The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

What Happened When a Sydney Cafe Installed a Back-to-Base Alarm System?


Due to the nature of running a cafe, especially in Sydney, cafe owners put their heart and soul into their work, and the last thing they want is a break-in, vandalism, or theft setting them back from growing their business. 

That’s exactly what one Sydney café owner learned the hard way. After experiencing multiple security scares, they decided to install a back-to-base alarm system, and let’s just say, things changed for the better.

This is the story of how one cafe went from being a target for break-ins to becoming one of the safest spots in the neighborhood—thanks to back-to-base security solutions

Before we go into the story, on a side note, If you’re a business owner, especially in a high-traffic area, making sure your cafe is protected should be a top priority. There are plenty of 24/7 alarms in Sydney that offer round-the-clock protection, so you’re never left worrying about what’s happening to your cafe after hours.

Alright, so now that is out of the way, we’re going to tell you a story about a cafe owner in Sydney and his experience with back-to-base security systems.

A Sydney Cafe’s Owner Security Nightmare

Meet Daniel. He’s the owner of a charming little cafe in Sydney’s Inner West, known for its great coffee, friendly atmosphere, and delicious pastries.

Unfortunately, the café had been broken into twice within six months. The first time, thieves smashed a side window, made their way in, and stole the cash float, an iPad used for orders, and some alcohol from behind the counter. The second time, they went after more expensive items, including a new coffee grinder and even some stock from the fridge.

Daniel had enough. He had a standard alarm that would go off if someone broke in, but that wasn’t enough to stop thieves. By the time anyone realised the alarm was going off, the burglars were long gone. Insurance helped, but the downtime, cleanup, and stress were costing him more than just money.

Why a Back-to-Base Alarm Was the Answer

After the second break-in, Daniel knew he needed something better. A friend who also owned a cafe in the suburbs of Sydney recommended looking into back-to-base alarm systems, in which he told Daniel it was pretty much a security solution where alarms are linked to a monitoring centre that responds straight away to any break-ins for you.

Unlike a traditional alarm that just sounds an alarm, a back-to-base system sends a direct alert to a security team. If the alarm goes off, professionals can assess the situation and call the police if needed. This means that instead of relying on neighbors or passersby to report a break-in, there’s an instant response, reducing the chance of thieves getting away with anything.

That sounded exactly like what Daniel needed. After doing some research, he reached out to a security installation company and got the ball rolling.

The Unexpected Benefits

The security installation team came and assessed his cafe’s layout and suggested the best placement for the alarm sensors, entry point monitoring, and a panic button for staff. It was connected to a professional monitoring centre, which meant that from that moment on, Daniel had an extra layer of security that wasn’t dependent on luck or a noisy siren.

Beyond preventing break-ins, Daniel soon realised there were other benefits to having a back-to-base alarm system that he hadn’t even considered:

Lower Insurance Cost

Once he upgraded to a monitored security system, his insurance provider reduced his business insurance premium. Many insurers offer discounts for businesses with professional security monitoring because it lowers the risk of claims.

No More False Alarms

Traditional alarm systems can be triggered by anything from a strong gust of wind to an animal setting off a motion sensor. However, because the back-to-base system is monitored, false alarms are filtered out, meaning Daniel isn’t getting unnecessary wake-up calls in the middle of the night.

Peace of Mind

For the first time in months since the break-ins occurred at his cafe, Daniel could close up his cafe at night and actually relax. He no longer had to rely on random alarms or hope that someone would call the police in time.

Daniel’s Recommendation

After a few months with his new system, Daniel had zero regrets. His cafe hadn’t been broken into again, and he no longer worried every time he locked up for the night.

If you’re a cafe or small business owner in Sydney, investing in a back-to-base alarm system isn’t just about preventing crime, it’s about peace of mind. Business owners have enough to think about, let alone the added stress of security issues.

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...