You’d be surprised by how often flat-screen TVs get stolen. According to the crime statistics by the FBI, TVs are among the top 10 most-stolen household items. To top it off, stealing a TV without a security system is pretty easy.
You can securely secure a TV by using a cable, bolting the doors and windows, installing a security camera or an alarm, or using a vibration theft sensor.
We will be going through these seven effective ways through which you can ensure the security of flat-screen TVs in more detail below.
By Security Cable
Security cables help secure many things, including bikes, patio furniture, and more, through their anti-theft locking. There is no reason why you shouldn’t protect your flat-screen HDTV with thick security cables too.
The key here is to choose an effective way to lock the cable. For this, ensure that there are holes on the side of your TV or the TV stand.
You can loop the cable and lock the ends of the cable with another object that cannot be easily moved. It could be living room furniture, a refrigerator, or an installed floor or wall mount.
Certain cables come with a loop on one side and a U-lock on the other. If you can get your hands upon such cords, you are golden. It is pretty simple to anchor such cords with another object.
The next consideration is the length and thickness of the cable you want to use. You might refrain from purchasing an extra-long cable and deal with the hassle of wires. Cover the screws with access caps to prevent the thief from unscrewing the cable and stealing the TV. If the wire didn’t come with a lock, you can tweak things up and add a padlock and anti-theft key of your own and secure it with a wall or floor mount.
Flat Screen TV Anti-Theft Security Kit
Due to the commonality of flat-screen theft, various companies have begun manufacturing specialized flat-screen TV anti-theft security kits and keys. But don’t let the title intimidate you; this kit comprises a security wire and mounting hardware.
Although, some of the more sophisticated kits could have other components. It can be especially effective on wall-mounted televisions as long as the installation has been done.
The wires get wholly concealed from view since the system is only secured by a wire that can easily be severed.
In the kit, you’d get components such as VESA screw packs for the small VESA screw holes situated on the back of the flat-screen TVs. You’d also get chassis node fittings, a cut-resistant cable (the effectiveness of which would depend upon the brand you’ve gone for), a security mounting plate, and a heavy-duty padlock with an anti-theft key for anti-theft locking.
Installing a Battery-powered TV Alarm
Alarm systems have become popular of late, and now, you can install an alarm system for your home and your television. The battery-powered alarms on the TV’s back are extremely small and almost unnoticeable. Most such alarms have adhesive elements on their back, making it easier for you to stick one on the back of the TV.
The alarm will issue an alert as soon as it senses a vibration on the television, which could occur when it is removed from its location. With 100+ dB of noise, the alert will be loud enough to alert an average house. The best part about battery-powered alarms is that you don’t have to rely on electricity. (1)
Even during power outages, or deliberate power cuts by the thief, you’d know if your flat-screen television is being stolen, even if the main alarm system fails you.
Another noteworthy point is that the alarm could easily turn on or off. It can be useful when you want to disable the alarm before relocating the television. Although, it can also backfire if the thief detects and disables the button. Make sure that the button is well hidden.
Installing a Security Camera
Security cameras are invaluable security assets. They can monitor the front door and in rooms and ring a loud alarm to scare away intruders. There are also plenty of options to choose from. Whether hidden cameras, wireless, cellular, or even CCTV systems are pretty effective against theft.
You can also choose that state-of-the-art motion sensor security camera that reads sequential images and detects differences before alerting you of any anomaly. The key to consider here is where to install the security cameras and how many should be included in the system. This depends upon the size of your house and the location of your flat-screen TV. All the entrance points must be covered to detect any movement at odd hours.
Try to get your hands on weatherproof cameras for the ones you’d be installing outside, so they can function properly even in harsh weather conditions.
Why Motion Sensor Security?
A motion sensor security camera comes with motion sensor technology. This technology keeps an eye on a designated spot and compares sequential images to determine whether there are any differences in the pictures and pick out movements. If it does detect any action, a notification is sent to you with a time stamp.
It is best to install such a camera where little or no movement is expected from your side so you don’t get spammed with false alarms. Install motion sensor technology where needed and where you don’t expect movements day in and day out.
Also, choose the ones which can be easily turned on or off. For indoor spaces, you can of or bullet cameras.
Improving the Security of Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the first lines of defense for flat-screen televisions and the most common home break-in spots.
Putting a property locking mechanism around all the doors and windows is imperative if you want to ensure the safety of your home and valuables. The best thing to do is install anti-theft locking on all the entrances. The locks should be sturdy enough to prevent the risk of forceful entry when you’re not in the house.
For windows, you could choose window barricades or grills. As another layer of security, you could also apply shatterproof films to your glass windows.
If you also have glass or french doors around the house, apply the glass security film on all the fragile components to avoid the risk of break-ins.
Consider installing a strong locking mechanism on sliding glass doors, which makes it impossible for someone to unlock them from the outside. This could cost you a bit extra, but at least it will safeguard your televisions from theft. It should be noted that the ideal security for doors and windows may vary as per the type of entrances that guards your house. Make sure to invest in suitable locking and protection systems.
Locking up the Television
It’s never a bad idea to lock the television. It doesn’t mean you’d have to stash the TV in an anti-theft safe, but rather build a security system around it. You can purchase special locks from the market or improvise a little and make do with household items such as bike locks.
Yes, people have done that and garden excellent results. You’d need a sturdy wire, bolts, and a strong padlock. You’d also need a wall mount.
There are also locking wall mounts, which are permanently fixed on the wall, and the TV is then attached to the mount and locked. To remove the TV, you’d need the key to the system. Since it is not entirely theft-proof, you might consider installing the alarm systems we spoke of before. Even if the burglar manages to find a way around disabling the lock, it will take them long enough to execute the plan that the authorities are informed of the crime.
Placing an Asset Protection Device on the Television
Placing an Asset protection device is another way of ensuring the safety of the TV. The devices are placed on top or side of valuables, including TVs. It monitors the front of the asset, and a notification is sent to you as soon as it picks up movement.
These can easily guard the TV against theft. You can also consider registering your TV on an app called “report it,” which is an easy and quick way to report the theft to the authorities, should it come to that. These devices can be bought from platforms like Amazon. Honeywell is one of the leading brands that manufacture quality asset protection devices.
Installing a Vibration Theft Sensor on the TV
Vibration theft sensors are good at measuring the frequency and amount of vibration emitted from a device on which it has been installed. Sensing the vibrations could detect any movement and imbalances of the TV and inform you of anomalies. (2)
Many of these can also work like alarm systems and send an alert as soon as the vibration is detected. You could add an extra line of defense to the motion sensors by placing a vibration sensor.
Wrapping Up
Securing flat-screen televisions can be easy if you know your way around them. While some of the methods mentioned above could prove to be a little out of budget, there are also some economical ways of protecting the television from theft, including locking up the TV or installing a battery-powered lock. If you have the extra cash to spare, you can move to some sophisticated security methods, such as motion and vibration sensors.
References:
(1) dB of noise – https://www.earq.com/hearing-health/decibels
(2) vibration emitted – https://www.healthline.com/health/vibrational-energy
