Home security firm PhoneWatch is to create 16 jobs expanding its operations in Ireland.

The company said the jobs will be created with the appointment of a team of business development managers bringing PhoneWatch’s staff numbers in Ireland to more than 300.

The provider of home security systems is to begin providing smart security systems to the SME sector targeting smaller businesses and sole traders.

PhoneWatch managing director Eoin Dunne said crime is a significant issue for sole traders and small business owners throughout the country who are often the target of opportunistic thieves seeking to rob petty cash.

“According to Isme, 36 per cent of companies have been victims of crime in the past year and business crime is costing Irish businesses some €1.62 billion annually….Unfortunately the damage they cause in entering the premises can cost business owner far more than the criminals actually succeed in robbing.”

He said the PhoneWatch smart security system will give small business customers a complete solution including 24 hour monitoring, alarm sensors with built in cameras and the PhoneWatch alarm app for alarm remote access.

Originally owned by Eircom, PhoneWatch was set up in 1991. The telecoms firm sold the home monitoring business to Norwegian firm Sector Alarm Corporation in 2013 for an undisclosed sum, after it decided PhoneWatch was not a core part of its business.

PhoneWatch currently employs more than 300 people in Ireland, at its head office and across 12 regional offices, in sales, field engineering, monitoring and other positions.