Security Articles

When you live in a condominium, you may not pay the same attention to security as you would if you were living in a house. This is especially true if you are in a high-rise condominium.

However, condo security is important. The fact that you may have a security desk or an entry phone system – combined with the fact that your unit may be located on a high floor – might be enough to make you feel as though you don’t need to be concerned with security at all. Unfortunately, that’s not true.

You can still be a victim of crime when you live in a condominium. The threats are different than in a standard house and so the precautions that you take will also need to be different. Here are a few tips for condo security.

What to Look for in Condo Security

One of the best things you can do is to investigate the condo security features that are in place before you move in. You do not want to move into a condo – either new or resale – that has weak security. Some buildings feel that security is less important in a condo than in a house, but this is certainly not true. If you already live in a condominium, you may wish to speak with your building’s superintendent, property management office or security team. Knowing which security features your building has and finding out exactly how your condo keeps you safe is incredibly important.

The main entry point to a condominium is obviously the front door. However, your building could also have alternate entry points such as side and rear doors or garage doors. All of these doors should be secured, not just the front door. It should be impossible to get into your building without being noticed. If your building has a security guard or concierge at the front door, find out how he or she monitors the building’s other entrances as well. Many buildings have surveillance cameras that are monitored by building security. This is necessary to keep you safe in a condominium and a big part of condo security.

Many condominiums use high security keys or fobs to enter the building. These are definitely important for condo security and safety as they are difficult to copy. Criminals will have a hard time gaining access to a key fob and even if a criminal steals or finds your key fob, you can report it to your building and have the fob deactivated immediately. A standard key does not offer  the same type of security.

Protecting Residents: A Key to Condo Security

You will also want to look into the kind of condo security technology that your building uses on its doors. Investigate the security on the door to your suite and on all other doors in the building. Pay special attention storage room doors and exterior doors. Doors should lock with a strong deadbolt and suite doors can have doorknob covers installed to prevent smashing and tampering. You may also want to find a condominium that has a “full-length astragal” installed on exterior doors. This is a security plate that makes it more difficult for burglars to pry open your door and is a key condo security tool.

Lighting is also very important, both inside the building and around the exterior of the building. Criminals like to work in the dark where they can avoid being seen and where they can use the element of surprise to attack. A well-lit building will keep you safe. Think of this when you are analyzing the condo security at condominium building.

Unfortunately, burglaries and break-ins happen quite regularly in homes across North America. In 2010, a burglary took place every 15 seconds in the United States. The best way to prevent burglaries and to protect yourself is to understand where and when they take place and to secure your home with the appropriate security technology. Understanding burglary statistics is key.

Renter’s Insurance recently published burglary statistics on break ins in the United States. The information can help you understand how burglar’s think so that you are able to better protect your home, your valuables and your family.

In Depth Info on Burglary Statistics

Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 73.9% of all burglary offenses in 2010. Contrary to what some may believe, the majority of residential burglaries take place during the day, not at night. Most burglaries take place between 10am and 3pm, since most people are away from their homes during these times. Break ins take place most often during the summer months (July and August) while February has the fewest number of break ins. Weather is certainly a factor in these cases and the fact that many people take long vacations during the summer makes their homes tempting targets for burglars.

Single-family homes in the middle of a block are more common targets for burglars than homes on corner lots. This is likely because a house on the corner is more easily spotted than a house in the middle of a block. Burglars do not want to be caught committing crimes and thus they target homes where they are less likely to be noticed.

How do burglars get into your home?

According to burglar statistics, in most cases, criminals enter your home in the same way that you do, through the front door. This was the entry point of choice in 34% of burglaries. A first floor window was chosen in 23% of cases and the back door was used in 22%. Garages are used to enter a home 9% of the time.

From looking at burglary statistics, we see that most criminals head to the master bedroom first when breaking into a home. This is usually where jewelry, safes, cash and other valuables are held. The most common places for burglars to look for items in your bedroom are in dresser drawers, desks and in closets. Home offices are also a major target for burglars, as these rooms usually include electronics and other valuable items.

Money, jewelry and electronics are by far the most frequently stolen items in home burglaries.

You can protect yourself from a burglary with strong home security tools. For more information on burglary statistics or to speak with one of our loss prevention professionals about protecting your home and your valuables, please contact us today. We have been protecting people and property for more than 20 years and understand how to use burglary statistics to protect a property.

Ways to Increase Crime Prevention

There are a number of ways to prevent criminals from breaking into your home or business. Alarm systems, security cameras, window bars and gates and other security technology are vital to keeping your property safe from criminals. However, it has also been proven that proper design can improve crime prevention efforts by reducing crime and the fear of crime in a neighbourhood or property.

A combination of security technology and natural surveillance, access control and other techniques can make an area safer and drastically reduce crime. Crime prevention through environmental design is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through design techniques.

The ideas of crime prevention through environmental design have been practised and refined for quite some time. Today these tactics are used in both residential and commercial environments to limit the opportunity for crime and to also reduce the fear of crime in a given area. Urban planners and those designing neighbourhoods and commercial areas such as office parks or shopping centres often take safety and security into account when creating a design.

Crime Prevention Tactics

There are several ways that you can use these tactics to protect your home or office. For example, a key aspect of crime prevention through environmental design is the idea of “natural surveillance”. This means creating an environment that maximizes visibility and increases the ability to spot suspicious people or activities. This technique can be used in your home quite effectively. For example, you should ensure that your home’s main entrance is clearly visible from the street and that there are no bushes or shrubs located nearby where criminals could hide. Installing motion-activated security lighting over all entrances will increase visibility at night and make it more difficult for criminals to act without being caught.

“Natural Access Control” is another crime prevention method that can be used to protect your home. Having a clearly defined point of entry will force criminals to attempt to enter your home through an entrance that is easily visible. Use waist-level, picket-type fencing and low, thorny bushes to steer criminals towards this main entrance while also giving them no hiding places. A criminal is much less likely to break in through a front door when he or she will easily be spotted. This is just one example of a crime prevention technique.

Property maintenance is also a key to preventing crime through environmental design. For example, a broken window could encourage a criminal to attempt to break into a property, or at the very least, cause the criminal to scout out this property for additional weaknesses.  If broken windows, damaged bushes and clutter are quickly cleaned up or fixed, criminals understand that the property is under frequent watch. They will be less likely to strike for fear of being caught.

Visible security cameras can also be used to deter criminals. Anything that you can do that will cause a criminal to feel that he or she is likely to be caught committing a crime is a smart move. Criminals like to strike in dark, hidden areas whenever possible. Removing these areas from your home will keep you safer and reduce break-ins. This is what good crime prevention is all about.

When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to think about potential troubles back at home. You want to clear your mind and enjoy yourself, not fret about home security. If you take some precautions before you leave for your trip, you won’t need to worry. Your home will be safe and you’ll be able to relax.

Empty homes are targets for criminals. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. If your home is empty for a significant amount of time during your vacation, it’s even more tempting. Criminals feel that they’ll have the opportunity to rob your home and leave the scene of the crime without being noticed. Since no one is home, it could be several days or even weeks before the burglary is noticed.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your home.

Monitored Alarm Systems Ensure Your Property

Monitored alarm systems are the best way to ensure that your property is safe while you are on vacation. With a monitored alarm systems, someone will always be watching your house, even if you’re thousands of miles away. In the event of a break-in or robbery attempt, the 24-hour monitoring station that handles your monitored alarm system will immediately be notified. They will investigate the situation and send the appropriate authorities to your home right away.

If you have security cameras in your home as part of your monitored security system, the monitoring station will be able to watch these cameras if an alarm sounds. That will give them all of the information they need when dispatching the authorities. In fact, if you have your security cameras connected to the Internet, you will be able to watch your cameras yourself during your vacation. All you need is an Internet connect and an Internet-enabled device, such as a laptop. You can even watch your home security cameras with your cell phone!

Technology can be very helpful when you’re trying to keep your home safe from burglars. From Internet-enabled security cameras to 24-hour monitoring stations and monitored alarm systems, there is a lot that you can do with technology to protect yourself. However, it is also important to mention ways in which you should NOT use technology if you want to protect yourself.

It’s very tempting to write “I’m going out of the country for two weeks with no access to my phone!” on Twitter, Facebook and in your email signature. However, even with privacy settings, there is really no way to know who will read that message. Unfortunately, a criminal could read something like that and decide to find out where your home is. On the Internet, it’s relatively easy to find out a great deal of information about someone. A simple Facebook message or out of office reply can tempt criminals. Don’t write about your vacation details online until after you get back.

If you really need to let me know that you won’t be answering phone calls and emails for the next little while, just say that you’re “unavailable.”

Monitored Alarm Systems Protect Home Safety

Monitored alarm systems can certainly protect your home while you’re away, but putting some effort into protecting yourself can help as well.

You’ll want to ensure that you stop your mail delivery while you are gone, or that you have a trusted neighbour or relative pick up your mail for you. A large collection of mail sitting in your mailbox is a definite sign that you are away for an extended period of time. The same goes for snow. If you’re taking a vacation during the winter, be sure to make arrangements for someone to shovel your snow while you’re gone.

It’s also important that you make your home look occupied, even when it isn’t. If it’s possible, you should park your car in the driveway to make it look like someone is home. You’ll also want to set the lights in your home up on a timer and make sure that timer varies from day-to-day if possible. The more realistic it looks, the better the chances of a criminal avoiding your home.

Taking a few steps before you leave and having your home protected by security cameras and a 24-hour monitored alarm systems will ensure that you return to the same safe, secure and stable home that you left before your vacation. Trust a monitored alarm system to watch your home when you can’t.

There are a number of benefits to have a home alarm system. In fact, every home should have one. Without properly protecting your home with a security system, you leave yourself vulnerable to burglars, robbers and other criminals. However, not all home alarm systems are created equal. When you’re looking at different options, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are some home alarm system tips.

First, take a look at your home and take note of all of the areas you would like to protect. Remember, criminals will use any entry point to gain access to your home, not just the front door. You’ll want to take note of how many doors, windows and other possible entry points that your home has. Don’t forget the garage and the smaller windows in your basement!

Once you understand how many entrances need to be protected, you’ll want to figure out the level of protect you require. You can get sensors that will set off an alarm if a door or window is opened while the home alarm system is activated. You may also be interested in motion detectors as well.

In addition to audible alarms and motion detectors, you will also want to consider the other forms of home security available to you. Surveillance cameras, motion-activated lighting, window bars and gates and other options will improve the quality and effectiveness of your home security system. Consider these home alarm system tips.

Home Alarm System Tips – Wired vs. Wireless

Whether you decide to install a wired home alarm system or a wireless alarm system will depend on the nature of your home. If you have an older home, a wired system will be very difficult to install. In this situation you will likely want a wireless home alarm system. If you are building a new home or planning on doing extensive renovations, you may want to install a wired alarm system.

Home Alarm System Monitoring

One of the most effective ways to keep your home secure is by having your home security system monitored. With a monitored home security system, you will have a 24 hour monitoring station watching your home at all times. If an alarm sounds or if a motion detector is activated, the alarm monitoring station will immediately respond to verify the alarm. They will then dispatch the appropriate authorities to your home. Home alarm system monitoring only costs a low monthly fee and it greatly increases your security and your piece of mind.

Before deciding on a home alarm system or home security system, you may wish to undergo a Free Risk Assessment which will give you some added information about the safety and security of your home. Hopefully, these home alarm system tips will help you choosing the right one.

Cottage Security & Relax Life

Cottages are usually a great place to relax, enjoy yourself and get away from your troubles. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to leave all of your worries behind. There is still crime in cottage country as burglars and thieves take advantage of the more relaxed atmosphere to attack unprepared cottages. Be aware of cottage security

Steps For Increasing The Cottage Security

Alarm systems and other security services are incredibly important for the cottage security. The first step in cottage security is the same as security at home. It begins with locking your doors and windows. This sounds like a very basic step, but it is one that many people forget.

You need to make sure that you lock your doors and windows every time, even if you’re just stepping out for a moment or two. Often criminals will stake out a location for a long time in order to spot when it is vacant. They can strike your cottage very quickly and burglarize your property before you even notice it.

It’s also important to note that not all locks are created equal. All doors that face the outside world should be securely locked with a dead bolt. Dead bolts are by far the best way to lock your door as they provide the most resistance to criminals.

It’s also important to have a strong door with strong hinges. A metal or steel door with a metal frame is strongly recommended. Wooden doors and door frames can be easily broken or damaged by criminals.

Another important aspect of cottage security is the windows. Again, these should be solid windows that lock and you need to ensure that the frames cannot be easily damaged. Many cottages are older and you may want to install new windows to increase cottage security.

Of course, another key component of cottage security is your cottage alarm system. Much like home alarm systems and commercial alarm systems, cottage alarm systems are vital to protecting your property. You need to ensure that all areas of your cottage are protecting. Installing motion detectors and security cameras in addition to a standard alarm system is certainly a good step to take and doing so is highly recommended.

Be Aware of Cottage Security

Remember that just because the cottage is your place to get away, that doesn’t mean that criminals will not want to break into it. You likely have televisions, computers and other electronics as well as many other valuables inside your cottage. Security is paramount to protect these items. Cottage alarm systems and other cottage security services are incredibly important. The peace of mind that they provide will allow you to enjoy your time at the cottage without worry.

Using Security Cameras in Parking Lots & Garages

Parking garages and parking lots require a lot of security cameras. Unfortunately, due to the vast number of people and cars in the garage and the fact that people can easily hide between cars, there is a great deal of crime and vandalism in parking lots of parking garages as well. This is especially true if they are not properly protected.

Using security cameras in parking garages is important to keep the area safe and secure. When you install surveillance cameras, you can keep track of everything that takes place and have a permanent recording of the action. Parking garages don’t have to be dangerous. If you properly install security measures (such as video surveillance cameras) you can keep your parking area safe.

Security Cameras Are Facing Potential Crimes

There are many different potential crimes that can take place in a parking garage. The first, and possibly the most obvious, is vehicle theft. By their very nature, parking garages are filled with unattended vehicles. There usually aren’t very many people in the parking garage at any given time and the area is quite large. This makes it a very tempting setting for car thieves.

It can get very costly and time-consuming if you hope to cover your parking garage with attendants and security guards. It’s almost impossible to watch all areas of a parking lot in person. This is where parking garage security cameras come in handy.

While a person can only see so much and he or she can only possibly be in one place at a time, security cameras can be installed to cover the entire area of a parking lot or a parking garage.

Using security cameras does not have to have the limitations that people do. When properly installed, they can provide uncompromised access to every area of the parking complex in an effective, affordable and reliable manner.

Remember, vehicle theft is not the only crime that could take place inside a parking complex. Criminals often use the cover of automobiles or other obstructions to hide in the garage and wait for their victims. Robbery, assault, vandalism, kidnapping, rape and many other illegal activities could take place inside a parking garage.

The Benefits of Using Security Cameras

There are many benefits of using security cameras. Security cameras don’t give criminals anywhere to hide. If you install your surveillance cameras properly, you’ll be able to monitor everything that happens in the parking area and be aware of anyone who is trying to hide. You’ll also have powerful video evidence on hand if there ever is a criminal situation in your parking garage. Security cameras provide the police and any other authorities with proof of criminal activity.

You’ll also install a sense of trust when you have your parking garage protected by monitored video surveillance. Customers will feel much safer about parking in your location as they know that they will be protected from the dangerous criminal element.

Home Security Facts to Keep You Safe

If you have a home security system you’re certainly making the right move toward keeping your family and your property safe. However, not all home security systems are created equal. Not only are there different levels of home security systems, but older home security systems may not have the same security features as newer ones. There are many home security facts to consider.

Periodically Check The Home Security Systems

In order to ensure that your home receives the best possible home security and protection, you will want to take a look at your home security system periodically and determine if it still meets your needs. If you you haven’t taken the time to check out your home security system and discover what weaknesses it may have, that’s something you should do immediately. These are not all the home security facts

Criminals are becoming more and more skilled at determining weaknesses in security systems. Often, criminals will scout an area or a particular home for days at a time. Not only will they do so to catch the routines of those who live there, but they will also spend time analyzing the security coverage of homes they hope to strike.

If a criminal is willing to spend the time needed to inspect your home security system, you have to be willing to do the same. Staying a step ahead of criminals is necessary to prevent break-ins, robberies and theft.

Several Weaknesses In Home Security Systems

There are several common weaknesses in home security systems that you should be certain to watch out for.

The Second Floor

Most people install window contacts, monitoring home security systems and security cameras on the first floor of their house. However, criminals have realized this and they are now using the second floor as an entry point in more and more situations. If you do not have any home security features on your second floor, a criminal will be able to break in and have free reign of the second story of your home. It’s important to have home security services on each floor of your home. You should also consider having bars and/or gates on all windows and doors to prevent break-ins.

The Back and Side Doors

Much like you’ll need to secure the second floor of your house, you’ll also need to make sure that you back door and any side doors are well secured as well. Most people understand that they will need a strong deadbolt on their front door. But what about a rear sliding door? While you can’t secure these with a deadbolt, there are locks and bars that can prevent unauthorized entry. Ensure that your side doors are locked and protected by an alarm system as well.

Basement Windows

Basement windows are usually quite small, but they’re often large enough that a person can slide through them. Placing bars on basement windows will prevent break-ins. Be careful if you have a kitchen or any bedrooms in your basement, however. Sometimes a basement window can be the only way to escape a fire or other emergency situation. In these cases, you’ll want to have bars that can be easily removed from the inside, but ones that are difficult to remove from the outside.

Your Garage

A lot of people don’t think about securing their garages. However, in addition to your car, there are often many valuables in garages that could be the target of burglars. But that’s not all you have to worry about. There are often tools in your garage – such as hammers and saws and even ladders – that can be used to break in to other areas of your home. If you leave your garage unprotected, you’re supplying criminals with the means to attack your home. This is especially true if your garage features direct access to your home. You should always lock your garage securely and consider an alarm system.

The Surrounding Property

If your home is secluded, dark or otherwise difficult to see from the road, criminals will use that to their advantage. Not only will it make it easier for them to walk around your property and scout the area, but actually breaking in will be easier as well. Under the cover of darkness, no one will notice a burglar attempting to break into your window. Installing motion activated lights and security cameras are the perfect way to prevent this problem.

Take a moment and walk around your property. Try and think like a criminal for a few minutes. How would someone go about breaking into your home? If you can come up with any weaknesses, talk to your home security provider about fixing them right away. These home security facts can help you toward keeping you and your family safe.