Cage Security is installing the first of its new Internet Protocol-based (IP) security monitoring systems.

The Australian reseller is rolling the systems out to small, medium and large commercial businesses and homes.

The security is based on Emizon’s Global 21 signalling service, plugs into the Internet and uses Optus General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) wireless data as a back-up.

According to Rob Pennefather managing director of Cage Security, the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that each year more than 425,000 households suffer a break-in or attempted break-in.

He said the Global 21 service uses the latest IP and is a major advance from the single-path - copper wire-based Securitel system - which is being phased out by Telstra by the end of 2009.

“Because Securitel was a single-path system, when the signal from a client’s premises was broken, our National Monitoring Centre operators couldn’t always tell whether it was a genuine security alert or a fault with the phoneline,” said Pennefather.

“This system is also more cost-effective for our clients than others which may be offered as Telstra phases out Securitel over the next 15 months,” he added.

Miff James of recruitment firm, Intek Group, called Cage Security after a number of break-ins at his Austlink Corporate Park office in Belrose, Sydney.

"I'm sure the intruders were only looking for money, but we didn't want any of our confidential files ending up on a tip somewhere. We decided the risk to our business reputation was just too great," he said.

Charlie Behrens had the system installed at his home in Sydney as an extra security precaution.

"I've seen break-ins before where intruders will cut the phoneline so they can't be detected. But with the dual system, we have that extra level of security,” he said.