Security and Alarm Systems Blog

Two schools in Louisiana have been burglarized consecutively (full article). Twelve new 32-inch flat screen televisions awaiting installation in classrooms were stolen from a new building the night of June 5 by unknown individuals. In addition to the burglary of the new North Lewis Elementary, a closing elementary nearby was robbed of remaining copper. “It seems that every new school we open, prior to us getting the security system set in place, we get some kind of theft,” said the Superintendent.

The stolen equipment was intended for use by teachers in conjunction with computers in the classroom. “They’re used to project the computer images on a larger screen, for all the kids, and so the entire classroom can see,” he said. “These aren’t small monitors. They’re large 32-inch flat screens. It’s a shame that someone would do that to the students who need that equipment and we have to have it ready before the school opens in the fall.”

If the SAT Scores drop in that district in the next 5 years, we know who to blame.

The Department of Education in San Diego now says that the school board is nearing a balanced budget (read article). However, incidents like these in Louisiana are a reminder that security is an important safeguard. With a security system, schools are less reliant on sheriff departments to constantly patrol their grounds. Also, if you add up all of the potential for loss, a security system is a great bargain. We have customers with security systems who have saved tens of thousands a month from the constant, unmanned protection.

The original article included many honest, and sometimes funny comments. Here are a few of the best:

” Couldn’t delivery of expensive equipment be done AFTER the security systems are activated ? Perhaps this should become common practice in the future.”

” I would think that once any valuable piece of equipment would be placed inside the school, an alarm system would be activated. Especially, since they mention that it has happened before in some of the other new schools. How many things need to be stolen before our officials figure this out? I’m sure some of the older schools, the ones with all the obsolete techonology, would have loved 12 flat screen televisions. ”

” Shame on whomever took these monitors, because they took them in essence from the children for whom they were intended. … As for the possible culprits being bored students or constuction workers, I think it best not to accuse anyone until we have a real reason to do so. ”

” Sounds like the work crew know exactly where its at. But it will be replace its North Lewis, if it was another school they would have to see where they can get funds from to replace the stolen TVs. ”

Would-be home intruders look for weak points in a home. The most common areas of entry are doors and windows, especially if they are unsecured. A California home with locked windows and doors is instantly unattractive to a thief or burglar. Heavy window screens were thought to discourage regular and mobile home intruders, and while those without tools might think twice about trying to undo these devices, a burglar equipped with a simple set of metal shears can cut through even the most heavy duty screens quite easily. If a criminal is determined (and usually desperate) they will find their way in.

Iron bars placed in front of the windows are a common site in the inner city, which has the good guys living behind bars while the bad guys are prowling the streets. Alarm devices, using sensors to cover their windows, doors, glass break and motion detectors, will alarm a sound when an intruder has breached the security system. The loud noise not only wakes up the homeowner, but it also takes away the element of surprise and anonymity from the intruder. But most importantly, the burglar alarm notifies the police, and the thief knows this. So, an intelligently designed security system is the best defense against home intruders.

Any burglar alarm installation is not complete without the bare necessities. What are these necessities, though? The first, of course, is a control panel and at least one keypad. These are the brain of the system, taking in the programming from the technician, and acting intelligently based on information given by equipment. The Equipment is the second security system necessity. Security equipment such as door and window contacts, infrared motion detectors and glass break detectors alert the control panel that something fishy is happening. The third, and final, very necessary part of any alarm is a well-trained user. Without a person to arm and disarm the system, it is useless. I hear some of our customers here in San Diego tell me that they don’t use their system. This breaks my heart, because (1) they pay for it and (2) they are susceptible to a burglary which could be avoided (or at least minimized) by their security system. So, What Equipment Should Come Standard With Any Home Security System? A Control Panel, keypad, security equipment, and person that uses the system.

Many City and County police departments now fine households when the police are dispatched due to a false alarm. The cause of the false alarm can be from faulty equipment, operator error, pets set off security system, or a number of other causes. All will lead to a fine. This makes it so much more important to do business with a reputable security installation company. Ask to see their state license, and ask for a clients list.

After the system is installed, false alarms can be prevented by putting time and thought into your call list. If the central station only has your cell phone, and the line is busy, then the next step is to send the police. But, if your list includes your home phone number, spouse’s cell phone, your cell phone, and several neighbors or friends, then there’s a much better chance that a false alarm will be caught by someone before the police are sent. The video below is definitely worth watching if you wish to learn more about false alarms.

I just came across a comprehensive study of five years of statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark, New Jersey. Their research found that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime. While other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems. Other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems or displace burglaries to other cities, this is the first study to focus on alarm systems while scientifically ruling out other factors that could have impacted the crime rate.

Specifically, a house with a burglar alarm system installed is less likely to be burglarized. The study also found that a neighborhood with more houses with security systems installed is targeted less by burglars. One of main reasons the study attributes lower burglary rates to homes with security systems is the availability of higher technology equipment in home alarm systems. In recent years, security equipment that was only in the price range of commercial security applications a few years ago.

Of course it is common sense that if a burglar sees a house with a security system sign, they are going to burglarize their neighbor with no security. However, this study looks at several areas that go beyond common sense, and dives into the probabilities of burglary in certain neighborhoods. If you would like to view the full report, click here.

You can save up to 20% of your homeowners insurance by submitting a form from your Security Provider, stating that you have a monitored Security System at your home. Insurance companies take into account that homes with Burglar Alarms are 3 to 4 times less likely to be burglarized. This means that there is a lower chance that you will have to file a loss claim with them, and your risk (in their eyes) is lower.

If you would like more information on how to protect your home, please call us at (800) 577-2527. We will send a Security expert to your house for a free Security Evaluation and quote.

About SystemLink
The SystemLink Software package by Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is an end-user alarm panel management software solution that allows you to easily maintain important panel operations from your personal computer. Through System Link, you are able to setup new alarm system users and System Link operators, configure new panel accounts, monitor system status, silence alarms, and more. SystemLink operates with all DMP Security Control Panels.

SystemLink and your Security System
With SystemLink, you can easily make changes to your user codes, track your systems usage with opening/closing reports, and even silence and alarm. One practical use that a homeowner found for SystemLink was busting his maid. She told him she had worked for ten hours, but upon tracking the times that the security system recorded doors opening and closing, she had actually worked 5 hours. So much for the honor system.

If your home or office is broken into, SystemLink can isolate the point of entry, and give insight into other details of the break-in such as which motion detectors were set off, and in what order. This recreation of a burglary could help a detective find key evidence.

For more information on DMP SystemLink Software, please call us at (800) 577-2527.

What, I have to maintain my Alarm System?
You have to defrost your freezer when the ice builds, you have to get an oil change every 3000 miles, and you have to polish your fancy shoes when they get worn. So, how is it less important to maintain your Security System? Many people have an Alarm System, but do not know that they can maintain it themselves.
How to maintain your Alarm System:
Testing your system IS maintaining your system, and this involves setting your system and trying to break into your home or office. You should test your system about every six months.
First, call your security company and tell them you are going to test your system. This way, you won’t have the police show up thinking you are a burglar. Tell them to “put the system in test” and tell them it will take an hour. You will need to know your account password.
Second, you will be setting off your alarm, so let your neighbors know. If you don’t, they might call the Police because of the commotion.
Third, set your alarm and start opening any doors or windows that lead to the outside. Every time you will have to go back to the keypad and disarm the system.
Fourth and last, call your Security company and tell them “Take the system out of test.”

We are currently testing the new ePad, which allows anyone with internet access from anywhere in the world to access their Security System as though they were in front of the keypad in their home or office. We think this is a breakthrough ease-of-use option for our current and future customers. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about this great new Security Technology.
DMP Website:
“The ePAD Virtual keypad enables users to control and monitor their personal security systems from any computer browser via the Internet. This revolutionary technology operates as any other DMP LCD keypad, on any DMP Command Processor panel. Convenient, yet completely secure!”