Burglars are wising up to security systems

More than 14,000 burglaries have been reported to the NYPD in 2007, and the bad guys still have another four months to add to the total.

Making sure you protect your home or apartment from a break-in may require more than just a deadbolt and window locks.

Security systems typically come in two varieties: Companies like ADT that back up their home-security systems with monitoring centers that call 911 if they detect something amiss, and a cheaper, do-it-yourself system of cameras and sensors monitored from the property owner’s computer.

Paula Marshall, editor of the Better Homes and Gardens book “Home Security: Your Guide to Protecting Your Family,” had lots of advice to safeguard your home. She recommended practicality above all else when picking out a security system.

“You don’t need one, necessarily,” she said. “Your main reason is just peace of mind.”

But once you’ve decided that yes, you do want or need one, you have to address your vulnerabilities. Alleyways, fire escapes or just a shadowy corner of the yard are all places for a potential burglar to start.

“Look at how vulnerable those places are,” she said.

Many people only choose to get a home security system after they’ve already been a victim of a burglar. Marshall said that this vulnerable moment is not the time to take the first deal an alarm seller offers.

New Yorkers are lucky, because the NYPD has a crime prevention staff that offers free consultations on weaknesses in their home or apartment’s security without the pressure of someone trying to make a sale.

“They can help you make the first step,” Marshall said.

Once that consultation is complete, you’ll be better informed before you make a decision and a purchase.

For most homes, a private security company might work best. They can provide motion detectors and magnetic sensors on the windows. Fancier models can even include laser trip wires, all controlled from central panels that need a keycode.

The price goes up with the number of gadgets involved, but don’t get suckered in by the idea that more is better.

“Get what you think you need,” Marshall said.

Professionally installed alarm systems can start at several thousand dollars, with a monthly subscription of $50 or more to a call centers. These call centers are supposed to call the police or the fire department if the alarm sounds, making your home that much safer, right? Wrong, Marshall said.

“The damage is done by the time the police get there,” she said.

“Once they hear the alarm, they’re going to grab what they can and run,” she added.

Also, the call centers you subscribe to may be in another country as often as they are in the city, often leaving phone operators with a lack of local knowledge that could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.

For city dwellers, common sense can be the best deterrent. Keep your locks locked and keep the chain on the door at night. “It’s probably what New Yorkers do anyway,” Marshall said.

But for added security, especially for the traveler who moves around a lot, the do-it-yourself X10 wireless system might be the way to go. X10 refers to wireless technology that allows security components to talk to each other and your computer.

The components, which include cameras, motion sensors or shattered glass detectors, are becoming more and more popular as their prices plummet. You can program the components and monitor security from your home computer or laptop, using software like ActiveHome Pro or iWatchOut.

Some homeowners use the technology to time indoor and outdoor lights, or to play music systems.

Each component is wireless, and you can add more or take away as your budget or practicality allows. Users lose the call center advantage, but you gain all the recorded footage you need to try to press charges after the fact.

“Even if you can’t prevent it with X10, you can get better follow-up than even with [a company such as] ADT,” Marshall said.

Forget about the phony stickers and fake cameras, Marshall said. Burglars have seen them and don’t fall for the bluffs.

Finally, Marshall offered simple but obvious advice for people who purchase alarms.

“If you buy it, turn it on,” she said.

Why home security camera is good for you

First things first, statistics have shown that the number of robberies that occur in homes are rising steadily in the past years.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, robberies that occur in residences nationwide have increased annually, from the year 1999 throughout 2003.

The numbers state that an alarming eighteen percent of increase in robberies occurred since 1999. Though usual robberies occur in the streets, the 2003 statistics state that fourteen percent of robberies occurred in residences.

Count your residence out

It is always good to be serious in protecting your own home. You may then consider purchasing a home security camera. This camera could be placed in and around your own house or at its entrances.

Home security cameras are currently available in wired or wireless models. Believe it or not, these cameras could be equipped with many other cameras you think you would further need.

Wireless home security cameras are actually easy to set up. Plus, your home need not have a lot of cords that are running around everywhere.

Home security cameras that are wireless are able to transmit signals to a specific receiver be it locally or at a remote station or a security home company.

Basically, the size of your residence actually determines the specific number of home security cameras you might need, the quantity of entrances and just how much strength should your residence be protected.

Home security cameras alone aren't enough

Take note that a home security camera is basically useless without a system that is able to monitor the home security system.

If there is movement that suspiciously occurs in your residence and no one sees it, then there really is no point to record them.

Home security cameras provide good evidence when in court. Though it doesn't prevent your residence from being burglarized, still when there is monitoring, it leads to appropriate action.

Another method is by placing cameras into plain and full view. Through this way, burglars are actually deterred from entering your houses. Meanwhile, cameras that are hidden are vital tools to determine who did what.

All in all, home security cameras are great tools to protect your residence. It could give you peace of mind not to mention good sound sleep day in and day out, seven days a week, twenty four hours a day.