Exercising a high degree of safety is crucial nowadays.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the country's crime rate has dropped by 6% from July to December last 2022. However, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. states that there were still 105,568 crime incidents recorded. Coming from a record of 112,746, the number has decreased, but it is still significantly high.

According to the PNP chief, the most recent top prevalent crimes in 2022 were theft, rape, and physical injury.

For 2023, PNP plans to enhance anti-criminality through SMART Policing which involves secured, mobile, artificial intelligence-driven, and real-time technology — which is a strategic and modern approach to preventing criminals who are becoming craftier nowadays. Furthermore, according to Azurin, it plans to incorporate innovative applications of analysis, technology, and evidence-based practices in their police operations.

As the PNP turns to technology for solutions and preventing crime, it is also wise for citizens to incorporate the same solution as that of the country's protecting body. One of the tools for security and safety is CCTV or closed-circuit television. These are cameras that are placed in spaces allowed by the National Privacy Commission and must have the purpose of securing property, protecting important interests of individuals, and maintaining public order and safety. According to NPC, CCTV systems, when used reasonably and appropriately, are tools that support safety and security.

But CCTV camera systems might prove rather expensive to the average Filipino household. Enter the cheaper and smarter alternative: the smart home security cameras. Smart tools are very much considered by the government for upscaling security and safety, and it should also be considered by the public for the following reasons:

Smart home cameras help oversee your entire household or your business even when you’re away

Smart security tools such are wise investments for any home or business owner as you can manage your property remotely over the internet, anytime and anywhere. Those who come in and out of your property, deliveries, and even pets can be monitored through these smart cameras.

Some of the best security cameras come from international smart home device manufacturer eufy, which is a sub-brand of top electronics brand Anker. The country’s leading internet and digital services provider PLDT Home recently partnered with eufy, making some of its best security devices available to Filipinos.

The eufy Indoor Cam 2K has 2K resolution with a wired power source which allows the camera to move or pan from left or right, or tilt up and down. Recommended for indoor surveillance, it also has special AI which can determine whether a human or pet is present. It only records when an event of interest occurs, and boasts of other smart features like voice assistant compatibility, motion tracking, and night vision. Users logged on to the eufy security app can also communicate from the camera to anyone at home through its two-way built-in audio.

Both recommended for outdoor use, the eufy Outdoor Cam 2 Pro features 2K resolution and 365 day battery life while the eufy Outdoor Cam 2C boasts of 1080P resolution and 180 day battery life. Both devices have weather-proof capability and can be easily installed in your garage, driveway, or any outdoor space.

All cameras above can be accessed through the eufy Security App, which also lets you view live videos, event recordings, alert notifications, and settings from multiple devices.

It could help prevent damage and loss of valued property

Smart home security footage could help prevent crime and serve as evidence in criminal court, as long as it does not violate any governing laws.

Aside from a smart home security camera, adding a wireless eufy Video Doorbell with 2K resolution and weather-proof capability could help homeowners check who is knocking at the door without personally having to head out and make contact.

It is also ideal to install a eufy Smart Door Lock equipped with wifi, wireless, and weather-proof capabilities. Smart locks are passcode- and fingerprint-secured. Plus, further ensuring the feeling of security, these systems are designed to with an auto-lock feature activated once the homeowner gets inside the house and an app feature made for the user to view one’s locking/unlocking history.

It’s now made affordable, making peace of mind within reach

You will need more than just ultra-modern locks and cameras to maximize these devices. For smart security devices to be set up and maximized efficiently, a strong internet connection is a must. In the Philippines, PLDT Home remains to offer the fastest broadband connection having won for the fifth consecutive year at the Ookla® Speedtest™ Awards Q1-Q2 2022.

Besides the connectivity, PLDT Home also provides customers the convenience in terms of availing these much-needed smart security devices for the home. PLDT Home customers can avail any of the eufy products mentioned by visiting pldthome.com/eufy. Each item can be paid in full upfront or be charged as monthly installments to the customer's PLDT Home account – with plans starting at P199, P549, and P649 a month and no credit card needed. Customers can also avail the devices on PLDT Home’s official stores at Lazada and Shopee or at any service center nationwide.

Complement your smart security devices with the country’s fastest and most reliable internet connection for the peace of mind you and your family deserve.