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Burglary a Visual Overview

2011-09-23T07:40:00.002-04:00

The world is filled with many incredible people fighting the war on crime and the InfoGraphics team that created this fall into this category. Often I receive valuable pieces of information from people reading my blog that I wish to share with my audience and this is one of those golden nuggets. So whether you live in North Carolina, New York, or New Hampshire or anywhere else you will find this information shocking and relevant.

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Burglary Statistics Illustration - Graphic & Marketing by Yellow RobinNow that you are enlightened, it is time to act. If you thought you didn't need a safe or a security system, I am certain that you are reassessing your previous notion. Check out the links on the graphics for a safe and if you are considering a security system go to www.trianglehomesecurity.com

Your Home Security-Never Before Revealed-How Burglars Case Homes

2011-07-13T19:58:00.001-04:00

What makes a burglar choose a specific home as a target to break into? Are there certain things that make a certain home more appealing? Are there things that homeowners can do to make their home less appealing? This article will reveal some of the shocking never before revealed insights burglars have made in the past when selecting a home to break into. If home security has ever been important to you this is one of the most important articles you will ever read.

One of the first things a burglar looks at is ease of entry. As a burglar drives through a neighborhood he observes a large number of things in a single glance. One of the first things they notice is the layout of the neighborhood. Neighborhoods with street layouts that allow them to see multiple sides of a single home or multiple homes are more attractive. Homes that are located on corners are very appealing. Homes that have walking trails that pass behind them, through wooded areas, are also prime targets.

The ability to see multiple sides of a home lets the burglar see if the home has a sliding door, French doors or an enclosed patio with a window above it. The burglar can see the crawlspace door and if it is secure. With multiple vantage or viewpoints a window left open is obvious. Tools and ladders left unsecure is also something they can quickly survey.

Siding doors are easy targets because they can often be lifted from the track and pulled out or simply pried open. French doors are also easy targets because they are generally located in the rear of the home and can easily be kicked in. The crawlspace is a perfect access point because many homes have ductwork for their air handler in the crawlspace. This ductwork can be pulled down and a small criminal can gain entry through a large vent cover that holds the air filter.

If the home has an enclosed patio, there is normally deck railing that can be used as a step from the outside to climb onto the roof. Normally the burglar is looking to reach a window located above the porch. Windows located on the second floor are often unsecure and most security or alarm companies do not place security devices on the second level. If the master bedroom is on the second floor this is a goldmine for a burglar, because that is where they will easily find guns money and jewelry.

Installing a screw in the top track of a sliding glass door will prevent it from being removed from the track. A dowel rod or cut off broom stick behind the door is a valuable way to fortify a sliding door. French doors like all entry doors in the home should have reinforced strike plates installed with extra long screws. The dead bolt should be high security locks that are bump key resistant. Protect the crawlspace by replacing the hinge screw with star bolts and installing a U-style lock that is bolt cutter resistant is an easy and cost effective means of securing the crawlspace. If you have an alarm or security system and a flush mount security contact was not installed originally, call several companies if you are out of your contract, and have a security upgrade assessment where the crawlspace contact can be addressed.

Some of those things may have seemed obvious but were you aware that a quick casing of your home by a burglar that sees that older children especially teenagers live in the home makes the house a prime target.
Homes with teenagers are far more likely to have doors left unlocked. Think about it and you’ll realize the truth in that statement.

From the front of the home the burglar can see what door you use to enter the home. If there is a lot of dust on the front patio and no well worn trail leading down the steps then that is not your normal entry point. Also, if there are cobwebs and solicitation pieces left on the door knob - which appear to have been there for a long period of time; it is obvious that the door is not the primary point of entry. Burglars can also see the type of lock on the door and whether there is a screen door with an outer lock. If the screen door is left unlocked and the door is fitted with a traditional lock and deadbolt –it is an easy door to kick in. Burglars can also see if there are gaps between the door and the door jam, which makes the door easier to pry open.

Burglars will often use the same door you use to enter the home because it is more likely to left open especially if there is a screen door because most people will be too lazy to lock it. If the home has a security system the installation design may aid the burglar because many run of the mill companies place the keypad in plain view of the primary entry door allowing a burglar to see if the system is on or off.

Even if the security system is armed and the crook knows by observation of the security yard sign that the company being advertised as monitoring it is no longer in business: they know it is just a noise maker and can quickly get past it before it makes any noise. This is because the door you use for entry has a delay on it to give the homeowner time to enter the code before the audible alarm sounds. All the burglar has to do is kick in the door and pull the sounder of the wall and then take anything they want.

If the home has windows that are not covered by drapes or blinds or the drapes and blinds are open the valuables such as wide screen televisions, computers, gaming systems and blue-ray players can be seen. Now they know that you have things worth stealing and your home becomes far more appealing.

If your home doesn’t have a garage burglars are often aware that you are not home. Even having a garage can give a burglar, posing as a random door to door solicitor, valuable information. If the garage has little windows the crook can see if you have a garage door opener with a red cord hanging down. He can also see tools and hobby items that are worth taking. Simply knocking out the small window pane closest to the garage door opener and reaching through with a grab stick and pulling the red cord, releases the tension on the garage door opener allowing the door to be raised.

Blacking out the windows and removing the red tag are simple fixes that can make the home more secure. Also installing a glass-break detector or a garage door contact tied to a monitored security system are valuable measures you can take to help fortify the garage.

A burglar can tell quite a bit from your landscaping. If there are large bushes that cover windows, the burglar may have an enticing entry point.
If the yard has high grass compared to other homes in the community it may indicate that you are away from the home on vacation.

When a burglar sees your name on a placard on the home- like ones that read Jones family established 1999, they know who you are and can research more information about you online and through the phone book.

Far too many people have too much information online as to their schedules and what they will be attending and where. I constantly advise people not to broadcast there goings and coming in public and what is more public than the internet using social media sites.

As a homeowner it is possible to make your home less attractive to burglars casing the neighborhood but it takes a plan. Having a complete home safety and audit that addresses 48 areas of concern is something I provide at no cost to my clients and perspective clients. If you are located in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Mebane, Knightdale, Clayton, Garner, Creedmoor, Hillsborough, Goldsboro or surrounding areas and are considering a home security system or home security upgrades give me a call at (919)949-9690 or email me at jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com. Thanks for following the blog and pass the site link on to everyone you think can benefit from it contents.

Dangers of Purchasing a Security System over the Phone

2011-07-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

A security system is a necessity, but there are dangers when purchasing that system from a phone solicitation. It is becoming more common for home security companies to employ the tactic high pressure phone solicitation to gain more installs and increase their bottom line profitability. Although the security companies do provide what they solicit, it is often not in the best interest of the consumer’s needs.

One of the main reasons many unwary consumers believe that the deal presented to them by the security company is a good deal is due to what I call company pairing for profitability. The term company pairing for profitability means that two or more companies come together and refer each other for the sole purpose of profit. When company (A) refers company (B) and Company (B) makes a sale they give company (A) some of the profit. When this type of arrangement is made the referring company, which you are already doing business with, might not have your best interest at heart, because they are receiving a kick back. In some cases the referring company has no fear of losing your business due to a bad referral because they are the only provider of that service in the area- namely the power company.

So if you are relocating to the area or moving service from one place to the next decline the option to hear about alarm service even if it is from a major company that you recognize. The reason is phone solicitation deals allow no room for consumer negotiation and provide the maximum profitability for the company. There is different pricing and packages between dealers representing the same company and the corporate office. This means that due diligence is a must. One of the main reasons to abstain from phone solicitation deals is the security company offering the deal has a basic package that provides a sense of security but not full security or the best equipment options.

The notion that all you need is three door contacts and a motion is a far cry from full security that addresses fire, medical emergency, glass break technology, flood detection and system aesthetics. In most cases a consumer that purchases over the phone will receive a wireless panel with 3 bulky door sensors, and a motion detector. The keypad, siren and circuit board are combined. This poses a risk because most companies do not place a tamper switch on the back of the panel to keep it from being snatched from the wall by an average criminal that kicks in the front door because he knows that it has a delay of 20-30 seconds. There are hard-wired systems that are available where the keypad, siren, and master-control circuit board are separate. The master-control is secured inside a metal can that is locked. It is also advisable to place a tamper contact on the can or the door that leads to its location. The contacts are also hidden providing a much more polished look. There are some instances when wireless is the only option but the consumer is not given any choice when they purchase over the phone.

Consumers often fail to realize that the security system needs to be custom designed to fit their unique needs. This should be done by an on sight review of the property. This allows the consumer to take their time, ask questions and have the involvement of all the people who would be using the system.

Consumers purchasing a security system over the phone have not read the contractual agreement that in some cases could have them obligated for 5 years.

Consumers purchasing a security system over the phone will pay a higher price for additional equipment than if they had shopped around.

Finally, consumers purchasing a security system should have an agent that will stand by them not only during the sale but after. If you wouldn’t purchase a home without a quality real estate agent or purchase insurance without a quality insurance agent- you should not purchase a security system without a quality agent. Quality agents have years of experience, their profiles can be researched online, and they have references.

For additional information on this topic, contact Jim McNeely, Residential and Commercial Security Agent at jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com or at (919) 949-9690. For some of the best deals in home security go to http://trianglehomesecurity.com.

Butler Shoots and Kills Himself Demonstrating Gun Safety

2011-06-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

Randall Trent Butler (23) of Sanford, NC accidentally shot and killed himself while demonstrating the gun safety features on his 22 caliber pistol. According to WRAL website, Butler was at the home of his girlfriend Sunday June 26, 2011 demonstrating how the gun safety worked to friends when he apparently failed to reengage the safety, when he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Upon reading about this tragedy I felt compelled to share a few simple gun safety tips.

1. Guns should never be loaded when demonstrating them.

2. Guns should not be pointed (loaded or unloaded) at people or animals in a nonthreatening environment.

3. Use a trigger lock in addition to the safety.

4. Store gun in a lockable gun box or gun safe.

5. Make sure that weapons are protected by a monitored external home security system when they are left in the home while you are away.

6. Never horse play with weapons, even if unloaded.

7. Never handle a gun or other weapon if you have been drinking or under the influence of drugs.

8. Use common sense.

My condolences go out to the family. It is my hope that his death will save the lives of others by serving as a chilling reminder that a forgetful or thoughtless moment with a gun can be fatal. For more information on gun safety or other personal safety or home security issues contact me at (919)949-9690 or email me at jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com.

A Home Inventory Plan – A Cornerstone to Home Security

2011-06-28T09:46:00.004-04:00

Home Inventory Plans are often treated like Fire Escape Plans they are topics that people have a vague idea of their relevance but fail to prioritize them and put them in place. For most people the home inventory plan need becomes apparent when they face a burglary or fire and must file a claim against their insurance. The lack of planning and proper implementation during a time of disaster heightens stress levels and delay or minimize the settlement a person might have received from the insurance company. This article will detail several quick and easy ways to put a home inventory plan in place.

The first method utilizes the common cell phone that almost all people own. If you have a video phone or even just a camera phone along with internet accessibility you can perform your inventory room during a commercial break.

Video the items in the room and give a description of the item including make and model. Save the video and then email it to yourself. In the event that something should occur like a burglary or fire you will be prepared.

Another more detailed way of performing a home inventory can be found at www.knowyourstuff.org . This amazing free site will walk you through a simple process that allows you to inventory items room by room, manage and update as necessary and create reports that can be printed in a excel format or accessed remotely over the internet.

As you inventory your home you will often discover that over the years you have acquired many more items than you originally had when you first took out your homeowners or renters policy. I cannot stress the importance of having an insurance review to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Your insurance agent may also discover ways to increase your coverage and lower your premium at the same time. This was the case for me. A sometimes overlooked discount is the monitored fire and security system discount that a person can qualify for if they have a monitored fire and security system installed in their home. These discounts can be as much as 20%.

For additional information on this topic or other security related issues contact Jim McNeely at (919) 949-9690 or jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com.

Highway Shootings Raleigh, Durham-Tips to Stay Safe

2011-06-24T10:17:00.006-04:00

With three shootings on Triangle area highways since June 18, 2011, there is cause for everyone to be concerned. According to media reports the three shootings have left on fatality, Michael Hunter who was shot and killed on I-147 on Saturday night of June 18, 2011. There was a second shooting on Monday the 20th and another on Wednesday the 22nd. There were only minor injuries in the most recent shootings. According to witnesses the community should be on the lookout for a 2000 model silver Acura and a Dodge Charger. In addition to looking for the suspect vehicle here are 10 tips to stay safe on the roads.

1. Beware of your surroundings and driving habits of those around you.

2. Drive with the traffic and try not to be isolated, there is safety in numbers.

3. If at all possible avoid major highways- the shooter or shooters will have a more difficult time escaping to a major arterial road if you take secondary roads.

4. If possible avoid driving late at night and early morning before sunrise- especially highways.

5. Avoid being distracted by your cell phone, load music, or eating in your vehicle.

6. Drive in the far right hand lane on the highway, so you can minimize your risk of being boxed in and you can observe someone passing you that may roll down their passenger window.

7. If someone pulls behind you flashing their lights get over and take the first exit and get to a well populated, well lit area. Report any aggressive drivers.
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8. Never respond to others poor driving habits by flipping them the bird, cursing at them or exhibiting other road age actions.

9. Never let your poor driving habits cause others to become irate with you. Don’t cut people off, signal when you change lanes and don’t drive slowly in the passing lane.

10. Until the suspects are caught only take necessary trips.

For more information on this topic or other personal or home and/or business security issues contact Jim McNeely at (919)949-9690 or jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com.

Realtor Safety when showing foreclosures and short sales

2011-06-23T07:14:00.002-04:00

The current weakened economic market and the affect on the housing market has created enhanced occupational hazards for realtors. Selling real estate has always been a job that could be considered high risk, due to the fact that realtors often spend time in unoccupied homes with people they do not know, which could make them targets of robbery, assault, battery, rape and even homicide. With the increased number of foreclosures and short sales realtors not only face the dangers from those they are showing the property to, but also from those that may be squatting in the property they are showing. This is cause for realtors to take more safety precautions in order to protect themselves.
The longer a house stays on the market the more likely that home is to attract crime. Foreclosures have been known to be used by gangs, drug addicts, illegal immigrants and the previous owners that were foreclosed on. In order to stay safe realtors should apply these simple tips.

1. When looking at a foreclosure or short sale always alert someone at the office as where you are going and when to expect you back.

2. Before viewing the property stop by the neighbor’s home and introduce yourself. Let them know who you are and what you are doing. Ask them to watch out for you.

3. If at all possible bring someone with you. If it a high risk neighborhood get a police or sheriff deputy to go with you.

4. When pulling up to the house do not pull into the driveway. Park on the street where you can not be blocked in.

5. When walking up to the house observe your surroundings look for areas where someone or something could be lurking.

6. Perform a perimeter sweep of the house look for broken windows, or broken door jams. Press all exterior doors to see if they just open. If they do open at the touch-do not enter. Immediately call the police

7. Have your cell phone pre-programmed to call 911.

8. If you are working with a buddy have them remain in the car to act as your look out. Should something happen they can get away quickly and get help.

9. Upon entering be observant if you see things like drug paraphernalia, gang signs, items of food or evidence that someone is still in the home. If you see any of these things leave immediately and call the police. You do not want to encounter a squatter.

10. If you do encounter a squatter get out of the house and call the police.

11. The number on thing every realtor should do is put safety first and use their gut instinct. If something does not feel right do not proceed.

For more information on realtor safety or other security related issues contact Jim McNeely at 919-949-9690 or at jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com.

Top ways to protect an unoccupied home on the market from thieves

2011-06-18T14:06:00.002-04:00

1. Secure the crawlspace door by removing the Phillips or flat head screws in the hinges and replace them with star bolts. Also add a U style lock to secure. This will keep thieves from stealing the air handler underneath the home.
2. If the power is left on and there is a garage door opener, remove the red hanging tag to prevent a thief from breaking out the glass or drilling a hole and pulling it to gain access.
3. Hide deer style hidden cameras that can be hidden in the landscaping to see any unwanted activity. They are relatively inexpensive and can be moved from property to property.
4. Keep the security system active and make sure that it has cell monitoring.
5. The listing agent should become involved the neighborhood watch, by doing so they can get more exposure for themselves and protect the property.
6. The listing agent can also build good will and gain exposure by meeting with police in that district and circulating a picture of that listing and asking them to patrol the area. By getting increased patrols in the area is a strong selling point. The realtor can also get referral business from the police department.
7. Realtors can also work with a veteran security specialist to have them perform a security audit of the home that can be provided to prospective buyers, which will highlight the safety features of the home and suggest upgrades to further strengthen the safety of the property.

To learn more about any of the above listed items contact Jim McNeely (Certified Life Safety Specialist and Security Expert with Advantage Security at jimmcneely@whensafetymatters.com or (919)949-9690)

Linking home inspections and home security

2010-05-25T13:54:00.002-04:00

Although it may seem like an uncommon union to link a home inspection with home security, after close examination the two fit like a hand in a glove. The home inspector and the security professional identify and propose solutions to household hazards. Several common safety threats often cited by home inspectors are improper or undersized wiring, old inefficient heating systems, and plumbing problems. Modern life safety systems formerly referred to as security systems can assist with the detection of the aforementioned threats.
• Improper or undersized wiring can easily cause a house fire. A good home inspector can locate these wiring problems. Some 20 percent of all problems identified by home inspectors are due to improper wiring. Insufficient grounding of electrical wires, overload problems, aluminum wiring and amateur wiring problems are most often found by home inspectors. These issues can cause a catastrophic house fire that could cause loss of personal possessions, displacement from the home for six or more months but most importantly loss of life. A quality home security system will combine the elements of photo-electric smoke sensors that can detect the presence of cold smoke as well as a dramatic rise in heat temperature. The quicker a fire threat is identified the quicker the home owner can be alerted and emergency officials notified to eliminate the threat. With most homes only having the minimum state mandated fire detectors called ionization detectors, that only detect fires that dramatically increase the room temperature, home owners are still susceptible to the risks of smoldering fires that emit toxic fumes that can cause death.
• Old and Inefficient heating systems can have problems that pose serious safety risks such as poor ventilation and clogged chimneys, flues and gas leaks. A quality home inspector through a complete home inspection will uncover these problems so they can be fixed by a licensed contractor. Adding your life safety system to assist with identifying these threats will include adding a carbon monoxide detector.
• Plumbing problems can also lead to numerous safety problems as well. Water and electricity don’t mix and when the two are combined the results can be deadly. Often a leak can make its way to a light fixture or some other electrical apparatus causing an electrical fire. A water heater located in the crawl space that develops a leak can cause mold as well as an increased water bill. A quality home inspection can detect these problems. Adding a wireless water detection device to your home security system is also advised because it can detect these threats between your annual home physicals.

Citizen's Alert-Your Crawlspace Could be Calling Crooks

2010-05-21T08:25:00.004-04:00

Whoa Nelly, Crawlspaces and Crooks; "What You Talking About Willis?" Certain areas of the home that are out of sight are often out of mind: like the crawl space of your home. The crawlspace is the area underneath a home that is most often accessed from a small to medium sized door located on the outside of the house. Crawlspaces often contain the cold air return and air handler of a heat pump and the hot water heater. Criminals don't want you to know this information because what you don't know can be most damaging to you. So since criminals suck, I will tell you the top secrets to crawlspace security. The top reasons a crawl space is attractive to criminals: are ease of entry so they can access the home: they can study the occupants activities by listening from below: they can steal copper pipes and they can get into the house from below easily by removing the cold air return and coming in through ventilation system. I first elaborate on the reasons then I will provide several tips to securing this often vulnerable and overlooked area of the home.
Crawlspaces are easily entered because they are often unlocked or only secured with a flimsy padlock that can be opened through Brut force from a blunt object like a hammer or mallet or cut with bolt cutters. The design of crawlspace doors also makes them vulnerable. Crawlspace design often has the door hinges facing outward where the screws can be recessed and removed, allowing entry from the hinged side. Another reason criminals target crawlspaces is to obtain valuable metals like copper.
Valuable copper piping is found running underneath many older homes and crooks want to sell the copper for cash. Drug addicts find copper theft appealing because it can be done quickly and easily. Once the crook has shut the water off from the street, they go under the home and take hacksaw and cut the pipe. By posing as a contractor these criminals can take you for thousands from beneath the home. Just imagine coming home and turning on the water and nothing comes out of the spigot. You hear water running if the crook turned it back on, but it is all running underneath the house in the crawlspace. Also if a criminal wanted to scout a family’s routine they could do it from below.
From underneath the home the home a large portion of what you say and do can be heard. The criminal can be listening and you are completely unaware that they are there. A savvy crook could even install a small pinhole camera from below and point it at your security keypad to learn the code. Once they had the code they could bump the lock, enter the home and do anything they wanted. This should creep you out just thinking about it. The final thing they can do is to come in through the cold air return.
A small individual can easily fit through many cold air returns, remove the screen and kick out the cover. Once they are inside they could rob you blind. Many of the cold air return vents are in areas where there are no security devices, especially if the person only had a basic system with three door sensors and a motion sensor that was places in a family room or kitchen.

Most crawlspace doors are not locked so it is vital to install a good quality lock such as a (U) style lock. This lock is similar in style to a bike lock. It is difficult to break and can not be cut with bolt cutters like a traditional pad lock.
The second security weakness of crawlspace doors are the hinge system of these doors. Most often the hinges are on the outside, where a criminal can take out the screws and gain entry from the back side. To prevent this problem remove the existing screws and replace them with star bolt screws. It is unlikely that criminals will have the necessary tool to remove them.
The final component to protecting a crawlspace is to install a security door contact to the crawlspace door that is set for instant alert when the security system is activated. If the system is monitored it will dispatch the police and notify you that someone has attempted to gain entry to that zone of your home.

Are motion detectors something you’ll regret if you have pets?

2010-05-18T21:33:00.003-04:00

Having a security system is equally as important for your pets as it is for the humans that dwell within the four walls that make your house a home. A proper home security system design will take the presence of pets into account and may or may not use motion detectors. Improper use of motion detectors can cause false alarms and agitation of pets due to the noise emitted from the high piercing audible siren. So it is important to make sure that motion detectors are the best method of providing the adequate protection when pets are present. Having the sensors installed according to the manufacturer and industry standards is imperative.
Although some motion detectors are equipped with a pet immunity lens that will allow them to bypass small animals under a certain mass, there are exceptions to how this feature works. People with multiple pets, either dogs or cats, which run in tandem, will trip the motion sensor. Also a single cat that has the ability to jump and climb can easily trip a motion sensor with a pet immunity lens. The best security design will use either glass break detectors or window contacts in order to accommodate pets and prevent false alarms. Although contacts and glass breaks will cost more upfront than a single motion detector the long-term rewards will far outweigh the initial investment.

Alarm system contracts, know what they are saying!

2010-03-17T12:23:00.002-04:00

It has always been said, let the buyer beware. This should be true when it comes to alarm contracts. It is not what is written in bold type that one will have an issue with, but the fine print, cloaked in legal language that is often confusing and written to protect the company and not the client.

Several important areas to consider when looking at security system contacts are the renewal clause, rate increase clause, warranty clause, and ownership clause. It is in these areas that many clients find themselves in an unfavorable condition when something comes up.

Alarm companies must clearly disclose the length of the contract but it is how the contract renews that places the client in an unfavorable situation if the contract automatically renews for the full length of the original term or in one year increments. A client may think that they have only signed a 36 month agreement, only to discover that the contract rolled over for another 3 years or another year. The best type of contract to get is a contract that renews month to month. Auto renewing contracts trap clients into remaining with a company and not being able to shop the open market. Another area to consider is the rate increase clause.

Most alarm companies have a rate increase clause, but clients should be aware of when it can be applied, and how much annually. With most people on a budget a 10 percent rate increase may place a customer in a difficult situation. One of the biggest areas where people find themselves unhappy with their alarm company is how warranties are handled.

The alarm warranty clause is a must read for a client. If you have a limited lifetime warranty, know what that means and also know if there are trip charges or service fees. If you have a full warranty, know what if anything is not included. Finally read the ownership clause.

The ownership clause will state what if anything the alarm company maintains ownership over. If the company retains ownership over the master control panel, this will allow the alarm company to come out and take it at the end of the agreement, rendering the system dead. This means that it can not be sold with the home, or used as an audible alarm. Some companies even maintain ownership over the window decals and yard sign.

In conclusion, know what you are signing and don’t be pressured into signing something that may hurt you in the long run. For more information regarding security systems call Jim McNeely at 919-949-9690.

Social media snafu’s leading to home burglaries

2010-03-10T19:08:00.002-05:00

In a recent meeting I attended a gentleman who works as a computer specialist told me a bout a website called http://pleaserobme.com which lists the recent tweets and social media updates of people that left home and are now vulnerable to having a burglar exploit them. Criminals can easily find the full name and address of location-sharers using Google Buzz, Foursquare or Twitter. According to FBI crime stats a home is burglarized every 15.4 seconds, and the average home robbery is under six minutes. New technology often has the effect of causing people to get swept up in the novelty and forget about safety measures. Facebook has announced that they will add a location share feature at the end of March 2010. This can be extremely dangerous and this is why the “please rob me site” was created. The site creators want to shock the people who are updating their location and announcing to the world that they are not home, into stopping such activities.
I have often heard people who do not understand social media or twitter say, “Who would be interested in what I am doing during the day?” Now we have the answer- the criminals. Announcing to the world that you are not home is not wise under any circumstances. Whether you use social media or not it is important to develop a security consciousness. Far too many people fall into the category of believing that a burglary can not happen to them. It really is not a matter of if it can happen but when, especially if you have not made the correct security measures. Security systems are not a luxury but a necessity, and just a cell phone everyone should have one. In fact security systems are as easy to obtain as a cell phone so there should not a reason for not having one.
In conclusion, never announce when you leave your home on a social media sight because burglars might be watching. Always lock your doors. Have adequate lighting and install a home security system.

Vulnerabilities of Security System Communication

2010-03-09T17:16:00.003-05:00

Many security systems rely on a single means of communication – the telephone; making the system vulnerable to being compromised. There are several problems that arise from the telephone line. The first is that there are more than one type of phone lines, the conventional Bell South or Verizon line and the Voip (Voice over Internet Provider). Both types of phone lines can be compromised.
The conventional phone line can be cut or disconnected from outside the house and this is also true with Time Warner Voip phone lines. This makes the security system unable to communicate with the central station to alert them of an intrusion, fire or medical emergency. Another weakness in Voip phone lines is when the power is interrupted the modem that creates the dial tone becomes nonoperational and the security system is only able to sound a local alarm. Three simple solutions are to fortify the phone line, add a backup battery for the modem and the most effective is to install a cell backup unit to the alarm system. For more information on home security systems go to http://whensafetymatters.com

Overlooked aspects of Home Security Systems

2010-03-08T09:29:00.003-05:00

You may only think about your security system when you turn it on or off, but if your system is over three years old or you just purchased a home with an existing system there are some important factors you should consider that may make your system inadequate or vulnerable.
Many security systems are basic alarms that consist of two or three door sensors and a motion sensor placed in the main area of the home. Burglars want to access the master bedroom to get guns, money and jewelry. If the burglar can get to this room without tripping a door sensor or motion; they can get around your alarm. It is wise to consider adding a motion detector, window sensors or glass break detection device to that area. A combination of these items may also be a better fit depending on the layout of the home.
Tomorrow we will discuss vulnerabilities in the security system communication devices.
For a complete analysis of your home security system call (919) 949-9690 or go to http://whensafetymatters.com

Christmas Trees and Fire Safety

2009-12-08T12:39:00.003-05:00

With the Holidays upon us it is important to keep safety first. Fires caused by Christmas trees are a major area of concern. Here are a few fire prevention tips to be used with your tree.

Always select a tree that whose needles are green.

Make sure that needles are not falling off the tree.

Cut about an inch or two from the trunk before setting it in the tree stand.

Water your tree daily.

Check your lights to make sure that they are not frayed or have exposed wire.

Never light a tree with candles.

Shut your tree off when you go to bed or leave home.

Never place a Christmas tree where it blocks an exit.

Never place a Christmas tree near an operational fire place or space heater.

Never overload the electrical outlet to light the tree, use a surge protection strip.

Make sure that tree is stable and will not fall onto a table where there is a lit candle, stove, or heater.

Check your smoke detectors, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher.

For security reasons never leave presents in plain site under the tree with the window open for crooks to see.

Install a home security system.

Amazing Story -Thief Sends Money and Apology

2009-12-03T16:23:00.005-05:00

I just came across a story that shows that good can come out of a bad situation. a convenience store owner in Shirley, NY received a note and $50 from that man that robbed him. The store owner, Mohammad Sohail was robbed by a tearful individual that stated that he needed the money for food for his family. Sohail showed compassion and gave the man $40 and a loaf of bread and made him promise not to rob anyone again. When Sohail went to get milk, the robber fled. In the unsigned note the robber thanked him and stated that he was now employed, had a new child and was staying out of trouble.

It just goes to show that doing what is right even when you may suffer the wrong can make a difference. Not every situation works out like this one, but it goes to show that what the bible says about a man stealing to feed himself is true. Although the bible says that the individual should pay more, there is no evidence that the robber knew about this biblical passage when he made retribution for his wrong. Let us all strive to make ammends for our wrongs and make the world a better place.

Security Proverb Poem

2009-12-02T05:44:00.001-05:00

I often think about about security in terms of the criminal and victim relationship. It is ironic that in a civilized society that the laws of nature and the wild seem to come into play. I was recently reading an African proverb that inspired this poem.

Perhaps you may find it hard to understand.
That it is the silent and calm water that drowns a man.

What seems familiar you do not fear,
Allowing the burglar to draw ever so near.

Like a magician your stuff disappears
making the need for security ever so clear.
(C) All rights reserved

All to often people don't realize that the individuals that will break into their homes look like they belong. They blend into their surroundings and don't draw suspicion to themselves. They may use the guise of a jogger, contractor, landscaper or meter reader. They may wave to you as you leave. You may even have a conversation with them, and never suspect them. This is why it is so important to have a security consciousness and install a security system. Another important thing to realize, burglars don't wear all black and a stocking cap.

Holiday Safety Tips for Retailers

2009-12-01T07:04:00.003-05:00

These are some valuable tips distributed by the Chapel Hill, NC police department. Follow these tips and you will have a much safer holiday season.

Ø Greet all customers as they enter your location. Good customer service goes a long way in robbery prevention. Make eye contact and make transactions personal.

Ø Always know who is in your store or business at all times.

Ø Keep your business clean and uncluttered. Interior and exterior should be well lit. And remember not to block the view throughout the store with displays, do not place posters on your windows etc,

Ø Enforce store policy at all times. Clearly post rules to eliminate any confusion.

Ø Increase visibility. Lighting and Trim landscaping.

Ø Vary times and routs of travel when doing bank deposits.

Ø Don’t use marked money bags when doing your deposit.

Ø Keep money in a safe at all times and not laying around unattended.

Ø Learn the names of the officers who work your area of town.

Ø Remember if an employee steals from your business, it’s a felony.

Ø If something does not seem right, call 911. If you know what’s wrong please give the 911 operator as much detail as possible. Get a good description, color of clothing, hair, shoes, pants, accents and tattoos if possible.

Ø If you are robbed. Do what you are told. Don’t make sudden unexpected moves. You may be hurt. Make eye contact and remember to get a good description of the suspects and direction of travel. If they ask for money, give it to them. Money can be replaced your life cannot.

Ø After a robbery. Lock your door and call 911. Make sure everyone is safe and not injured. Separate employees from each other and have them write in their own words what happened during the event. Stay on the phone with 911 until the police arrive and the scene is secure. Don’t touch anything.

Ø Customers may try to pass counterfeit money during your busy time. Just be aware of this activity. You may see hundreds, fifties and twenties.

Ø Have a safe and fun filled holiday season!

Someone’s always home. I don’t need a security system. How wrong you are!

2009-11-30T18:14:00.000-05:00

The presence of someone at home is not a logical reason for not having a monitored home security system. Although a person holding this view may be aware of the fact that burglars try to avoid homes that are occupied; home security systems are much more than burglar deterrent devices. With state of the art fire devices and medical emergency features home security systems are an essential part of a home safety plan.
Most homes only have the bare requirements when it comes to fire safety. Ionization smoke detectors are the norm. These detectors have been shown through numerous tests to be slow to react to smoldering fires that emit a large volume of smoke. A much more effective smoke detecting device is the photo-electric smoke sensor, which detects this type of fire. When this type of sensor is integrated with a monitored home security system with two-way voice communicating capabilities it will notify the monitoring facility and dispatch the fire department. The two-way communication will allow the monitoring facility to hear what is happening in real time inside the home, so the fire department will know if someone is trapped in the home.
The fact that most homeowners fail to check their smoke sensors and don’t have a home escape plan an investment of a few dollars is money well spent to protect the ones you love. Another critical reason to have a monitored home security system even if someone is always home is protection when a medical emergency arises.
This is where I must get real with you, a medical emergency can occur anywhere at any time and the phone may not be with you. How many people take the phone to the bathroom, or with them as they mow the lawn or shovel snow? The answer is very few. Should a medical arise and the phone is down the hall or inside the home and you are outside, without a monitored medical pendant you could lose your life. Life is too precious to be penny wise and pond foolish. Most people take some type of medication making the need for a security system totally essential. Saying that you can’t afford it is just an excuse.
Another critical reason to have a security system, even if someone is always home, is the ability to alert the police in the event of a home invasion. A small key chain remote with a panic alert can be used to alert the police should a home invader burst into your home and stick a gun in the face of someone you love. Even if you did not have a keychain remote the security system could be set for instant alert and if the door is kicked in the alarm will automatically be triggered.
One thing to be aware of is whether or not your security system has been programmed with a dialer delay. A dialer delay creates a time delay between the time the audible alarm is triggered and the signals from the panel reaching the alarm monitoring station. Many major companies, like ADT Security Services, use dialer delays. This makes this type of system less effective in a home invasion situation. Several Companies that do not use dialer delays are Broadview Security, Power Home Technologies and Vector Security. If you are a North Carolina resident and would like additional information on security costs contact me through http://whensafetymatters.com or at 919-949-9690.

Protecting Your Credit Card during the Holiday Shopping Season

2009-11-29T08:59:00.000-05:00

Thieves are patrolling shopping malls like big cats in search of prey. One of the biggest crimes committed during the holiday season is identity theft and credit fraud. Here are a few noteworthy tips that will keep your cards safe.
• Always keep your credit or gift card close, do not let it out of your sight.
• Never write your pin number on the back of your card.
• Shield your card from roving eyes that may attempt to capture your card number by using a camera phone or by memorization.
• Only carry cards that you need.
• If you are shopping online make sure that the site is a secure site. Look for the gold lock at the bottom of your web browser to make certain that the site has a Secure Socket Layer.
• If you are uncertain about the security of the site, call the vendor and give the card number over the phone.
• Never send your credit card number by email.
• Keep good records.
• Do not purchase gift cards from online auction sites. These sites are known for fraud.
• Only buy gift cards from the store issuing the card or from a secure retailer’s site.
• Always examine your gift card. If you see a Pin number on the back ask for another card, because someone may have copied the number and pin and used the card.
• Always keep your receipts.
• Register your gift card on the store’s website.
• Never give your Social Security Number or birth date when purchasing a gift card.

Safe Shopping Tips

2009-11-28T11:14:00.002-05:00

You'd better watch out; you'd better not cry, use some shopping sense. I'm telling you why - cause criminals are coming to town.

The holiday shopping season is now upon us, and this is a time of increased criminal activity. Durham Sheriff, Worth Hill offers some valuable tips to help keep you safe during this time of year.

• Shop with a group. There is strength in numbers. A lone shopper is the best target for theft.
• You learned this when you were young. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Let them know what you are wearing and what you are driving.
• Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night park in well lit areas and look for security cameras.
• Dress in casual clothing. Do not wear high heels or flashy or expensive jewelry. Try not to be overloaded with packages.
• When carrying cash keep it in your front pocket and not in your purse. Keep our car keys in your front pocket to prevent a pick pocket from stealing them.
• Always observe your surroundings. If you see something suspicious report it.
• Have your keys in your hand when you approach your car, and check the back seat before getting in.
• Don’t leave packages in your car where they will attract a criminal’s attention.
• Carry a purse with a strap that can go over your head and rest on your shoulder to prevent a purse snatcher. Another tactic is to place your purse around your neck and carry it in front of you.
• Be cautious of anyone approaching you that you do not know. The key to safety is awareness and not letting your guard down. Always observe your surroundings.
• Don’t be talking on a cell phone while you are approaching the mall or heading back to your car. Wait till you are inside the store or safely in your car.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a security escort to your car.

Green Energy Solar Surveillance Security Camera

2009-11-27T09:19:00.000-05:00

Yes it is possible to have video security surveillance that is green energy compliant. GE has created a wireless solar security camera that is powered from solar energy cells. The cameras are color with built-in motion detection capability. This 2.4 GHZ camera system is water and weather proof with 150’ range from the receiving unit. The system has the ability to be viewed on any television that has A/V connections. The camera can record both video and sound. Another important advantage to these cameras is the fact that the receiving unit is capable of supporting up to 4 cameras. The receiving unit can be interfaced with a DVR to record camera activity. The system is not IP addressable but does have considerable advantages including an affordable price of under $350 per camera unit.

Green Energy cameras such as this allow cameras to be placed in areas where it might be impossible to run cable. These cameras will save on energy consumption costs, and if used around a home or small retail establishment and prevents a single theft or deters a single robbery the system will more than pay for itself. For additional product information and installation costs of this product call 919-949-9690.

Advantages of Motion Lighting over Continuous Lighting

2009-11-26T10:45:00.002-05:00

It is a well known fact that burglars hate lights and loud noise, but which lighting source should you use to protect your property? The answer to this question depends on the application. It is commonly thought by many that continuous lighting around the home is the most viable means of deterring would be criminals, but the saying that less is more truly applies in this case. Most residential break-ins occur during the daytime making continuous lighting a poor choice for burglary deterrence.

When a continuous lighting source is used it creates the exact opposite effect on burglars making it easier to gain access, because they realize that neighbors will most likely shield windows with heavier drapes and window treatments to block the glare of the intrusive lights. Another disadvantage is the fact that continuous lighting raises electric consumption. In a time when people are looking to go green as well as save energy to reduce expenditures and save money motion detection lighting is a better option and is a greater deterrence to burglars because of the element of surprise and the fact that it triggers a desired response from neighbors.
Motion detection lights come in several forms including features with dawn to dusk settings that allow lights to deactivate at dawn and come on at dusk. The lights can be set to stay on for pre-set time limits, and the sensitivity level of the motion lens can be set to bypass small animals so as not to disturb neighbors. When the light is triggered neighbors will be stirred to look out the window and take note of what is happening. This happens because they have not been conditioned to ignore a harsh continuous light source. They will most likely be awakened because they are not conditioned to having a light shine in their window and will look outside to see what triggered it. There are motion lights that are solar powered that can be installed where there is no light fixture. This type of lighting also reduces the costly electrical expense of running wire and installing a hard-wired light. There are also no electricity costs for operating the lights because they are powered by sunlight during daylight hours. Continuous lighting does have its place in providing measures of safety and criminal activity deterrence.

Continuous lighting on street poles to illuminate the street is an effective use of this sort of lighting. This allows drivers to see the road more clearly and be alerted to any nocturnal animals that may scurry in front of their vehicle. When it comes to criminal deterrence continuous lighting on the street allows neighbors to get a clear visual of someone that may be attempting to break into a car parked on the street. Continuous lighting on the street level also works well to illuminate potential hiding spots that a mugger or robber might use against someone on an early morning walk or run. When looking to illuminate areas around the home another viable solution would be to place lights on a timer. These lights can be set to come on at a pre-set time before you come home and then be set to turn off at a pre-set time as well. This type of lighting can also be scheduled through certain alarm systems that use X-10 lamp modules. The lights can be programmed through the panel or instantly activated by pressing a button on a keychain remote.

Anytime a continuous light source is used around the home it is best to use a soft or lower watt bulb because extremely harsh lights create deeper shadows in adjacent areas creating opportunities for criminals to hide or gain unlawful access. One of the best things a person can do to truly alert neighbors of an actual emergency, using an identifiable light source, is to integrate a strobe light to their security system. If a criminal breaches an area of the home that is protected with a security device the audible alarm and the strobe light will be triggered. The monitoring facility will be alerted and the police dispatched. The strobe light will allow neighbors and responding law enforcement to quickly identify which house is in need of assistance. This is especially important when house numbers are often obscured. For a free quote on setting up a security system such as this call 919-949-9690 or go to http://whensafetymatters.com.

Wake up to Reality

2009-10-13T11:24:00.004-04:00

Life safety is something he smugly refused.
Burglary and Fire Protection he'd never use.
Until an electrical fire caused his home to ignite
and now with anguish he laments his plight.
9 months later in a Residence Inn he still stays,
a painful reminder of what happened that day.

A poem written by Jim McNeely
(c) Not for reproduction or reprint without author's consent
October Is Fire Prevention Month

Breaking-in and Bleeding Out: a Sad Tale of a Life Cut Short

2009-10-11T17:43:00.005-04:00

The statement that a single bad decision can lead to a tragic end was proved to be true on yesterday when a 16 year old boy’s life was cut short from injuries he sustained from attempting to escape detection from a home that he and three other boys had broken into. Oscar Lorenzo Perez of 1528 Greenwood Drive, Sanford, NC died from injuries sustained from severe glass cuts to the chest as he crawled out a window of a home located at1810 San Lee Drive, that he and three others had broken into. He and the other boys were startled when they tripped the active security alarm. The home was unoccupied at the time, according to sheriff’s deputies.
According to Perez’s father,Oscar Lorenzo Mojica , his son worked at McDonald’s and had dreams of becoming a manager and owning a business one day. He was a former student of Southern Lee High School, it is unclear whether he had dropped out of school or attending school elsewhere. The sad reality is that any potential good that this boy could have done will never become a reality. As kids give into peer into peer pressure and negative influences they see on television and listen to in music, these sad occurrences will become more and more prevalent.
No parent should have to bury their child, and my deepest sympathy goes out to the family. It is my hope that story will not fade into distant memory, but will be remembered in such a way that good can come out of something so bad. I urge parents and teachers to talk with kids to let them know that negative actions have consequences that go beyond what the penal system could ever do. Let them know that it is important to feed their minds on things that are good, uplifting and morally correct. We must get back to training youth to respect those in authority and other people’s property. A strong work ethic will allow kids to get the things they want in life. This may seem old fashioned, but old fashioned values worked and worked well. When it comes to morality there can be no compromise. It will take community support to turn things around, but it can be done. Let us not judge, but work to change the life of one.
There will never be 100% compliance, so those in the community should protect their families and homes with security systems or other means. Teenagers and older individuals that chose the path of walking on the wrong side of the law should be warned that these actions are not only unwanted in our communities, but they will not be tolerated. Think about the future you want to have, and think before you act. Don’t worry about how doing the right thing today will look to your friends, because making the wrong choice may mean that you will not be here tomorrow.

Your garage could be the staging ground for burglars

2009-10-10T22:24:00.002-04:00

Throughout the nation, burglars and thieves are employing the technique of using attached garages as the staging ground to commit their crimes. After casing the neighborhood, selecting a target, learning the intended victim’s routine, vehicle they drive and assessing security weaknesses of the home, burglars attack the weakest point of the home to gain entry. Once inside the home they open the garage door and drive their vehicle inside, close the garage door and clean the victim out. Some of the main areas thieves target are new home subdivisions, because there are so many contractors in these neighborhoods that no one suspects a truck, moving vehicle or car. A new home subdivision is one area where cars cruising through the neighborhood slowly will not raise suspicion, because this is a common action of potential buyers. The burglars may even pose as a potential buyer and speak with their intended mark, asking probing questions and surveying the contents of the home in an attempt to assess items worth stealing.

From the front door of many homes, the back door can be seen from the front, which gives an unscrupulous criminal the complete layout of the home at a glance. Often, the rear door is the most vulnerable, because it is the most secluded. The burglar will kick that door in and because the damage can’t be seen from street level, it will go undetected until the victim returns home. With the burglar’s stash and get away vehicle inside the garage, he or she can operate in complete obscurity. Another reason burglars like garages, is because they can steal tools and lawn and garden equipment. Many homeowners never lock the door that leads from the garage into the house, making access to the home incredibly easy. You may be wondering how a criminal can access a garage from the outside if the garage has an automatic garage door opener.

Burglars have been known to target cars in parking lots. They break into the car and search the glove box. They steal the garage door opener and copy the street address off of the registration. They will wait several weeks and break into the home. Another way of gaining unlawful entry is by breaking out a glass window in the garage door and pulling the red cord attached to the garage door opener. This disables the garage door opener and allows the door to be lifted up. To prevent this, remove the pull cord and never leave your garage door opener in the car. Carry the opener with you and keep your car registration in your wallet. If the vehicle is used by other people, make a copy o the registration for the other drivers to keep in their wallets.

Take special precaution if the garage contains the main fuse box to the home, or an attic access. Whether a garage has these things or not it is still necessary to protect it with a security system. For additional information on security systems go to http://whensafetmatters.com or call (919) 949-9690.

Burglars Don’t Care What Excuse You Use as Long as You Politely Refuse

2009-10-09T09:37:00.002-04:00

Burglars and thieves are blight on society and the impact they have on people’s lives is much like a cancer that multiplies without restraint. They remain unseen until the painful evidence shows itself. It is often the nature of people to put off security measures until after they have settled into the new home, or until they do this or that. The fact is they don’t see the immediate need to proceed now, because they do not think that they will be the next victim. They might be right or they might be wrong. I’m not a prophet, but there has been a recent rash of criminal activity that targets new homeowners and relies on homeowner’s tendency to procrastinate. I unfortunately had two clients that purchased security systems but had to put off installation for one reason or another and the day before their installation, they became the victims of what they wanted to prevent. I have heard other stories about how individuals who were broken into made the immediate decision to have a security system installed. Readers of my columns and posts know that I am passionate about my work. A certain unrecognized fact about people with passion for what they do, is that they deeply feel the pain of disappointment, especially when they should have done more.
It’s a fine line between trying to persuade someone about the immediate need to do something today, and not wait till tomorrow, because tomorrow isn’t promised. I was given confirmation about my path and mission in a Bible scripture found in Matthew 24:43. The states, “But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.” We don’t know the day or the hour, and it should be clearly evident that we should be vigilant. Putting off until tomorrow what should be done today may very well leave us dismayed. One of the major things that burglars and thieves are looking for are LCD televisions. I can’t stress this point enough purchasing a LCD television and leaving the box on the curb, is a clear indication of what you have. If you are a new homeowner, this should be the best time of your life, but it is also a time when your guard is down. Criminals cruise the new subdivisions as a lion searching for prey. Even if you don’t have an LCD television you are still at risk. Get a security system, and don’t hide behind the excuse looking for the cheapest price. I have always stressed using a great company, checking the Better Business Bureau ratings, getting references, and looking at the online reputation of the representative as well as the company. This will serve you well, but you need to do these things with a sense of urgency, like cutting on your lights, cable and internet. What’s more important than the safety of your family other than your relationship with God? I can’t think of too many other things.
I realize that this post may be judged by some in a negative light, but its intent is to help those who know that what I am saying is right, and if it helps them to not become a victim, I have done my job. I realize, that in fulfilling my purpose I can not please everyone, but those I do please I will exceed expectations and by changing the course of what happens to one individual or family, I have changed the world for good. If you are in need of a life safety system, contact me at http://whensafetymatters.com or call me at 919-949-9690.

Harmlessly Alarmed, Exposing the Weaknesses of Major Security System Installations

2009-10-01T21:56:00.005-04:00

The primary reason people install a security in their homes is to protect themselves and their possessions. Often the selection of a company is based on familiarity of name due to slick advertising and low price. Sadly, customers expecting to get good value for the dollar are shocked and angered to discover that most hard-wired systems installed by alarm companies big and small can be defeated in less than 20 seconds by criminals, which exploit a glaring weakness in the alarm system design installation.
The majority of security system packages promoted by mass marketing volume driven companies, offer either two or three contacts and a motion sensor. Hard-wired alarm systems contain a master-control unit that runs the unit. All the devices are connected to the master-control unit through wires. The major protection for this unit is a simple metal can, secured either with a screw or a simple lock. The location of the master-control is usually located I a very obvious place. This device, which is the brain of the security panel, is completely vulnerable, because it is only protected by a lock and at least one door in the home has a delay, to allow the homeowner to enter the home and deactivate the system. The delay is commonly set at 30 seconds or more, which gives even the most novice criminal ample time to kick in the time-delayed door and proceed to the master-control unit. Once the criminal is inside the home they are able to open the box with a flat head screw driver and cut the power, disable the battery back-up and communication of the unit. This can be done in under 20 seconds, and what makes this situation worst, is that many companies program a dialer delay into their units that prevent the alarm system from calling the monitoring station, which dispatches the police, when activated for an additional 30 to 90 seconds. They claim it prevents false alarms.
A simple solution to this problem is to add a contact to the closet door where the master-control is located or install a pressure switch to the back of the master-control unit canister housing that will trigger an instant alarm in the event that it is pried from the wall. For far too long, many in the security industry have profited from doing the least required. This has put the lives of those they serve at risk of becoming victims of what they claim to deter. These companies then insulate themselves in legal agreements which absolve them from litigation from clients that have been victimized due to their negligence.
If you are a North Carolina homeowner concerned about the vulnerability of your security system and would like a free evaluation go to http;//whensafetymatters.com or call (919) 949-9690. Homeowners outside of North Carolina should direct their questions at the contact us form at www.whensafetymatters.com.

Using Security Systems to Detect Water Threats

2009-09-15T21:41:00.005-04:00

Anything man made is subject to break, and when a pipe or water heater bursts the damage can run in the thousands to replace. Water damage is one of the main reasons people file claims against their homeowners policies. Now it is possible to integrate a home security system with water detection devices that can detect an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe, a burst water heater or flooding washing machine. Honeywell’s 5821 wireless water detector is the perfect fit to deal with these issues. This small unit can be placed almost anywhere and does not require wiring. The unit is compatible with all Honeywell 5800 series wireless devices. One of the largest concerns people have about wireless devices are how long batteries will last. The batteries in the 5821 wireless water detector will last an amazing ten years. Another attractive feature of his product is the cost, which is highly affordable at around $80 retail per unit. The water probe (470PB) that must accompany it cost around $11 per unit.
The 5821 wireless water detector also monitor cold temperatures, with five temperature setting. Water detection and temperature monitoring can be done simultaneously. This means that the device can be used to monitor a refrigerator or freezer.
With more and more people having concerns about home safety, it only makes sense to maximize what your security system is capable of. Water detection devices provide increased value and are a necessary compliment to the fire detection devices many security systems already employ. For more information on security upgrades and water detection devices go to www.whensafetymatters.com or call (919) 949-9690.

Reasons Most Neighborhood Watch Programs Fail

2009-08-23T16:50:00.005-04:00

Neighborhood watch programs are a great concept, but in most cases they are ineffective because they are not properly executed. Many if not most, neighborhood watch programs rely on the street signs and window stickers to do the entire job. Street signs and window stickers are a deterrent, but can in no way report suspicious or criminal behavior. Also, when a community only relies on the most basic and simplistic portion of a neighborhood watch program, their complacent attitude shows on the outside, in the form of security breaches, that signal to a prospective crook that no one is really watching. These actions could be leaving a garage door up, or leaving valuables such as lawn equipment or ladders unsecured around the home.

Another reason that neighborhood watch programs fail is due to lack of participation. In order to have an effective neighborhood watch campaign the majority of the community needs to be involved and active. It’s not enough to start a campaign because someone was the victim of a burglary or worst, have a few meetings then not meet until the next criminal act occurs. In order to be effective, the committee must meet at least once a quarter. Have a designated person to send out regular email alerts of criminal activities that the local police are warning people about. Also a twitter account for the community could be set up so that everyone following can get the update at once either online or on their blackberry or cell phone.

Lack of proper training is another major reason neighborhood watch program fail. In order to be effective, the community participants must utilize the skills of a security officer. This means that you need to patrol the neighborhood regularly. When a neighbor is going to be gone on vacation they should tell the neighbor on either side of them and the two neighbors across from them. These four neighbors should walk around the vacationing neighbor’s home at least once a day. Burglars are likely to go to the rear of the home and the damage would not be seen from the street. You can also see if the neighbor may have left a window open. If Fed Ex or UPS leaves left a note on the door of the home, one of the four neighbors watching the home should collect it and give it to the homeowner when they return. This prevents a burglar from knowing that the homeowner is away. The neighbor that is going away should always leave his cell phone number with the people he has entrusted to watch his or her home. If a neighbor assigned to patrol happens to see something out of the ordinary, what should they do? They should observe and report the incident or individual to the local police or sheriff’s department. It is not the job of the neighborhood watch to confront someone or get involved.

Several things that participants in a neighborhood watch program should have with them at all times when they are patrolling. The first is a pen or pencil: the second a small note pad, and third a cell phone. If it is at night, carry a flashlight. The reason these items are a necessity, are so you can write down what you see in detail, when you first see it, and call the authorities.

Making a list of qualified contractors and service people that is distributed throughout the community is also a good way to prevent crooks from posing as workmen infiltrating the neighborhood. If everyone uses one or two qualified contractors to do work, such as painting, repair work, plumbing and lawn work, the community will get to know these individuals and if someone other than them is working on the house while the homeowner is way at work, the neighborhood watch will know to call the homeowner and if necessary the police. This may seem slightly over the top, but it is not because the last known profession of most criminals is in one of the above listed service fields. This is because these trades have low barriers to entry. Mandatory background checks are not required to work in these trades.

Neighborhood watch programs can succeed when there is ample participation, proper training and regular action by those that stand to gain the most. Getting to know your neighbors and caring for them is critical to making the neighborhood watch an important part of people’s lives, so that they become committed to service, not because of obligation, but out of genuine care and love for their fellow man.

Your Utility Shed Could Be a Prime Target For Thieves!

2009-08-05T16:58:00.002-04:00

Thieves are always on the prowl and often look for easy marks such as storage sheds and crawl spaces were most homeowners don’t frequent every day. These areas are often scarcely protected, if they are protected at all. However, they store valuable treasures that crooks can easily sell, such as lawn and garden equipment and tools. Several methods of protecting a storage shed are to add reinforced hinges that are either riveted in or anchored with star bolts, and use a high quality lock. The best method of securing a storage shed is to add a wireless security sensor to the door and windows of the structure. In many cases if the home already has a security system a wireless receiver can be added to the existing system so that the wireless unit can communicate with the master control unit. By adding monitored sensors the home alarm will sound when the door is breached, when the system is armed and the police or sheriff deputy will be dispatched. Another method of prevention and apprehension is to install surveillance cameras. This is the most expensive solution, but it works hand in hand with the monitored security system. The cameras can capture the activity that triggered the alarm, making identification and prosecution of the suspect much easier. These tips are especially important if you live in the country, because of the secluded nature of the homes and the delay time it takes for law enforcement to arrive. People that live in town are not immune to having their possessions plundered, because in many cases people work the same shift and people do not know their neighbors. In conclusion, if security is important to you, don’t overlook the shed or the crawl space.

What fire danger lies beneath the surface of your stove?

2009-08-02T22:23:00.005-04:00

Just a couple of days ago I experience the thing that I have warned so many others about, a kitchen fire. There was a large serving pan of rice cooking over two eyes, when one ignited. I quickly realized that it was grease fire and I had not replaced the fire extinguisher that had been used about a year earlier to put a grill fire. It is true that the path to destruction is often paved with good intentions. I had thought about replacing the extinguisher numerous times over the past year but had never done so, now the need was there and I had to improvise. I remembered all the things I had written and educated about in seminars and first cut off the power to the stove. I grabbed a large lid and tried to smother the flames; it didn’t work. Still not panicking, I grabbed a box of baking soda which was only half full and used it to put out my kitchen blaze. There are several lessons I learned from this experience. First always be prepared and second what you see on the surface is not where the danger lies.

As a Boy Scout I had learned the saying and the lesson “to always be prepared”, but I had let life get in the way. Like so many others I found myself in a situation where my home was in jeopardy, because of failure to perform a simple task. I knew that a fire doubles in size every 20 seconds and time flies when you are not adequately equipped. The next thing I drew from situation was to always be educated about what to do and have a back-up. Sadly, many people make a bad situation worst due to lack of knowledge. I knew that most fires that originate on the stove are either grease or electrical, which means that they can not be put out with water. Water will only make the fire spread, because grease and water do not mix. Burning grease will float on top of the water and will splash back potentially causing medical injury. Also if the fire is electrical, water conducts electricity and will cause the situation to escalate, not only potentially causing physical harm but death. With proper education, you will stay calm and execute a back-up plan.

I learned early in life that if you don’t first succeed to try again until you do. My first attempt failed, but my second attempt, baking soda, succeeded. No damage, just a little smoke. However, there was still more to be learned. What you see at face value is not where the real danger may lie. I always clean the top of the stove until it shines, but things can drip into the stove eyes and are hidden from view. In order to prevent a future fire I had to raise the stove lid and clean everything that was there as well. Although the top was sparkling it was a greasy mess underneath. If you are like me, you probably haven’t cleaned beneath your lid either. Why would you? Now you know why, because it could cause your stove to catch fire and possibly burn your house down. Another item I’d like to caution people on is not to remove the batteries from your smoke detectors when you have a kitchen incident that sets them off. Why you may ask? You will most likely forget to replace them. As people we are often more concerned about what happens to us now, than we are about what could affect us later due to our cumulative actions of satisfying our immediate wants and desires over planning for potential challenges and life necessities. I went out the very next and purchased that fire extinguisher and got a huge box of baking soda. I hope that I will not have to use either one of them, but it was money well spent. While shopping for the extinguisher I saw a two story rope ladder for under $70 dollars. A great deal, if you don’t want to have to jump from the second story if your stairway was blocked and you had to get out. With this you don’t have to jump and risk injury.

The fire extinguisher only cost only $20.25 with tax and will last for ten years. A rope ladder under $70 dollars and a security system with fire and two-way voice for an initial investment of under $300 to protect a home valued at over $150,000. Protection of my family, priceless!

Loose Tweets and Facebook Updates Are An Invitation to Burglarized

2009-07-30T08:48:00.000-04:00

You’ve waited nearly eight or nine months to take a special vacation or cruise. Your enthusiasm can barely be contained and you want share your experiences with all your Twitter followers and Facebook buddies, so you fire off a few lines that you will be leaving in twenty-four hours, details to follow. What have you done? You may have let the world, including the criminal element know that your home will be unoccupied, making it more susceptible to be burglarized. You may wonder how this could be. You never gave your address or phone number in a tweet or Facebook update. You did fill in a profile that told people what city you live in, where a somewhat savvy criminal could research the public record and find out your address. Many criminals employ the tactic of looking in the phonebook to see if a person has a listed number. They call the number and if no one answers they assume that the person is not home. They may go to the door and ring the doorbell, if someone comes to the door they concoct a story about looking for someone in the neighborhood or may ask for directions. This is done to deflect suspicion. When a person tweets about their whereabouts they place themselves at risk. If you tweet about a vacation do so after you return. Then you will be safe and the criminals can not gain an advantage. It goes without saying every home should have a monitored home security system, video surveillance cameras or both.

The Perry Bigley Home Security Method

2009-07-29T06:39:00.005-04:00

I was listening to the word famous sports talk radio host Jim Rome, who is the host of the syndicated show called the Jungle, when he gave his spin on Perry Bigley’s 911 call from his home after it had been robbed. Bigley arrived at his home at around 4am and found his storage door open, and proceeded inside to discover a man going through his DVD collection. Bigley was able to subdue the man without the aid of a gun or weapon, and while holding him down, calmly called 911. There were other burglars in the home that escaped with an estimated $11,000 in electronic equipment including six televisions, a laptop and stereo. What makes the story so interesting is Bigley’s demeanor as he places the call and explains the incident to the 911 dispatch officer and tells the perpetrator to please stop resisting. Bigley’s call got him worldwide recognition on the Jim Rome show and across the internet, but he could have just as easily been injured or killed. Walking into your home when you suspect that it has been burglarized is not advised. Bigley would have been better served to have called 911 from outside the home and alerted the police while observing from a safe distance away. He also could have taken down the description of the get-away vehicle and the license tag number. What would have really been great is if he let the air out of all the tires on the getaway vehicle.
It is not known whether Bigley had a home security system or not, but if he didn’t he sure could have used one. The Bigley method earned him his fifteen minutes of fame, but at an $11,000 cost, which will most likely be covered by his homeowner’s policy. Hopefully, he is big sports fan and a “clone” (follower of the Jim Rome Show) of the Jungle. If not, his fifteen minutes of fame is without significance. If there are others who are looking to follow in Bigley’s path as their own home security system, forget about it. Call a reputable local security company and have a system installed. If you are a North Carolina resident and a Jungle listener go to http://whensafetymatters.com and look under specials for a special offer.

Green Lighting Saves Money and Lives

2009-07-28T07:22:00.001-04:00

Green energy efficient products have become the rage of the day. As people and companies become more conscious of being good stewards over life’s resources, the security industry has taken notice, and one of the most immediate and noticeable areas is security lighting platforms. Dark dimly lit areas around a home or building are places that crooks and thugs can lay in wait for unsuspecting people to rob, assault, or rape. Well lit areas are deterrents to criminal activity. Security motion flood lights are effective means of providing the necessary lighting to help deter criminal activity. Solar powered motion lights with LED lenses are a great way to save money on energy and installation of traditional hardwired security motion activated security lights. The solar panels charge the batteries which power the LED bulbs that are activated when motion is detected by the motion detector. Many of these lights have day light sensing mechanisms built in, which turn the lights of during the day allowing the battery to recharge. The lights can also be set to stay on for increments of one to five minutes per motion occurrence. Solar powered motion lighting can be placed in areas where there was no existing light fixture to retrofit. This saves hundreds of dollars in electrical installation costs. The most noticeable cost effective feature of these lights are in there energy efficiency. These lights run on the power of the sun, so they will not run up the electric bill. The LED bulbs have a usage expectancy of between 30,000 to 40,000 hours. Quality solar motion lights range in price from $40-$150 per light. When it comes to safely securing a home or business and green resources are important, solar powered motion detectors are the best way to go.

When burglars arrive with a knock at night

2009-07-27T08:33:00.000-04:00

A client of mine came up to me at a meeting on last week, and thanked me for installing a security system in his home. The story he relayed to me sent chills up my spine. He and the members of his family were asleep, when he heard the doorbell ring. It was 2 o’clock in the morning. He thought that it was strange and ignored it. Five minutes later he heard someone kicking or pounding on his back door. He pressed the panic button on his security system and the perpetrator ran off into the night. He was thankful that the police were dispatched and that his family was safe.
We are now discussing surveillance cameras with night vision capability. These cameras are becoming more common place in homes to compliment security systems. The surveillance cameras often come with a DVR that can record the events of numerous cameras at once. They are often IP addressable allowing them to be viewed offsite from a remote location over a high speed internet connection. The best thing about camera systems, such as these, is that they help convict the thugs that commit these acts. Sadly, most people don’t see the need to take this step until something bad happens. The criminals are becoming more brazen and the need for security has never been greater.
It is an honor and privilege to protect my clients from the bad elements of the world. I would love to see a world where my services are not needed, but this will not be the case. I do believe that we can make a difference, not only in providing more security, building more jails, but by building better relationships and working with youth. If we can turn around just one child, other than our own, from falling under negative influences, we may prevent more homes from being burglarized than I will ever sell and install security systems to in a lifetime. However, just like alarm monitoring is an investment, getting involved in the community takes an investment of time and resources. What is given to the good of the community will come back multiplied. I encourage all my readers to get involved, because we can all reach someone. The only way we can fail is to not try.

Might as well jump/ a choice between life and pain

2009-07-26T13:33:00.000-04:00

Imagine waking up to the sound of crackling wood. The sharp smell of smoke burns your nostrils and eyes. As your lungs burn from oxygen deprivation your crawl, gasping, toward the window. Your fingers fumble to release the latches. The seconds tick, as sound of yours fears broadcasts in your mind. At last the window is raised. You take in the sweet oxygen supplied by fresh air, and with all the strength you can muster, you scream for help. You don’t care about being cool or how in your moment of panic you’ll be perceived. What you’re wearing doesn’t matter. All that matters is your life and anyone else you dearly love trapped inside. How you wish you had wings that could lift you to safety, but you don’t. If ever you needed the help of God and man, you sure do need it now. You don’t hear the sound of sirens in the distance. What will you do? How will call for help? Even with a home or cell phone you still must dial 911, answer questions and wait. Every question answered takes time, time that allows the fury of the flames to grow. Every twenty seconds its size doubles, consuming more and more. How much time do you have left? To live you may need to take the plunge. Jump to save yourself. Can you in this state of panic and confusion jump, risking the possibility of broken bones or worst to free yourself from being cooked alive or asphyxiating from the nauseous smoke? No one should have to make this choice, but they do. Without proper fire protection, this could be you! These situations are real, and the need for monitored fire protection is paramount. In this situation you’d be lucky to awake, because in many cases the smoke renders the occupants of the home unconscious. They never wake succumb to fire’s deadly wrath.
No one wants this to be them. It’s hard to imagine. Properly protecting your home is paramount to assuring the best odds of escape. First, install a monitored fire system that has photo-electric smoke sensors; these sensors can detect the presence of cold smoke as well as a dramatic rise in heat temperature. Along with a monitored fire system, add two-way voice to the system. A two-way voice system will allow the monitoring call center to hear some trapped inside. When the smoke detectors attached to the security system are triggered, a signal will be sent to the monitoring facility. The monitoring facility representative will dispatch the fire department. The following video shows a true scenario of two brothers trapped inside a burning home. Listen, learn and act. Do not allow the sun to set without performing a fire drill. Purchase a rope ladder and an ABC fire extinguisher. Call a local alarm company and install a monitored fire detection system. North Carolina homeowners looking for a no cost evaluation of their home for fire safety can call 919-949-9690 or go to http://whensafetymatters.com. Imagine the peace of mind you will feel, knowing that you and those you love are sufficiently protected.

Top reasons realtors should have existing security systems reviewed

2009-07-25T10:03:00.006-04:00

Top realtors are customer conscious first and are concerned for the overall well being of their clients. This single trait builds the trust that helps propel them to elite status. Realtors often overlook the need to counsel prospective homebuyers on the need to have a home with an existing alarm or security system reviewed for a potential upgrade. This is equally as important as changing the locks on the home, which is done to protect the homeowner from being victimized by someone having an extra set of keys that they were unaware of. Similar to a house lock, security systems can have extra security 4-digit codes that were assigned to other people that may not be erased. For this reason alone it is not wise to just activate the alarm system as is.

Another reason realtors should suggest a review of the existing alarm or security system, is that most systems are set up on a one size fits all model. This formula leaves many gaps in protection. Most scenarios that mass marketing companies employ is to provide a few door contacts and a motion detector, which is placed in a trap zone area of the home. A trap zone is an area that the burglar is likely to walk through. However, burglars are aware of this technique used by most big box security companies, and can get around it.

The existing burglar alarm does not take into account the unique needs of the new homeowner. The new homeowner may place a piece of furniture that may obstruct a certain device, and the device may need to be repositioned. The new homeowner may have pets, making it necessary to address the motion sensor if one is present. The previous homeowner may have had a small pet and the pet immunity of the current motion sensor was sufficient, but the new homeowner may have a bigger animal or multiple pets. If this is the case the current set-up will not work.

The new homeowner may use a certain room as home office and additional protection may be necessary to secure that area. The new homeowner may have children and want to provide security protection to a child’s room, especially if the bedroom is on the first floor. Many homeowners may be divorced or separated and are concerned about child abduction, especially if there was violence involved or the divorce or separation was extremely bitter or contentious.

Another reason to review the existing system is that the layout of the existing system was exposed during open house showings of the home, making it vulnerable to potential thieves. This situation is multiplied if the floor plans of the home were placed on the internet, where they could be seen by anyone.
If the home is two-story, it is likely that there is no second story security protection, and if the master bedroom is located on the second level of the home it leaves it vulnerable to a wily crook.

A major reason realtors should suggest the need for a security system review, is fire safety. If the home does not have monitored fire protection the homeowner the homeowner is being deprived of a vital benefit that could protect his or her family. House fires claim the lives of more people in the United States than all other natural disasters combined. Most homes with security systems, even if the have a fire device in the main living area, do not have a heat or smoke detection system in the attic. Without attic protection, the occupants of the home are vulnerable to not being alerted if the home is struck by lightning and the attic catches on fire.

I would encourage all realtors whether in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Goldsboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, North Carolina or anywhere throughout the world to have homes they are selling with existing systems reviewed for the benefit of their clients. This will lead to increased trust, increased referrals, and elite status in the industry. Realtors and Homeowners throughout North Carolina can receive a free consultation of an existing alarm system by calling 919-949-9690 and mentioning this article.

Attics, lightning rods of potential fire disaster!

2009-07-24T17:24:00.002-04:00

One of the largest threats to your family could be above your head, your attic. Most homes do not have any type of smoke or heat detecting devices in the attic. Attics are the highest point in the home, and lightning usually strikes the highest point. More and more homes have a furnace, water heater, or air handler in the attic. These items run off of electrical current or gas, which makes the situation extremely serious. In addition to these items, people often store unused items such as seasonal clothes, keepsakes, paint cans and other flammable items in the attic. If lightning were to strike and there is no monitored smoke or heat detection system the potential for disaster is greater than a fire in the general living space of the home. This is because smoke rises and will likely not be seen, smelled and detected by the smoke detectors. A fire in the attic has the potential to smolder for a long time before igniting. The fire is electrical and rain from the storm will act as fuel to spread the flames, because water conducts electricity. This is a fact overlooked by many people, when it comes to fire safety in the home.
Another scary thing to consider for protecting your attic is that if the fire ignites above your head at night the items in the attic could fall through the ceiling causing injury or death. The best solution to protect an attic is to install a monitored heat and smoke sensor that is connected to a central alarm station that will dispatch the fire department to the home. A monitored unit such as this will let the monitoring facility know the location of the fire in the home and will eliminate the need to call 911. This saves precious minutes of answering questions, before the fire department is dispatched. Seconds saved save property and lives. A fire doubles in size every 20 seconds and more deaths are attributed to fire than any other natural disaster. Monitored fire units are cost effective as a part of a monitored security system, and will often provide an additional discount on home insurance policies. When a monitored fire detection system is combined with 2-way voice it becomes even more effective. Two-way voice communication allows the alarm monitoring to broadcast to anyone in the home and hear in real time what is occurring. Studies have shown that people respond quicker to hearing their name called than to the sound of a smoke detector or audible siren. The quicker a person escapes a burning home the better. Don’t delay, protect your attic today. For additional information on attic safety and fire safety devices go to http://whensafetymatters.com.

Lock Bumping Threat Make Security Systems A Necessity

2009-07-08T13:16:00.007-04:00

Lock Bumping isn't just a threat, but a reality that leaves every home protected with just an ordinary lock vulnerable to unforced access and the theft of their hard earned possessions. The mechanics of most locks have been around for centuries. These locks work on a pin and tumbler system. When a criminal uses a key that has been altered so that the valleys have been filed to the shear line, it creates a bump key. The key must match the manufacturer original key blank. These key blanks can not be obtained unless you are a registered locksmith, so criminals will file a key down that matches that particular lock brand. The reason bumping works is due to the mechanics of the lock mechanism. When a key is inserted in a lock, the pins that match the valleys of the key are aligned allowing the lock mechanism to turn. When a bump key is used it is inserted one notch from full insertion and then struck, which forces all the pins to jump slightly and with slight pressure on the key allows the lock to open. Trusting a regular lock is not enough. Some simple solutions are magnetic locks, or locks that work on a disk system. However, the best solution is a monitored security system because it can dispatch the local authorities, even if the door is kicked in.

Distraction Burglary an old crime with new victims

2009-06-19T07:36:00.008-04:00

You’re a high school or college student looking to make a few bucks during the summer. The last thing that you are thinking about is getting robbed, and the furthest thing from your mind is being robbed without a gun in a way that makes you look stupid. However, this could become a reality. Distraction burglaries are as old as the hills, but find new and unsuspecting marks everyday. Without knowledge of how these crimes work it is easy to see how they are so effective.

A group of people walk into the store. They could be male or female. If they are female they may be wearing long dresses or over-sized clothing. The males may be wearing baggy attire with large pockets. They may have or use a foreign accent as a disguise; it is not uncommon for distraction burglars to mimic Muslim sects that require women to wear head covering, where only their eyes can be seen. A member of the group will come to the counter and ask for assistance with something that is located at the far end of the store. They will often use the language barrier to attempt to force you to come from behind the counter. The group has already scouted the establishment to make sure that only one or two people are working. The lure to get the clerk away from the counter leaves the cash register and safe exposed. Distraction burglars care about cameras and will attempt to shield themselves from them. As the clerk leaves his post to provide good customer service, a member of the crime group slips behind the counter and opens the safe or takes money from the register. These crimes normally happen during the day. These thieves know that many retail establishments often leave their safes on day lock, which means that it can be easily unlocked and cleared out.

If the clerk attempts to go back to his or her post before the rouse is complete, then another member of the clan will run interference. They will often block the path of the clerk. If the clerk gets hip to the con, the clan will become loud and boisterous. The money will be hidden somewhere in the baggy clothes and they will be long gone before the police can be called. The number one thing that can be done to prevent distraction burglaries is to be observant and cautious when two or more people enter the store at a time. Never leave the safe on day lock where it can be easily opened. Always have someone at the cash register. Have a see through partition built that shields the worker from the case register. The partition if built properly can shield the entire front counter and have a door that auto locks as soon as it closes. This can be done with a magnetic lock and a card reader. Have more than one person working a shift at a time. Hire a security officer to patrol the isles. Use surveillance cameras that are commercial grade, with high resolution so identification of suspects can be made. The greater the level of security the less likely a business is of being a target. The greater the security barriers the higher the risk the criminals take.

Distraction burglaries and organized theft rings such as this cost retailers over 30 billion dollars a year. It is estimated that 1.6 cents of every dollar spent by consumers is to cover losses incurred to the business owner fro these thefts. Sadly, when thieves steal we pay. Higher penalties must be enacted for actions of this sort that will lead to longer and mandatory jail sentences.

Humorous Arrests

2009-06-16T20:34:00.006-04:00

A 40 year-old man with tattoos of Christ on left arm and Jesus on the right arm was arrested for assaulting a female. The suspect may have been more influenced by the name of his street than the love of the Lord. He lived on Whippoorwill Street. He allegedly whipped the poor willies and hide of the victim. The police made the arrest on the corner of North Hyde and Holloway Street. The police had no choice but to haul is butt downtown for tanning the victims hide. This is one time that Christ didn't hang on the cross, but landed a right cross and a left upper cut.

On June 13, 2009 a 47 year-old man lived up to his name sake, “Robin”, and was arrested for Breaking and Entering.

On the same day a 43 year-old man with the last name “Hooks” was arrested for shoplifting. “He stopped at the retail establishment to pick up a few items.” The cops hooked and booked him.

A play on words can be funny, but crime is no laughing matter.

Home Security System Crime Reduction program for Raleigh, Durham, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

2009-06-08T21:39:00.006-04:00

If you are looking for the best value in a home security system and you are a homeowner in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Knightdale, Wake Forest, Cary or Rocky Mount, North Carolina you may qualify to participate in a unique crime reduction incentive program. Many manufacturers such as Honeywell and General Electric, in an effort to cut marketing costs are looking for a select number of citizens who are willing to critique their newest advancements in technology for a predetermined time frame. Qualified homeowners will receive over $1,100 in installed Alarm Equipment.

Crime reduction incentive programs such as this help reduce false alarms, aid law enforcement officers in the apprehension of criminals, and build new platforms to assist the elderly, protect pets, and create quicker responses to fire emergencies. The systems will be customized to meet the unique needs of the selected homeowners. To see if you qualify call (919) 949-9690 or go to http://tinyurl.com/njsr3o

With the current state of the economy, one thing is certain, crime continues to rise. Manufacturers who were once willing to pay the high Madison Avenue marketing rates are looking for more cost effective measures that add better value to their client bases. With money harder to come by, customers no longer have to suffer poor service and escalating rate hikes at their expense. It is nice to see programs such as these where clients needs are placed above corporate greed.

Rape Prevention Using Security Solutions

2009-06-07T21:02:00.004-04:00

Imagine for a moment you’re inside your home going through the daily routine of watching your favorite television program that airs on that particular day. Much like the annoyance of commercial interruption, you are perturbed by a knock on the door. “Who the heck is that,” you sullenly mutter as you rise from the leather recliner. “It’s probably that “Bleeping” security system solicitors again. If I’ve told them once I’ve told them a thousand times, I don’t want a security system.” Just as you open the door prepared to utter your pat and snide, “I’m not interested, “you are bewildered by the sight of a half naked women bruised and bloody, crying uncontrollably on your doorstep. You don’t know what to say. Between her sobs, you come to understand that she has just been raped, and she is your next door neighbor’s daughter!
After getting her some clothes and calling the police, you have time to reflect on your past thoughts and judgments, and come to realize that no one is immune to the bad elements of the world. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) calculation based on 2000 National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, a woman, in America, is raped every two minutes. So during the time the time it takes to read this post, several more lives will be negatively changed forever. The FBI estimates that only 37% of rapes are reported to the police, and the United States Justice Department estimates that only 25% of rapes are reported to the police.
Rape is one of the most deplorable acts committed against another person. It is not a subject that is talked about in polite company. Rape is a subject that people don’t want to think about. However, once a person has become a victim of a rapist, the horrific act is something that they can never forget. The apprehension and conviction of the rapist, doesn’t make the act any less painful. Everyday, criminals are released back into society without having to wear a scarlet letter, orange or striped jumpsuit with the word “inmate” stamped in bold on the front or back. You can’t tell who they are, but they know what they like and it may be your neighbor, daughter, mother or friend. If after being incarcerated for years, without sexual contact with women, it is a delusion of the highest proportion to assume that they will not have any interest in you. Rape is not only committed by ex-cons, but past boyfriends and husbands and other sexually deviants. The violent perpetrator that commits rape can have a normal face that conceals a psychotic mind. A hard topic such as this should only be discussed, but plans put into place to make potential victims less desirable targets.
All women should be cognizant of the fact that they could be a victim. It does not matter if you skinny, short, tall, over weight, long hair, short hair, old, young, black, white, or any color under the rainbow. If you are super model hot, you can be a target. If you are less than desirable, in your own eyes, you can still be a target, and possibly a greater target. This is because the victimizer can sense your lack of self esteem. They will act based off of that perceived weakness. It is their assumption that you will be less likely to tell, and will comply more easily. The model quality women may become a target because the victimizer has always been rejected by women that are highly favored by other men. The rapist wants to assert a form of authority over women in this category to avenge his past rejections. To protect yourself it is wise to implement the following strategies:
• Women should always be aware of there surroundings.
• Park in well lit areas
• If you have had a recent break-up with a boyfriend or husband, that threatens or stalks you, report it to the police.
• Get an escort to your car when possible.
• Change the locks on your home if you gave an ex boyfriend or husband a key.
• Install a monitored home security system with cellular back-up.
• Have a key-chain remote with a panic button so you can send a distress alert if you are accosted outside your home within 150 feet of the residence.
• Make sure that you have motion lighting on the outside of the home.
• When leaving the home make sure to lock all windows.
• When you enter the residence, immediately lock the door behind you and arm the security in the stay mode to prevent a perpetrator from bursting in behind you.
• Purchase pepper spray and keep it on your key ring.
• Take a self defense class
• If you are grabbed in a public place yell “fire” it gets more attention than yelling “help.”
• Purchase a gun
Women should always remember that they are worth respecting. It is also important to remember that there are going to be times when no one else is there to protect you, and your defense will rest on what you know and have put into practice. You don’t need a man to be safe, but you do need to be aware that bad men could catastrophically change your life forever. If your boyfriend or husband does not think you should invest in your safety, he doesn’t think much of you, and that’s a fact! A person may get past a burglary, but rape is something you can not wipe away or forget. Human life is far too precious to naively leave up to chance. You are the only you the world will ever know, and you can not be replaced and should not ever have to face the horror of a crime like rape. Together we can all make a difference, but attitudes need to change and this topic needs to be brought to the forefront and not swept under the rug. It takes great strength to stand up and proclaim to the world that you will not sit idly by and not take sensible actions to protect yourself and the ones you love. However, you know your worth and are willing to stand to inspire others to do the same.

Why New Homeowners Should Put Safety First

2009-06-06T15:09:00.012-04:00

All too often I have witnessed how people place the need for entertainment above the need for safety and security. There is an old adage that states, “work before pleasure, and first things first.” When a person moves into a new home, no matter what the existing crime level, they are at risk. As a new owner you draw attention to yourself, and observant crooks are able to see what items are being carried into the home. Services such as cable will be turned on, and in many cases cable companies use contractors to install these services. These people may not have had recent criminal background or drug testing checks to prove that they are clean. If by chance they are somewhat unsavory, they have seen what type of televisions, electronic components and the layout of the home.
Another threat that people fail to take into account are the keys. When they take possession of the home, they receive a set of keys from the realtor, and they have no knowledge of how many other sets of keys had been made and given to friends or family members of the previous owner. I recently went to a home to perform a safety analysis for a security system and the homeowner was unable to enter the home because the realtor had given them the wrong set of keys. She called her realtor who then called the listing agent. The listing agent proceeded to call the previous owner who called her sister, who still had a key. It was the sister of the previous owner who arrived and let us in. The homeowner was given that key, but it begs the question as to how many other copies of keys are still out there? If there is the possibility of just one, then the locks need to be changed, and a security system installed. Failing to understand risk doesn’t mean that you are exempt from becoming a victim, it makes you a more likely target. Security begins with attitude. You have to have a conscious awareness that there are threats and that protection is critical and must be placed above entertainment value.
If you have purchased home with an existing alarm system you should have that system reviewed for potential weaknesses before activating. Many alarm companies do not install motion detectors or glass break sensors in critical areas such as master bedrooms or computer rooms that may be vulnerable. Another critical area is the protection of the alarm system’s master control panel. Most security companies do not place a contact on the closet door, set for instant alert, which prevents a burglar from entering through the delay door and prying the master panel from the wall then cutting the wires to disable the alarm system before it can call the monitoring facility and alert the police. Another method of protecting the master control panel is to install a button contact behind the metal control panel that shields the master control unit. This way if the crook attempts to pry the box from the wall the alarm will be instantly triggered and the police notified. It is important to do these things even if you believe that you live in a “good neighborhood.” Crime can happen anywhere. People often selectively forget that criminals can drive to your neighborhood.
As we watch television it should plant a seed in our minds that bad things do happen to good people. The local news is front loaded with issues of crime, traffic wrecks and fire. Not a single person that becomes a victim chronicled on the nightly news ever planned for it to happen. Like most people they always assume that the next victim will be the other guy, and often don’t take measures to protect themselves. Not all things that provide a large rate of return are convenient or fun filled in the beginning, but they pay off in the end. Security can be same way. When a person moves into a new home it is one of the happiest times of their lives. There is the hard work of getting the moving boxes unpacked, blinds hung and furniture organized, but the installation and activation of a monitored security system should be at the top of the to do list along with activating cable, turning on water, electricity and activating a phone. Once you have completed the moving in process, you can activate your alarm system watch a movie and be at peace knowing that you are safe and secure. This truly beats the alternative of waking up to the sound of shattering glass and coming face to face with a prowler, or coming home and finding your new home ransacked and your precious items stolen and possibly lost forever.
Another critical component that most people fail to perform is the in home security drill. What do you do in the event of a security emergency? Where does the family meet. If you heard something in the night, do you have the kids come to mom and dad’s room and you lock the door? You need a plan, because lack of a plan has led to children getting shot, and other injuries occurring that could have been prevented. Performing a security drill is as essential as performing a routine fire drill. One of the best times to perform this drill is when you first move in. It only takes five minutes, and these five minutes could save a life that could be lost and those procrastinated five minutes can never be reclaimed. For more information on life safety or security needs continue to follow http://protectitnow.blogspot.com or call 919-949-9690.:

Honeywell 5870 API Wireless Asset Protector perfect solution to protect X-Box 360, Wii, and Flat Screen Televisions

2009-06-02T17:48:00.002-04:00

Honeywell has created another break through in their already high quality alarm devices. On March 26, 2009 the company issued a press release introducing the new 5870 wireless asset protection module. This device protects against larceny and theft of electronics such as flat screen televisions, game systems like the X-box, Wii, and Playstation 3 as well as gun cases, paintings and safes, even when the security system is not armed. The 5870 Asset protector employs an accelerometer that detects movement and can be programmed to call the monitoring facility as well as a security guard, if used in a commercial setting. The 5870 is a fully supervised security device complete with a tamper switch and low battery monitoring. This new device is compatible with the Vista series alarm panels that have a compatible wireless receiver. The 5870 is also compatible with the Lynx-RN and Lynx-P series wireless alarm panels.
According to Honeywell the 5870 API Wireless Asset Protector is the first device they have designed that specifically addresses larceny and adds to the existing level of security that is already in place. I recently spoke to a woman that had a problem with an older child stealing from her. This woman suspected that her child stole $1600. With the purchase of a strong box that is sufficiently locked and the 5870 asset protection device she now has a level of security that previously was unavailable to her. The 5870 is a godsend in the detection of unforced entry burglaries. When combined with camera surveillance the 5870 provides a devastating one-two punch against one of the most difficult crimes to curtail. The 5870 asset protector is reasonably priced at under $100 per unit. Additional information is available at www.security.honeywell.com. North Carolina residents interested in installing an alarm system or upgrading a system that is three or more years old can call 919-949-9690 or go to http://whensafetymatters.com.

45 million dollar scam

2009-05-29T09:22:00.002-04:00

I received an email this week from from a Phillip Price claiming he was attempting to settle an estate and needed someone to pose as next of kin for a deceased client. Now as a reputable person you would quickly see that the attempt to defraud someone else ends with you becoming the victim. If you receive this email do not email them your personal information. They will steal your identity. I am including a reprint of the email so you can identify it if it turns up in your inbox. Report This activity to the attorney general's office of your state.

Hello,
I seek your assistance on a business transaction that will be of mutual benefits.
Please, read below the details of this transaction and what
is required of you to get this transaction started:
Mr. Andrew Parker was my client for over a decade. He died of cardiac
arrest in 2002. He had a deposit in the sum of US$45M with Delta Lloyd
Finance Amsterdam.
The bank contacted me as Mr. Andrew Parker’s attorney to get his next
of kin. I have not been able to get any of his relations. The bank now
has the right to confiscate the funds if I do not produce his next of
kin soonest. This is the reason why I contacted you so you can act as
the next of kin.
If you reply this email by sending me your full name, address, telephone
and fax number, I will prepare and send to you a memorandum of understanding
which will have to be duly signed by both parties (your good self and I) as
an agreement, so as to protect the shares of both parties and to be in order
by laws of your country and the laws of my country.
After the signing of the MOU, I will then email to you the death certificate
of Andrew Parker. I will prepare Andrew Parker’s Will in your name. With the
Will, I will then get the letter of administration from the probate office
thereby making you the next of kin and the bona fide beneficiary of the funds.
I will forward the Will and the letter of administration to the Bank in Europe.
They will then contact you to come to their office to claim the said funds.
When you get to their office in Europe, you sign the funds release documents,
they will then transfer the sum of US$45M into your nominated account.
When the
funds are transferred into your nominated account, I will then travel to meet
with you to share the proceeds. I will take 80% and you will take 20%.
I will exhort you to not only treat this transaction with the gravity it
deserves, but also with urgency. May I reiterate that the importance of the
confidentiality and speed in this transaction cannot be over emphasized.
Hence in bolstering of confidentiality you are advised against discussing with
anyone or your bank the expectation of the funds until I advise you otherwise.
Please treat as urgent.
Send the information ASAP as time is of the essence.

Thank you and God bless.
Philip Price LLB
philippricellb@aol.com

Should your pet go without back up to protect your property from burglars?

2009-05-25T12:47:00.008-04:00

A police officer arrives at the scene of the crime and one of the first things he does is phone headquarters and get back up. No police officer, no matter how seasoned, enters a suspected crime scene without his radio and firearm. Even in areas with small populations and little crime, officers always take precautions because they realize that what didn’t happen yesterday could happen today. When it comes to our pets they are often left as the last line of defense against crooks that are void of sensitivity, possibly high on drugs and totally self absorbed. Our domesticated pets are far more than just expendable balls of fur; they are companions with unsurpassed loyalty. They are leaning posts when we are distressed. They are our energetic greeters when we arrive home from a hard day. They are appreciative for the little things we do for them. Our pets don’t care what we look like when we wake up in the morning. Our pets work hard for our approval. It is stated in the Bible that greater love has no man than this that he lay his life down for a friend. Without hesitation our dogs would lay their own lives down to protect our property, but they should not have to. Unlike a chair, electronics and jewels that can be replaced the special bond we make with our dogs can not be. For this very reason many people consider a home security system with two-way voice monitoring and fire protection. These simple but affordable devices protect our precious pets as they so selflessly express their love for us.
No life, no matter how small, should be taken for granted. Every dog, accounted as a friend, is worth the small investment of about a dollar a day to keep crime away. For more information on how to customize a security system to accommodate pets call 919-949-9690.

3 R’s of Home Security System Company Excellence

2009-05-23T20:07:00.006-04:00

Choosing the best security and alarm company is just as important as choosing the correct doctor, because in both cases human life is being protected. However, in many cases people see home security as only a bargain hunter’s quest for the lowest price. The value of human life can not be quantified, and this should never be forgotten. Things can be replaced but a person never can be. Resorting to the phone book or calling because of the slick television commercial is not proper due diligence. In order to assure that you are getting the best company look for the three R’s, Reputable, Reliable and References.
When searching for a company, people often confuse name recognition with reputation. A catchy jingle, quirky commercial with comedic burglars or even a large concentration of yard signs in a certain area is not enough to conclusively prove a solid business reputation. Reputations are earned over time. Check the local chamber of commerce as well as the better business bureau. Look to see the company rating and the number of customer complaints. Check to see how long the company has been in business and its number of employees. It is also important to check the online reputation of the company as well. Check to see if the company has received any awards, check for customer complaints that may not show up in the better business bureau report. One area many people fail to check is the person representing the company. Do your own due diligence, by looking up that person online. Check their reputation. Check the alarm board of the state to make sure that they are properly credentialed. This is especially important due to loopholes in alarm licensing. Often companies will keep unscrupulous sales representatives around as long as they are producing. The company may have a great reputation, but it may employ an individual that does not have the same great reputation. One major alarm company employed one of the nation’s most notorious serial killers, the BTK killer.
Another critical area to assure the best value is reliability. This area is often overlooked because many companies work very hard to acquire a new customer then are slow about providing adequate service. The best way to discover how well a company operates when it comes to service issues is talk with the service department, as well as with customers that have had service issues. The best way to do this is through the third R, which are references. Customer testimonials are critical because these people aren’t sales people. They are consumers that are currently using the product and are willing to be an advocate for the service. If something is wrong they will tell you. They are the gold fleece and one of the most important elements in assuring that you are getting a good company that will be there for you over time. A good security company referral can also come from a real estate agent, insurance agent or a quality business networking group such as BNI.
Home security is especially important today as criminals are becoming bolder in their actions. The selection of the best company and company personnel can be accomplished using the three R’s of reputation, reliability and references. Care enough about yourself to research these 3 R’s and you will not regret your decision.

Top reasons guns aren’t enough to protect your property

2009-05-21T06:14:00.008-04:00

• If you have children a gun can’t be left loaded and unsecured, which means that it is not ready at a moments notice.
• A gun left home could be stolen by burglars and used to commit more crimes.
• If walk into your home and the burglar has your gun it could be used to injure you.
• In a panic because of a bump in the night you may end up shooting the wrong person.
• When you shoot someone you can erase the memory of your action even though it was done to protect your family and yourself.
• A gun can’t alert the police of an unlawful entry.
• Advertising your ownership of a gun is not the same as advertising you have a security system. Guns are an item of value to burglars, security systems are just an obstacle they must overcome.
• If you are on the inside of the home and the perpetrator is on the outside of the home he or she can’t be shot according to law because they don’t pose a direct threat to you. A surveillance camera can take photos and be used to prosecute the criminal.
• A gun isn’t capable of providing information about the suspect’s location like some security systems.
• The noise from an alarm siren can scare off a burglar without damaging anything.

The purpose of this article is not to debate whether or not a person should or should not own a firearm. The owning of a firearm is a constitutional right afforded by the second amendment for all law abiding citizens that are not felons. It is my opinion that owning a firearm for protection does have value, however; the value provided by gun ownership is greatly enhanced with a security system and surveillance cameras. Another valuable feature a security system provides is that it is not necessary to convince a 911 operator of the authenticity of your call. Listen to this 911 audio call and two things are evident; operators should never assume and a security alarm would have probably prevented the distress placed on the victims and the shooting of the suspect. Judge for yourself.

GYPSY BURGLARS WIDENING SCOPE

2009-05-17T16:02:00.002-04:00

We have all heard the term gypsy and an image of an old women reading tarot cards or looking into a crystal balls comes to mind. Maybe, your image is of a traveling carnival worker. No matter which image you conjured it is not applicable to the gypsy burglars that have terrorized Floridians are now heading up the east coast. These burglars are referred to as gypsies because of their transient lifestyle. In some cases these pairs were eastern Europeans of Armenian or Romanian descent. They work in a similar fashion to ancient hunters that followed the large caribou herds. The herds these burglars tend to follow are retirees. The gypsy burglars often reside in the Midwest, Southeast or large Northeastern cities like New York City. Traditionally, they followed retirees that migrated to Florida during the winter months, now they have begun to target new retirement areas such as North Carolina. Areas such as the Triangle have become a great place for retirees to live and a fertile ground for gypsy style burglaries.
Gypsy burglars are stealth in their activities and are adept at changing their appearance into something that you are familiar with. In most instances they may come to your door disguised as a cable service repairman, telephone technician, utility meter reader or some type of repair man that needs to come inside for some reason. It appears that a new trade these crooks are impersonating is the locksmith profession. Many people have seen the investigative news piece done by Cullen Browder on WRAL where he exposed a pair of phony locksmiths impersonating legitimate businesses and price gouging customers. These con artists normally work in pairs. They normally work during daylight hours and target single women or seniors. They especially use this ruse on senior women.
Once inside, one of the culprits draws the unsuspecting victim away to observe something they claim is of high importance while the other individual steals small items of value such as jewelry and small electronics such as I-pods or PDAs. These con artists normally drive vehicles with out of state tags. If you have someone approaching you in this manner don’t open the door. Ask for identification and the company phone number. Call the company and verify that they have someone working for them by that name. Also make sure that the company is legitimate. Look up the main number in the phone book. Keep the number to the Better Business Bureau at hand. If you expect something suspicious observe the activity and report it to the police. The most important thing you can do is to not let anyone inside your home that you have not scheduled to come to your home.

Why Burglars Find Your Hidden Goods

2009-05-12T23:21:00.003-04:00

Most people hide money in places that they would least likely look, and that is the problem. In order to defeat a burglar you must know who he is and what he thinks. Often burglars are a part of organized crime, a member of a gang or a drug addict. This gives them a distinct advantage in hiding things or knowing where items are hidden. Drug addicted burglars know how to hide their drugs and if they live with a family member they are skilled at finding were family members hide their valuables from them.
One of the most common places drug addicts hide their drugs is in the bathroom. The toilet tank is a common place where drug addicts hide drugs. When a drug addicted burglar breaks into a home the toilet is one of the first places he will look. Most home owners are shocked that burglars find their hidden stash of cash and believe that it had to be stolen by someone who knew them. Often this is completely untrue.
Another common place that people hide money is the medicine cabinet. Remember a drug addicted burglar will naturally gravitate to the medicine cabinet. The bed is also another area that burglars will look. It is common for people to hide both money and weapons between the mattress and the box spring. Burglars will also check pillows and anything stashed underneath the bed.
It is common for people to hide money at the back of a closet. The homeowner’s logic is that it is a hassle to dig out all the boxes to get to it, so it is unlikely that it will be found. Once again the logic is flawed because the criminal does not have to put back what they tear out. Tearing something apart is always quicker than putting it back together. It is not uncommon for people to stash money in a soup can. A burglar knows that a soup can found in a bedroom will most likely contain money.
One of the cleverest places homeowners give themselves credit for hiding money is in the refrigerator. However, this is one of the first places a drug addicted burglar or organized criminal will look. These criminals know that most drugs will keep longer if they are refrigerated. Homeowners don’t realize this and hide their money in the first place a thief is likely to look.
Another place people hide money is in a flour or sugar tin. Hiding money inside a cereal box is also an easy find for burglars because it is where they hide drugs. When past burglars have been interviewed they will tell people that the best place to hide money is in the bank. Hiding money at home is risky especially if you don not have a security system, safe and surveillance system. Criminals don’t play fair and they don’t respect you or your property. People perish because they underestimate their opponents. Burglars are our opponents and we need to be vigilant educated and ready to protect our homes and families against the wiles of these neighborhood terrorists.

What the bleep? 911 called and nobody came!

2009-05-10T20:51:00.004-04:00

Sadly, it is a reality that 911 operators are called every year and in some cases the EMT’s never arrive. Every second is critical when a person has a stroke or a heart attack. There is no room for error but without fail this scenario will play out again. No matter whom the blame is placed on it will never bring back the beautiful human life that was lost. However, there are certain things that could be done to minimize the risk of this happening to you or someone you love. It is important to make sure that your house number is visible from the street. Paint the number in reflective paint at the end of the driveway. Or another simple solution for those with security systems is to add an exterior strobe light that will activate when the alarm is triggered for medical emergency, fire or burglary. If you have a GPS unit, make sure you write down the coordinates of your location and give them to your alarm company o the monitoring company will have them. These coordinates can also be given to a 911 dispatch operator if you do not have a security system. One biggest reason unfortunate things occur is due to procrastination and indifference. If you see something that applies to you and you put if off you most likely will never get to it. Often people falsely believe that these things happen to other people but not to them. No one is so special that something such this could not happen to them if they don’t take some action. You are important so it is necessary to do what is necessary to make sure that you will be around to bless the ones you love the most. Listen to the you tube audio of a tragic 911 call and pass this information on.

Beware of dog sign a sure indicator you’re not secure

2009-05-06T06:42:00.005-04:00

Every security expert has heard it before, as a deluded soul comes to the door; “Can’t you read this sign of mine?” Beware of dog is what the sign reads. “I have no need for a security system,” is what they say. They hope you’ll leave and be on your way. That simple sign doesn’t fool even the simplest crook, because it’s the oldest trick in the book. Often it has been said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but how would we feel if our friends used us as a human shield. Most people subconsciously know that their pet can only make noise, and that alone is not enough. When we think of our pets it is with a deep sense of love because they quickly become a part of the family. The family pet often lasts longer than many marriages. A dog or cat always seems to love its family without condition. They are willing listeners, happy to see you no matter the day or your mood, but in most cases they’re not trained to defend and apprehend suspects like RIN TIN TIN. We would not trust someone convicted of animal cruelty to watch our pet for a weekend, so how can we expect a burglar with no sense of respect for our possessions or property to respect our beloved pet.
Burglars are not people of high moral character. They are most certainly scum, but are in no ways dumb. They seize the opportunity to prey on weaknesses they are able to perceive. The “beware of dog sign” is an advertisement that access to your personal items is as easy a getting your dog to fetch a simple dog treat. Only dogs that have been trained for police duty will only eat from one person. Most burglars will pick the lock or break the door and the animal will run outside as they slip in. People with children are the least likely to have an aggressive breed dog because the temperament could result in the animal hurting their child.
Clearly, security for your home should include protection for your pet as well. With the installation of a security system your pet can be protected in the event of a fire as well as having the police notified if a burglar should attempt to unlawfully enter your home. When looking to protect your pet, have your veterinarian install a micro chip on your pet in case they become lost or stolen. Due to the value of many dog breeds it is not uncommon to see burglars steal an animal for profit. Sadly, I had it happen to me. I had my beloved beagle stolen from an outside area while I was away. A friend; with a rare breed dog, had a local criminal climb through his kitchen window and steal his prized and loved pet. Needless to say, he was incensed. Fortunately, because he suspected that it was someone local, he offered a large reward to the children in the area and the dog was returned. Having stolen pet is one of the worst feelings you can imagine. So let’s change our perspective and hang a sign that says burglars beware because it should be understood that security comes first in his neighborhood

Burglary for jewels equals cash for gold

2009-05-04T21:29:00.006-04:00

Criminals are aware that fencing stolen items at pawn shops is not a viable option. Local pawn shops are frequented by local law enforcement officers looking for stolen items. The pawn shops require personal identification and most pawn shops are equipped with CCTV systems that record all people making transactions in the store. In order for criminals to get cash for stolen jewelry many criminals have resorted to cash for gold sites that do not require personal identification. Most people have seen these commercials run late at night or during the early morning hours. They pitch the ease of sending broken and unwanted gold jewelry to them or much needed cash to pay bills, go shopping, or take a vacation. These companies pay a small fraction of the actual value of these items. This obviously doesn’t matter to criminals that will sell stolen items for pennies on the dollar because of the low risk of capture.
When it comes to protecting your jewelry install a security system and a safe. Make sure he safe is bolted to the floor studs, so it can not be quickly pulled up and carried out. Criminals are incredibly perceptive when it comes to human activity. This is not because of astute observation skills but because most people are habitual in nature. The primary place most people keep jewelry is in their bedrooms. This is where most security systems fail because there are no security devices in that area. The best thing people can do is move their jewelry to other areas or install security items in the bedroom areas of the home.
If you are looking to sell your jewelry for cash get a jewelry appraisal from a reputable gemologist so that you will know the true value. This way you can sell your items from a position of strength. Utilize companies that have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and if possible use local companies.

Domino’s Pizza Dough stolen in Smash and Grab Burglary

2009-04-30T06:55:00.006-04:00

According to police reports the Domino’s pizza restaurant located on the 3000 block of Holloway Street in Durham, NC was the victim of a smash and grab burglary on the night of April 27,2009. Burglars smashed the glass door, stole the safe valued at $1000 and mad off with $350 in cash. The burglary was discovered on April 28, 2009 at around 8:30 am.
Three men were arrested several miles away for allegedly burglarizing a home at 608 Hardee St. Durham, NC. The three men were 17, 18 and 22 years of age. All three men were arrested and charged with felony burglary and had bond set at $6000 per person. It is likely that the Durham police department is looking into the possibility that these three men could be the domino dough burglars.
In both cases the criminals made entry by breaking glass. This shows a basic knowledge of how many security systems are set up. With contacts located only on the door, the thieves break out the glass so as not to disturb the door contact. Many motion detecting devices are set wit a pet alley motion detecting lenses that does not pick up motion below a certain height. It is important for business and homeowners to update their security to include glass break sensor technology and use motion detectors that detect mass and density from the floor up. Another valuable tool in convicting criminals are surveillance cameras. Well positioned cameras that are commercial grade with night viewing capability enable the police to make a positive identification of suspects. The initial investment that a business owner makes in a camera system pays for itself tens of times over during the systems service life.

Layer your security like an onion

2009-04-27T06:20:00.003-04:00

When you think about security, think of an onion not an egg. Often homeowners place all their security hopes on one simple thing a door lock. With only one line of defense standing between a criminal and his quest to procure your items as their own, the odds of success are clearly in the bad guys favor. The greater the layers of security a criminal must traverse to accomplish his desires, the greater his or her chance of failure. Think of your security like an onion with multiple layers of obstacles, not an egg with a thin easily penetrable shell.
The first layer of defense can be fence with a locking gate or a front porch with a gate. If, however, the lock on the gate is broken it is a clear sign to a criminal that any other layers of security will almost certainly be weak.
The next layer of security is a locking storm door, with the main door protected by a main lock and a dead bolt lock. Any windows should not be obstructed by high bushes where a criminal could hide behind. Prickly bushes like a holly bush or rose bushes provide a natural barrier against criminals if they are planted in front of a window. When protecting windows adding additional window locks as a backup and window pins that will prevent the window from being raised past a certain height are essential in preventing the window from being pried open. Another barrier is motion detecting lights as well as any good exterior lighting that illuminates any potential hiding places.
A security yard sign is also a minor deterrent to criminals, but criminals are incredibly adept in knowing whether a sign is just a ploy. Often many homes have security signs of defunct security companies in their yard. Also many big box companies design the majority of their promotional security systems the same way, which gives the criminal a road map of what to do in order to circumvent the alarm. If you have a basic alarm system it is only a beginning. Every three to four years security systems need to be updated to stay ahead of criminal advancements.
Even the security system needs to be layered, especially the communication apparatus, must be layered. Dependence on a conventional phone line is not enough. The addition of a cell phone back-up unit is essential to an overall security alarm defense to assure that communication can be made if the primary phone line is cut. Another way of protecting the primary phone line is to armor plate the line leading into the telephone box then installing a metal strong box over the telephone box. The strong box must be secured with headless screws or rivets.
Prior to accessing the security system a critical layer of defense are security surveillance cameras. These cameras can record suspicious activity and even send a video feed to an offsite location for back-up storage. This makes circumventing the defenses a daunting task. When the criminals are forced out of their comfort zone and made to conform to the security devices they are at a huge disadvantage. Although most people can not afford to everything, it is best to do all you can afford to do.
The key to any successful security plan is commitment to make it a success. You must first adopt a mentality that you will not be lax on security issues. A consciousness that says safety first is far better than the mindset that it won’t happen to me so I don’t worry about it. There are few things worst than coming home to a ransacked home. Finding what remains of your personal possessions tossed like trash is a gut wrenching feeling. The knowledge that your items that were stolen most likely won’t be seen again is the second wave of violation. According to national statistics someone is burglarized on average every 15.6 seconds somewhere in the United States. Layering your security measures and nurturing a security consciousness can prevent a criminal’s next victim from being you.
Your comments about this post are welcomed. For more detailed information on security products and home security systems go to http://whensafetymatters.com

ADT, CPI, and Brinks Not 5 Diamond Certified

2009-04-18T20:03:00.006-04:00

ADT security services, CPI and Brinks Home Security are not members of the Central Station Alarm Association and their alarm monitoring facilities have not received 5 diamond certification. This certification is the highest rating an alarm monitoring facility can receive from an outside rating association of industry peers. The distinction of a five diamond rating is an assurance to the general public that the alarm monitoring facility has met five distinct criteria signifying excellence. The five standards that must be met are:
1) Commitment to random inspections and quality criteria standards by a nationally recognized third-party laboratory such as: UL or FM.
2) Commitment to the highest levels of customer service.
3) Commitment to ongoing job-related education and testing by having 100% of its central station operators certified using the CSAA online training series.
4) Commitment to raising the industry standards through CSAA membership and participation in its activities.
5) Commitment to reducing false dispatches.
In the alarm industry there must be a higher level of transparency and openness with the general public that they serve. An outside third party lab can provide this assurance. In any other industry we demand certification and degrees supporting ones claim of competence. The alarm industry with the exception of general state licensing, which varies state to state, does not have a national uniform compliance code. Such a code could help assure higher levels of customer service, reduce false alarms, and raise industry standards. The fact that ADT, CPI and Brinks are not members of CSAA and are not five diamond certified is not to imply that they are not good companies. However, with their large client bases they should be leading from the front and not trailing from the rear.
When selecting a company to provide alarm monitoring, look to companies that have met this criteria because they have reached a higher standard that will provide customers with a far better customer service experience due to increased education. A few companies that have met the Five Diamond Certification are Sentry Watch, Counter Force, Alarm Detection Systems, Monitronics, and Vector Security. Only 100 companies in the alarm industry have met these standards. A simple conclusion, bigger because of marketing does not make a company better.

Doing What's Easy Isn't Always What's Right

2009-04-16T22:33:00.002-04:00

values Often the path of comfort and familiarity is the action people take, even when they know that it’s the wrong thing to do. Imagine seeing a crime occurring, do you call 911? The chances are that you will make the call because you are anonymous. However, what happens if you are required to go to court and finger the perpetrator? Does this change your willingness to cooperate? For many people it does. They have the perspective that not getting involved is their prerogative because it is not their problem. Stepping out on principle does mean that you take a chance, but it also means that you stand on principles. Standing on principles is noble and honorable. The reason that we hold people who do the right thing in such high esteem is because it often goes against the grain. We’ve often heard the saying that it is easier to go along to get along. The very nature of the acceptance of this statement is what allows crimes to go unsolved and the moral fiber of society to decay. The true spirit of history’s heroes is filled with those that chose to stand up and stand for something. As members of society we live under the banner of freedom that others died to provide, and it should be our civic duty to make a commitment to ourselves and our communities that we will continue to strive to adhere to a code of ethics.
In the workplace you may see injustice and be challenged not say something because you may feel that your job hangs in the balance. This is nothing more than fear which gives the situation more power than it actually has. When we see safety violations and say nothing people’s lives are at risk. If something catastrophic happens it is our conscience that becomes seared. Our society can ill afford more people that are numb to happenings around them. The sad thing about abusers and those that exercise injustice on others is that they rely on the apathy of witnesses. The strength of communities is not based on self or individual self preservation but on the salvation of the collective. When people originally came together and formed tribes or communities it was for protection. Those unions were based on trust. In order to foster this trust we must know each other in such a way that this trust will become instinctive. As we build new walls of trust doing what is right will be far more fashionable than doing what is easy. There is greater strength in numbers than in the power we have individually. In order for our neighborhood watches to be effective we must reinvest the time and energy to genuinely care about our neighbors because we know our neighbors in more than name only, but in friendship.
The greatest impact we can have in curtailing crime and injustice lies in our collective resolve to do what is right even when doing what is easy is more in line with our comfort zone. Breaking the cycle begins with a willingness to stand up and stand for something, knowing that others will follow. The impact of a single action standing on principle can change the world. Let us create a new movement that will revolutionize communities by reinventing ourselves.

Twitter could be a major crime fighting tool

2009-04-02T15:04:00.004-04:00

Twitter could have a major impact on thwarting crime. Twitter is micro blogging in 140 words or less. The short format is for mobile device compatibility. As a society always on the go, we can blog like texting to numerous followers instantly. The simplistic nature of twitter makes it a huge crime fighting, community relation building, and information tool. As technology evolves it is more important that law enforcement agencies on the local level establish stronger community ties in order build trust and fulfill their mission to protect and serve. It is far easier to serve a community base that understands its constituents. The Anne Arundel County Police department in Maryland is a great example of utilizing social media, especially twitter, to recruit talented officers and educate the members of the community. The Anne Arundel twitter address is http://twitter.com/AACOPD Twitter can also have a major impact in reconnecting neighborhoods to build more effective neighborhood watch programs.
As neighborhoods become bigger and technology has evolved, a peculiar thing has happened people have become more detached. Neighbors don’t know each other, and homeowner associations have less support than they would like in order to have the maximum impact they could if their meetings were better attended. It takes a sufficient amount of amount of time to produce a newsletter and distribute it, but it only takes less than a minute to tweet a simple 140 character message to everyone in unison. The other advantage of twitter is that is free. So getting the word out can be done through a simple door knocking campaign with the existing block captains in the HOA. Notice how effectively this could work in informing the neighbors about suspicious activity.
When someone sees something suspicious we call 911 and give the information to the dispatcher who then sends the authorities. If there was community following the 911 dispatch on twitter, real time updates could be given to the police, as they are in route from observers in the immediate vicinity. This could work to apprehend more criminals and could also be a valuable tool in aiding probation officers that do not always have their eyes on their probationers. If a concerned citizen and twitter user saw a crime being committed by someone known to be on probation the probation officer could be notified via twitter and could take the appropriate action necessary to protect the public. The exact strategy as to how to implement this strategy is unknown, but I thought I would put it out there. I welcome feedback. Please leave a comment to this post and connect with me on twitter. My twitter address is, http://twitter.com/mcneelyji. My goal is to make communities and neighborhoods safer through awareness and education. Your ideas and energy are vital to my mission’s success.

Domestic Abuse, Home Security and Self Defense

2009-03-31T14:18:00.004-04:00

Domestic violence is a horror that is experienced by 1 out of 3 women across the globe. Within the United States it is estimated that between 4 and 6 million women will experience an act of physical violence this year. These statistics are horrifying, because no person deserves to live under these conditions. Life is precious and every act of violence committed against women and children is an atrocity that should not swept under the rug. According to the research I have done anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, including men. The largest demographic are women. Up to 35% of women that arrive in the emergency room of hospitals have experienced the terror of domestic violence. There are resources available for the victims of violence to get help. One such resource is the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224. There are also local domestic and sexual abuse such as the Durham crisis and Response center whose number is 919-403-6562. It almost goes without saying that the local police and sheriff departments are valuable resources as well.
A resource seldom discussed or explored is the home security industry. A home security system installed with two-way voice communication protocol and glass break technology is a huge asset when an act of physical violence occurs within the home. When the alarm is triggered it activates an internal microphone that enables the alarm monitoring facility to hear in real time the events that are transpiring inside the residence as they dispatch the local authorities to the residence. The glass break sensors are valuable because they can be programmed to be always on. If the abuser causes a glass or loud crashing sound to occur within the vicinity of the device it will trigger the alarm. Within Vector Security monitored systems there are no dialer delays, meaning that there is no time lag between the time that the alarm is triggered and communication sent to the central station as is the case with many systems including ADT’s. Installation of an alarm system is very affordable. For information on how to receive up to $1,100 in free life safety equipment with the features listed above call, 919-949-9690 or go to http://whensafetymatters.com.
Even if you are not a victim of domestic abuse you can still help by donating an old cell phone to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence by going to http://www.ncadv.org/takeaction/DonateaPhone_129.html . These phones will be activated and enabled to only call 911. The partnership between the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the wireless industry is called the Call to Protect program. It has existed for the past seven years and has provided a life line between victims and the police.
Finally, whether we are victims of domestic violence or not we could all encounter a situation where our physical bodies are in jeopardy. It is important to know what to do in order to give yourself a chance to escape. I do not claim to a self defense expert but I have included this Krav Maga video because it depicts a real life situation that anyone could encounter and defensive maneuvers that could save your life. The link can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VDbjFBciJE

Hiding a key under a rock is like living under a rock!

2009-03-29T12:56:00.003-04:00

Most people have experienced the unfortunate and unsettling experience of being locked out of your home. In order to prevent this, many people have resorted to leaving the hidden key. The key so secret that know one knows it but you. The truth is everyone knows it. People have more similarities than differences and this leads to what I refer to as redundancy. What is done by others is also repeated in the actions of others. Growing up in a small town, most people did not lock their doors and everyone knew where the spare key was to everyone else’s home. This was largely due to a strong sense of community where everyone knew everyone else in town. As I have traveled I have seen more people move from the small towns into more densely populated areas, where there is not a strong sense of community. People may live next door to each other for years and not know the name of the person living next to them. The problem is they still practice the things they learned in small town America. They don’t lock their car doors, leaving items of value in plain sight and expect them to remain there untouched. Often they leave their door to the home unlocked and have the nerve to utter this fact in public around complete strangers. When they do lock the door, they want to make sure they can get back in if they are locked out. So they hide a key. “Wink wink!”
The top places people hide a spare key are:
• Under a rock
• Under a doormat
• Above the door
• Beneath a potted plant
• Taped to the bottom of a mailbox
• Behind an outdoor thermometer
• Inside a lock box with a numeric code
Most hidden keys are in the front of the home where there retrieval can be easily observed by any unsavory character. Most likely, if you are key hider you see yourself somewhere in the above list. There are numerous dangers in hiding a key.
• Burglary, unforced because they had a key.
• Assault: You could walk in on an intruder and be physically accosted.
• Rape: Sadly this happens during some burglaries gone bad. You can never undue the emotional stress caused by such a heinous act.
• Murder: twenty percent of all murders occur when a homeowner encounters an intruder in the home.
Solution: leave the number of a reputable locksmith hidden in one of the areas listed above, and call them if you are locked out. Another viable solution is to give a key to a trusted friend or relative that lives close by. Call them when in need, that’s what friends are for.

When Mama Fell Vector Security Was There

2009-03-28T12:08:00.010-04:00

Mama still felt good at 77 years of age. She lived alone, was active in the church, and enjoyed her family and grand children. She drove where she wanted but limited her night time driving due to diminished eye sight. For a woman her age her health was good, only taking high blood and cholesterol medication. She had never felt unsafe in her neighborhood, but she had heard about a few incidents of car break-ins. She dismissed it as kids with no respect for the things of others. In her words, “They needed an old fashioned butt whipping.” Her children had brought up the need for a home security system several years back, but she had not acted on it. Until the day she heard about the lady who lived on street over, that while sitting at home watching Oprah heard a noise at her back door. As she came from the bedroom she saw the door wide open and a man standing in the doorway. She screamed and fortunately for her, the intruder fled.
Mama made her decision to investigate security systems. After researching several companies like ADT, and Brinks she chose Vector Security. She was impressed with monitoring call center’s credentials. Vector Security having a Five Diamond Central Station Rating, UL certification, and a less than 1% false alarm rate nationwide, gave her the assurance that she was selecting a top notch company. She was most impressed with her representative who took the time to explain the benefits of the system and customize it to fit her unique needs.
When the representative demonstrated the two-way voice feature that allowed the monitoring call center to hear all over her home during an alarm emergency she was sold. The representative provided her with a medical key fob that allowed her get help during a medical crisis. She never new how important this feature would be.
Several weeks after the security system was installed, Mama felt a bit under the weather. As she rose from her chair and headed to the bathroom she became light headed, lost her balance and fell to the floor injuring her hip in the process. Dazed and in pain she was unable to rise to her feet, but thank God for the medical pendant. She pressed the button and a friendly voice came over the intercom, providing assurance and letting Mama know that help was on the way.
Mama had a full recovery largely because of the installed Vector Security System and the great professionals in the monitoring center. Mr. Jim McNeely deserves special praise for the gift of providing the medical pendant at no charge because he saw the need. I would encourage every person with a mother or father that is aging to install a Vector Security Security with these features.

Maxine, Mama’s daughter

To Claim your Free Vector Security System call
(919) 949-9690
Or Go to Http://whensafetymatters.com

Rutgers University Study on Alarm Systems concludes their effectiveness in crime reduction

2009-03-27T07:17:00.005-04:00

After five years of studying comphrensive data, the University Of Rutgers School Of Criminal Justice completed a study that concluded that residential alarm systems decreased crime. Prior studies has made the assertion that burglars avoid alarm system, but the Rutgers study is the first to focus on alarm systems while scientifically excluding other variables that could also be linked to crime reduction.
The study was performed using data from the Newark, NJ police department from 2001 thru 2005. According to the data there was a steady decrease in burglaries in Newark as the number of security systems increased. The author of the study, Dr. Seungmug a professor at Northern Ohio University asserts that the number of registered alarm systems in Newark coincides with the reduced crime rate.
To summarize the study findings the denser the concentration of installed security systems the lower the rate of burglaries. Another significant finding of the study was that neighborhoods with more installed security systems had fewer incidents of burglaries and attempted burglaries than neighborhoods with less installed security systems. The more than 300-page study was conducted over a two-year period and funded by the non-profit Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF). SCJ Professors George L. Kelling, Marcus Felson and Ronald V. Clarke and Professor Robert D. McCrie of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York were members of the study’s Faculty Advisory Committee. Dr. Clarke served as committee chair.
Studies like his are valuable resources to police, the alarm industry and other law enforcement agencies. The scientific thrust of this study provides credibility to the alarm industry’s claims that alarm systems reduce crime and aid and benefit law enforcement.
For more information on alarm systems go to http://whensafetymatters.com

APX Alarm Security Systems Runs afoul of the Law

2009-03-25T06:08:00.006-04:00

The aggressive and unsavory tactics of Utah based APX Alarm Security Systems have landed them in hot water with the Maryland Attorney General’s office. Over 1200 people who purchased security systems from APX last year are entitled to a full refund because their representatives were unlicensed. The Maryland attorney general’s office began investigating when it received numerous complaints regarding the ploys used by APX to high pressure sell homeowners into purchasing security systems from them. The Maryland Attorney General’s office received complaints that APX representatives forcefully pushed their way into homes uninvited and forced their canned presentations on customers. Letters were sent to 1267 customers of APX informing them of their right to receive a refund. The customers must return a written form in order to receive a refund.
According to a representative of APX, representatives from Virginia crossed into Reston County, Maryland and solicited business. It is their claim that they did not know that there were licensing requirements for alarm salespeople in the state of Maryland. This is not the first time APX has been fined for employing these same tactics. APX has been fined by the North Carolina Alarm Board as well. According to people familiar with Maryland law the contracts signed by customers of APX with unlicensed representatives may be voidable.
According to a settlement reached between APX and the Maryland Attorney General’s office, APX will not process contracts from representatives that are not licensed in the zip code of the customer listed on the contract. This sounds feasible but let the buyer beware; it is possible that they could leave that part blank and have the contract signed by someone who is licensed.
APX markets for quantity not quality. Customers seeking security services should use respectable companies that are a staple of their communities. Check with the Better Business Bureau, The Chamber of Commerce and check the company’s online reputation. Ask for ID, and don’t be forced to sign anything. Get customer testimonials and research the representatives. Because there is a lag between when a person applies for an alarm license and when it is approved a homeowner could still be at risk of having a criminal in their home. Companies like APX that are driven by number of contracts sold, may employ the use of this loophole to reach quotas at the expense of the general public’s safety. I am not saying that this is the case, but the buyer should be cognizant that is is a possibility, and that they or another company may use this ploy to procure business.
According to the Attorney General’s office of the claim notices sent out as that time only 15% wanted to keep their security systems. This speaks volumes!

50 Best Safety and Security Blogs

2009-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

The list of the 50 best safety and security blogs by Forensic Science Technician is out and Home Safe Home has been given the distinguished honor of being listed #1 in the Home Security category and #11 overall. I would like to thank the selection committee for seeing the value in this publication. I would also like to thank the readers of the blog for their comments and loyalty. It is my feeling that this recognition is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for the honor of being able to add value to your lives, in my quest to make the world a safer place to live.

Beware of the Guise of the White Panel Van

2009-03-24T15:53:00.004-04:00

Homeowners should be on the lookout for white panel work vans pulled into a driveway of a neighbor’s home. Homeowners throughout the triangle have become victims of this ploy used by burglars as a cover to gain access to homes. White panel vans are a trademark of contractors including painters, handymen, and landscapers. Burglars have targeted homes with long driveways that sit back from the road as well as homes in cul-de-sacs. These homes provide additional seclusion that is used by burglars to avoid detection.
One victim of these burglars was a woman in Orange County that watched as someone drove into her driveway, exited the vehicle then rang the door bell. The perpetrator then kicked the door attempting to force entry. Fortunately for her alarm system was on and she grabbed the rear door, which was set for instantaneous alert, and opened it, causing the siren to be triggered and the monitoring center called. Other victims in Cary, NC were not as lucky. The crimes usually occur in areas where there is a perception that crime never happens. This gives these criminals an upper hand, because no one is on alert. In one incident a teenager was home alone when the crook attempted to break in. She was able to run to a neighbor’s home and call the police. The criminal got away.
If you see a white panel van in someone’s driveway call the police and have them check it out. Get involved by having a heightened awareness. Install a security system; they are too affordable to not have the security you deserve for yourself and your family. To get more information about home security systems call 919-949-9690 or go to http://whensafetymatters.com.

Criminals aren't Stereotypes

2009-03-13T07:00:00.004-04:00

The criminal dressed in all black with a stocking cap on his head is a fictitious embellishment of the old cat burglar. The dark costume of cat woman slinking around in stealth in the dark makes for great story telling, but it is a far cry from reality. CPI Security’s commercial, touting that there are bad men out there, not smart men is based on half truth. The criminal arrives during daylight hours dressed in all black, in long sleeves during the summer. He looks completely out of place. He uses the front door as the access point and is in and out in 3 seconds. First, criminals blend in. They appear to be a part of the community. The average criminal is a Caucasian male between 15 and 28 years of age. That was the only truthful part of the commercial. The all black costume may play on the fears and stereotypical perception that some people have that, burglars don’t just wear black, they are black. It’s not a far reach for a company to play on a misguided perception for financial profit, especially in an industry that employs a very small percentage of African Americans. The purpose of this post is to inform the general public, so that they will not become victims due to false information. When the criminal enters through the front door and the alarm is automatically triggered, should make any person with some knowledge of security systems laugh out loud. The front door is most likely the primary point of entry, so the door most likely has a delay to give the homeowner time to enter the home and enter a code to deactivate the alarm. If this is the case there is no way that the alarm would have been activated in the time frame shown.
Real security should be based on fact, not fiction. The real facts are that most home burglaries occur between 10am and 4pm. This is the time that most people are at work. Criminals rarely use the front door as the entry point, because they will be seen by people passing by. The criminals will appear to belong. They may be dressed as a jogger, contractor, or ordinary Joe. The last thing they will do is standout. People rarely suspect a criminal to look and act like them. That is the element that allows most burglaries to go unsolved. Security systems are important. Selecting the best company should never be based on a slick marketing scheme, but on experience, contract review, better business bureau report, customer testimonials, quality of equipment, warranty, and price. There are good companies but they may not mass advertise. Good companies, like a good doctor, don’t relay on ruse or deceptive marketing tactics to gain a share of the market. They treat people right, by providing the highest degree of competence and exceptional customer service.

ADT, Always Marketing-Not Always There

2009-03-12T12:49:00.005-04:00

A great marketing campaign can be a perfect cover to overshadow risky alarm practices. Most people would be appalled if they knew that their alarm system was installed with a dialer delay, which means that there is a time lag between when the alarm is triggered and when the system dials out to the monitoring center. The fact is most people don’t know that this is standard practice on ADT installed alarm systems. What most people see are commercials touting the “always there” theme. Perception creates some people’s reality. If it’s on TV it must be true. The logic behind this belief is absolutely false. With a dialer delay if a person is forced inside and made to shut off the alarm system, even if the alarm has been triggered, during the initial fifteen seconds of alarming no call will be made to the monitoring call center. You will not receive a return call from the monitoring facility because they did not receive the call. This is shameful. ADT will tell its customers to enter a special ambush hostage code. The dial down the middle is known by everyone including the crooks. So this is no help. Don’t be deceived by slick marketing ploys; due diligence is essential to get the best deal.
A quick and helpful hint, Vector Security does not use dialer delays. To have an overview of your alarm if you are a North Carolina resident call 919-949-9690 or go to http://www.whensafetymatters.com.

Principal Saves Teacher's Home From Fire

2009-02-26T14:30:00.006-05:00

NJ Principal, Jill MacIntosh, probably never imagined fire fighting as a career path. As she drove to work on Tuesday, she observed flames from a trash can, in close contact to a home. She stopped to alert the homeowner of the danger. The home just happened to a third grade teacher at her school that was out on maternity leave. Washington Street Elementary school where Miss MacIntosh is Principal has a hero. The fire was caused when the husband of Wendy Yorke, the victim of the fire, put ashes from a wood burning stove in the trash can. The only damage to the home was to the garage. The Yorke family is very fortunate that this incident was not much worse.
When discarding ashes from a hot wood burning stove, it is essential to douse with ample amounts of water. It is also important to clean out the chimney as well.

When Fire Hits Close To Home

2009-02-25T06:32:00.000-05:00

My last two blog post have been about fire safety. I felt that this topic needed to be revisited because so much is lost because it is simply overlooked or forgotten. On yesterday I was blessed to speak to a group of middle school children about my profession as a life safety specialist. The purpose of the program was to encourage children to see the possibilities that awaited them and to instill practical applications they could use to uplift themselves for greater achievement. One of my major points was the necessity of home fire drills. When I asked the class if they had ever participated in a fire drill at home, no one raised their hands. There was no response when asked if they had fire extinguishers in their homes. Only one child knew that you could not extinguish a grease fire with water. One child thought you could blow on an electrical fire. They did not realize that there was a difference between smoke detectors and CO2 detectors. This was not their fault. They simply had not been taught. Lives are at stake everyday because there is no guarantee that we will not be the victim of a fire. Knowing how to deal with a life threatening situation could be the difference between life and death. It was an honor to speak t these kids. They were enthusiastic and inquisitive. I believe they left armed with information that could save their lives. Little did I know that the importance of fire drills would hit home so quickly.
Before the day was over I received a call that informed me that one of my son’s best friends had been the victim of an overnight fire. The family lost everything. The child not only attended the same school that I spoke at, he also spends at least two weekends at my home per month. I had never spoken to him about the importance of a fire drill. Thank God he survived with his life. Tell someone about the previous blog post that talks about how to perform a fire drill, we might save a life.

The fire drill you fail to do could cost you!!

2009-02-23T05:27:00.000-05:00

When it comes to fire drills we all did them during our formative years at school, but most people have never instituted a family fire drill. It is something that is reasonably important, yet time is never made to put it in place. A fire drill never planned and left to chance is a disaster waiting to happen. It can not be assumed that everyone in the home will immediately awake when the fire alarm sounds. It can’t be taken for granted that all the occupants will know where to meet. Assuming that no one will reenter the burning structure is also wishful if they have not been taught and drilled not to go back inside. How to exit the home is also important. Who will call the fire department is vital, along with the whether or not you should attempt to fight the fire or not.
Performing a fire drill is relatively simple. First assemble all occupants of the residence. Draw out a sketch of the property, highlighting the exits. Assign someone to check all smoke detectors to make sure they have new batteries and are working properly. Make sure that each level has a smoke detector. Have an individual check to make sure that all exits are clear from obstruction. It is important that there are no boxes or other items blocking the exit path. Instruct occupants to sleep with the door closed. If they hear the sound of a fire alarm, get up and feel the door to check if it is hot. If it is hot then do not open it. It is important to have a ladder rope so a trapped occupant can exit through the window. If the door is not hot, then open the door and duck walk to the nearest exit. The purpose of the duck walk is due to the fact that dangerous smoke rises, and if you are tall and stand straight up you will inhale more toxic smoke which will render you unconscious. Do not attempt to crawl, because heavy toxins from burning carpets and rugs could impair you. Small child or adults below 4’ 6” should stand straight up. Once outside, everyone should assemble in the front of the home. This is where the fire department will arrive.
No one should reenter the home until the fire department clears you to go back inside. When performing the fire drill, have a person assigned with a whistle to perform the drill at anytime during the next week. When the whistle is blown everyone should drop what they are doing and proceed to the nearest exit and meet in the front of the residence. The person assigned with the whistle should also time how long it takes to exit. Periodically executing fire drills at different times, including at night, will add true value because it will more closely simulate real conditions. If there are children or teenagers that reside in the residence, it is important to note that studies have concluded that children often do not wake from the sound of conventional smoke detectors. Smoke detectors that alert by calling out the persons name have been proven to get better results. A fire detection system tied to a monitored home security system with two-way voice will perform this function and alert the fire department. This type of system is also useful in aiding elderly residents that may have limited mobility and medical conditions.
Another important item overlooked when planning for a fire, especially with renters is fire insurance. Renters insurance is very inexpensive. When renting the items placed inside the structure you are renting are not covered by the owners insurance. This is a fact not known by most people. Two great companies to call nationwide are Liberty Mutual and State Farm. Quality agents to call in North Carolina are Lydia Matthews and Pam Herndon. Their respective contact information is (919) 401-1550 ext 56562, Lydia.matthews@libertymutual.com for Lydia Matthews and (919) 240-0155, pam@pamherndon.com for Pam Herndon. For more information on fire drills and how to obtain monitored fire protection click, http://www.whensafetymatters.com or call (919)949-9690. Monitored fire devices will result in reduced insurance rates for homeowners having these devices installed.

Photoelectric smoke sensors a modern day necessity

2009-02-21T20:17:00.003-05:00

Fire safety is something that is often overlooked and forgotten, but a single incident has the ability to take your life or the life of someone you love. Photoelectric smoke sensors have the ability to detect the presence of cold smoke as it enters the photoelectric chamber, located inside the sensor. The smoke entering the photoelectric chamber impairs the light entering the chamber and when it reaches a certain density the fire alarm is triggered. The advantage of a photoelectric smoke sensor is its ability to detect the cold smoke, without a dramatic rise in heat temperature. Photoelectric smoke sensors can detect a smoldering element prior to combustion. This ability may minimize the amount of damage done to the structure and provide additional time to escape due to quicker detection. Photoelectric smoke sensors should be used in conjunction with heat sensors that will detect a quick elevation of heat caused due to combustion. When photoelectric smoke sensors are incorporated into a monitored security system, the advantages are immense.
Monitored smoke sensors are tied into a central facility that can dispatch fire and rescue twenty-four hours a day, everyday of the year. When you consider the fact that a fire doubles in size every twenty seconds, the quicker the fire department is alerted and dispatched is critical to getting anyone trapped inside rescued and the fire extinguished. Honeywell, a leading security manufacturer, produces photoelectric smoke sensors that are combined with a built in heat sensors, and when these sensors are tied into an alarm system that has two-way voice it becomes extremely more efficient. Two-way voice monitoring allows the alarm monitoring company to hear what is transpiring during an alarm event in real time. Should a person or pet be trapped inside the home during a fire the two-way voice module allows the monitoring call center to not only hear what is happening but to also directly communicate with the trapped individuals. They also relay information to the fire fighters dispatched to the scene.
The most important thing all homeowners and renters should do pertaining to fire safety is to check the existing smoke detectors and make sure they are working properly. It is also critical to perform a family fire drill. For information on obtaining monitored photoelectric smoke sensors or alarm systems in North Carolina call 919-949-9690 or go to http://www.whensafetymatters.com.

False Alarms Aren't Fun and Games

2009-02-20T07:39:00.009-05:00

False Alarms from malfunctioning security systems are a huge drain on police forces and the communities they serve. To account for false alarms police rosters must have sufficient personnel to respond. This increases the number of manned hours that must be allotted to the city or municipal budget to cover this expense. When budgets are being cut, and there is a shortage of necessary funds to provide equipment that would aid law enforcement in more efficiently curtailing crime, false alarm response is serious plight that must be dealt with. It should not be a burden only carried by law enforcement and the tax payers, but it is a responsibility of alarm companies that have installed the equipment.
Causes of false alarms are numerous and could range from pets setting off motion detectors, faulty contacts that trigger an alarm, faulty glass break sensors and lack of customer response from alarm monitoring center when an alarm is activated. The cities and municipalities in many locations access fines for false alarms that result in law enforcement, EMS responders or Fire personnel arriving on the scene of an alarm where it is determined that there was no emergency.
The city of Raleigh, NC accesses fines in this manner. The first false alarm will result in a written letter of warning detailing the further consequences of fines. The second fine in a calendar year will result in a $50 fine. The third though fifth false alarms will result in a fine of $100 per occurrence. The sixth and seventh false alarm is a fine of $200 per occurrence. The eight and ninth occurrence will result in a penalty of $300 per incident, and every false alarm from the tenth on is accessed at $500 per incident. The fines must be paid within thirty days or a $25 late fee will be added. Any unpaid fine that goes over ninety days is turned over to a collection agency. This raises the question of culpability and how responsible should alarm companies be in alarms that result in false alarms?
Clearly, the alarm industry does share some blame. Many alarm companies use the cheapest equipment and provide little training for technicians that perform the installations. Cheap equipment will malfunction. Many companies produce large revenues by providing service for malfunction security equipment. Their alarm agreements include trip charges and service fees and other labor expenses that increase their bottom line. Alarm companies that put profit first and the customer last are largely responsible for the escalation of false alarms. Companies that employ seasonal labor that canvas door to door offering free security equipment, and are willing to install the same day are contributors. Often the seasonal laborers are college kids with one or two days worth of training. They may be unlicensed and completely unaware of the manufacturer and industry standards of the equipment they are selling. The installers working for these companies cut corners by using tape to secure wireless contacts, and motion detectors, and often devices are improperly programmed. These are all contributing factors, but there are viable solutions to these problems. Homeowners should avoid these companies at all costs. Companies that operate under this model are First Line Security, Apex, APX and Northstar.
Companies such as Vector Security, Power Home Technologies, Priority Security, and Triangle Security provide two-way voice communication services that allow the monitoring call center to hear what is transpiring during an alarm event. This feature greatly reduces false alarms because verification can be made. On one way systems where the alarm monitoring company is unable to hear what is happening inside the residence during an alarm event may result in false alarms because the homeowner can not get to the phone to abort the alarm. When the alarm company can address the situation over a speaker microphone and also hear if someone is inside they are able to dispatch according to verified facts. Vector Security, which provides monitoring services, and has an established history of excellence, utilizes a unique four part program to curtail false alarms. They are the only company in the United States to have a false alarm rate under 1%. Their four part program mandates the use of high grade equipment from only approved manufacturers. They require strict training of all installation personnel. Every representative is required to be proficient in the equipment they use. Finally they require training of each end user that they provide monitoring for. If a false alarm is triggered that results in the police, EMS or fire personnel arriving where there was no need, an investigation is immediately triggered. The installing company and the end user which may be the homeowner or business owner will both be brought into the process. If the equipment has failed, an assessment is made as to whether it was installed according to the manufacturer standards. The equipment is replaced. If it was user error, then the user will be retrained so that the situation will not repeat itself.
Another, element that eliminates false alarms is the automatic reporting feature that is now available on newer alarm panels made by Honeywell. Honeywell equipment is the preferred provider of the companies previously listed. Automatic reporting allows the system to send a status, or system diagnostic report to the monitoring at certain intervals to assure that everything is working optimally. False alarm reduction can be achieved, when companies put the needs of the clients and the community first and employ the standard listed above. This will foster stronger relations with law enforcement and the city and county government. With the assurance that a security system will not result in fines and fees, homeowners can provide the necessary security to protect their families and possessions.

Security Cameras Instrumental in capturing Lola Nye's assailants

2009-02-19T06:38:00.006-05:00

Police were able to arrest two suspects in the beating of eighty year old, Lola Nye, after viewing video captured by surveillance cameras located on Orrum Middle School directly across the street from the victims home. Montrexe Daytoria Blue, 16, was arrested and charged with attempted first degree murder, burglary, larceny of a motor vehicle, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and felony conspiracy. A second assailant, age 14, was also arrested whose name was not released.
Sunday February 15, 2009 a state trooper found Miss Nye’s vehicle submerged in a swamp several miles from her home. He pulled the registration from the glove box, and upon arriving at her home found her badly beaten in a pool of her own blood.
Nye was transported to a local hospital and was alert and able to speak to investigators. She is listed in serious condition.
The most shocking element in this crime is that her assailant was a teenage girl. It is rare enough that crime infiltrates a small close knit community, and when it does it is usually petty crime. This incident forecasts a shadow of an ominous transition in society and its youth. The core strength of small towns was their ability to keep outside influences out. This is no longer the case. It is a true fact that gang activity has dramatically increased in small towns across the United States. The lure of fast money and a smaller police presence makes these towns attractive for the criminal element. There once was a time when residents of small towns boasted that they did not lock their doors at night, and that they never locked their cars. Sadly, many residents still do. The social contract, of doing your neighbor no harm, that once held the community tightly knit together has been torn in pieces and it will be difficult to patch it back together.
Lola Nye, as an eighty year old senior citizen, deserved respect and not the horrific scene that played out at her home on Sunday. Luckily, she survived. In Durham, NC Lois Cannady was not so lucky. She was murdered when several teenagers broke into her home and shot her as she was dialing 911. There are still those amongst society that respect our seniors and look to the good of humanity, but their task of passing their values on to the next generation is far more arduous. In the meantime, security measures must be taken to assure the capture and conviction of the individuals that chose to live outside the lines although security cameras will not prevent the crime they will capture it and it will help in making a positive identification that will lead to apprehension and conviction. It is not enough to rely on these cameras to be placed on commercial and government building, but they are a necessary element in the home as well. This is especially true in the homes of seniors.
Far too often have seniors been the victim of scams and other crimes that not only threaten them financially but physically. Surveillance cameras can work as an all seeing eye in capturing the scum that preys on these gems of society.

Wedgie Thwarts Car Thief

2009-02-17T20:08:00.006-05:00

Yvonne Morris, a Salt Lake City resident and Brickyard animal hospital technician, used a middle school prank to thwart a suspected car thief from breaking into a co-workers car. Morris chased the man down grabbed his boxers and administered a stern yank while applying a headlock. Morris held the man until the police arrived taking hi into custody. The man was booked on suspicion of breaking into a vehicle, possession of stolen property and other outstanding warrants.
The suspect has to be the most embarrassed thief in history. I’m sure he knows that he is the butt of many late night jokes. Surely, a stacked crack leads to convictions. This post hopefully cracked you up.

Keys Crack Caper

2009-02-17T10:31:00.004-05:00

Thomas Ferkler, 43, allegedly was smart enough to circumvent a burglar and surveillance system and steal $400,000 of drugs from a Philadelphia, PA pharmacy but careless enough to leave his keys dangling from the trunk of his car. The car was parked outside the pharmacy and a neighbor called law enforcement when he noticed the keys hanging from the trunk. The police found a gym bag with Ferkler’s name and address along with other stolen drugs inside. Ferkler is currently being held on $100,000 bond for the February 1, 2009 pharmacy burglary.
Too often it seems to take dumb luck to catch criminals who are ingenious enough to plan and orchestrate an elaborate heist such as this. Sooner or later luck will run out, and this true because it applies to the criminal as well as the victim. The pharmacy should be commended for having security. However, having security is much like having brakes on a car. If they have been on the car for a substantial period of time are they still adequate? All surveillance systems must be upgraded from time to time. Yes it cost money, but isn’t money well spent? Large claims assessed on to insurance companies result in escalating rates for all policy holders. This is true whether it is a business or a home. Pushing our luck is applying the attitude that I never thought it would be me. Look in the mirror, Ferkler never thought he’d get caught and the pharmacy never thought they’d be hit. They both were wrong, and we all have to pay.

Criminals Breakthrough Walls to Score Loot

2009-02-15T17:40:00.007-05:00

Criminals in Maricopa County Arizona have stepped their game up. They have resorted to breaking through exterior wall of homes to bypass the alarm system door and window contacts. The assertion that criminals are not intellectually astute is completely false. Many burglars possess a high degree of intelligence. The problem is that they apply their cognitive skills to illegal activity. The fact that these burglars know the basic design of how many security systems are laid out, makes them incredibly dangerous.
Many big name alarm companies offer a simple basic package that may include 2 or 3 contacts and a motion detector which is placed in a trap zone of the home. These basic systems are only a launching point for a complete set-up, however; this is the security that many people have. Criminals, such as the ones in Maricopa County Arizona, target specific areas and know that they can gain access without being seen because they use the weaknesses of the security set-up to the detriment of the homeowner.
The criminals are selective in which homes they target. With the housing market having more homes empty because they are for sale, means that conventional neighborhood watch programs will not work because there are no neighbors to see what is transpiring. An occupied home next to an empty one that backs up to a wooded area is especially vulnerable. The empty home and the wooded area to the rear provide the necessary cover for the criminals to work undetected. Homeowners do have options to protect themselves. These options include exterior and interior cameras set-up to record activity. If a home already has an alarm system it needs to be reviewed to make sure that it is adequate to detect an intrusion, such as someone coming through a wall. If you are a North Carolina resident with a current set-up you may qualify for a free system upgrade. For more details go to http://www.whensafetymatters.com and enter your request on the contact us page. If you are located in another state leave your information and information regarding companies that offer this service will be sent to you. The worst thing a homeowner can do is nothing. If the home does not have a security system one needs to be installed. Residents of North Carolina can go to the aforementioned site and receive $1,100 in free equipment, if qualified. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I have included a video showing the handiwork of the Maricopa County thieves. If you have found this information useful please leave a comment.

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Burglar's Get Away Vehicle jacked By Victim!

2009-02-14T19:21:00.004-05:00

Patrick Rosario, a 32 year old Washington State man, made sure burglars did not make off with his three flat screen televisions. Rosario, recently laid off from his job as a Washington Mutual manager, heard the burglars upstairs and slipped outside to call 911. he then saw a white van parked by the curb idling. Rosario, realizing that this was the get away vehicle, slipped inside and drove off. Rosario drove the van to a friends home. The burglars left the television, a laptop computer and jewelry at the front door and fled on foot, according to police.

These criminals got what they deserved. To steal from a person laid off from work is absolutely low down. With conditions with the economy being as they are more burglaries will occur and many homeowners will not be as fortunate. Sadly, the police have not made any arrests. This means that these thugs would likely strike again if they had wheels. It is my sincere hope that they are caught and thrown under the jail.

Prime Time For Crime-Burglary Poem

2009-02-10T21:39:00.008-05:00

Between 10 and 3 a burglary,
wood shatters as he kicks in the door;
the type of crime I abhor.
The cycle repeats every 12 seconds,
without Vector Security your time beacons.
Better safe than sorry you'd have to agree,
especially when you can get home security practically free.
(by Jim McNeely)copyrighted

Identity Theft: Breaches & Laws

2009-02-10T09:28:00.005-05:00

By: Bill Carraway, Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist

Examples of breaches that put people at risk for Identity Theft are so numerous we will only be able to cite a few examples here. There are also a number of laws that effect businesses and consumers, and though I am not an attorney I will mention a few things about these laws. For questions on the legal aspects of the laws consulting an attorney is a good idea (Pre-Paid Legal Law Firms have attorneys well versed in these laws and the NC Attorney General’s office can help with NC Law).

Some of the common breaches and incidents involve lost or stolen laptops, data bases hacked, inadvertent releases of information and just plain bad record keeping that puts information out. Identity Theft is also becoming the darling crime of criminals because so few TD Theft thieves are caught and prosecuted. Let’s start by taking a look at some examples.

A common type example is: (March 10, 2008) - - Blue-Cross Blue-Shield of Western New York says it is notifying tens of thousands of its members about identity theft concerns after one of it's company laptops went missing. Or, MEMPHIS — Two laptop computers containing data on 320,000 donors to Lifeblood, the Memphis region's blood bank, have gone missing and are presumed stolen, officials said Wednesday. Maybe even something like this: Updated Monday, January 28, 2008 12:59 AM Students' personal data stolen A university laptop containing past students' archived information and Social Security numbers was stolen from a faculty member while traveling earlier this month, potentially exposing 677 alumni who graduated between 1999 and 2004 to identity theft. Or more from TJ Max: The TJX data breach affected more than 94 million credit and debit card accounts, more than twice the number acknowledged by the big retailer, a group of banks allege in a new court filing. I could go on and on with examples but I think you get the idea.

There are also the incidents that are clear criminal activities and not just lost or possibly stolen information such as: 1. A former church office manager who stole more than $50,000 from Windward Unity Church and racked up more than $12,000 in debt on credit card accounts she opened in her daughter's name pleaded guilty yesterday to four counts of theft and three of identity theft, 2. An El Paso man was indicted Wednesday on federal fraud and identity-theft charges for allegedly stealing money from the bank accounts of 15 Marines who were deployed to Iraq. Edgar Alejandro Hermosillo, 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nev., on one count of conspiracy, one count of wire fraud and two counts of identity theft, the indictment stated, 3. Database Administrator sells 8.4 Million Consumer Records for $580,000 A Database Administrator (DBA) at Fidelity National Information Services, a consumer reporting agency in based in Florida, made $580,000 over 5 years (So, no one noticed for FIVE YEARS), by selling stolen consumer records, according to Dan Goodin of the Channel Register, 4. SAN FRANCISCO ? The head of a major website that trafficked in stolen credit card numbers has been arrested and indicted after a 16-month investigation. Max Ray Butler ran CardersMarket, an online forum for people who steal, share or use others' credit card information illegally, according to the indictment and 5. OMAHA, Neb. -- TD Ameritrade said someone hacked into a database and stole contact information for more than 6 million customers. And finally a warning from authorities:
HOUSTON -- Everyone will be a victim of the fastest-growing crime in the United States, Houston police predicted. Investigators said they see about 1,300 cases of identity theft a month -- about 40 reports per day.

And then are the lawsuits, ID Theft is the next class action target, and other legal situations. Let’s look at a couple of these: How much compensation does a consumer deserve for the loss of a laptop computer loaded with personal information? Raelyn Campbell figures it’s $54 million -- if you throw in a little extra for lost time and frustration. Six months after bringing a damaged laptop computer into a Best Buy electronics store for repairs, and three months after the firm admitted losing it, Campbell filed the whopper of a lawsuit recently in Washington, D.C., Superior Court; (CBS4) MIAMI-DADE A South Florida woman started a class-action lawsuit against the giant clothing company chain, Gap Inc. after the company admitted computers containing the personal information of hundreds of thousands of job applicants were stolen; Over the past six months, more than 100 class-action lawsuits have been filed in federal courts against a wide range of retailers who have allegedly violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) of 2003. And these are the just the beginning, so if you have a business that has non-public information for customers or employees you are subject to the laws and you are in danger if you are not careful. Identity Theft and the breaches that lead to it are serious business and we all need to be vigilant and aware.

Federal Laws that spell out what a company must do are realistic enough to know that perfection is not going to be achieved. They do expect that reasonable measures are taken to comply and to protect information. More on that later, but in 2003 the FTC conducted a survey on Identity Theft and that survey said that in the five years since the Identity Theft Assumption and Deterrence Act of 1998 27.3 million American consumers were victims of Identity Theft. Almost 10 million of them were victims in 2002 alone. The costs and time in resolving these cases, as reported by consumers, was $5 billion and almost 33 million combined hours spent resolving the cases. Other statistics from the survey included these reports by victims: 67% reported that existing credit cards were affected; 52% discovered they were victims by reviewing their own accounts; 8% discovered the crime when they were denied credit; 26% reported they were alerted by account holders such as banks and credit card companies; 19% said that checking or savings accounts were breached; 15% said their information was used to obtain government documents, identification or on tax forms; and more. Of these victims 52% said they knew how their personal information was obtained and of them 25% said the info was stolen or lost. Only 4% of the victims said the theft of their information came from stolen mail, though it is important to note that ID Theft thieves will grab outgoing mail from mailboxes and get the information they need. A variation on this happens with college students who throw away pre-approved credit card offers without even opening them and then thieves search the dumpsters outside of dorms, get the offers, file a change of address, get the credit cards and run them to the max.

The main Federal Laws concerning identity theft are FACTA (The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, The Identity Theft Assumption and Deterrence Act, The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Graham- Leach-Bliley (GLB) AND Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). FACTA provides for free annual credit reports, rights to obtain free reports when denied credit and other circumstances, rights for placing of fraud alerts and security statements on credit files, allows for credit freezes and for businesses the all important FACTA Information Disposal Rule. EFTA sets out consumer liability and reporting timelines for incorrect files and fraud and the responsibilities of the institutions. FCRA establishes consumer protections and processes for correcting incorrect or fraudulent information on credit files. FCBA spells out procedures for consumers to resolve credit billing errors and fraudulent transactions and generally limits consumer liability for fraudulent or unauthorized charges on credit cards. FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using unfair or deceptive practices to collect debts and spells out rules they must follow when fraud or incorrect information is reported to them. GLB requires any company defined as a “financial institution” , and contrary to popular legend this involves most companies with “Financial Institutions” being defined as a business that is significantly engaged in providing financial services or products for personal, family or household use, to implement policies and procedures to maintain the security and confidentiality of personal information. And finally HIPAA requires ALL businesses with small self-insured or fully insured health plans, again contrary to popular opinion not just health care companies, to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and security of employee health information. And these are not the only laws as new red flag laws and a myriad of state laws also spell out liabilities and responsibilities down the line.

With the fast growing incidents of identity theft and the long list of laws is it any wonder that a service to protect oneself, their family and their business has become a necessity the same as providing for a home or business security system? It is also obvious that a plan to monitor and restore one’s identity that includes access to legal counsel has become imperative in this day and age. This entire area has now become the final segment of our lives that needs protection, just like we need auto, homeowners, health and business insurance. Protect your family and your business with a plan that addresses a complete solution and it is available for a very affordable cost.

10:00am - 4pm prime breakin time: Could your teenager be at risk?

2009-02-04T22:09:00.006-05:00

The majority of home burglaries occur between 10:00am and three pm. Criminals realize that most people work first shift and kids are at school. This leaves more homes completely unoccupied. Society has transitioned from neighborhoods where everyone knew their neighbor well to neighborhoods where people primarily keep to themselves. People are creatures of habit and are often lured into a false sense of security because they are unaware of crime that has happened in the community because they do not talk with their neighbors. This fosters a false sense of security. Homeowners fail to lock doors on cars, and their home. Windows are often left open. Middle school and High school kids that spend time alone at their homes are famous for security lapses. The idea of invincibility is stronger in teenagers and young adults than in another group. The attitude that bad things can't happen to them is what makes them a target for criminals. Loud music and the distraction of being on the phone makes it easy for a criminal to slip into an occupied home whose doors have been left unlocked. Sadly, many rapes and murders occur when a criminal is detected inside a property that they are burglarizing. A simple solution for parents and home owners in general is to install a Honeywell Life safety system with remote phone access capability. This feature allows a homeowner to arm and disarm their alarm system from a remote location, using any land line or cell phone. Another option is the Honeywell Total Connect System, that allows remote access control via a high speed internet connection or by text message.

Your hardwired Alarm system may leave you exposed

2009-01-31T19:01:00.003-05:00

The security system you got for free three or four years ago may be worth exactly that. Many security companies concerned about monitoring revenue and service profitability knowingly sacrificed public safety with inferior equipment and poor installation procedures. Clients may never realize that wire leading to door contacts and telephone lines may be tucked underneath vinyl siding or left accessible underneath a crawl space with an unsecure door. Just because the client doesn’t know this is no reason to assume that the criminals are not aware of these vulnerabilities. Wires that are easily accessible may be cut rendering the system inert. Burglaries are on the rise as the economy sputters and an unbiased analysis of your security system is necessary to have the piece of mind of knowing that the system is not vulnerable in this way. Even if the system is certified as properly installed the phone line may still be compromised and an upgrade to a backup GSM module would be a wise investment. If the phone line does not have a tamper module the burglar may simply open the phone box and unhook the main line rendering the system unable to communicate. The GSM module is a cellular module that is installed inside the security panel and is protected by the alarm system. This provides assurance that if a home burglary is attempted that the security system can contact the central monitoring station. This means that the police will be dispatched.
North Carolina residents can receive a no cost security evaluation of their current set up by registering at http://www.whensafetymatters.com or by calling (919) 949-9690.

911 dispatch operater lays beat down on bride at wedding reception

2009-01-30T16:22:00.004-05:00

Rodney King said it best after his famous beating in LA, "can't we all just get along?" Annemarie Bricker, aka pit fighter, according to witnesses and police laid a mixed martial arts beating on her sister on her wedding day. Bricker arrived at the reception for groom Nicholas Landry and sister and bride, Lori Knappes. Jeremy Glotzbach, a witness, claims Bricker, Porter County IND 911 operator, attacked Knappes on the front porch of the home. Bricker upset about not being invited to the wedding pulled Knappes hair, removing chunks and took her to the ground. Bricker, 23, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery. She claims in her defense that she only arrived to discuss family problems and that she never laid a hand on her sister. This is disputed by five eye witnesses. Bricker has also resigned from her job as a Porter County 911 dispatch operator.

Imagine calling 911 for service and being placed on hold while the operator pretends she's George the Animal Steele on a fellow dispatch operator for talking to loud. It is sad when people in positions of truth in the community betray the public confidence due to poor judgment.

Unmonitored Alarm Systems don’t fool burglars

2009-01-27T21:52:00.005-05:00

It is sad that some people believe the unguided notion that an unmonitored alarm system will be enough to scare a burglar. The fact is the only one fooled is the person employing this strategy because they want to nickel and dime their own family. Alarm monitoring rates are incredibly affordable at about a dollar a day. This is money that most people blow on self defeating items every day, a cup of coffee, a pack of crackers or a soda. Money wasted on junk food could easily be invested for the protection of a person’s family. There is no excuse for risking the lives of those you love for selfish indulgence. The true reality is that crime is on the rise. Every twelve seconds someone’s life is shattered because the things they have worked so hard for have been taken by a crook with compromised character. Many times burglars encounter people at home and that leads to forty percent of all rapes and twenty five percent of all murders. To look into the eyes of someone you’ve committed your life to, or the innocent eyes of a child and make the conscious decision that they should be short changed because they are not worth a dollar a day is stupid!
There is no such thing as a completely safe neighborhood. No one is immune to the criminal element. Burglars can easily tell when an alarm system is unmonitored. Home owners with unmonitored alarm systems betray themselves because their body language as they enter the home conveys with an I don’t care attitude. They don’t arm the system. The keypad is often visible from the front door. Any dummy can see that the red light is not armed. Many times the alarm company sign is a company that is out of business, and the burglars know it. The only people out of touch are the delusional homeowners that employ the cheap skate route.
If you’ve ever experienced a burglary you will understand how violated you feel when it happens. You wonder why it happened to you. The gamut of emotions ranges from fear to anger. Picking up he pieces is hard. The best option for prevention is awareness. It means taking advantage of the available resources to make sure you have done all you can to protect yourself and your family. Many companies run special promotions where you can receive a basic system for free. Companies like Vector Security, ADT and Brinks. One of the best deals in the alarm industry for North Carolina residents can be found at www.whensafetymatters.com.

Cell Phone Hell- How your cell phone can compromise your personal and financial security

2009-01-16T08:05:00.004-05:00

You may have never thought your cell phone could be used to destroy your credit and threaten your personal safety.
I never thought of this.......But a lady victim has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet...Etc... Was stolen.

20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text
Asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago. When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief
had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

The crooks could also steal a cell phone and send a text message to a member of the family listed on the phone directory asking what the pass code to the security system is. When the family member sends a return text message the crooks now have access to the home.

Moral of the lesson:
Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc.... And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts,
CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you're being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back,
To confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.

*PLEASE PASS THIS ON
* I never thought about THAT! As of now, I no longer have 'home' listed on my cell phone.

Criminals Target Sporting Events To Burglarize Homes

2009-01-15T06:37:00.003-05:00

This gives us something to think about with all our new
electronic technology.

GPS
A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.

When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.
The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean up the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

*Key Install a home security system, they are affordable, easy to operate and worth every penny to prevent being victimized.

Could ShowTime’s Dexter give Rise to another former ADT security employed serial killer?

2009-01-11T15:29:00.008-05:00

Showtime’s Dexter Morgan, the fictitious Miami Dade police forensic blood spatter expert and serial killer, always manages to elude detection much like Dennis Rader the former ADT security installation manager and true serial killer, best known as the BTK Killer. Rader, admitted to killing ten people over the course of two decades. BTK stands for his method of operation: blind, torture, kill. During the height of his crime spree he worked for the security giant ADT security systems. Rader was employed from 1974 until 1988. The fact that Rader worked within an industry that demands the public trust is almost unconscionable. Morgan, the new age dark hero, is lauded for his heinous exploits because he only kills serial killers that are a threat to public safety. The question is how can industries that preserve the public safety do a more efficient job of employee screening in order to weed out potential societal threats.
Every company takes a risk in its employment practices. However, more stringent standards minimize the risk and plug potential loopholes. The North Carolina Alarm board requires background checks that identify past criminal convictions that may bar an individual from receiving a registrant or installer license. With the standards set at past convictions there are no steps to uncover potential red flags that may jeopardize the general populous. Companies such as Guardsmark have an exceptionally high standard of employee screening that mirrors a federal background check. All Guardsmark applicants are subjected to a psychological evaluation, a lie detector test, drug testing and an intense criminal background that includes interviews with people in ones life dating back to elementary school. Alarm Boards across the country should pass legislation that follows this model to best assure that public safety is best assured. Lenient alarm licensing laws could allow a real Dexter Morgan or give rise to the next Dennis Rader and society can not afford for history to repeat itself. No value can be placed on human life so licensing standards should have the highest standards possible.

Burglars target cars to access homes

2009-01-07T15:52:00.004-05:00

Your parked car could be the tool criminals use to access your home. Criminals are breaking into cars at an alarming rate. In many cases they are only stealing garage door openers. This may seem odd, until you several weeks later when your home is robbed. The criminals are able to acquire the home address from the car registration. Several methods of protecting yourself are to place your registration and insurance information in your wallet or purse. Carry your garage door opener in your purse or if you are a man place it in the trunk. The trunk of the car is much harder to access because of the lack of glass which is present in the main driving compartment.
• When leaving your car parked always lock your doors.
• When at the mall or shopping center park near the security cameras.
• Install motion lights on the home and park in the path of lights so they can detect any movement around them.
• Remove any items of value from the car such as spare change, compact discs, and GPS units
• If you have a garage move the junk out so you can park the car inside.
• Remove the pull cord from the garage door opener so it can not accessed by criminals that may break out the small window panes to gain entry.
• Install a car alarm and a home security system.
With criminals becoming more proficient by using technology and the internet to sharpen their skills, it is now more important than ever to make home security and safety practices a major part of your daily routine. If you find this tip useful please comment on this post and pass it along to those who could benefit from it.

Our hearts go out to the mother of 2 year-old that died from fall in pond

2009-01-03T17:45:00.001-05:00

It is always heart wrenching to deal with the untimely and unexpected death of child. Ramel McArthur seemed, from news accounts, to be a fun-loving, energetic child that was curious about what life had to offer. Sadly, his fight to sustain life ended on New Years Day, after battling from Christmas Eve fall into a pond in the backyard of his grandfather’s home. Children, even when supervised, can move so swiftly that their lives can be in jeopardy in seconds. They say time heals all wounds, but it is unlikely that the family will ever stop wondering what if? Blame should not be placed on anyone in this situation. All things that occur in life happen for a reason. Ramel’s life, although short, has a strong purpose. While he was here he fought to make it against the odds: being born premature. He outlived his initial prognosis by years, and lived everyday with jubilant enthusiasm.
As a Life safety specialist, I take from his life a renewed commitment to be an advocate for children. It is my intention to not overlook safety features such as splash guards for pools and door chimes on alarm systems to assist parents in knowing if their child is attempting to open a door or if someone has fallen into the pool. Often, we forget the frailty of life. Let all parents remember how precious their children are. Tell the story of Ramel to your children or grandchildren and let them become ambassadors of safety. Teach your kids to be joyous fighters for life and to always remember that every life has a purpose to improve the lives of others.

Intruder alert: does your home security system provide attic protection?

2009-01-01T13:58:00.011-05:00

If you live in a duplex or house with an attic; the noises you hear may not be squirrels or raccoons, but intruders living just feet away from your living space. Without home security devices to detect this activity your possessions and life could be at risk. Stanley Carter, 21, made a list and checked it twice and his intentions were definitely naughty and not nice. Carter spent several days living in the attic of Stacy Terrance entering her living space through the attic door to steal food, clothes and electronic items he had written as his Christmas wish list. Carter was captured when Ferrance noticed footsteps in her closet where the attic could be accessed. She began taking notes of the items that were stolen and called the police. They brought in a K-9 unit and the dog was able to locate Carter. This is not the first time an incident such as this has occurred. Twelve Kosovo immigrants were found in June 2008 living in the attic of a rental property in the UK. Lee Carter, owner of the duplex, made the discovery when he went to inspect the property. The previous tenant had heard noises but thought it was an animal in the attic. In Japan, a man found a homeless woman living in his attic. The 58 year old single man who owned the property became suspicious when he had missing food. He installed a security camera and found images of someone walking around when he was away. He called the police and they discovered a 57 year old woman living in a space in the closet just big enough to lie down in. She had been living there for six months! The most pressing question that remains unanswered is how these individuals gained access to the attics and closets initially? Stanley Carter was staying with friends in the attached duplex and used the attic access of the friend’s home and then broke through the partition to gain access to the adjacent unit. In the case of the twelve immigrants in the attic in the UK, access was most likely gained during the time that the unit was unoccupied. The uninvited woman, who stole six months of free room and board, gained entry when the man took his trash to the street and did not lock the door behind him allowing her to slip in unnoticed.
With unprecedented hard economic times and the foreclosure rate on homes being at an all time high these incidents will become far more prevalent. The danger of having a complete stranger living in your home is not only eerie but almost unimaginably dangerous. The individuals could be felons, rapists, murderers as well as thieves. Home security is no longer just an amenity for nicer homes it is an essential element for all families. Several options to secure an attic are to install a home security system. The system should include an alarm contact to the attic door. This contact should be set for instant alert. If you already have an existing alarm system this element can be added. Contacts come in two types hard-wired or wireless. Adding a wireless receiver to the alarm panel will allow a wireless contact to be added to provide second or third story protection. Previously, motion detectors in attics were not feasible because of the dramatic temperature changes. Honeywell has introduced a new low temperature motion detector that would be ideal for an attic to provide protection in low temperatures. Home security systems are affordable and select companies like Vector Security offer specials with installation as low as $99 and free equipment up to a certain amount with approved monitoring contracts. Another home security solution for attic protection is to install security cameras. Security cameras that work off of motion and can record in low light are a perfect option. Install multiple cameras on the interior and exterior of the home. Perform a security sweep of your residence daily. Never leave your doors unlocked: even when taking out the trash or going to get the mail. Safety in today’s time should never be a secondary consideration. Access to the right information and the mindset to implement the information will keep you safe and secure.

North Carolina Sex offender Alert Over the Phone

2008-12-27T17:32:00.009-05:00

The middle-aged guy with the balding hair, glasses and pot belly although cordial could be the next mark on Dateline’s To Catch a Predator. From the confines of his home, in the dark, illuminated only by the glow of the computer monitor he trolls the internet in search of underage girls or boys to fulfill his sick and twisted fantasies. In the state of North Carolina convicted sex offenders are required to register with the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. This site has the current or last known address of the sex offender, photo, and charges the offender was convicted. The sex offender allows concerned citizens to search to see how sex offenders live within a certain geographic radius of their home. Many people, due to busy schedules and limited internet access, now have a new solution: alert by phone of new sex offenders that move into the community. To be alerted by phone call 877-627-2826 or visit www.ncsavan.org.
Awareness of a potential threat to your family’s safety is only the beginning. Taking effective action is the most important thing a person can do.
• Educate children about bad people.
• Educate children about appropriate touching.
• Educate children not to take things from strangers.
• Educate children not to go anywhere with a stranger
• Monitor internet use
• Tell children not to open the door to strangers
• Tell children to never tell a stranger that they are home alone.
• Install surveillance cameras to observe any suspicious activity
• Install a home security system to monitor access control
• Be observant and use neighborhood watch effectively

Children and teens are a priceless and irreplaceable commodity and their safety can never be left to chance. Single mothers and single women should also take note of sex offenders living within their community. Use of the phone alert system along with the above listed security measures will go along way in making sure you remain safe. If you find this information of use pass it on to others you think will benefit from it.

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Burglar proofing your trash-Home security tips you may not know

2008-12-25T17:02:00.005-05:00

Criminals are watching your trash and the security of your home is at risk as result. Boxes that were used to house electronic items like Plasma Televisions, stereo systems, computers and video game systems are broken down and cavalierly left at the curb for the recycle or trash disposal to carry away. A vigilante burglar drives by and sees the make and model of your brand new treasure. He or she observes the cars and looks for vulnerabilities in the home that can be used to gain access. Things criminals may look for:
• High bushes that cover windows
• Doors without deadbolts
• Ladders lying on the side of a home that are unsecure
• Crawlspaces with no locks
• Homes with fences and no dogs
• Homes without security systems
• Homes that sit back from the road
• Homes with the back to the woods
The best solution to protect burglars from searching your trash is to never leave it for the trash man to take.
• Carry your boxes to the dump yourself.
• If you have a fireplace, burn the boxes.
• Leave the boxes at the store and wrap the items in a blanket and secure it with packing tape.
• Perform a home safety physical to address issues that may make your home a target.
By taking the necessary precautions you will greatly reduce the risk of being the victim of an opportunistic burglar. For additional information on home safety check out the violence and injury prevention unit.

Santa’s Wrap Sheet

2008-12-23T06:11:00.003-05:00

By Jim McNeely

We should not praise jolly Saint Nick
For he is a criminal that was his stick.
A gangster, overlord of criminal enterprise
With a gang of elves, the perfect size
To slide down chimneys like a laundry chute
Ransack homes and pawn broker the loot.
Targeting homes by ADT, CPI and Brinks
With No second level security protection, cause their consultants were finks
Then they got greedy and chose a home protected by Vector
With a security system so complete it was the ultimate protector
Now Saint Nick is convicted and serves life at the North Pole
Making toys for children to pay back what he stole.