this security system will be connected for a long time as we will not be at the property, it's important that we monitor its electricity consumption. Not only for our wallets but also for the environment. We recommend that when in standby mode it does not exceed 110mA and when active it does not exceed 340mA.
- Compatible with various accessoriesSensors and detectors, controls, sirens, etc. The more compatible it is, the more we can expand the property's security.
Alongside the alarm, there are security measures that will help us to thwart an attempted burglary, whether in our main residence or a second home:
- Sign and deterrent stickers: with them on the facade of our house or next to the door, we are already sending a first warning to those who try to enter our home. It may not seem like much, but if squatters know there's an alarm, this can make them change their minds and not enter your house.
- CCTV camerasA camera recording continuously will help us gather evidence of the break-in and will give us the exact moment it occurred, which is essential for proving the squatters have been in the property for less than 48 hours and that the authorities can evict them. But furthermore, this device is also a deterrent. Just by being seen, those who intend to enter our property will know they will be recorded.
- Outdoor and indoor motion detectorsplaced both on the exterior and interior of our home, whether on ceilings or walls, they are of great help in protecting the home. Connected to our alarm, they will alert us to intrusion in a matter of seconds.
In addition to having these devices, take certain preventative measures. These could include asking a trusted family member, friend, or neighbour to visit your home periodically to collect the mail, open and close the blinds, and so on.
And finally, a good idea is to use home automation to help us. You can buy and install some Smart bulbs and plugs to control them from your mobile and thus turn on the lights for a few hours a day. That way, you'll manage to simulate that the house is occupied. You'll need an internet connection to use them, but if you don't have one, as is the case with a second home, a Wi-Fi router with SIM card it will be the ideal solution.
If you require advice or have any questions, trust the experience of GRUPO ACV and our professional technical team. You can call us with no obligation at 964 88 88 00. Furthermore, remember that with our PACK PREMIUM You'll have a comprehensive inspection, repair, and maintenance service.
