The recent economic downturn has increased crime as many predicted in certain areas. A direct correlation has always been apparent between the general state of the global economy and the rate of criminal activity. Maybe now that modern technology is making professional levels of home security a possibility, it may be time to take a closer look at how you protect your home?

The recovery at ’street level’ from this downturn will be slow, we have no control individually towards the economic recovery, but it would be prudent during such hard times for many to take the precautions they can in order to maintain the security of their possessions and loved ones. Home security should be considered a high priority now more than ever.

Misinformation is still to this day, masking the truth regarding the availability and accessibility of these home security products. Consider for a second, how quickly an intrusion could cost ?500 worth of damage or loss? The answer, it is almost guaranteed the cost of an intrusion will be at least this high.

The cost involved in repairing broken door frames, locks and replacing broken window panes is almost sure to surpass ?500, so ask yourself these two questions. . .

1) Have you considered installing home security before?

2) If for ?500 or thereabouts you could obtain a professional home security system fitted and operational are you now thinking a little more seriously?

Now more than ever the answer should be a resounding yes! The truth is, that it really is possible to obtain the services of a reputable firm and have them install your very own home security system for a quarter of the cost from years gone by. The recent advancements in these technologies has made this a reality.

Many people are still unaware that this technology has not only started to catch up with hard wired systems, but begin to surpass it; wireless security systems are the future. The benefits are truly exceptional and include:

* Much more affordable than professional hard wired installations.

* Much less disruption during installation.

* Can be fitted by yourself easily using basic D. I. Y skills.

* Can move with you when you move house.

* Can be upgraded using ‘add on’ components if needing greater coverage due to expansion.

* Can be purchased as an exact bespoke system for your own requirements.

For the same money as replacing a broken window or door, it is now possible to secure your home with the very latest in home security technology. Your first step is to find a good retailer that can help you to design the system that you require. You can then purchase this to be fitted either by yourself or the company will more than likely have an installation team that can do this for you.

Never before has such protection been affordable to so many. With local budgets stretched and criminal activity on the increase now is the time to make the investment in protecting your assets and loved ones. With the right type of system installed you even stand to decrease your insurance premiums if you fit the criterea required.

Copyright (c) 2008 Wes FernleyA college or university is more than just a place to learn, it is a home for hundreds and more often thousands of people, a community. Because of the variances of purpose and design of campus facilities, video surveillance can be a tricky business on campus. Network cameras can help make video surveillance stronger and life on campus safer. The Benefits of Video SurveillanceNo matter where one is, security is always important. A college or university campus especially is a place where security is a top priority. A campus is a large community with people passing in and out on a regular basis, numerous buildings and facilities, residential and non-residential spaces. Properly developed video surveillance can help security keep tabs on key areas and increase safety for students and teachers alike at the school. With so many potential threats on a modern campus, having a well-established and maintained video surveillance system can help campus police with keeping track of the goings on of such a large space. The presence of cameras can act as a deterrent for would-be criminals. This keeps students safer, as well as campus faculty and staff. A video surveillance system can also be used by campus leadership in ensuring that campus policies such as curfews and the like are being properly followed. This eases up pressures on campus security forces, allowing them to spend their time more productively in defending against greater threats such as theft, vandalism and violent acts. Network Camera Video SurveillanceFor an area the size of an average campus, network cameras can be a great advantage to more traditional CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera set-ups. Network cameras are generally small and compact. They are easy to install, and have a host of benefits unrivalled by CCTV cameras. Network cameras get their name from the fact that they are designed to work over a computer network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. They come with built-in web servers, so that data can be sent directly to any network required. This provides simplified remote monitoring capabilities: video feeds can be access from anyone with authorization at any time and from anywhere. Even PDAs and cell phones with Internet access can be hooked into the network to view feeds, so security officers can view live security video even while out on patrol or checking on a potential threat. With such a large campus, video analytics software can also be very useful. While it is always best to have human eyes on hand to catch any unusual disturbance, video analytics can also assist in this endeavor. Computers can be programmed to signal alarms at any sign of unusual activity within the digitized video provided by the network camera, immediately alerting security personnel even if none are currently watching the feed at the given moment an event occurs. Installing a Network Camera Video Surveillance System on CampusWith so many buildings and so many open spaces, it is near impossible for a campus to be completely covered by surveillance cameras, and even if not it might be prohibitively difficult in terms of time and manpower. Thus, before installing a video surveillance system on campus you should examine what areas are the most vulnerable to security risks and determine exactly where cameras are needed. Interior spaces, such as cafeterias, hallways, gyms, etc. should be looked at. Also certain exterior spaces such as parking lots are also prime spots for security cameras. More private areas such as dorms and locker rooms should be avoided, so as to protect the privacy of campus residents.

Are you thinking about installing Hidden or Surveillance Cameras in your place of business? Many employers consider video and other surveillance key to keeping an honest and productive workplace. It keeps employees on the straight and narrow – no fingers in the till, no time clock funny business, no drinking or drugging on breaks. Many business owners and managers also record or review phone calls and emails from the office. But employers must be careful not to go too far in their surveillance or they will risk being sued by an employee for an invasion of privacy under federal or state law. This article is an overview of the laws applicable to workplace surveillance – you should always talk to your own attorney to determine exactly what the law is in your state. VIDEO SURVEILLANCEThere are several variables when considering video surveillance in your place of business. Your choices include visible traditional and dome surveillance cameras or hidden cameras, with or without audio. Each of the variables has potential legal implications. Visible surveillance cameras (not hidden in any way) are generally not illegal if they are in a non-private place. If the camera records sound as well as video, you must comply with federal and state wiretapping and eavesdropping laws. You will need consent of one or all parties to any recorded conversation, depending on your jurisdiction. Hidden cameras are a slightly different story. Video recording (without sound) is usually okay, even if the camera is hidden unless the person(s) being recorded has a reasonable expectation of privacy, the taping is done for some illegal purpose or there was trespass to record the video. Courts across the country are finding with more and more frequency that no reasonable expectation of privacy exists with non-covert video surveillance or even with hidden surveillance if the physical space examined is a public space. Note that, if an employer uses union employees, the employer may be required to notify the union of its intention to use hidden cameras, but probably doesn’t have to disclose where the cameras will be installed. There is a federal law which makes it a crime to secretly capture photo or video images of people in places and situations in which they have an expectation of privacy. Most states have followed suit. These laws are often referred to as “video voyeurism” statutes. VIDEO VOYEURISM LAWSAs you can see, surveillance technology has advanced so much over recent years that excellent cameras can be completely hidden from view in a number of different ways. These Spy Cameras are a great tool for many employers but can also be used inappropriately. The federal government and most states have recently passed “video voyeurism” laws. These laws make it a crime to secretly record or distribute images of people in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, dressing rooms, locker rooms, hotel rooms and tanning salons. The federal law prohibits anyone from recording images of an individual’s “private areas” without consent when that individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Every state in the U. S. now has some legal prohibition of video voyeurism or invasion of privacy, except Iowa and Washington D. C. About half of these statutes actually make this kind of video recording a felony. Many have an even harsher punishment for distributing such videos. You will need to check your home state’s particular laws as the courts from state to state may have differing opinions as to what types of places are expected to be private – bathroom and changing rooms may be “no-brainers” but some states’ courts have even decided that employee break rooms or lunch rooms are “private” for purposes of video surveillance. OTHER SURVEILLANCE IN THE WORKPLACEThe monitoring of electronic communications such as telephone calls, voicemail, email and IMs is covered by the federal wiretapping and eavesdropping statute – the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. The ECPA does include several business use exceptions to allow employers to perform necessary investigations, protect trade secrets and keep an eye on inventory and receipts. Under the federal law, the monitoring of things such as email and phone calls is allowed if either the sender or recipient consents or if it is done in the regular course of business. Employers can monitor only equipment which they own and do not have the right to monitor email hosted by a third party (like web-based email programs. BEST PRACTICESWhether they have a right to privacy at work or not, many employees find surveillance of any sort offensive. It is good practice for employees to be provided with written notification of the existence or possibility of any monitoring in the workplace – video, audio or otherwise. Notices can be made a part of a written, distributed policy or a section in the employee handbook. Employees can even be asked to sign a consent to or acknowledgement of the monitoring. If you are cautious, ethical and respectful of your employees and of the law, video and other surveillance in the workplace can be a wonderful tool to keep your business running smoothly and profitably.

Burglars posing as utility workers stole from two nearby homes in Torrance near Los Angeles.

In each case, the men lured residents into the backyard to discuss a problem with their utilities.  While one distracted the resident, the other entered the home and took property.

These cases are similar to what has been happening in LA’s Koreatown.  The Los Angeles Police Department says since March, criminals have been knocking on the doors of homes and telling residents they’re city utility workers, plumbers or repair technicians.  Once inside, one of the suspects distracts the resident while others steal items from inside the home.

The LAPD reminds everyone that city utility workers wear distinct uniforms and identification, and anyone identifying themselves as a city worker should present identification.  The public is advised not to open your door or allow the person to enter your home.  If there’s doubt, call police.

Are you worried about your home security? Worried about increasing crime rate in your town? Does the risk of fire, burglars, etc. make you worried? If yes, then you need home security systems to protect your home and make it a comfortable place to live. There are a lot of such systems available in market and increased completion in this segment makes it a lot easier to afford. So, you must consider these systems right now and protect you house and its inhabitants. Citing the current crime rate in residential societies, home security systems is the most required and wise investment to make as it makes your home completely safe from various unforeseen problems. ? When it comes to selecting the best systems for your place then first you have to decide that what are your requirements or what kind of systems you are looking for? Basically, systems can be widely categories into two categories: inside your home and outside your home. One of the most popular security systems can be home alarm system which is very effective and outstanding prevention to infringement. If you are unable to afford high tech system then you can go for simple home burglar alarm kit or a modified scrutiny system with CCTV cameras, VSS, DSL and so on. However, if you are looking for the reliable security products for your place then of course security monitoring systems would be options you must consider honestly. Such system includes latest technology built equipments like talking master control panels, key pads or remotes that easily make your family and home secure from any kind of troubles. ? So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab the best home security systems as per your necessity and your budget. Certainly, public administrations and other organizations have this responsibility to secure their citizens but we also have our responsibility to protect our family and secure home sweet home.

The past couple of decades have witnessed a vast diversification and specification of all types and categories of products. This has resulted in the formation of an extensive list of stores for almost every type of merchandise. Candies, guns, toys, and books are a few of these categories of products which may, in several cases, have their own store. This phenomenon can especially be observed in malls and large convention centers. However all of these shops, stores, markets, malls, and even super centers still share the same basic security needs which will allow them to function in a safe and secure environment.
Hardware shops and home improvement centers are amongst the many places which cannot continue to operate properly without having a security surveillance system. These locations usually occupy several acres with several isles displaying a significant amount of products addressing everything related to building, fixing, or improving homes. The long sets of isles and huge size of the facility make it easy for shoplifters to steal items from the store without getting noticed by the security personnel. However, a security surveillance system would prevent this from happening.
By installing security cameras in home improvement centers you send a clear message to thieves and wanna-be culprits to back off from the facility. This will guarantee the safety of customers and staff present in the facility. Furthermore, the continuous deterrence of crime and criminal activities from the premises will save the business a significant amount of money that can be used to pay for more than the price of the security cameras. However, if the thieves ignore the cameras and decide to commit their crimes anyway, the store will also be ready. The cameras will quickly capture their identities and facilitate their capture and prosecution.
Moreover, many home improvement stores provide products that can be heavy to maneuver such as stacks of wood, metal, or large rolls of wire and coils. These heavy materials often require large machinery and sophisticated equipment in order to stack them and move them as needed. These machines can sometimes be hazardous to humans. Professional personnel are the only individuals who should be authorized to deal with such equipment. By installing security cameras near dangerous machinery and/or unsafe locations you accomplish two goals simultaneously.
The first of the two is the ability to monitor a live footage of the area for any unqualified individual who may come near, or actually begins to operate the machinery without the required permissions. At that instant you can immediately send security personnel to the location to escort or arrest the unauthorized individual, thus protecting his life as well as the lives of others.
Even with professionals running the machinery, mistakes can occur. Human error is bound to happen in any business, but the key to growth is to learn form the mistakes committed. Security cameras are great when it comes to accomplishing this task. Setting up surveillance cameras close to heavy machinery will make it easy to monitor the actions of personnel operating it. If a terrible incident does happen, a quick replay of the recorded video footage will tell the whole story, thus allowing the company, as well as the wrong-doer, to come up with preventative plans to evade the occurrence of these errors in the future.
On the job injures can also be investigated using security cameras. Many indecent employees have been reported to take advantage of the financial compensations made by companies due to an injury on the job claim by deceiving the company, one way or the other, into thinking that they were injured on the job without a valid proof. Surveillance footage would quickly resolve this issue.
In addition, abusive or unprofessional behavior by the employees of the company can quickly be observed and corrected through the use of security cameras. The mere existence of these security devices in the factory will act as an immediate deterrent to any inappropriate behavior. Individuals with bad motives will usually not risk the chance of getting caught red handed by the cameras while behaving unprofessionally. On the other hand, good workers will refrain from indulging in such actions for the same reason as well. Installing these surveillance devices should not be interpreted as a lack of trust between the managers and the workers but rather, a safety measure to protect the property as well as the workers and to ensure that everything is running as planned.
Having a security camera will give any hardware store a superb supervising experience and control over the property. This will surely be the case especially due to the availability of surveillance camera systems with the ability to transmit live footage to the internet. Live internet footage will give you the flexibility to monitor the property and ongoing activities from any location with an internet access. Furthermore, if for some reason you can not physically be there at the facility you can still log online and view the live broadcast, if you notice any misbehavior or activities which deviate from the rules of the store you can quickly inform your coworkers or employees about it via telephone to ensure that everything is going according to the expected performance.
Overnight attacks, fires, hijackings, and car theft are a few of the many crimes and unfortunate events that security cameras can detect, thus allowing the store managers to act quickly to prevent the situation from escalating. An additional benefit is the ability to record the surveillance footage captured by your cameras. This will allow you to use it as evidence against the criminal elements. It will also simplify the job of the authorities by showing them the exact sequence of the incident as well as the identity of those involved in it. Not to mention that it if the material is appropriate enough and of significant importance it can be used as learning material for future employees to enable them to learn from the mistakes of others

There used to be a time where home owners felt safe in their house and nobody ever thought about being a victim of burglary, but times have changed and things are completely different. ? Crime rates have skyrocketed throughout the years and with the economy the way it is now, more and more people are resorting to theft and a life of crime. Becoming a victim of a burglary is one of the worst experiences that a home owner can have. ? On top of having your possessions taken from you, your sense of security is stolen also. ? Here are a few simple tips that can help you feel more secure about your home

As simple as it sounds, you should get good locks for your doors. ? Add locks to every outside door including the garage, since that is the place that most break-ins start from. ? Deadbolts should be a necessary part of your home security plan. ? Heavy duty locks like these, if installed properly, will go a long way towards keeping your home safe. ? Locks, along with doors that are made to resist break-ins can really prevent someone unwanted to come inside your home.

Make sure all ground floor windows have locks on them also. ? A window can easily be broken and climbed through. ? Most windows already have some type of locking system, these should be adequate, but if you want to go all out, you can invest in a shatter-proof window or some sort of hard to break window. ? Sliding glass doors are easily broken through also. Make sure they are secure and can?t just be wiggled loose. ? Newer sliding doors have a built in 3-point locking system which are safer.

All your outside doors should swing inwards towards the house and not outward. ? Doors that swing outwards have their hinges on the outside, which can easily be tampered with and removed. Most people don’t think about this. ? After they have made sure the door has a lock, they usually move onto the next door or window. ? If your home actually does have hinges on the outside of the doors, be sure to install a locking pin on each of the doors to deter any thoughts about tampering with it.

Most people think that this could never happen to them; that what they hear on TV and read in the newspaper are just statistics, but they’re wrong. ? Becoming a victim of burglary can happen to anyone. ? In fact, approximately ninety-seven thousand people become victims each day. ? Also, that a home without a security system is three times more likely to be broken into. ? Make sure you don’t end up regretting your decision; take some precautions just in case.

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The first thing first time home buyers always think about is furnishing their home; making it their own. They sometimes don’t realize they need a security system until its too late. ? When they finally think to get one, they may think a system is sufficient enough and miss a few crucial parts around the house that could be an entrance for a burglar. ? It is imperative that people know how to fully secure their home and deter any potential burglars or, even worse, a criminal.

Doors are one of the most obvious ways burglars get in a house. ? A simple lock on the door knob isn’t going to hold back a would-be burglar. ? That would just be like leaving your door open, you need a lock, or locks, that wouldn’t be easy kick in. ? Of course replacing any old locks would be a good idea. ? All doors that lead outside should at least have an 1-inch deadbolt slide in place. ? Heavy duty locks like these can go a long way in keeping your home safe. ? Replacing your door can be helpful also. ? Your doors should swing inwards towards the house since door that swing out will have the hinges on the outside and can be tampered with. ? There are also doors that are made to resist being kicked in.

It may be hard to believe, but most burglars don’t plan out their break-ins. ? They look for houses that have opportunities for them to get in easily. ? The first thing they would look at are people’s front yards. ? Those that aren’t clean and kept up with can show that the owner isn’t away or at least not home often enough to do yard work. ? A few simple changes to your landscaping can help protect your home from these would be burglars. ? They are looking for houses that have a lot of plants and trees that block visibility around the house, so avoid having too many trees around the yard and trim bushes and shrubs so that they don’t block view of the windows and doors.

Lighting can also deter burglars from choosing your home. ? Most burglars don’t break in during the day so at night, you should have motion detector lights around your house. ? Burglars like the dark and hate attention. ? Lights that turn on and off can attract your neighbors’ attention and burglars don’t want that at all. These lights should be at least around 8-10 feet high so they are harder to tamper with and disable. The motion detector lights should light up the doors and windows so when they turn on, people can see if there is anyone trying to get in through them. ? This way, you can also tell if the lights turn on from your living room or anywhere else around your house.

Most people shy away from installing security systems because they either think it costs too much or they don’t need one. ? If you are like these people, you couldn’t be more wrong. ? First off, with crime on the rise, everyone needs a security system. ? Second, there are security systems available for people on budgets; you can easily find one that is affordable. Besides, what is more important to you: money or knowing that your family is secure? Let’s face it, crime will never go away, its better to be safe than sorry.

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The dependability and prevalence of video surveillance cameras has increased dramatically in the past decade. Numerous home and business owners have integrated video surveillance cameras into their security systems to ensure safety, crack down on regulations, and catch criminals in the act. Video surveillance is considered covert when the cameras are hidden or aren’t identifiable. Video surveillance is largely legal in the United States, as long as it doesn’t directly infringe on a person’s fourth amendment right to privacy.
Uses of Covert Video Surveillance
“A picture is worth a thousand words”. This saying rings true in court. According to a recent study, when a jury is presented with video surveillance footage, it is twice as likely to convict as when not shown video surveillance evidence. The strategic placement of covert video surveillance cameras aid in the detection and prosecution of vandalism, theft, child abuse, elder neglect, stalking, and harassment.
Some of the more common places to use covert video surveillance are homes, casinos, police stations, nursing homes, construction sites, prisons, hospitals and retail stores.
Monitoring the activities of nannies and household help with covert video surveillance cameras is a growing trend. Due to recent advances in technology, cameras are now small enough to be hidden in many home items such as teddy bears, house plants, clocks, and wall paintings.
Video Surveillance Laws
Most video surveillance is legal in the United States. The majority of video surveillance laws concern the invasion of privacy with the use of covert video surveillance. The use of covert video surveillance is particularly controversial in areas in which a high level of personal privacy is expected, such as locker rooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, and bathroom stalls. There are some general guidelines to follow to ensure the legality of your video surveillance system.
Covert video surveillance is illegal when audio surveillance is also taking place, and if the it is done without the consent of those being monitored and the person being monitored by the video surveillance has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Covert video surveillance may be illegal when the video surveillance encourages an illegal activity and the subject under video surveillance has a right to counsel, as when being questioned by law authorities and the person in charge of the premises have not given permission for video surveillance.
If you opt to incorporate a covert video surveillance system into your home or business, consult with a lawyer or your local law enforcement agency to ensure your compliance with local, state, and federal video surveillance laws.
Many independent studies in the United States and United Kingdom have suggested that video surveillance acts as a powerful deterrent, stopping crimes before they happen. Studies also show strong evidence that video surveillance systems can be an extremely effective tool in detection and prosecution.