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Sunday, December 30, 2012

St. Charles City is offering grants for security cameras


  The City Mayor of St. Charles is asking business owners on Main Street to invest in their own security cameras.
This will increase security for all the businesses in St. Charles as well as assisting law enforcement with arresting the law breakers.
It’s just one of several suggestions to help decrease crime in the downtown area.
Mayor Sally Faith told shop owners the cameras are a good deterrent. Each would cost about $1,000.
The cameras would not be monitored by police, or tie into their system, but if something should happen, police could use evidence from those cameras.
One business owner likes the idea, but thinks it puts too much of a burden on the business owners.
“I think one of the things is putting the responsibility back on us,” said Julie Brack of Cobblestone Cottage.
I see this can be a win for the business owners. With the grants the equipment would be owned by each business. They could add as many cameras as they need with no one telling them what they can and can't do.
Mayor Faith said the city will offer 10 $500 grants to help pay for cameras.
Eye Spy Electronics will offer a 10% discount to all the businesses in St. Charles that uses these grants to help this great area.
877-821-4880
If the City is offering money why not take the money and help protect your area.
Thanks for reading.

Friday, December 7, 2012

CATCHING CRIMINALS: SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CONTEXT

Today, let's have a look at two very different security systems, and the crime they each put an end to. One of these systems was very advanced, a cutting edge home security setup. The other was extremely basic: a single security camera, installed on the fly to put an end to repeated incidents. Both were totally effective.

Wired for Prevention: Maryland Trio Caught in the Act


A resident of Hyattsville, MD, had the foresight and resources to install a top of the line digital video surveillance system at his home. His motivation was the same as anyone else's when setting up home security: to provide a safer and more secure environment for family and property.

At 9:30am on Monday, November 26, local police received a call from the homeowner himself, stating that his home was in the process of being burglarised. Police went immediately to the address in question, interrupting three home intruders in the midst of their day's work.

Amazingly, the victim was not even at home when the break-in occurred: out for the day, he was actually notified by his phone of a breach in his security perimeter. Using remote digital technology, he was then able to view the burglary in real time through his phone! With a system like that, those criminals didn't stand a breath of a chance.

All three men were caught in possession of stolen goods and now face charges of first degree burglary and theft of items valued between $1,000 and $10,000.

Carpenter's Con: Stopping Crime on the Fly


Working to make ends meet for himself and his family, Benny is a carpenter in Reading, PA. Benny became the target of a particularly malicious series of thefts in early November.

Over the course of three days, first his $600.00 set of tools - the basis of his independent business - and then his ladder were stolen from his truck. Desperate to put an end to the disruptive acts of criminality, Benny came up with a simple, affordable plan: he would lure the thief back, and catch him on camera.

Having carefully wrapped an assortment of sand and bread in sealed boxes, Benny loaded his lure into the back of his truck - plain for all to see. He installed a basic security camera next to his home, and sat back to wait.

It wasn't long before the cat came back. In broad daylight, a man approached and entered Benny's truck soon afterward. He left, but came back to examine the goods later on. The carpenter's beautifully basic setup worked: Frederick Devon Allison was identified from Benny's tapes and arrested for his efforts.

Cameras Help Put an End to Crime


At Eye Spy Electronics, we work to make sure that no matter what your need or budget, we meet you where you're at. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive setup or just a simple camera installation like Benny's, we have what it takes.

Crime prevention - and dealing with those crimes that happen anyways - is something we've been promoting ever since Eye Spy began. With over twenty combined years of experience, we know that the world can be a challenging place - but we're here to help you make it that much safer for you and your family.

You don't need to wait another day. We offer free consultation and quotes: contact us. Let's talk about what we can do for you!   http://securitycamerasstl.com/

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

PUTTING BURGLARS BEHIND BARS

We've discussed the power of the security camera in keeping our homes and businesses crime-free. Here in St. Louis, there's plenty to worry about when it comes to keeping property and family secure.

It's a sad fact, though, that not all crime can be prevented by surveillance; the dumbest and boldest criminals still insist on breaking into homes, stealing valuables, and damaging property.

The security camera can also be a powerful tool in identifying and bringing criminals to justice, however. When the burglar goes ahead with his burglary, when the carjacker breaks into your vehicle, and when the vandal damages your possessions, a security camera will just keep rolling.

Here are a few recent stories of success with security cameras in catching the crooks of America.

Battery Bandits Caught on Camera


When thieves stole the battery from his 1988 Toyota pickup, a Jefferson County, Alabama man called police. They arrived at his home at 6:30am that Tuesday, November 20th - just a week ago yesterday.

Police wouldn't have known where to start, but the victim was prepared. He provided them with photographic stills taken from his home surveillance system which showed a man and a woman removing the battery from his truck. Now they had something to work with.

Proceeding to a nearby recycling center, police were able to match the photos to security footage there and identify the woman from the stills, who was still wearing the same clothes as she'd been wearing at the break-in.

Arriving at a residence later that day, deputies found Amanda Leigh Chalmers, 34, asleep in her car, and showed her the pictures from the scene of her earlier crime. She admitted her guilt. When she received a text from her boyfriend, who she identified as the man from the stills, police were also able to locate and arrest him.

Michael Waldrop, 36, is charged with unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle and third-degree theft of property. Chalmers is charged with receiving stolen property. The two were being held on bail.

Worse Than It Looked


Often, a burglar is more than just a one-time offender; in this case, a man in illegal possession of stolen firearms and with a track record of felonies was brought to heel after picking the wrong house to break into.

Home security cameras at a residence in Sioux City, Iowa, caught Scott Slauter, 38, in the act of entering to remove jewelry and a pistol. The burglar was carrying a .38-caliber handgun as he broke into and searched the house.

Identified from his image on the home security footage, Slauter became the prime suspect in an investigation of the crime. During a search of his home, police located the stolen gun and some ammunition. The jewelry had been sold, but was later tracked down and recovered.

Slauter was carrying three former felony convictions, including robbing and shooting a store clerk, burglary, and an attempted escape from custody during which he overpowered security officers, stole two cars and drove through roadblocks.

As of the 21st, this criminal is now facing federal prison for up to 17 years. If there was ever a case of a known troublemaker being stopped in his tracks by home security cameras, this is it. Sometimes it's not just about a single crime, but a criminal who just won't quit.

Eye Spy Security at Work


It's these kinds of stories that motivate us at Eye Spy Electronics to provide the very best in quality and value for your security needs. We want to prevent crime, certainly, but if we can't - well, we'd like to have a hand in bringing the bad guys down.

We work closely with police in home and business security contexts of all kinds, offering our services and footage as needed to serve both you and your community. When you put us in charge of installing security cameras or monitoring your property, we take the responsibility very seriously.

Call us today for a free quote or consultation. We're ready to make your home or business secure, and we bet you'll be surprised at just how affordable it can be. Don't put your security on hold for another minute: remember, our business is your peace of mind.

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

A NEW SOCIAL STRATEGY FOR EYE SPY ELECTRONICS

Over the past several weeks, some of you may have noticed a few changes around the main site. There's been a lot going on behind the scenes, and we'd like to bring you up to speed.

From a content tuneup to an aesthetic makeover, from a new social presence on Facebook to a powerfully renewed LinkedIn company profile, Eye Spy Electronics is undergoing change in its web presence in a huge way.

Fresh Content, Same Great Service


Eye Spy Electronics has been providing effective and dependable security camera and security alarm system services to the greater St. Louis area since 2007. Built on a tradition of trust and superior expertise, Eye Spy is a leader in affordable security solutions for Missouri and surrounding states.

A time came, however, when the minds behind the business decided the company website and web presence as a whole was ready for some renovation - and renovation has come!

In order to maintain an internet presentation as excellent as the security services we provide, Eye Spy has been renewing their commitment to high quality web development and design. Our visitors and clients agree - things are looking great at eyespyelectronics.com. This is all part of our dedication to serve you better than anyone, and to look good while we do it!

Reaching Out: Facebook, LinkedIn and Blogging


In an effort to provide you with the cutting edge of security news and information, we've thrown our security blog into high gear this past month. We look forward to continuing a steady output of great content, bringing you the latest in company news and security education.

That's not all, though. As many of you are aware on a first-hand basis, we've lately brought Facebook and LinkedIn to the playing field. It's high time our social media presence reflected our pride and experience, and we're more than ready to share what we've learned with the world. We want to share our corner of the universe with you.

Whether you're looking to inform yourself in security technology and trends, or looking to refresh your home or business security installation, we want you to be able to locate and engage with us both quickly and easily. We're here to serve you, and we want you to know it.

We sell peace of mind. This is what we live by, and this is what we want to share with you above all. Join us today on our continually growing site, and get to know us a little better. We promise you won't be disappointed!

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

KEEPING THE HOLIDAYS SECURE

It's the most wonderful time of the year, as the singer tells us. Candy canes and holiday cheer aren't the only things on our minds, though: the festive season is also one of the most difficult in terms of theft and other crime for businesses around America.

While we all wish for better times to come, the chaos of Christmas is the perfect cover for many criminals to make a move on your merchandise. This sort of behavior, unfair and unseasonal, is just the thing to spoil an otherwise perfect holiday season for owners of retailers everywhere.

Need some advice? Well, we don't claim to be the three wise men, but we know the equipment and practise that will give you an edge in your effort to keep the holidays pleasant for everyone.

Security Cameras: Santa's Other Little Helpers


When it comes to security in your place of business, it takes the right tools to keep material losses to a minimum, and profits at their best. We've discussed a wide variety of cameras in previous posts, but the two most suited to an average indoor business context are the bullet camera and the dome camera.

Dome cameras are very likely the most effective piece of equipment, and the most popular, in retail. Not only are they fairly unobtrusive - for the sake of those folks who are just there to shop - but they are also recognisable enough for the potential shoplifter to see and fear. They're also an economic choice when money is tight: a few can be used to cover a wide area simply because it is so difficult to tell in which direction they are pointed, and the criminal may choose not to take their chances.

An equally effective choice is the bullet camera. In a smaller format, this technology is perfect for use as a highly visible form of crime deterrence and loss prevention. Its presence is clearly felt, and its field of view is obvious. You'll need to cover every area - particularly problem areas - with these cameras, but cutting corners usually isn't the best strategy in any case.

Working with Your Security Cameras


Cameras alone are typically only part of an overall strategy. Staff should be alert to suspicious behavior at all times, and aware of the environment in which they work. For especially high-value merchandise, it's not a bad idea to include paid security staff of one kind or another. For the most part, though, making sure that you and your employees are active observers will go a long way together with security cameras.

Keep your work environment clear and well organised, and try to arrange the facility internally so as to facilitate an open field of vision for both cameras and staff. In a very busy time of year like Christmas, don't hesitate to bring in extra staff, or to implement a security camera system if you haven't before.

Eye Spy Electronics is here to help you meet the challenges of the holiday season, and to thrive through the intensity of it all. Give us a call today at 877-821-4880, an email at sales@eyespyelectronics.com, or visit us online. We're available year round, and ready to support you in any need. Ask us about our free consultations.

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Friday, November 9, 2012

INTEGRATED STRATEGIES IN HOME SECURITY

The best possible home security strategy combines the shell of protection provided by external perimeter security with the inner core of home intrusion responses that compose an effective interior security system.

The primary advantage of perimeter security lies in the fact that it alerts a homeowner to an intrusion before the intruder has even made it into a home. The purpose of interior security is to control the extent to which an intruder can damage, rob or inflict harm once they have entered a home.

By integrating both approaches, the conscientious homeowner can reduce both the likelihood of a successful home invasion, and the disruption caused by an intruder's entry.

FIrst Line of Defense: Perimeter Security


Let's expand on what we covered earlier this week. It begins with lighting; ensuring that your property is well lit on every side is vital to discouraging crime, and spotting the bolder criminals who choose to approach your home despite precautions. Another effective strategy involves the use of motion-activated lights: setting these high-powered devices around the perimeter of your property can scare off or illuminate trespassers very reliably. Be sure to point the lights at your own home - not your neighbors'!

Reduce clutter and extensive foliage on your property by keeping your lawn trim and clear. This cuts down on possible concealment for the home intruder. As a further precaution, carefully placed tripwires attached to noisemakers can be a huge deterrent. Don't hesitate to use fencing in particularly vulnerable areas of your property. A dog can also serve in the context of a highly integrated crime detection or prevention strategy.

Above all, be sure to install cameras in advantageous areas around your home. Position them high at likely points of approach so that they will be most likely to get a clear image of an intruder's face. Make sure that they are visible, as their simple presence will often discourage an attempt to intrude on your home. Using vandal-proof housing is frequently a wise decision as well, protecting your valuable investment from being disabled or otherwise damaged.

Second Line of Defense: Interior Security


Last week, we explored interior security; let's go a little further down that trail, and see how it can be combined with perimeter security measures for a really powerful defense.

Change your locks when purchasing a new home. Store valuables in a secure location, and make use of a safety deposit box. Hang curtains in your home to discourage window shopping. Keep an inventory and update it regularly.

When it comes to interior security equipment, consider making use of two major forms of intruder detection hardware: point of entry sensors, and internal motion sensors. A good point of entry sensor will alert you to the opening of a window or door, picking up where external monitoring leaves off. Motion sensors will further detect movement within your home. Think of these two elements as layers within a greater layer of home intrusion detection. Install a loud and shrill siren to these devices to ensure a maximum scare value to intruders.

Sometimes, all these protective measures will prove insufficient: a truly dedicated criminal will work in spite of detection to rob, damage or harm. In this case, such additional precautions as offsite monitoring and locks on interior doors will be worth their weight in gold. Have a separate phone line available in the master bedroom, and install a deadbolt on the door to this room. When a home intruder does make their way through your lines of defense, you will be adequately warned and able to wait out the time until police are alerted by your monitors.

Eye Spy Electronics: Your Source for Peace of Mind


Eye Spy Electronics offers all these services and more. Whether you're looking to supplement your common sense solutions with a bit of hardware, looking for a bit of home security advice, or getting ready to set up a whole new security system, we have the tools and the time for you.

We also provide 24/7 offsite monitoring services across the United States. Our services are compatible with virtually any existing security setup, but we will gladly provide our expertise and equipment to install and arrange a security system that will work to your best advantage.

Contact us today for a free quote! We serve St. Louis, St. Charles and all of Missouri, as well as states near and far. Ask us what we can do for you - and we will work to the best of our ability to meet your needs. Your peace of mind is our business.

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

PERIMETER SECURITY BASICS

Last week we covered the essentials of interior security, from changing locks and storing valuables to motion sensors and offsite monitoring services. This week, we're going to take a closer look at some perimeter security basics that can keep a criminal from even entering your home in the first place.

It can be said that the basic difference between perimeter protection and interior security is this: while perimeter security emphasises personal safety, interior security is oriented toward protection of property. Interior security practises limit the likelihood of serious losses when a break-in does occur, and can often facilitate recovery of stolen goods; perimeter protection can often prevent a burglary in the first place, or at least alert the occupants of a home to an intrusion.

Everyday Home Perimeter Security Practises


Having sufficient lighting at all doors, windows and other openings around your home can be one of the most powerful deterrents to criminal activity. Without the cover of darkness, the would-be intruder loses confidence; their activities are plain for anyone to see, especially at the areas of entry.

Along the same vein, having good lighting in the front and rear of your property can be tremendously helpful. Encourage your neighbors to do the same!

Reduce available cover, such as from shrubs or bushes around your home. Keeping greenery trim and small in size is not only attractive overall, but useful in a practical way: criminals will be less capable of concealing themselves, and thus be less likely to target your home for a break-in.

Many homeowners keep a pet, most often a dog, on their property. This is one of the oldest and most effective ways of preventing unwanted visitation, as a dog will instinctively react to the presence of strangers, alerting both you and neighbors. Remember that a well-trained animal is always more useful in this capacity, as this will reduce false alarms and irritation.

Cameras as a Powerful Criminal Deterrent


Short of the much more high-cost and complex solutions that exist, the standard security camera is the ultimate in basic outdoor perimeter protection.

Many types of security cameras have been discussed in previous posts here on Safety and Security in St. Louis / St. Charles Missouri. Each one has a particular application; we're going to explore those options now.

The bullet camera is the most common and recognisable form of perimeter security around. Known for its distinctive rectangular shape and noticeable presence, the basic bullet camera sends a universal message to potential intruders: these premises are monitored and recorded, and your actions will not go without being noticed. Even before any criminal activity is ever recorded, the bullet camera makes the home intruder think twice before making a move on your property.

As a more advanced solution, the PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera and speed dome camera are a very potent means of preventing and recording unwanted visitors from violating your peace of mind. With the ability to either manually or automatically monitor a wide area, the continual activity and active observation of such a device is a sure thorn in the side of home invaders. A moving camera such as one of these is even more of a deterrent, as it suggests active and ongoing measures against intrusion on the part of a homeowner.

Your Best Security Solution


Having offsite monitoring services in place can often be the ultimate in preventing or responding to trespassers of any kind. When you hire Eye Spy to keep tabs on your security feed, we can alert you and the police to any violation of your privacy - within minutes. This is the eye in the sky that criminals fear the most.

Whatever your perimeter security need, Eye Spy Electronics has the solution for you. Contact us today by phone (877-821-4880) or email (sales@eyespyelectronics.com) to get a free quote and discuss your best home security strategy.

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

INTERIOR SECURITY BASICS

Last week, we covered cameras from the bottom up. If you weren't sure what your options were, we hope we were able to help clear that up.

Cameras aren't the be all and end of of security, of course; this week, for a change of pace, let's explore the fundamentals of interior security. As we'll see, these can range from something as simple as locking your doors to the most complex intruder detection systems.

Simple Precautions That Make a Difference


When moving into a new home, one of the first things on your checklist should be having the locks re-keyed. You can't know who all has copies of the current keys; this is just a simple way to avoid the unlikely - but devastating - intrusion of your new home by someone with the right key.

Store valuables and sensitive data in a secure or concealed place. No need to make it easy for a home intruder to locate and steal what you treasure most. In addition, use a safety deposit box at your bank to store valuables you are not likely to need very often.

Hang curtains on all windows in your home. Would-be burglars usually take the time to assess their potential gains before entering a home uninvited; if they can't window shop your possessions, they're that much less likely to attempt a forced entry.

Keep a general inventory of your household items. Keep the inventory in a safe place. Should the worst happen, and a home intrusion take place, you will be able to provide a detailed report to the police. Be sure to purchase a home insurance policy, as well; be ready to provide them with your inventory as well, should the need ever arise.

A Home Security System for Every Need


The most common form of home security system is the perimeter protection system. This form of electronic setup typically applies to doors and windows, alerting the occupants of a home if someone tries to force their way in. An ideal perimeter protection system would be applied to every possible point of entry.

An interior protection system consists of motion sensors placed in strategic locations around the inside of a house. This type of installation is used to alert homeowners to an unwanted presence within the walls of their home. Many motion detectors are also pet-friendly, designed to ignore the comings and goings of our furry friends.

Consideration should certainly be given as well to offsite monitoring services. A monitored system is much less likely to set off a false alarm, and will return consistently more accurate and timely results.

Eye Spy Electronics carries all these devices, and more. Our range of Ademco, DSC and GE wired and wireless alarms is equal to any, offered together with prices and service that stand head and shoulders above the crowd.

Drop by our site today to see what we can offer you. We also provide dedicated offsite alarm monitoring services, and a free quote for every need!

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

UNDERSTANDING THE SECURITY CAMERA, PT. 2

On Tuesday, we looked at four major varieties of security camera. Today, we're going to examine the different ways in which security cameras interact with their environment - through housing, vision and communication.

Security Cameras Need Homes, Too

The outdoor camera is the hardy cousin of its indoor kin. Also known as "weatherproof", the outdoor camera is built to withstand the wear and tear of rain, wind and snow. This type of equipment is generally waterproof, and sometimes accompanied by a built-in heater and fan to regulate temperature and moisture. The outdoor camera, too, can take the form of any of the four basic camera types as described in our previous post.

Vandal resistant cameras are the toughest of the bunch, usually housed in aluminum (as opposed to plastic) and protected by a locking mechanism. A dome style camera is the preferred variety for vandal resistance, as it is much more difficult to damage by striking. The dome camera is also more resistant to being covered or otherwise obstructed. Finally, even camouflage is sometimes implemented to avoid the vandal's attention to begin with!

How Does Your Security System See You?

Using a varifocal security camera allows for change in zoom and focus, improving quality or breadth of coverage. This type of camera can be adapted to any number of surveillance situations either by manual or remote adjustment; the fixed-lens camera, a cheaper and less complex alternative, cannot be adjusted once it is installed. You get what you pay for: the varifocal security camera can be used and re-used in any number of situations.

Infrared security cameras are also known as night-vision cameras, or day/night cameras. They are capable of viewing and recording in total darkness. An infrared LED emanates light on a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is invisible to the human eye, and captures the image of anything that emits heat. In low light conditions, the image is perfectly clear, and in color; in pitch blackness, the image is black and white.

Communicating with Your Surveillance System

The wired security camera was he first on the scene, and still holds a strong position today. Attached to a power source via one cable, and transmitting its video feed through another, the wired camera boasts the most secure connection of any setup available. Between its reliable feed and stable power source, the wired camera earns its keep admirably.

In contrast to the wired format is the wireless camera, which in turn can be subdivided two ways. The network, or IP, camera is a digital camera that harnesses the internet to transmit its data. The CCTV wireless camera, on the other hand, uses radio bandwidth to transmit audio and video data, often in encrypted form. In some cases, these wireless devices are even battery- or solar-powered, adding to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Their strength, however, is also their vulnerability: wireless signals can potentially be intercepted by anyone with the right knowledge and equipment.

Bullets, Domes, Lenses and Wires: Finding Your Way Forward

There's not a single variety, as discussed over this post and the last, that Eye Spy Electronics does not offer for sale and installation. But where, you ask, do I start?

That's why we're here. We have over twenty years' experience in security equipment sales, service and custom installation, We're ready to hear you out, and offer our advice. We can help you through the details, one by one.

Contact us today by telephone at 877-8214880, or by email at sales@eyespyelectronics.com. You could also use our Contact form, or visit our security forum to ask questions and find answers.

We're here to provide you with not only the best equipment, but the highest quality support in the industry. Let us help you find the right security system today!

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

UNDERSTANDING THE SECURITY CAMERA

All Surveillance Systems Are Not Equal

Deciding to install a security camera system at your home or business is certainly a firm first step, but it is by no means the last one you'll take. There are a variety of surveillance tools available today, and knowing which one suits your need can make all the difference.

Let's have a look at several of the most common types.

Bullet Camera

 

These devices are named for their shape - sometimes as minimal as 2 inches long, their streamlined, cylindrical form says it all. They are generally mounted on ceilings or walls in a fixed position, served by a simple focal lens.

Bullet cameras tend to be inexpensive and of simple installation, but incur serious limitations in terms of image quality and coverage because of their simple construction. This is a good option for the budgeting consumer - any video surveillance is better than none, after all.

Dome Camera

 

So-called for its transparent dome-shaped housing, this camera is most often mounted on a ceiling, but can be placed on a wall as well, depending on what range of view is desired. The dome can be tinted to obscure the camera's known line of sight.

Dome cameras allow for a relatively non-invasive form of surveillance in an indoor setting. They remind the occupants of a home or patrons of a business that the area is being safely monitored without creating an aggressively monitored environment.

PTZ and Speed Dome Cameras

 

These amount to variations on the bullet and dome formats; in both cases, the standard device has been enhanced with the ability to extend its range and zoom by means of motorised adjustments in position and focus.

PTZ is the acronym for pan/tilt/zoom. A bullet camera modified in this way is able to pan left or right, tilt up and down, and zoom in or out. The speed dome camera is a dome setup with spin functionality. In either of these setups, the control can be manual or automated, as in a timed cycle.

PTZ and speed dome cameras are much more advanced than their simple counterparts, and thus carry a heftier tag. It's easy to imagine, though, the advantages they carry over fixed installations in terms of range and quality of coverage.

Covert Camera

 

While a covert camera may not always be radically different from the construction types listed above, it has a very specific purpose: to record without being noticed.

The covert camera can simply be a dome or bullet camera installed discreetly, or it can take the form of a tiny camera, such as a board camera, installed within an obscuring object. The camera within a clock or smoke detector is a good example of this.

It's important to note that while a covert camera may be exactly what you need in a given application, it is illegal in many states to record an individual without their knowledge. Keep this in mind before deciding to install covert surveillance.

Every Camera Has a Home at Eye Spy Electronics

There are more varieties of camera than this article has listed, and we'll follow up on that later this week.

Whether you're looking for an intricate and extensive public installation, or something very simple and budget-oriented for your home, Eye Spy Electronics has the solution for you.

We have dozens of possible variations on the theme, but with our experience and expertise, we'll quickly narrow it down to just the right product for your need. Visit us at our company website to see what we have to offer, or stop by our security forum for some Q&A. We're never too busy to answer your questions.

Remember, folks: your peace of mind is our business. Visit us and receive your free quote today!

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

SMOKE DETECTORS: KEEPING US FROM HARM'S WAY

Why Do I Need a Quality Smoke Detector?

Here are a few sobering facts from the National Fire Protection Association:

Approximately 3000 people die each year in house fires in the US alone. About two thirds of these deaths result when no smoke detector is in place, or smoke detectors are not working properly. A further 13000 individuals have been injured in a single year due to house fires.

Very often, disabled smoke detectors have had their batteries removed intentionally, in an effort to prevent nuisance alarms. Inadequate power supply can also be a major reason behind disabled smoke detectors. Operation on batteries alone can result in a dead detector, and no alarm in the crucial moment.

Over the course of 2007 and 2008, surveys were conducted that revealed that 67% of American homes were protected by battery-powered detectors only - and only 12% were aware that the devices should be replaced every ten years.

In house fire situations, only 75% of battery powered alarms functioned properly, while 91% of hard-wired detectors sounded their alarm. Interconnected alarm systems that span floors also increase safety.

US fire departments respond to over 350000 house fire alarms each year. Approximately eight people die in these fires each and every day!

What's the Difference Between Battery and Wired?

A battery will eventually run out. It is also highly vulnerable to becoming loose or otherwise positioned improperly. Even when a battery-powered alarm does sound, it can run out and cease to sound.

Wired smoke detectors can be interconnected across rooms and floors. When fire strikes, the alarm can be sounded across an entire home or apartment building instead of in isolation.

Wired detectors are also equipped with a backup battery power source! In the worst-case scenario, if a home's electric line is compromised, the alarm will still sound.

Many people choose to install a battery-powered smoke detector because of its ease of maintenance. Wired detectors must be disassembled from the wall or ceiling, whereas battery-powered detectors can be snapped or unscrewed from their position and dealt with as a single piece.

Smoke Detectors and Eye Spy Electronics

Better smoke detectors may come at a slightly heftier price, but how can a value be placed upon peace of mind and home security?

At Eye Spy Electronics, we offer a range of Fire-Lite products, from conventional and addressable fire alarm control panels to FireWatch communicators and audio evacuation systems.

And, of course, we do sell and install smoke detectors!

We also offer free quotes on all systems and installations, and offer maintenance support to compliment initial setup. We know our products inside and out, and will be glad to help you identify the products and services best suited to your needs and budget.

When you enlist our dedicated team and purchase our top quality hardware, you know you're in good hands. Contact us today for your free quote. Let's make your home fire safe!

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Friday, October 19, 2012

ST. LOUIS CRIME STATISTICS AND YOU

Crime by Numbers

There's a reason why so many home and small business owners are turning to security equipment - such as security cameras and alarm systems - in St. Louis. It's not a secret, either: St. Louis has the highest overall crime rate of any city in the USA.

We're going to let the numbers speak for themselves.

St. Louis, of every city in the United States, has the highest rate of violent crime, and the second-highest rate of property crime, after Detroit. Every year, 1,747 individuals fall victim to acts of violence; every year, 7,694 articles of property are damaged or destroyed. All this in a population of just 355,151!

That's one out of every two hundred people being harmed in some way each year, and more than one out of every fifty people losing their property to criminal activity.

41 of us lose our lives each year to murder or nonnegligent manslaughter. 53 of the most vulnerable members of our society endure rape. And a staggering 1055 inhabitants of our home city are beaten, stabbed, shot or otherwise assaulted.

It's not just us who are at risk, though - our very possessions are at the mercy of the criminal without effective security measures.

1,037 of our homes are broken into and looted each year. 1,835 acts of theft are committed against our businesses, and 676 motor vehicles are stolen from their rightful owners.

The numbers are steep, and our position is challenging. With statistics like these, what can we possibly do to protect ourselves, our families and our property?

Solving the Equation

Even the safest neighborhoods are not immune to crime. There is nowhere, in St. Louis or elsewhere, that mankind does not at some point exhibit its dark underbelly. We implement public policing and various policies to prevent and punish the acts of violence and destruction, but we haven't put an end to wrongdoing just yet.

One thing you can do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim is to have a surveillance camera system put into place at your home or business. A criminal who knows that they are being observed and recorded is much less likely to commit an irrevocable act of crime.

US police departments have reported drops in the crime rate of between 17 and 36 percent after the installation of public CCTV systems, particularly when combined with existing law enforcement presence. In a home security context, security cameras build a ring of protective monitoring - something which the would-be criminal sees and takes into account.

When it comes to resolving crimes that do take place, a camera is a vocal witness against those responsible. When harm is done to someone or their property, the camera makes sure that the perpetrator is seen - and, hopefully, captured.

Eye Spy Protects You

Here at Eye Spy Electronics and More, we offer the widest range of cutting edge technology in crime prevention and resolution. We work hand in hand with police agencies when it comes time to pursue an investigation, or litigate against an offender.

Our selection of cameras and home security systems give you the drop on potential crimes. We can help you turn your home and business into bastions of safety in an uncertain world.

From visible property surveillance to hidden indoor cameras, from burglar alarms and monitoring services to mobile camera units, we cover every security need you have. We have equipment designed for every application, and provide installation services as well.

Contact us today to consult with us. We'll gladly give you our advice - and our products and services come at a very affordable rate, too!

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

PUBLIC SURVEILLANCE CURBS CRIME IN NORTH ST. LOUIS

Cost and Effect

The 21st Ward spent $600,000 over the last eighteen months on two dozen high-calibre security cameras placed strategically throughout North City neighborhoods. Residents have asked whether the installations have actually decreased crime. In the ever ongoing dialogue over privacy and security, the answer is very important.

Antonio French, city alderman, advocates the cameras as a silent witness to crime - a witness that has allowed police to capture and prosecute criminals of every kind. In spite of skepticism, he also says that over the past year, homicides have dropped by eighty percent.

Residents have encouraged the city to invest instead in proactive measures, such as community centers and publicly-funded activities. While public intervention in a positive sense certainly has its role, the cameras themselves seem to be doing their job quite effectively. If homicides have in fact dropped so dramatically after the installation of this surveillance equipment, it seems safe to say that the investment was a good one.

If even a single life was spared, the cameras have done good work. And for those crimes that do take place even so, police have been able to find and arrest the perpetrators with much greater success.

What About the Citizens?

Not all crime takes place on the street, however. With a reduction in murders as drastic as eighty percent, it certainly makes one wonder how much greater the effect of home security might be in deterring crime of any sort.

When home security cameras are installed in visible locations, potential criminals become non-threats. Everything from graffiti to violence is less likely when it is obvious that the crime would be recorded.

Criminals and potential criminals are aware that a recording of unlawful actions reduces the likelihood of their getting away with it. It allows them to take a moment, consider the possible outcome of their actions, and weigh the consequences. It adds one very serious reason not to go through with the crime.

This seems like all the reason one needs to make the investment, taking crime prevention into one's own hands. The streets are being rendered safer by such forces as alderman French, but our properties are still at risk.

What a Camera Will Do for You

The city may have spent $600,000 on two dozen security cameras - roughly $25,000 per camera - but you don't need to.

The cameras themselves can cost as little as $100.00, in some cases. The DVR systems, installation, and service add to the base price, but you can see we're no longer talking about the ranges that the city pays for its very high calibre equipment.

Basic security coverage through use of cameras is not difficult or prohibitively expensive. The really important consideration is: what do you gain by taking such measures?

Peace of mind is not something that you can easily place a dollar value on. Knowing that you and your family are being watched over, and that criminals know it, can be an incredible source of that peace.

Consider contacting us today. We can discuss any number of options, and find just the right setup for you.

Call us at 1-877-821-4880, or visit us at our website. See also our forum to discuss questions and concerns with our experts.

Dan Parrington is a freelance content writer for a variety of small businesses across the web. He operates out of his primary business website, The Parrington Review. You can contact him at dan@parringtonreview.com.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

HOME SECURITY: TIPS FROM EYE SPY


While a good burglar alarm system is a step in the direction of your personal safety and that of your family and your belongings, first make sure you have tightened security in other ways.

Install strong kick plates on locks. Make sure all windows and doors are always locked. Ensure you have good lighting around the entire perimeter of your residence.

The cost of installing a home security system is about $200.00 to $300.00 but the monthly service charges average $25.00 to $40.00 depending on which alarm company you go with.

I recommend a smaller company. You get lower rates, and when you have a problem, you get a person on the phone not an automated machine.

Here at Eye Spy Electronics, we provide exactly that: small business service with cutting edge technology. Contact us at 1-877-821-4880, or visit us online to see our rates, products and services.

Alternatively, join us in our forum for active discussion of security concerns in the St. Louis area.

A MESSAGE ABOUT CPI HOME THEATER

CPI Home Theater has always been a trusted associate of Eye Spy Electronics.

They provide the best audio and theater installation in the greater St.Louis Metro. Any existing or new television, they have it on the wall and provide all the wiring needed to complete your project. They can even automate your whole house and install an AMX touch panel and controller. There are so many things that can be controlled with AMX: turn your security alarm on/of, control the lights, and more.

Stop by their site and have a look at all they offer.

REMOTE SURVEILLANCE AND DAYCARE

Easily one of the most important advances in surveillance systems is the advent of remote DVR viewer technology, allowing people to monitor live video camera feeds from outside of a daycare facility using a network or internet connection.

For daycares, and the parents who take their kids to the daycare, this is incredibly important. Some day care centers are using CCTV cameras to allow parents to log in remotely to check on their children.

Allowing parents to login remotely using a DVR viewer application allows the day care to offer this special service to parents which they will certainly appreciate. It gives parents the peace of mind they need to know that their children are safe; when you're having a tough day at work, nothing is better than taking a peek at your child playing with his or her friends and knowing that they are safe.

Stop by our website to see the many CCTV, DVR viewer and other secutiry options we offer, or call us at 1-877-821-4880.

PIECES OF HISTORIC ST. LOUIS GRAND HALL STAIRCASE STOLEN, SUSPECTS CAPTURED ON CAMERA

St.Louis Union Station Criminal Caught on Security CameraIt's a sad fact, but some people will steal just about anything. While most of us think that stolen property is more likely to consist of things like expensive electronics, cars, money, jewelry or other important items, in this case it was a piece of a city's history that proved to be very desirable.

In St. Louis, thieves thought city history was the perfect thing to steal. According to officials at the St. Louis Union Station, thieves stole pieces off of the Grand Hall Staircase last Saturday as the downtown St. Patrick's Day parade was coming to a close.

Surveillance images have been released of the suspects caught in the act. Officials believe that a group of people came into the station to use the bathroom and made off with the pieces. The pieces stolen consist of two out of the four decorative tops, or finials, on the railings.

"They can't be replaced, because you can't replace the history," says Frances Percich, a spokesperson for the St. Louis Union Station.

The theft, thankfully, was caught on the station's security cameras and shows a group of people talking on the staircase. A closer look reveals a man with glasses holding one of the brass and gold leaf finials in his hands.

"So we assume they weren't talking, they were working on getting them loose and off. And we're asking for them back," Percich stated.

St. Louis authorities have taken precautions at Union Station to ensure that this does not happen again. As authorities and Union Station officials consider manufacturing replacements for the finials, they still hope they will not have to. A surprising fact is that even though police are investigating the theft, Union Station officials are not interested in any punishment, they simply want the finials returned, no questions asked.

Percich added, "So I'm begging the community for help. If you notice these people, if you are one of these people, please give us back our history. We want our finials back."

Anybody with information on the suspects or the finials is said to call the St. Louis Union Station at 314-421-6655 or the St. Louis Police at 314-231-1212. You may also report in anonymously by contacting CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.

Source: KSDK.com - Thieves steal part of historic Union Station, what a shame!


Interested on the latest topics in security and security equipment in St. Louis? If so, you will definitely want to check out our free forum. It allows you to discuss the latest in personal security, surveillance, cameras, and anything else security-related in St. Louis.


Put your eye on the problem with Camera Security Now, installing security cameras since 1999. We install in the US and we can help you do it yourself.

Call us toll free 877-422-1907 between 8am EST and 5pm PST M-F. Talk to an expert about your serious security camera needs.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

SAFETY VS PRIVACY AT SCHOOL

The Numbers

A lot of school administrators are looking into installing security cameras in their districts. They want to keep their students safe. They want to keep tabs on people entering and leaving their schools. They want to cut down on vandalism and theft, and they want to do it now.


What’s the urgency? Look at these numbers: During the 2005–06 school year, according to the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Department of Education, 86 percent of public schools nationwide reported that one or more serious violent incidents, thefts, or other crimes had occurred at their school, for a total of roughly 2.2 million crimes. That works out to about one crime reported for every 20 students. And that  doesn't include vandalism and graffiti: Nearly 100,000 incidents of vandalism are reported in the United States public school system every year.


Cameras are expensive, with some high-end systems costing $500,000 or more, plus annual maintenance fees. But some administrators seem to think that installing security cameras will solve their problems. Even administrators in low-crime districts want the cameras, if only to deter potential crime. Cameras appear to be effective at detecting and deterring crime, though hard numbers are difficult to come by.

Voices in the Crowd

Installing cameras, however, can be controversial. There have been protests and legal action surrounding camera installation at schools nationwide, and there are a number of issues to consider before signing off on surveillance. What problems are you trying to solve with cameras? If you do install cameras, what kind of atmosphere will it create at your school? Most importantly, what do parents and students think?


Some of the student group’s arguments, Piper maintains, rest on incorrect assumptions—for example, that the cameras will be prohibitively expensive. “We haven’t taken any bids yet,” he says. “They don’t know much about school funding, so they don’t know that it’s not going to take away from instructional programs. There’s a separate budget for that kind of capital outlay.”


Piper is convinced that security cameras are a valuable tool for combating petty theft. Many such thefts take place in locker rooms; though cameras are barred from locker rooms and bathrooms, Piper plans to install cameras outside Seaholm’s locker rooms, as well as in the main hallway, and outside at the main entrance. The question is: How do you determine whom you’re going to question if you’ve got video of 50 kids walking out of a locker room following a theft? Do you interview them all?

ACLU on the Scene

Shelli Weisberg, the legislative director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, asked a Michigan principal that same question, and she found that it all boiled down to profiling. “He actually said, ‘We know who the bad kids are,’” she says. This made her wonder: Well, then, why do you need the cameras?


So the ACLU assisted the students in their fight, and provided them with academic studies in the US and UK that argued that surveillance cameras had little effect on crime. (You can read about these studies at the ACLU site .) “The students did a good job of using the research we gave them to develop their arguments—a lot of Big Brother–type arguments, asserting their due process rights as students—because they are in schools to learn how to be adults,” Weisberg says.


The students’ “Big Brother” fears may not be completely off the mark. At a high school in Novi, Michigan, for example, administrators don’t only monitor the cameras themselves—they also allow police access to the footage. And public schools in Demarest, New Jersey have gone a step further: In 2007 they began allowing police to monitor live feeds from school security cameras. “It concerns me that schools would, without thinking about due process, simply turn over access to the police,” Weisberg says. “I think it’s a matter of schools looking very myopically at how they think their students are safe, and not really thinking about the consequences of it.”


The danger, she says, is that with cameras recording every student infraction, more and more activities in schools will become criminalized. A scuffle between two kids in a hallway, which once would have been solved with detention or suspension, could now been seen as criminal activity—especially if the police are involved. “Kids are not only getting kicked out of school, but also sent to the police,” Weisberg says. “There’s this tendency, with all of this stuff on tape, to send more kids to jail.”


Schools need to have a compelling reason for the cameras before installing them, Weisberg says, or they may be abused. “I think schools are worried—they have to keep their student body safe, and they have to keep parents assured that their children are safe,” she says. “The general public seems to think that a camera means safety. It does bring in a slippery slope, because there is going to be a tendency to use the camera tapes to look at every little thing.”


Seaholm’s Piper points out that there have been cameras in his schools’ parking lots for a decade, without protest or problems. “I’ve asked students, ‘Do you know of anybody whose rights or privacy has been violated by those cameras watching you come in and out of the building?’” he says. “They said no. I said, ‘So what makes you think that having cameras inside the doorways, when we already have them outside the doorways, is going to make us change the way we do business?’ Their arguments were more emotional than logical.”


Weisberg grants that security cameras can be useful tools, if used sensibly. “I think the ACLU and the students agree that there may be room at schools to have cameras at entrance doors,” she says. “I think everyone’s concerned about who has access to schools, especially elementary schools. But it’s worth thinking about what you’re trying to achieve.”

When administrators consider installing security cameras, it’s crucial to involve parents and students in the process.

Failures and Successes

Administrators who don’t involve them can create huge problems for themselves down the road. A few examples:


During a 2003 girls’ basketball game at Livingston Middle School in Overton County, Tennessee, visiting team members noticed a security camera in the girls’ locker room. It turned out the camera had recorded images of the team members in their undergarments when they changed their clothes. Several other students had been similarly videotaped over the previous months. The scandal led to Brannum v. Overton County School Board, a lawsuit on behalf of 24 students. In a key legal decision last year, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a school may not install security cameras inside locker rooms, where students have an expectation of privacy.


In late 2007 student newspaper reporters uncovered the fact that the principal at Newton South High School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts had installed five security cameras outside a locker room without informing faculty, the school committee, or the rest of the community. It caused an uproar among committee members, teachers, students, and parents—a situation that any administrator would rather avoid.


Kenneth Trump, the president of National School Safety and Security Services, a Cleveland, Ohio–based consulting firm, stresses the need for open communication. “There has to be an education process by the administration, to explain the purpose of the technology to parents and students and staff, and how it fits into the overall school-safety program,” he says. “The communication piece is one that can easily turn around and bite school administrators if they haven’t done a good job at informing people on the front end.”

Security is About People

Trump tells administrators that an effective safety program is less about technology than it is about people. “Technology is an extra tool, and technology is only as good as the human element behind it,” he says. “The first and best line of defense is always a well-trained, highly alert staff and student body who will recognize strangers on campus, or report rumors, or report a student having a weapon on campus, and so on.” If you don’t have the school community in your corner as part of a comprehensive safety and security policy, then even the most sophisticated security camera system won’t be effective.

Administrators also need to address the idea that security cameras bring up a lot of hot-button emotional issues, such as child safety and privacy. “You tend to find people are on one extreme or the other on this issue,” says Trump. “Either they’re totally anti-equipment, or they believe totally that equipment is the solution and cure-all for everything. Neither is necessarily the right position.”


In any case, parents should be kept well informed about every step of the process. In Trump’s experience, he says, “a majority of parents tend to support it and like the presence of those cameras because it provides a clear indicator that there are some additional measures to protect their children.”


Michigan ACLU’s Weisberg agrees that parents tend to go along with a decision to install cameras, but she isn’t sure that’s a good thing. “You know, most people trust their schools, and they trust that they’re doing the right things by their students—so there’s great leeway given to an administrator’s request,” she says. “Parents don’t like to fight that. So I’m particularly proud of the students who take on that fight—and, hopefully, it helps enlighten the school boards and administrators in terms of what they’re doing and what they’re spending their money on.”


As you weigh whether to install security cameras, it pays to listen to students, parents, and faculty. If you engage people one-on-one and address their concerns about safety and privacy, you may be able to make everyone in the community a part of your security plan. You may find that you only need a few cameras—or none at all. In the end, it’s all about keeping students safe. And that’s something everyone can agree on.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR RETAIL LOSS PREVENTION


The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is an international leader in educating and certifying retail loss prevention and retail asset protection professionals. LPF’s mission is to advance the retail loss prevention and asset protection profession by providing relevant, convenient and challenging educational resources. LPF is responsible for administering the industry’s only internationally sanctioned LP credentials: LPQualified (LPQ) and LPCertified (LPC). Its' accompanying courses and exams are focused at measuring individual industry knowledge and elevating the image of our profession. With 24/7 online educational resources and professional membership program, the LPF is able to educate our industry like no other organization of its kind, in the world.

Always start your project with great and quality security cameras. At Eye Spy Electronics, we provide the equipment you need to do so.

Remember that security is not only for St. Louis, it is for all the retailers across the United States.

Hire qualified employees!

Join and read a blog, join great groups.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

PORTABLE SOLAR SECURITY CAMERAS IN ST. LOUIS

Eye Spy Electronics now offers a tow behind solar security camera unit to the St. Louis area. Please check link for information.

This is a solar powered unit that has battery backup as well as a generator backup. This can be rented or purchased for city events, commercial new builds to protect equipment and property. We do offer a free demo for certain applications.

We also offer a full line of CCTV, Security Camera systems for the St. Louis/ St. Charles Area.