Security and Alarm Systems Blog

After several large installations for current customers, Progressive Technology has decided to offer network cabling and structured cabling services. With the same attention to detail as our security systems, each network installation will be held to the same standards. We can run cables or wires in a small home network, or a large business application. Our customers know the great customer service we provide, and we are excited to offer the same ideals to current and new California network cabling cusotmers.

Property Crime in California Homes and other property went down every year in the 1990’s, but then there was a rise from 2000-05. The most recent data available on California’s crime statistics is from 2007, with the California Department of Justice. There was a total of 681,235 property crimes in 2007 in California, which amounted to a Crime Rate of 1,803. This means that nearly 4% of the population in California was the victim of Burglary, Larceny or Theft. Another half of a percent (0.5%) of Californians were victims of a more severe property crime, such as Robbery or Aggravated Assault. The probability of being murdered in California in 2007 was one sixth of one percent, and the probability of being raped was one quarter of one percent.

The majority of these crimes happen at home. There are many ways to prevent burglary, larceny, theft and robbery. And even rape and murder can be prevented with a security system designed for full protection. Full protection means that your security system has a contact on every door from the outside, and every window is contacted as well. Also, a strategic use of motion detectors and glass break detectors will act as a secondary measure in case the intruder finds a way into the home that does not trip the contacts.

The sad thing is that many people have security systems, and they just don’t use them. The number one reason is that their system has had false alarms so they simply don’t use it anymore. Others never think of the value a security system in California can offer, until it’s too late.

Murder and rape are obviously the worst crimes imaginable, but being burglarized can have a very dramatic effect on someone’s feeling of safety. In a burglary, an intruder breaks into your private residence, touches your things, takes your valuables. The psychological impact of a robbery is sometimes very difficult to overcome. Some long term effects of burglary are a lack of sleep, mistrust, and paranoia.

There are many home security companies in California, so how do you know which one to use? There are three important criteria. First, they must be licensed by the state of California (CSLB) or you are liable for any damage they do to your house during the installation. Second, it is much better to go with a local security company that has a good reputation for installing and servicing your security system. This is important because if the company is too small then they probably ore unlicensed, but if they are a nationwide security installation company then their service will be horrible.

The third important criteria is the old adage that your dad always said, “You get what you pay for.” It is smart to get at least three quotes for a home security system. If one or two of the quotes seem abnormally low, then they are low for a reason. In my opinion it is irresponsible of a company to offer to install a security system that will not fully protect the customer, just for the sake of underbidding the competition. A security system’s function is to protect your family, and does not deserve compromise in any way. The best way to handle the quotes is to look at what you will get for the price they have offered, and do the research on the company. If their BBB rating is bad, or there are bad reviews on www.yelp.com, then you may end up being one of those victims who has a security system but never uses it because it is dysfunctional.

For the first time since 2001, a there is a steady increase in the crime index relating to property crimes in San Diego (view graph). There have been over 82,300 total property crimes in San Diego County in 2008, with the highest months being April, September and December. This increase in crime can be attributed to the economic recession. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in a security system in your San Diego home or office. Even just having a few motion detectors and contacts on doors and windows can help protect your family or business from break-in in san diego county.

There are several types of electronic security available. For example, if your business involves keeping an inventory of anything valuable, then you would gain from a surveillance camera system, or a cctv security system. A cctv security system will allow you to view and record happenings around your office, warehouse or outside surroundings. Often times, just the presence of a cctv security system prevents burglary because the burglar knows they are being watched and they know that it is more likely that they will be captured.

Another great option for a business with valuable inventory or valuable trade secrets is door access control. San Diego is a hot spot for technology and pharmaceutical companies, and protection is very important in these sectors. A door access control system or intercom only allows access to restricted areas to pre-approved people. This system can use a numeric keypad, magnetic swipe card, RFID keyfob, or biometric devices to allow or deny access to vital areas of your business. These systems are very big in the federal government, where national secrets and expensive technology must be guarded. A door access control system in San Diego actually saves money because it drastically reduces the need for security guards.

Do you think a Security System is an important investment? Well, six out of every 10 employees stole company data when they left their job last year, said a study of US workers. Most American businesses fail to take important steps to prevent data theft (read our blog for a detailed article). This can be a frightening figure for any business owner or manager. Think about the damage an employee you have just laid-off or fired can do. But this can be prevented with a good security system.

Read the full Article : 6 of 10 ex-employees have stolen from your company

There are five basic types of burglars: Opportunity, Smashers, Prowlers and Targeted and Complete Burglars. This article covers each category of burglar, and how to watch out for them. To read the article click the link below:
The Five Types of Burglars – California Chronicle

Security systems are becoming very popular these days as people want to protect their home, family and belongings. If the burglar sees the stickers or sign of a security company around your house, a burglar will move not target you most of the time. A security system will scare off a thief and send him to another residence that has no security. But, not all security companies are created equal. Therefore, selecting the proper security system company can be very effective at scaring off would be intruders.

Many large security companies are notorious for false alarms, and dysfunctional systems. Also, some one-man operations are unlicensed, and will leave you with great liability. This makes it very important to scrutinize over which security company you choose. As I write, a Brinks Home Security commercial has come on. I have to laugh because Brinks and ADT systems are among the least reliable. Their burglar alarms can be so dysfunctional, and their service so bad, that some of their customers don’t even use the security system. You can’t blame them, if they have had several false alarms, and the security company is unreliable in servicing their alarm systems.

If you personally are looking into burglar alarm systems, what are some things you should be keeping in mind for your selection? How do you know which one is the best for you, and what features do you need? The answer will be different for everyone, because everyone has a different home, and different security needs. So, why would security companies even offer a generic $99 security system? Because this is a foot-in-the-door technique. Unless you live in a 100 squarefoot studio apartment, the $99 system will need expensive add-ons. Most ADT and Brinks customers end up paying hundreds or thousands, because they do need more security equipment than the $99 system offers.

You will be best served by avoiding the too-large and too-small security businesses. ADT and Brinks have notoriously horrible service, where they take too long to fix any problems, and their equipment has a high faulty rate. Because they are so large, they end up subcontracting the installation of your system to a smaller company that may or may not have the necessary experience, and usually install the least expensive equipment they can get away with. The subcontractor install security with a focus on trying to increase their margin, because ADT has a very domineering subcontracting agreement, which doesn’t leave the subcontractor with very much room for profit. Therefore, the subcontractor has to decide to either work for less than minimum wage, or cut corners on the installation.

So, who should you trust to install your home security system? The sweet spot is right in the middle. Try to find a company that is not too big, and not too small. They should have their own, in-house installation crews for quality control. The number of years in business tells a story about how a companies security installation methods work. In such a high liability industry, where the worst case scenario is failed security and burglary. Therefore, a company that has been around for a while is trustworthy. Price should definitely come into play, but you should try to compare apples to apples between different companies, and ask questions until you completely understand what you are getting.

So many people have a monitored security system, and don’t know exactly what the monitoring entails. Well, here it is in summary. Security systems signal an alarm when tripped. This signal sends data which makes it’s way to a central station via one of three methods. The traditional method is through a land line, and many people still have land lines ONLY for their security system. The second method is through a cellular device, using cellular towers. This technology is not completely developed yet, so we only recommend using cellular as a back-up means of signaling in case phone lines are cut. And, the third method of security data transmission is over the internet.

Once the alarm signal is sent to the central station, they take predetermined actions based on a protocol made by the customer. For example, the protocol might be to call the business owner first, the VP second, and then call the police if they are both inaccessible. A common protocol for a home security system is to call the homeowners cellular and home, and to only take action when directed. This prevents false alarms, but can be dangerous if the homeowner is not always around their cellular.

The entire transaction is recorded by the central station, so in case there are any issues with the following of the protocol.

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.

the State of California has been cracking down on unlicensed contractors for years. Now, the Department of Consumer Affairs offers an “Inquire before you hire” website offering information to enable consumers to hire licensed contractors. A section of the website even has horror stories from people who hired unlicensed contractors, which includes a story about an electrician who was caught installing spy cameras in peoples bathrooms.

In the Security Industry, there is a different spin to this problem, however. This is because sub-contracting is an industry standard, where you might sign a contract with ABS security company, who then hires Joe Smith to install the system. There are very few companies who don’t practice this in the security industry. It is important to verify that your security company is licensed AND that they are going to have their own employees install your system.

We have an Alarm Company Operator Permit and a C-10 electrical license. Its not easy obtaining these, but we enjoy having the support of our state behind our business.

We have noticed a spike in the need for businesses to protect the data centers or server rooms in their offices, especially in Irvine and San Diego, California. There are several forms of security we offer in this area. The most common needs involve a door access control system, so that only authorized personnel may enter the room. There is also a helpful option in surveillance, where the server room is secure by recording the area with security cameras. Often times, it is possible to add door access equipment long with an existing security system, which will save you a good amount of money. Another great addition to server room security is a temperature sensor. Everyone knows that computers generate heat, yet they are also sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to keep your server room temperature controlled. If the server room’s temperature reaches a certain temperature, a signal will be sent through your security system, and you will be notified immediately. This will keep your data safe, and prevent a gigantic headache, or even worse a complete loss of your companies information.

If you are interested in a free consultation, call us at (800) 577-2527.