SECURITY CAMERAS COULD HAVE AVERTED THREE DEATHS

A Crime Without Electronic Witness

On September 23rd, 2012, several young people stepped outside of Club V.I.P. in East St. Louis to settle a dispute over dance partners. Within minutes, shots were fired, leaving three dead and two wounded.

Security guards were present, but not nearby. Police indicated that without security camera footage, it would be difficult to lay charges. Currently, although three were detained after the shootings, no arrests have been made.

Folks, this is a situation where three young people have lost their lives - Alonzo Phifer, 18; Henry Byrd III, 21; and an unnamed 20-year-old. Two were also wounded. It seems obvious that although no one is blameless in an exchange of fire like this, there needs to be some sort of closure for the families of the victims - and consequences for those who perpetrated the crimes.

Club V.I.P. had no security cameras that we're aware of. In a situation like this, not only could the murders have been deterred by the presence of visible surveillance, but the criminals could have been brought to justice.

Cameras Can Save Lives

When surveillance is obvious and in a visible location, potential criminals might think twice before committing an act which they will never be able to take back. Hot tempers can be quelled by the knowledge that one's actions are being monitored and recorded by a camera. If temper takes control, however, the crime can still be resolved after the fact by pinpointing those responsible and bringing them their due.

In this situation, there are three lives that might have been spared by the presence of visible security. What a horrifying trade-off - a few dollars saved by the club in exchange for three promising young lives. And the club itself will suffer, too - reputation leaves a permanent mark, for better or for worse.

With the installation of security cameras in public and even private locations, prominently displayed, violent crime - the apex of our fears - can be averted. This can help us live our lives in peace, comfort and with a sense of safety. Although much of the time it's easy to think of surveillance as a helpful tool only after something bad has happened, it can be a powerful force for prevention.

Not only are cameras a good idea in public places such as businesses, parks and busy venues - they can also help to ease our minds when placed in and around our homes and neighborhoods. You can help prevent crime in your own backyard and around your place of business, simply by installing the appropriate deterrents!

At Eye Spy Electronics, we provide a wide array of security options, including a large selection of cameras for any environment or context. Our goal is your peace of mind - and we can provide it with the lowest installation costs and great ongoing service. Don't leave your home and business security to chance - take it into your hands today. We can help you get started.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.