Technology for detecting intrusion has come a long way from the idea of basic “burglar alarms.” Although still designed for the main purpose of detecting/deterring unauthorized entry into secured areas, today’s sophisticated systems often include access control devices, motion/heat sensors, fence and gate monitors, and video surveillance (CCTV) systems, all to coordinate fast, effective response and assist in apprehending intruders.

For example, intrusion-detection sensors can be integrated and programmed to activate only upon detecting the actual motion or presence of an intruder. Then that detection sensor will trigger several more security reactions, such as initiating video recording, automatically locking gates and doors, and paging security guards.