Property security in Bulgaria. Is it worth signing a contract with a security firm?

Property security systems in Bulgaria have long since moved beyond the offices of banks and large institutions and into private houses, villas and apartments. Many foreign owners of Bulgarian property have a contract with a security firm and are not afraid to leave their home when travelling abroad. The reason is the rapid improvement in the quality of security services in Bulgaria. 

If you live in a flat in a multi-storey building, the need for security usually comes down to being able to see the area in front of the front door, so that you can see who is ringing and decide whether to open. The system consists of a video intercom with a built-in monitor, and on some models the camera and lens are so small that they are located behind the doorbell button. The lens is practically invisible because the hole in front of it has a diameter of less than 2 mm. This is a very good solution when there are elderly and vulnerable people in the home.

In private houses the need for security increases considerably. It is a great convenience, and in some cases a necessity, to know who is standing in front of the thick front door, or to look into the garage or the main approaches to the house. Even more useful, and in many cases indispensable, is a video surveillance system integrated with the security system and connected to a video recorder. In this way you will have video of events at any minute of the day, every day.

Most owners who live abroad and have property in Bulgaria turn to a security firm and sign contracts to protect their flat, using the services of these companies remotely from Russia, Ukraine, Europe and other countries. Imagine how these people would react if, on returning to Bulgaria, they found the door broken and their most valuable possessions taken out of their own home.

The Ministry of the Interior has reported an increase in the number of burglaries during the holiday season. With the development of electronic and locksmith equipment, it is becoming more and more expensive and complicated to buy and install effective means of home protection. But this problem cannot be ignored, and therefore it is necessary to take additional measures to protect your home and property.

In shops you can also find various types of devices that hinder intruders from entering your property.

The door and the lock – the first level of protection

Specialists agree that the most basic, yet at the same time the most effective protection, is to replace the old cartridge with a secret one. It is also necessary to install a guard that protects the cartridge from force and that can only be opened using a special magnet.

For greater security, specialists recommend combining a new cartridge with a door made entirely of metal. According to security specialists, the use of padlocks is unjustified – bypassing their protection takes no more than 10 minutes. In most cases, people also buy safes to store certain valuables. For some this might really help, but imagine a 42-inch plasma TV hidden in a safe?

Video surveillance and security system – the second level of protection

Every year the number of people installing alarms and video surveillance cameras in their homes grows. This is reported by capital-city vendors in specialised shops selling video surveillance and security systems. Alarm systems work with sensors that are installed in specific places around the home to signal if they detect uninvited guests. These sensors can be wired or wireless. Home protection built with sensors that are installed without cables is very effective, because in the event of a break-in none of the sensors can be intentionally isolated by cutting the wiring to them. Should sensors be placed on the door and windows? Absolutely yes, if you wish to raise the level of security. Experts explain that an additional add-on to such a security system allows you to monitor for intruders online and to be “informed” even via a mobile 4G phone.

Video surveillance systems are usually installed in the corridors of houses. This is the highest step towards ensuring safety and peace of mind for you while you are on holiday. Of course, such a monitoring system on its own does not guarantee the highest level of security for your home. It must be combined with at least one of the protective measures already listed. You will achieve maximum safety if you invest money and make use of all the security tools mentioned above. The cheapest option for a video surveillance system starts from 300 leva.

Including the whole installation and an inexpensive camera connected to your home computer. This is why you cannot switch off the computer while you are away from home. The cheapest option always hides many drawbacks, so specialists advise you to look for a company with video-surveillance professionals to install CCTV cameras. The cost of a home video surveillance system can reach up to 3,000 leva depending on the perimeter of the guarded area and the number of cameras. Specialists advise that when it comes to ensuring security in your property, you should look not only at the price but also at the capabilities of the security system.

Many people are already installing video surveillance cameras in their back garden, which is recommended by security specialists. With their help you can watch what is happening in your absence from home, even at night when it is dark. Various internet applications help, and once again the mobile phone. A network connection also lets you switch particular cameras on and off remotely. Depending on the additional services, you pay for different service packages.

Security firms engaged in protecting property also offer the so-called perimeter guard. In the form of infrared beams. They are interwoven so that, when they touch a moving object next to them, they are connected to the alarm system, and from there to the SOT (central monitoring) operating at the corresponding site. Infrared perimeter security is considered by professional circles to be one of the best elements of a home security system. In practice, thieves cannot get around it. Of course, this security measure is the most expensive of all, but it offers the greatest guarantee to the owner (unless the thieves land in a helicopter).

In addition, a “Panic button” can be installed.  The emergency call button is a security feature that can be used to summon help remotely in an emergency situation.

For example, in the event of a fire on the property, a robbery, or improper behaviour by certain visitors.

After pressing the button, within a few minutes a rapid response service will arrive at the site – security guards, firefighters, etc.

How to put your home on alarm 

Carry out an analysis of the companies in your region; each company offers different services and levels of service – choose and sign a contract. The security firm arrives on the agreed day and, over the course of the day, installs the alarm/video surveillance.

Contract with a security firm in Bulgaria

A contract with a security firm in Bulgaria is concluded in Bulgarian, and it sets out:

• Conditions;
• Duration of the contract;
• Cost of services;
• Obligations of both parties;
• Guarantees.

What is the cost of the security firm’s services, connection and subscription fee in Bulgaria

Most companies offer free installation and connection when you sign a contract for a year or longer. 

Today the average price is on average from 20–30 leva per month. The cost is influenced by the chosen package, the size of the property, and the payment schedule – whether you pay for a year or two upfront or monthly.

Can you pay in advance?

Paying in advance will be more advantageous; most companies offer promotions, such as paying for a year and getting one month free.

Which are the best security firms in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria more than 3,000 security companies are officially registered.

Below is a list of the most sought-after firms with extensive experience:

In conclusion, let us once again turn to the security specialists for advice. 

They say that today you need to invest in security measures (whether doors, locks, alarms or video surveillance), as well as in your own health. 

In cold weather a person wears thick clothing so that the flu does not get through; the same applies to doors, locks and keys. With a video surveillance system, clients invest money in their own “eyes”. Blindness is terrible because it covers the surrounding world with darkness, and it is the biggest problem for your home when you are not at home.