How to protect your country house from burglars: tips and effective methods

Cottages and country houses are often targeted by burglars, especially during the holiday season or in winter, when the owners visit less frequently. Thieves take advantage of the lack of control and commit thefts, causing serious damage. Ensuring the security of the country house is an important task for those who want to protect their property from intruders. In this material, we will break down modern methods of country house security, and also offer several effective free methods that will help minimise the risks.

Modern security systems for cottages: alarm systems, cameras, and trail cameras

1. GSM alarm systems for country houses. GSM alarm system is one of the most effective ways to protect a country house or summer cottage. It provides the owner with notification of intrusion via SMS or a call to a mobile phone. This kind of system works even without a permanent connection to the power grid, because it is equipped with backup batteries. The equipment may include motion sensors, sensors on doors and windows, and CCTV cameras. One of the popular options is the *Hunter GSM* model, which is characterised by autonomy and easy installation.
2. CCTV cameras for cottages. The video cameras are an important part of a security system for a country house. The system allows the owner to monitor the territory in real time, and record what is happening on remote servers. CCTV cameras can be equipped with night vision, and the ability to record to the cloud for video storage. An example of a good camera in the Kazakhstan is the model “Hikvision DS-2CD”, which provides 24/7 surveillance and cloud storage.
3. Photo traps for country house security. Trail cameras are a cost-effective security system that captures movement and instantly sends images to the owner via a GSM module. These kinds of devices are especially useful for remote areas of the site, where it is difficult to install video cameras. One of the most popular models is “SITITEK i4”, providing reliable protection of the country house, equipped with a night shooting function and resistant to weather conditions.

How to choose a security system for country houses: key factors to consider

It is important to consider several key factors when selecting a security system for a country house:

1. Signalling type. Intruders can enter the object both during the day and at night, so it is important to use a system that can instantly transmit information about a break-in. There are two main types of alarm systems: GSM and wireless systems. GSM alarms provide remote control and send notifications to your phone, while wireless systems are often a more budget-friendly solution, but require a stable internet connection to work correctly.
2. Motion sensors. Motion sensors are an important part of any security system. They allow you to detect movements in the area and instantly activate the alarm system. It is important to choose sensors with high sensitivity to prevent false alarms. The Ajax StarterKit system is an example of reliable sensors, which is equipped with a mobile application for remote control.
3. Availability of electricity at the country house. Not all country sites have permanent access to electricity. In such cases, we recommend choosing systems with autonomous power supply. For example, photo traps and GSM alarm systems can operate on batteries for several months. This makes them an excellent choice for remote areas.
4. Mobile device compatibility. Modern security systems make it possible to manage them via mobile applications, which significantly increases the convenience and efficiency of monitoring. The owner can monitor the situation at the facility in real time and receive instant notifications of suspicious activities. The “Ajax StarterKit” provides full control via a smartphone, enabling quick response to any threats.
5. Price and budget. The price of security systems depending on their functionality. The budget options, such as “Hunter GSM”, can be purchased for 30,000-40,000 tenge, while premium models with advanced functionality, like “Ajax StarterKit”, may cost 85,000 tenge and more. It is important to choose a system that matches your needs and budget.

Free ways to protect country house from thieves

There are simple and affordable methods of cottage protection that do not require a significant investment:

1. The illusion that hosts are present. Making a presence is one of the most effective methods of deterring burglars. You can leave lights or radios on, using timers so they automatically switch on and off at different times of the day. This creates the illusion that someone is on the property.
2. Regular upkeep of the area. The regular cleaning of the territory, cutting the lawn in the summer and clearing the snow in the winter show that the property is being cared for on a regular basis. This is a signal to thieves that the cottage is under surveillance and the risk of entry increases.
3. Security system mock-ups. If you don’t have the opportunity to install real cameras, you can use fake ones. They look almost identical to real cameras and alarm systems, but cost much less. This simple method can deter potential intruders.
4. Reliable doors and locks. The installation of secure doors and locks is another important aspect in protecting your country house. Choose reinforced metal doors and locks with additional security mechanisms such as anti-burglary pins.
5. Neighbours and social media. Keep good relations with your neighbours and organize joint neighbourhood watch groups. This enables you to respond quickly to suspicious activity and share information via local social media.

The best models of security systems for country houses in Kazakhstan

There are different security systems in Kazakhstan that you can use to protect country house plots. Let’s consider several popular models.

1. GSM alarm system ‘Hunter GSM’

Description: This GSM alarm system is suitable for small cottages. The basic principle of operation is to transmit a signal to your phone when motion is detected or a door/window is opened.

Functions: Motion sensors, SIM card, autonomous operation. The system supports several security zones and can be controlled remotely via SMS or calls. Suitable for autonomous operation thanks to the built-in battery.

Price: Approximately 30 000 KZT.

Advantages: Easy installation, long-term operation without the need for constant connection to the power grid.

2. Photo trap ‘SITITEK i4’

Description: A popular model of trail camera, working with GSM-module. The main purpose is to capture motion, with the subsequent sending of photos to the owner.

Functions: The photo trap is equipped with night vision and is IP66 protected, making it resistant to various weather conditions. The system transmits pictures to a mobile device via GSM.

Price: Approximately 45,000 KZT.

Advantages: High quality of images, reliability in all weather conditions, and remote monitoring of the site.

3. Alarm system ‘Ajax StarterKit’

Description: A modular system allowing the functionality to be extended with additional sensors. It is ideal for large summer houses or residences that require a more complex protection system.

Functions: The system includes motion sensors, a mobile app for control, and a backup battery that keeps the system operating even during a power outage.

Price: Approximately 85,000 KZT.

Advantages: High reliability, flexibility in customisation and the ability to integrate with other security devices.

4. Signalling kit ‘Konnex GSM 900’

Description: The reliable security system with the ability to connect up to 32 sensors. Suitable for protection of large areas.

Functions: GSM-alarm system, SMS notification, autonomous operation up to 12 hours. There is an alarm siren, activated when the sensors are triggered.

Price: Approximately 40 000 KZT.

Advantages: Multi-functionality and flexibility of customization, possibility to connect many sensors.

5. Video surveillance system ‘Hikvision DS-2CD’

Description: This is a Full HD surveillance camera with remote control. It enables real-time video monitoring.

Features: The camera is equipped with night mode and supports cloud storage, ensuring is not lost even if the device is damaged.

Price: Approximately 55,000 KZT.

Advantages: High image quality, 24/7 video surveillance, and remote access.

Conclusion

Protecting your countryside is an important security aspect to prevent theft and break-ins. The use of outdoor cameras, motion sensors, alarm systems and photo traps significantly reduces the risks. It is especially important to equip a country house with autonomous security systems that can operate without connection to the power grid. The optimal solution for remote areas will be GSM-alarms, providing reliable communication even in places with limited access to communications.

An effective security system should include comprehensive measures: intrusion control, perimeter protection, video surveillance, and reinforcement of doors and windows. To enhance security, you can additionally use dammy cameras and alarms, combining them with noise alarms. Such techniques not only increase the level of protection, but also create the appearance of constant monitoring, which reduces the likelihood of unlawful entry.

If you want to reliably protect your country house, a wireless system. They are easy to install, reliable and their price remains affordable. They can be both standard security systems and more non-standard solutions, such as photo traps that record every movement.

Remember to monitor the site via a mobile app or computer, so you can be aware of the situation on the site at all times. A set of good cameras, security systems, and secure locks will be your best defence against robbery and theft.