Over Two Thirds of Brits Have No Home Security Measures in Place, with Half Turning to Tech Solutions for Added Peace of Mind

New research from Samsung SmartThings reveals Brits have become more security conscious since the pandemic, with half of Brits experiencing concerns about leaving their homes

With the days getting shorter and the clocks having just turned back, many people are considering their home security. New research[1] reveals that over a third of Brits feel a greater need to protect the security of their homes, compared to before the pandemic.

With a rise in new home renovations during lockdown, and impromptu purchases over the last year, a third of Brits said they felt less in control when leaving the house – feeling exposed, and wishing they had more home security measures in place.  And, at a time when much of the nation is embracing stepping back out into society, a staggering one in four people have turned down social invitations because they’re not confident about the security of their home.

Despite this concern, 68% of people have not taken measures to protect their home with security systems or similar technology services, even though nearly half (46%) would like to at some point.

New research commissioned by Samsung SmartThings, a free platform which enables people to monitor and connect with their home devices from their smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet, reveals the shift in consumer behaviour in-and-out of the home since the lifting of restrictions.

SmartThings has the capability to operate devices such as smart-lighting and security cameras from the majority of the UK’s leading brands remotely from one app, giving people the ability to turn lights on ahead of arriving home, or showing who’s at the door when away. With one in five Brits (20%) saying they would feel safer if they had an easier way to monitor their home, and a further 30% saying it would make them feel happier, smart technology provides homeowners with a simple solution to control their home, even when on the move.

“With months of being at home and various restrictions in place, safeguards such as remote home security are likely to have slipped to the back of people’s priority list or become bundled into the “too complicated” basket. However, home security doesn’t have to be complicated and there are some simple steps that people can take to ensure their homes are more secure as they start to leave more frequently,” said Teg Dosanjh, Director of Connected Services and Technology, UK and Ireland.

“Samsung SmartThings has been designed as an open-source platform, connecting to multiple devices and brands such as Ring cameras and doorbells and Philips Hue smart lights, making it easier for people to integrate readily available tech that works for them. The ability to remotely monitor the house, and connect to home appliances even when out and about, provides people with reassurance that their homes remain safe and secure, enabling them to focus on enjoying themselves, whether they’re home or away,” he continued.

With winter on its way, the study also found that one in five people would like to make their house feel more welcoming when returning home. Through SmartThings Automation, people can remotely turn products on and off – whether that’s home lighting or controlling the TV to keep pets company. Additionally, SmartThings integrates seamlessly with platforms like Android Auto, allowing people to easily connect with their house from their car so they can set things up on the drive home for a welcoming arrival.

SmartThings can also play a role in helping people feel safer when inside the home, by enabling them to see who is at the front door from the comfort of their sofa. With SmartThings, people can connect a Ring video doorbell to a Samsung QLED TV to let people to see and talk to visitors via their TV screen, without the need to open the front door.

SmartThings connects your entire home and puts control into your hands via the free SmartThings app. As an open ecosystem, available on both Android and iOS, SmartThings can integrate with thousands of smart devices to help you keep an eye on your home, and manage your Samsung connected appliances wherever you may be.

[1] Samsung commissioned a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults to uncover how people are feeling about getting back into society, and what they can do to ease their struggles