Home Security

For home security, nothing beats the flexibility offered by a wireless surveillance camera. For one, you have the convenience of installing a system in your home without worrying about rewiring your entire house. We will briefly go over how wireless security cameras today work and how you can afford to acquire one for yourself; where to go buy a wireless surveillance camera and what to look for.

Functionality:

Wireless security cameras work by transmitting signals that are picked up by receiving units which are in turn connected to a recording device of your choosing. Many people go with DVRs for their recording device. You still see VCRs used for recording. A lot of people today though are opting for fully redundant power systems that insure uninterrupted protection. There is no way a would be burglar could disrupt this system. It provides optimized recording due to the fact that one can monitor their home from work, or from the convenience of a hand held device. Finally, it is crucial to keep in mind that your wireless security camera does in fact rely on a power source. Make sure all electrical outlets are functioning and in the case of battery operated models, make sure you keep a ready supply of batteries.

Where can I buy a Wireless Camera?:

You’ve got wireless home security cameras available at department stores across America. Places like Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy and even Rite Aid carry security cameras. Additionally home improvement stores like Home Depot carry systems complete with stand alone monitors equipped with recording devices. Also the internet is a great way to research and purchase home security products. Browse the web from the comfort of your home to locate retailers that carry wireless security equipment.

Benefits of a Wireless Home Security System:

Wireless home security devices serve many purposes and have many benefits. First of all, wireless surveillance cameras are inexpensive. The property protection and the peace of mind you will have by knowing your family is safe is well worth installing a wireless security system. Secondly as a home owner in today’s fluctuating market, it is important to know that by installing a home security system you are actually increasing the value of your property.

Troubleshooting:

Some wireless home security camera users run into interference from their systems. It is important to make sure your frequency lines are clear. Always, as a rule of thumb, professional installation is the smartest route. Be smart, invest in a wireless home security system and protect your family.



By: Jeffrey Parker

About the Author:

Are you aware that as a small business owner, one of the biggest and most expensive issues facing you is loss prevention? Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking that problems like theft, vandalism, and embezzlement will not happen to them. Unfortunately, research suggests that small businesses suffer huge losses from these types of events every year. Here are four tips that will help small business owners who are considering investing in a security system.

1. Find a security company with a good track record: some security companies position themselves based on cost. And while cost is always of concern, it is more important to get your money’s worth. Your insurance agency should be able to give you a reference for a good security firm to ensure you make the right choice.

2. Don’t go it on your own : businesspeople often try to cut corners cost-wise by installing their own security system. Many times, they will use inexpensive webcams, or integrated solutions off the shelf, and are disappointed when they do not receive the video quality they were expecting. It’s also true that self-security solutions can be very time and labor intensive. Don’t do it yourself : you’ll save a lot of time and effort by trusting a specialized security company to do the security for you — it may cost a little more up front, but the results will speak for themselves.

3. Location is key: in loss prevention, it is important to ensure that every single location in your business is covered by security cameras. Some business owners might try to keep down costs by using a small number of security cameras. Instead, you should always remember that thieves will take advantage of this situation in order to rob you blind; if you only have one or two cameras, criminals will simply target all of your camera-free areas.

4. Monitor both employees and customers: it is important to remember that loss prevention must be aimed both inward and outward as both employees and customers can be potential sources of loss. If you are only aiming your security cameras at your merchandise then a bad seed among your employees could easily steal from you. Of course if you are only monitoring you employees than a single theft from the outside can take down your business.

We hope you’ve found these simple tips useful. As a small business owner, we know that your most important goal is protecting your bottom line. Remember, the key to strong loss prevention is using strong prevention.



By: Edson Buchanan

About the Author:

There are different types of motorcycle alarms used in cruiser and custom bikes. A security system with an advanced paging surveillance system is the one that is equipped with an OEM style connector that plugs in the original factory alarm and operates with the existing remote key fob. The moment there is a theft attempt the beeper utilizes the digital RF technology and displays how the motorcycle is being disturbed. The high output four watt transmitter is capable of penetrating buildings and parking areas. These alarm systems feature selectable audible vibrating alert, range confirmation signal, plugs into the factory security system, compatible with the HD TSSM system.

The other is the self-contained motorcycle security system. It has an integrated analog digital device, digital accelerometer, waterproof remote, factory style connectors and a built in 125-db multi siren. The features of this system include an ignition protection, passive/manual arming and a programmable waterproof remote.

The latest in motorcycle security systems and theft deterrent systems includes a self-diagnostic system that instantly corrects and reloads any malfunctions or errors. The heart of this system is the high speed 16 bit microprocessor with advanced programming features. The miniature control module can be easily tucked inside the seat without dissembling the motorcycle. Only three wires are required to connect to the motorcycle wiring — one wire to battery ground, one to battery positive and the last to the tail light wire.

Always look for a universal plug-in collector kit with a 12-volt electrical system that fits in any of motorcycle. To avoid destruction in installation like cutting the factory wiring, the unique plug in tap connectors are useful allowing the system to be integrated into the motorcycle.



By: Jason Gluckman

About the Author:

When it comes to the differences between living in a big city and a small town, there is a lot to take into consideration. But one of the biggest characteristics of someone who has been in a metropolitan area for a long time is the often-described but never-defined “street smarts.” What this means is that someone is aware enough of his or her environment that he or she is able to move about in a bustling urban area without drawing attention or accidentally wandering into the wrong situation. It’s a great quality for travelers to have, as well as anyone who is working hours that require coming home late or early.

And while street smarts might not come naturally to everyone, they can definitely be learned. Those people who carry themselves well out in public are just as capable of holding down the fort in their apartments, where home security is just as much of a concern as not getting into a bad situation outside. And it’s not just people working odd hours or venturing out late nights who need to consider taking good care of themselves and their apartments: anyone can benefit from improvement in home security, especially in a bustling city.

The first step towards taking better care of your own apartment is definitely assessing the potential entrances for robbers aside from the main door. If you have an air conditioning unit in your window, then you’re making it easier for someone to break in. Make sure that your air conditioning unit is securely bolted to the window, and that there is no wiggle room for a would-be burglar to pry it out. Likewise, even when it’s very hot in the middle of summer, you should always be sure to securely shut and lock windows leading to your apartment. You don’t have to be living on a fire escape to take care to not have these sorts of problems.

Aside from assessing the windows, it is also helpful to consider the door. If your apartment building comes with regular locks and a single deadbolt, you might consider investing in another deadbolt for your home security, or at least changing the locks since you aren’t sure who lived in the apartment before you did. Something as simple as a well-placed deadbolt can also make all the difference between a robber giving up on your apartment, and managing to abscond with a whole lot of your belongings.

Of course, home security with your apartment also involves the common areas of the building. Take care of not leave the door open, and make sure that you don’t buzz in random visitors. Likewise, be sure to have your keys in hand when arriving home, so that you don’ have to fret about digging for them while standing on the porch. In no time at all, you too can make the most of your street smarts and take better care of your apartment. And in a big city, this can make all the difference.



By: Levi Mortenson

About the Author:

When most people think of home security they think of keeping their free-standing house safe with alarms and home monitoring systems. But there are important considerations for the large portion of society who lives in apartments or condominiums as. Apartment dwellers and condo owners may believe that doormen, controlled entry ways and the community-feel of a shared building are all the security they need. The truth is that apartments are burgled just as frequently as houses. Most buildings have a large number of tenants and guests coming and going at all times making it more difficult to spot an intruder.

Apartment and condo owners may feel powerless when it comes to the security of their space. They believe that it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that everything is safe. While the majority of that responsibility does fall on the property owner, there are still a number of things you can do to increase the level of security in and around your building.

An Act of Opportunity

Never underestimate the value of your belongings. People make the mistake of thinking that since they do not own anything worth stealing; no one would go through the effort of breaking into their apartment. Like most crime, burglary is an act of opportunity. It is important to ensure that all your doors are locked at all times. You might think you are just running down to the laundry or mail room and it won’t take a minute, but a robber can be in and out of your apartment with an arm load of your possessions, in only a matter of minutes. Windows should be closed and locked while you are out of the apartment. Open windows are the preferred point of entry for intruders.

What You Can Do

Since a burglary is primarily an act of opportunity be sure to minimize that opportunity.

o When you are away on vacation, have a close friend or relative collect your mail and newspapers. Piled-up mail is something burglars will watch for as a sign that you are away.

o When away, notify a neighbor, as well as your landlord. Tell them how long you will be away and who will be looking after your mail, plants or pets. This way, they will be on the lookout for someone who does not belong entering or exiting your apartment.

o Another precaution if you are going to be away, or will be working late is to have your lights set on a timer. This creates the illusion that someone is, in fact, home.

Do not ever let strangers into the building! A robber may buzz any unit, until someone lets him in, claiming to be a neighbor who has forgotten his keys. Simply tell him to contact the landlord. Also be wary of strangers waiting outside the building for someone to come in or out, so they can enter while the door is open. Close the door quickly behind you. Do not be afraid to call the police if there is a suspicious looking person lurking around the building or hanging out for lengthy amount of time in a parked car. It is better to have the police come and check out the situation than to risk your safety.

Talk To Your Landlord

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the property has sufficient lighting. If there are dark areas, or burnt-out lights notify your landlord immediately. The parking lot and the entry-way into the building should be well lit, and visible from the street. When walking up to the building at night, be sure to stay alert. A criminal will always look for an easy target, not someone who looks focused, confident and aware.

And if you’re considering moving or looking for a new apartment, there are some things you should ask about before you move into any building:

o Is there a buzz code system?

o Are there closed circuit cameras on the premises?

o Are there names on the front of the door, or just the unit number? If names must be on the door, or buzz codes then ask if you can simply have your first initial.

o Is there a security guard on staff?

o Are the locks changed between tenants?

o Would you feel comfortable communicating your security concerns with your landlord? If you do not feel comfortable with your landlord then the building itself is not for you.

Know Your Community

Finally, it is most important to get to know your neighbors and the neighborhood. Attend neighborhood watch meetings, condo meetings, and tenant community gatherings. Join in some community centre activities. Smile and say hello to your neighbors as you pass them in the halls, chat in the laundry room, and introduce yourself when you move in. If you and your community are on friendly terms, you will be more likely to work together and look out for one another, and you will also be more likely to notice someone in the area who does not belong.

Your safety and security is equally as important if you live in a shared building as in a house. Your landlord might be responsible for many of the security elements of the property but there are always other things you can do to keep yourself and your belongings safe.



By: Jack Nelson

About the Author:

It is no secret that the best way to learn something is to learn from the best. It doesn’t matter what you’re learning-a new skill, a new language, a new job-absolutely anything. Always learn that skill from someone who really knows what they’re doing.

In this case we are talking about burglary prevention as part of home security. And who better to learn it from than a professional burglar. Recently, a man who was believed to have done as many as 70 home burglaries made a list of tips to prevent burglary for police to pass on to home owners. He was caught in the United Kingdom but the principles are the same here.

Here are some statistics that might get your attention. One out of every six homes is burglarized. A burglary happens every 15 seconds. The value of goods stolen from a home in the average home burglary is over $1700 with an average of another $1700 in damage done to the home during the burglary.

So it’s much better to prevent home burglary in the first place. The old idea of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure really holds true for home burglary.

Here are some of the burglary prevention tips that he gave so homeowners could avoid being burglarized.

First, he never used force to gain entry into a house. And why should he? Here in the United States close to 90% of all burglaries happen through unlocked doors or windows. So lock your doors and windows, even if you are home.

Second, he suggested getting a dog or at least a sign warning of a dog. He told police that burglars will not risk entry into a house if they hear a barking dog. Maybe that’s where the Barking Dog Alarm could come in handy.

Third, he suggested getting an alarm. This professional burglar said he would never enter a home that’s got an alarm.

Fourth he said to leave the lights on when away from the house. He told police that he always avoided well-lit homes. He suggested to homeowners that motion activated spotlights or motion activated lights were a great idea.

Next, he told police that a security camera, even a fake one, was enough to make burglars choose another house.

As a final tip, he indicated that he always avoided walkways, driveways, patios that were pebbled because walking across them was always very noisy and gave him away.

These are outstanding home security tips from someone who really knows what he is talking about. If you implemented these home security measures, you could prevent burglaries and make your home and your family much safer. Burglary prevention tips from a pro really help.



By: Dave Artman

About the Author:

Hidden cameras and spy cameras are becoming increasingly popular for use in home security. Not just to detect burglary either, but also for use as a nanny camera, to keep an eye on spouses who are not faithful and more recently to watch over aging parents in home healthcare situations with a stranger caring for them.

There is a huge influx of seniors who are in the situation of getting healthcare in their own homes. It may be the fastest growing segment of senior care.

The best way to watch over a nanny or parents in a home healthcare situation is with a hidden security camera or hidden spy camera. With the advances in technology you can get inexpensive spy cameras for less than $200.00. That really is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that hidden cameras or spy cameras can provide.

But hidden cameras don’t record anything by themselves. To record they need some kind of recording device like a VCR or DVR. Until recently, those recording devices were external which required wiring, some technical expertise and of course the money to purchase the recording unit. Within the last five years or so many, if not all, hidden cameras and spy cameras have a DVR built right into them which is why they’re called all-inclusive hidden spy cameras.

On the face of it they are more expensive. But when you stop to consider the extra cost of a DVR or VCR, the wiring, the hassle and time that it takes to get it hooked up, an all-inclusive hidden security camera is really worth the extra money.

And easy to use? Are you kidding me? All you have to do is plug in the unit and point it in the direction that you want to record and using the remote that comes with the hidden spy camera start recording.

They use SD cards to record images in color.

A good example of these all-inclusive hidden security cameras is the Alarm Clock Camera with a built-in DVR. This Sony “dream machine” is a perfect example of the hidden security camera. No one can tell that they are being watched while listening to an AM/FM clock radio.

Inside are a small 3.7 mm wide-angle lens and a mini DVR. It features motion activated and scheduled recording, area masking, date and time stamping of all recordings and remote control operation.

An all-inclusive hidden security camera is worth the extra cost because it saves you money in the long run and is easier to hook up and use.



By: Bill Chicoine

About the Author:

Get a good face shot!

Use Higher quality cameras at entry areas Doors, gates and other entry areas need a good quality, high resolution camera to record a good ‘face shot.’ The video from this camera should be considered a highly valuable since it can be used as evidence in identifying a person in a court of law.

Wide Angle Cameras for large surveillance areas

Once you can get a good shot of a persons face, you should use a wider angle camera lens for the interior surveillance spaces of the building. Using color cameras inside your building is a good idea because you can readily identify a person by the clothes they are wearing. Used in conjunction with the face shot at the entry point, you have an excellent record of all people and activities in your surveillance areas.

Use Bullet Security Cams and Dome Security Cams!

They’re Low Cost, High Performance, can be uses indoors and outdoors and available in Color or B&W. Dome cams and bullet cams come in many low cost models. Good quality B&W cams start at less than $80 and good color cams start at $150. When it comes to budgets, having a low cost black & white camera is better than no camera at all.

Black and white cameras have advantages over color security cameras

Most B/W cameras can see in lower light and have higher resolution than color cameras. If most of your surveillance goals are at night and your budget is limited, a black & white camera may actually be your best solution.

Professional and Standard C-Mount Cameras

If your budget permits, a c-mount camera offer a big advantage over other cctv cameras.

C-Mount or CS-Mount?

C-mount and CS-Mount lenses offer similar performance, the only real difference is the way the lens mounts to the camera. And that’s not a problem since the adapter to convert ‘C-Mount’ to ‘CS-Mount’ comes with the camera. This enables the camera to use either C-Mount or CS-Mount lenses.

Lenses can be changed!

They simply unscrew from the camera body, just like the way lenses are removed from traditional cameras. There are lens options from 2.5mm up to 500mm providing many different magnification options.

In general, an 8mm lens is like a 4mm lens magnified 200%. A 16mm lens is like the 4mm lens magnified 400%

Outdoor Housing

C-mount cameras can be used outside when put in an outdoor camera housing like the photo to the right needed to protect the camera. Heat and Fans are necessary in the ‘extreme climate areas.’
See our outdoor housings

Varifocal Lenses

You can also use a varifocal lens on a c-mount camera body. The higher millimeter of the lens the further distance viewable. C-Mount cameras can use a varifocal lens. This is a huge advantage because you can adjust zoom and focus. With Varifocal lenses the focus can be varied from 5mm to 20mm or more.

Even after installed, the varifocal camera lens can be adjusted to choose a variety of focal distances and angles of view. An example of where you might use a varifocal lens is outside (or inside) a warehouse or parking lot where you need more distance than 35 feet.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ)

Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras also known as PTZ cameras are excellent devices to use when you want to ‘look around’ your surveillance area.

PTZ cameras allow you to pan an entire room, tilt up and down and zoom in on anything or anybody within the sight of the lens.

PTZ cameras can be set to automatic or manual mode or both. In automatic mode, hundreds of points can be set for the camera to look at. The duration that the camera looks at a given set point can be adjusted from less than a second to as long as you would like.

There are some variances in different models. Some have 17x zooms while others have 50x zooms or more.

About CCTV Security Cameras: Closed circuit television also known as CCTV is the industry standard in surveillance security cameras. CCTV can be a single network of cameras or multiple networks of camera linked together via switches, internet, dvr or wide area computer technology. CCTV Video data is analog. The analog signal can be converted to digital via CCTV Digital Video Recorders. Once the video data is digital it can be managed just like any other computer data and can be stored automatically on computers and network storage devices.



By: John Beagle

About the Author:

It is a good idea to install security cameras so that you can keep your business safe by protecting goods, records, receipts or even cash in the cash drawers. It is also a great way to cut down any possibility of theft before it can occur. It creates more awareness and people will think twice before filling their pockets with YOUR stuff!

Sounds interesting? Keep reading to get more information to secure your commercial space with a small device called a security camera.

Not only do security cameras cut down on thievery, it also acts as a safety device for your employees. It also protects you from potentially “shady” employees who may not look suspicious but really are a threat to your profits. It makes it possible to track every move and keep track of the identity of your employees and some people might take advantage of you and your business. If people know that they are being watched through these cameras, they are less apt to pull some stunt that would catch them as the culprit. Sometimes people think of security surveillance systems as everyday items and may not even take notice of them.

As business owners are seeing an increase in people trying to harm their business practices, we also see an increase in commercial business owners buying security cameras. These devices are a gift of technology giving you sharp and accurate images of whatever is happening around your business. There are numerous different options of surveillance systems and cameras which come in various sizes and costs. There are night vision cameras to monitor things going on while your business is not in operation. There are indoor and outdoor cameras, some that are black and white or color capturing and playback, some that can be backed up on a digital video recorder, some that are wireless and can connect to the Internet, some that can be hidden and some that are even dummy cameras act like decoys. If you team these security cameras up with motion sensor security lights and alarm systems, you are in a great position to catch somebody in the middle of a malicious act. It is hard to put a price on lost profit and that is why it is a smart decision to install one in your business.

Additionally, these cameras come in a variety of different price ranges. Regardless if you run a small pawn shop or even a large warehouse of items, you can monitor every nook and cranny of your business space through using one of many of these numerous options of security cameras. So, take this smart move too and make your commercial business space safe and secure.



By: George Rodriguez

About the Author:

Police officer’s put their lives on the line to protect us and enforce the law on a regular basis, but when one of them is the victim some good security camera footage can mean the difference between apprehending the guilty party or not. When a policemen who is responsible for catching criminals is murdered it is imperative to catch the killer, because if this type of criminal can’t be caught, how can the average civilian expect safety anywhere.

On October 31st of 2007 a twenty one year old man walked into a Dunkin’ Donuts shop in Philadelphia and drew a handgun on the clerk behind the counter. While this armed robbery was in progress, a 54 year old Philadelphia police officer walked into the store without any knowledge of the crime that was happening. Without hesitation, the robber turned and ruthlessly shot the policemen in the head and quickly fled the store. Moments later, the shooter calmly came back in to the donut shop and took the downed officer’s handgun before jumping in to his vehicle and driving off. The wounded officer was rushed to the hospital a short time later, but died there the following day.

Thankfully, the store had a good security camera system installed in plain sight before these events and it captured the entire incident on video. After investigators saw the recorded footage, they were easily able to identify the man and they also had more than enough evidence to prosecute the suspect. The cop killer managed to avoid the man hunt for a few days, but in early November U.S Marshals and FBI agents finally caught him in Miami, Florida. A police spokesperson said that shooter fled the Philadelphia area by bus and went to Miami, where he stayed in a homeless shelter until he was arrested.

With all the evidence against him, the killer confessed not to long after being taken in to custody. A Philadelphia jury voted unanimously to find this young man guilty and the judge sentenced him to death by lethal injection for the murder of the 25-year police veteran. The judge also sentenced him to an additional 76 to 152 years for related robbery and firearms charges.

With the recorded video footage showing the complete crime so vividly, it’s no surprise that man responsible was apprehended relatively quickly and convicted. Unfortunately, security cameras can’t always prevent this type of horrible crime, even though they often act as a deterrent. However, they can be pivotal in the prosecution of such cases when someone decides to commit a crime even when they know that their actions are being recorded.



By: John Schmon

About the Author: