How to recover your stolen domestic appliances

In these hard economic times, it's necessary to beef up home security by having a smart home which you can monitor on your phone, laptop or office computer.

Even after investing in boosting home security by erecting a high perimeter wall, hiring an armed guard among others, burglars can still target your home.

However, with low-tech measures, you can easily track and get back your stolen appliances within a short period of time.

The tracker is wired inside a flat screen TV.

 
According to Richard Kato Sembatya, a tracking expert with JERM technology (U) Ltd, with a small tracking device, house hold electronics can be tracked, traced and recovered.

"This miniature device can be installed in domestic appliances like TV, refrigerator, music system among others," he explains.

Sembatya adds that with this innovation, modern home owners are guaranteed security of their valuable appliances that are always targeted by thieves.

"It's better to monitor and control all your home appliances remotely through an Internet connection," he opines.

Also, systems like lights, heating, and CCTV cameras can be remotely controlled and monitored through a centralized mobile application.

"This also allows the home owner to consciously manage power consumption and typically reduce the monthly energy bills," he notes.

For example, when it gets dark before you get back home, you can switch on the security lights using your smart phone.

Sembatya adds that with this innovation, modern home owners are guaranteed security of their valuable appliances that are always targeted by thieves.

On the other hand,  there are advanced features to this such as the integration of voice recognition that allows for specialized voice commands to be used to turn on /off appliances from anywhere in the world.

According to Sembatya,   smart home solutions can be tailored specifically to the customers' needs through research and development (R&D) processes.

"These are unique solutions that baffle thieves.  They are always left guessing and caught unaware," he explains.

How the tracking device works

Sembatya explains that the appliances are equipped with a small tracking device, suitably sized to raise no suspicion to the imposter.

"The device has a small-inbuilt battery that is charged as you use the smart TV or any other tracked appliance," he asserts.|

This battery provides some charge even when the asset is switched off for a while.

Sembatya adds that it allows the experts to track the asset even if it is powered off and hidden in a secret place.

The tracking system is based on GSM/GPRS network and GPS satellite positioning system.

This sets multiple functions of security, positioning, monitoring surveillance and tracking in its entirety.

"Using our online tracking software, the real time location of the asset can be traced with both a route network and a satellite view," he elaborates.

The tracks taken by the imposter can be followed at any time of convenience using any standard laptop and a stable Internet connection.

According to Sembatya, home security should not be limited to tracking household assets but also extend to cars among others.

He notes that pets and workers can be tracked because most burglars connive with the people at home like relatives and helpers to fulfill their missions.

The stolen appliance can be tracked on a computer

 
With this software installed on your phone or computer, you can follow whatever takes place at your home  in your absence plus who visits  at what time.

The cost

"The tracking service for household items or assets goes for a onetime payment ranging from sh250, 000. No exorbitant recurring fees," he states.

Tracking your car

Hassan Kamya, another tracking expert in Kampala says that with rampant vehicle theft, one can easily recover their stolen vehicle.

"The tracking unit is capable of replaying the route that the vehicle took indicating the speed and direction followed," he asserts.

As long as there is an internet connection, one can see and locate any vehicle using the digital maps provided on the experts server, being able to zoom up to street level and out.

A monthly speed report can be accessed to show speed graphs. This report can be printed so as a hard copy is available for filing or further action.

"You can also know the distance covered by your vehicle in kilometers using this technology," he asserts.