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.

Home safety necessity: home security dog

Believe it or not, alarms aren't the end all or be all of home security.

Alarm devices galore

The fact of the matter is that there are many other security devices that could be installed in your house that has the ability to prevent burglars from getting in your residence. Many of these security devices are inexpensive and simple.

Secure entrance points

The key to home safety is by securing any and all entry points. This basically mean that all doors should consist of solid and strong material (not glass or plastic) and should be secured appropriately to the door hinges and must have locks that are resistant to tampering.

It is basically ideal that there is an extra deadbolt that is put in the doors during the night and so should be made from metal that is strong.

Secure windows

Also, windows must be made out of tough glass, preferably glass that is double glazed that it is impossible to be broken in. Locks for windows aren't common but they help greatly in security.

Secure the garden

Securing the garden is also possible. There are burglars who enter through the back than the front house.

Fences of houses should therefore be high as well as measures to prevent climbing must also be installed. This includes paint that has anti-climbing properties as well as spikes.

Hedges could also be used instead of fences.

Get a home security dog

This is another measure that could be done. Getting a home security dog is a ingenious way to guard your house and use it against any burglars or intruders.

Intruders generally don't want to particularly mess around with dogs.

Putting up a “Beware of Dog” poster is also an effective way to veer burglars away. Take note that small dogs aren't great home security dogs as they generally don't appear scary.

German shepherds are better home security dogs than any other basically because of the dog’s large size as well as their very strong home security dog guard instincts that inherently make them hostile to any stranger.

All in all, a home security dog is a better alternative and a very helpful option to ensure that the home is safe and secure.

Besides being able to guard the house, a home security dog could also serve to be your courageous and consistent companion, as well as guard, both in the home and outside.

Home Security Made Easy

Home Security has been the main concern of almost all citizens today. Americans experienced different stages of development in terms of home security. The age of night patrols have passed. Today is the age of computers and hi-tech facilities.

Wireless devices are commonly seen almost everywhere. Shoplifters are easily caught through built-in cameras. Cars are secured with alarms operated by remote controls. With this organized system of monitoring, would there be anyone who can squirt his way out of his evil intentions?

Anyone can stay relaxed and calm in the comfort of his own home without worrying about burglars, fire, flood and other such misfortunes. It’s now easy to secure all of your possessions and loved ones as you grasp the task of monitoring all of them, all at once, with the aid of an outside assistance –home security alarms.

Types of Home Security Alarms

Home security alarms works through the use of sensors that are linked with an outside station. Authorities located outside, immediately attend to their clients needs whenever an alarm signals an unwelcome incidence.

Magnetic window alarms help keep windows from intruders and unwanted creatures. It automatically shuts down windows whenever a bad entity tries to get into your room.

Door alarms, as the name implies, are used to detect unwanted guests entering. It uses a magnet that automatically closes and locks the doors. This allows you to leave open doors unattended.

Driveway sensors are those detectors placed either on driveways or backyards. It's not only used to detect movements of incoming intruders but it also serves as a warning signal if your little ones are approaching hazardous areas in the backyard.

Pool alarms aid you to keep an eye on little children or any other visitors from drowning in your swimming pool.

Smoke alarms or fire alarms are normally placed inside the kitchen where there are possible incidents of fire caused by cooking on stoves and short circuits from plugged cooking appliances.

Gas detectors have been proven to save lives of people who suffer from carbon monoxide suffocation. Such alarms are used to sense accumulated carbon monoxide in the air.

Flood sensors facilitate detection of flood made by water pipe leaks as well as floods caused by storm.

Burglar alarms also make use of motion sensors that monitors the entry of thieves inside your house.

Medical alarms assist you to watch over loved ones who need appropriate medical attention.

Home security alarms are now affordable and simple to use. It’s good to install one in your house now to secure your family from further destruction.

The above article was written by Nicole Steffanson on behalf of Baby Gift Station, a Baby Footprint Keepsakes & New Baby Gift Baskets online store specializing in Baby Einstein Gift Baskets, Baby Handprint Footprint Kits and other baby gifts and couture.