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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

It'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!

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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.