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.

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.

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.

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.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

When it comes to security alarm systems, there are quite a few that you have to choose from. It all depends on what kind of security you may need and want.

When choosing an alarm system, many people think about who they’re trying to protect and its value. This is a good idea and will surely give you an idea of what kind of security alarm and or security cameras you should be looking for in the St. Louis & St. Charles area.

A residential alarm may be just what you’re looking for. It’s one of the more basic kinds of security systems. When it comes to these alarms, a lot of people make the choice of purchasing a regular burglar alarm. This is a popular choice because it is easy to install and use.

Some people would rather have a little more protection than this, so they decide to go with something that is a little more advanced. Security cameras and security alarms are separate devices and can be integrated together but at a very high cost and it is better to leave these devices separate.

See our forum to ask questions and seek advice.