Archive for January, 2008

Written on January 28th, 2008 by Jeff

Securing Your Home Against Burglaries Is Easier Then You Think

Your home is your sanctuary and a place where you want to feel safe and can lock the troubles of the world outside of the front door. Many people are now looking for more advanced ways to protect their homes, not just while they are in but while they are away. Lots of people now travel for business and pleasure and have to leave their homes unattended for long periods of time, the installation of a home security camera system can give peace of mind that the home will be protected while you are away.

The more popular that the systems have become over time has meant that there has been an ever increasing number available on the market. With the increase in choice comes the added problem of knowing which would best meet your demands and how much security do you need to protect your home and belongings. It is possible to pickup a system that has just one camera or you can buy ones that have up to sixty four cameras, you may be requiring just a black and white camera system or full color, night vision or infra red illuminators. The choice is out there and understanding all of the technical specification can be confusing, the best way to combat this is to do some research. (more…)

Written on January 12th, 2008 by Harlan

Stupid Criminals

Crooks are often portrayed as brilliant and devious masterminds. Well not in this case, I’m sure these guys will be on the next episode of Stupid Criminal Videos.
Gregory Slomans a South Florida homeowner decided to buy a home security camera system to feel safer, just minutes after the home security system was put in place, the homeowner and technicians were robbed.
They must be the dumbest criminals ever,” said Slomans his security cameras captured it all. Read more: http://cbs4.com/local/Ft.Lauderdale.Broward.2.628201.html

Written on January 5th, 2008 by Harlan

Doorknob lock out

If you think you are safe behind your locked doorknob…think again.

The latest trend in criminal activity is “lock bumping,” and it is something that very few people are aware of. It works like this: A would-be intruder has some modifications (a series of special cuts) made to a regular key, then inserts that key into a lock and taps the key with a solid object like a piece of wood, screwdriver handle, or small hammer. It forces the lock to “unlock” so the key can be turned and the door unbolted, allowing the intruder into your home in only a matter of minutes.

It is believed this method of entry works on 90% of locks–the locks we are using to secure our homes and families. Law Enforcement hasn’t shared a lot regarding their knowledge of this dangerous trend, but it is important that the public be informed. (more…)

Written on January 5th, 2008 by Harlan

Slomans home security system

How To Choose the Right Home Security System

By: Julia Yang

Choosing the right home security system has gotten a lot easier. With advancement in technology, operating a home security system is not comparable to rocket science anymore. Even so, choosing the right home security system still requires some consideration on your part. Follow the tips below to help you choose the right home security system.

Basic Requirements
A home security system should include the following components: a control panel, a keypad, motion detectors, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals. Only consider an alarm system that comes with all these basic components.

Wired or wireless?
With advancement in transmission technology, transmission of information no longer requires physical connection. Wireless alarm system is the latest technology and is easier to install compared to a hard-wired alarm system. A wireless alarm system can often be installed with a few basic tools. While wireless home security systems tend to be more expensive, installing it yourself can make it comparable or even cheaper than a hard-wired system. (more…)

Written on January 3rd, 2008 by Harlan

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FAMOUS: Make Home Security A Priority

Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said the NFL talks to players about firearm safety and identity theft each season, “but they haven’t really gotten into the household (security). I’m sure they’ll add that.” Security experts told The Wall Street Journal last month that with businesses beefing up security, criminals have shifted focus to private homes of the more-often, security-deficient homes of the rich. Read the entire article: http://www.miamiherald.com/615/story/346697.html

Recent events at the homes of athletes and multi-millionaires have really pointed out the fact that we are all vulnerable to home invasion. It’s not only the rich and famous who are in peril–their tragedies simply get more attention because of their notoriety. Regular people all across the country are experiencing home invasions, theft, or physical violence from intruders.

The important thing to understand is that you don’t want your home or family to be “soft targets,” meaning easily-accessed for criminal activity. The paparazzi may not be hiding out in your bushes, but that doesn’t mean your family or home isn’t being watched. Everybody needs to feel safe in their home, and it is not difficult to secure the safety of your possessions and family. Below are some tips:
(more…)

Written on January 3rd, 2008 by Harlan

33 Travel Safety Tips

By Matthew Keegan

Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can bring to you the sort of troubles you do not want to experience while on the road namely: robbery, rape, or murder. Tourists often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a trip. Let’s examine some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:

1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.

2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.

3. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.

4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.

5. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries certain prescription medicines are forbidden.

6. Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.

7. If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.

8. Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.

9. Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time everyday.

10. Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stop under it. (more…)