Motion detectors are a great addition to a burglar alarm system but they should only be used as backup.  Think about this for a moment.  A burglar alarm is supposed to detect when someone has broken through the perimeter and a motion detector is almost always located on the inside of the home.  If the motion detector is what set off the system, then that means the burglar or the intruder is already inside your house.  Not the picture of an ideal situation if you ask me.

Let me back up a bit and explain a little about what a motion detector is and the different types of motion detectors that are available.  A motion detector is pretty much what it’s name implies.  It detects motion when there is something that tells the detector there is movement within its field of view, it send a signal to the alarm system control panel.

When the burglar alarm control panel gets the signal it will do one of three things:

• Set off the alarm, if the alarm system is set in the “away” mode (meaning no one should be home and have the motion detector on) and someone or something sets off the motion detector the alarm system will sound immediately.
• Ignore it, if the alarm system is set in the “home” mode (meaning there is someone home and have the motion detector turned off) and someone or something sets off the motion detector the alarm system will ignore the signal.
• Delay a reaction, if the motion detector is located in the vicinity of the entry/exit door or the keypad, the motion detector should be in what is called a “follower” zone.  Which means if the door is opened before the motion detector is activated, the alarm system will allow you enough time to turn off the system before going off.

There are 4 types of motion detectors used with burglar alarm systems.

• Passive infrared (PIR) – this is the most common and usually the least expensive.  This motion detector looks for a change in temperature (like body heat).  This motion detector can be set off when something like the sun shining in a window heats up the space.

• Microwave motion detector – this motion detector sends out microwave pulses and measures the reflection off of a moving object.  Think of it like something that is throwing out bouncy balls and each ball takes a certain amount of time to return.  When the ball comes back sooner than expected, it triggers an alarm. Milar balloons (you know the ones that say “Happy Birthday”) are found to be the cause of false alarms with this motion detector.

• Dual-technology motion detector – this motion detector uses a combination of passive infrared and microwave technologies.  The benefit of using this type of motion detector with your alarm system is that false alarms are less likely to happen.

• Pet PIR/Motion detector – the final motion detector that I want to tell you about is the one that is designed to ignore pets that weigh up to 80 pounds.  These motions are great for people with pets but they can trigger false alarms if your pet is a known jumper.  Cats or dogs jumping up or down from a couch, bed, counter, whatever, can sometimes set off an alarm.

What all this means is that you realistically can only use your motion detector when you are NOT at home.  Unless of course, when you are at home at night and you don’t every get up to go to the kitchen for a drink of water or a snack, the kids don’t use the bathroom,  and they stay in their room until morning, then maybe you can use the motion detector when you are at home.

So with this in mind, you can see that having a motion detector on your burglar alarm system is great to use when you aren’t at home and an intruder does find a way to get inside your home without setting off any of the perimeter devices.  You’ll be glad that you added the motion detector to your home security system then, but really it’s only a good thing as a backup detection device.  Please don’t rely only on a motion detector to protect multiple openings. Use door and window contacts to protect all of your openings.  You’ll be better protected.

Is Your Credit Safe From Identity Thieves

How do you know if your personal information is being used by someone else?  One of the biggest problems with being a victim of identity theft is that you usually don’t find out about it until long after the crime has taken place.  It could be months or even years until you get a call from the law or you have been denied credit or a loan. 

Here are some of the more typical ways that you can discover that you have become a victime of identity theft.

1. You receive a bill from a credit card, utility, or telephone company in your name but you never requested any of the services.
2. You stop getting mail, credit card statements, bills and such that you normally would expect to get.
3. You get a call or a notice in the mail that you have been approved or denied a credit card that you never even applied for.
4. You stop getting your bank statements or the statements from your credit cards.
5. You notice unauthorized purchases on your credit card statements.
6. You start getting calls from a collection agency about an account that you never opened.
7. Your credit score goes from great to really really bad and you don’t know why.
8. You find that there are checks missing from your checkbook.
9. Your bank account is empty and you don’t know why.
10. You receive notice from the post office of a change of address for yourself that you didn’t make.

Under the law, the financial institutions must take the hit of any monetary loss.  But the identity theft victim is still left with damaged credit and will have to spend months or even years repairing their creditworthiness.  Until the id theft victim has made such repairs to their credit, they may find it very difficult to get a loan, a job, find a place to live, or even just write a check.

In contrast the identity theif has it pretty easy.  Identity theft is a fairly easy crime to commit but a hard crime to prosecute and the added bonus is that it pays well.  So, as you can see there isn’t much to keep an identity theif from doing his crime.  As I mentioned before, identity theft can go unnoticed for a long time.

In October of 1998, Congress passed the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act making identity theft a Federal crime with penelties up to 15 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.  It established that the person whose identity was stolen is a truevictim.  Wheras, prior to the Act being passed, only the credit grantors who suffered monetary losses were considered to be the victims. 

I hope that you have found this information helpful.  If you realize that you may be a victim of identity theft, take immediate action.  Contact the company where the suspicious activity is, keep a close eye on your credit card and bank statements, make sure to contact the FTC and the police to file a report.  Until next time, stay safe and secure.

What are the benefits to having a security system installed in your home?  By knowing some of the benefits, you will be better able to decide if installing a burglar alarm system is the right thing for you do to.

Security System Benefits:

• Having a burglar alarm is the number one deterrent for crimes against property.
• Many insurance companies provide premium discounts up to 20% for homeowners with security systems.
• Resale value – having a burglar alarm already in place can increase the resale value of your home.
• Peace of mind.  When you consider the financial loss, days lost from work, and the dramatic decrease in your quality of life when your privacy has been invaded, having a security system can provide a lot of peace of mind.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to having a security system installed in your home.  Once you have decided to have a security system, your next step will be to decide who installs it.  Should you go with a pro and if the answer is yes, what alarm company do you use?  If you decide to do-it-yourself, how do you go about doing that?  These are all very good questions but first you must decide if having a burglar alarm system installed in your home is the right decision for YOU.

Is Having A Burglar Alarm The Right Choice?

Ask yourself – if you would use the alarm system once it were installed.  If you aren’t likely to ever turn it on, then you might as well save yourself some time and money and not even consider installing a security system. 

Do you live alone, do you have a family, or do you have outside help that comes in on a regular basis?  If you live alone, you have more control over when the alarm system is on and when it is off and as long as you know how to use the system, you are all set.  If you have a family, you have to take the others into consideration.  Can everyone be taught to use the alarm system?  Will they totally freak out if the system goes off and not be able to take  control of the situation.  The same goes for any outside help that you may have come in.  Can you trust them to turn off the alarm system upon entry and can you trust them to arm the system again when they leave? 

Take a look at your situation.  Don’t just install a burglar alarm system because you think you will feel safer.  Yes, having a security system can do that for you but if you can’t or won’t use it after it has been installed, then you may want to consider other ways to protect your property that don’t involve such technology.

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day and I was trying to talk him into letting me interview him for this blog.  You see, he is in law enforcement (although he won’t tell me exactly what he does) and he used to work in the burglar alarm industry as well, as an installer and also selling alarm systems.

So I thought that it would be a good idea to interview some folks that know about home security and who better to bug than someone that you know.  So I ask my friend for about the third time since I’ve known him what he actually does in law enforcement and he says that he can’t tell me.  I was in military intelligence when I was in the Army so I know a thing or two about keeping secrets.  So I ask him if it’s something like that.  He finally fesses up and tells me that he is under strict orders not to talk about what he does.  Well, I have to say that I was a little bummed that I wasn’t going to be able to interview this guy for my home security conscious audience (that’s you) and I kept trying to change his mind.  Sorry, no dice.

You are probably wondering why I am telling you this story, it’s not just to fill up the page, I wanted to give you a little background about the source of the home security on a budget information that I am about to share with you.  I hope that you are ready for a laugh because when I got this in my email the other day, I was about to bust a gut, it’s that funny.

How To Install A Home Security System On A Budget

First, go to a second-had store and buy a pair of men’s used size 14-16 work boots.  (The more worn they are the better)

Place the work boots on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.

Put a few giant dog dishes (you might be able to find these at the second-hand store as well)  next to the boots and magazines.

The final piece of the home security system is to leave a note on your door that reads: ‘Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to the gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don’t mess with the pit bulls — they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad I don’t think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.

PS – I locked all four of ‘em in the house. Better wait outside.’

HOME SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLATION COMPLETE!!!

I hope that you enjoyed this post today and had a good laugh.  There is a lesson to take away from this.  You could absolutely do something like this and I bet that any burglar would think twice about trying to break in.  Of course if you live somewhere that dogs aren’t allowed, you may have a harder time painting this particular picture but as an alternative you could have a yard sign and/or window stickers that announce that you have a burglar alarm system.  It doesn’t matter if you really have the home security system or not, the sign saying you have one will deter most thieves.  Of course I think that having an actual security system is a much better option but if your budget doesn’t allow for it, then at least put a yard sign and some stickers on your property.  Well, that’s it for today.  Until next time, stay safe and secure.

If you would like to get a yard sign and window stickers, you can click here.

The Truth About The $99 Burglar Alarms

Okay you’ve seen the advertisements.  There are burglar alarm companies out there that will install a complete system for only $99.  Personally, I cringe and get a little angry every time I see one of those commercials.  That’s because I know that when you have one of these systems you may get a sense of security but honestly I wouldn’t call it security at all.

What Does It Secure

Of course the system is complete and it will work.  But did you notice that these systems usually only cover 2-3 openings.  Now I don’t know about you, but my house has more that two doors and one window.  So what I want to know is.  Is someone going to be standing outside my house to tell the burglar that he can only come in through the front door so that the alarm will go off?  Or maybe you can put up a sign.  I don’t know about you but if I were a burglar and I knew that certain companies only covered part of a house, I might want to try coming in through a window or something.  What do you think?

Now don’t get me wrong, I think that even a small system protecting your most vulnerable openings is better than not having anything but I would still feel more security if all of my openings were protected.  Of course if you live in an apartment in a upper floor or something where you only have a few doors or windows that someone could get into without a ladder or something, then by all means go for the cheap burglar alarm system.

The Good Ole Bait and Switch

You call the $99 installation company and they come out and asses your situation.  Now all of a sudden you need to add a bunch of items to your security system bringing up the price tag.  I guess I should call it the “Bait and Add” routine.  The point is that these burglar alarm companies are out to make money just like everyone else and they do want you to have a good security system that provides you with real protection.  I guess I shouldn’t be mad at their advertising strategy.  I mean it does work or they wouldn’t keep doing it.

What To Do 

If you are in the market for a burglar alarm system, do some research before you commit to using a particular burglar alarm company.  Check online for reviews of the company.  Check with the BBB to see if there are any complaints.  I would even go so far at to check out the reviews of the actual burglar alarm brands.  I feel that some are more reliable and easier to install and use than others but you should check out what other people are saying about the systems that are available.  Real people not other people in the burglar alarm industry like me.  Let’s face it – we look at burglar alarm systems differently.  I may like the features of a system but it could be more difficult for the average person to use.  If a security system is difficult to use, it’s less likely to be turned on.  In that case, you might as well save your money.

Okay that’s it for today, until next time stay safe and secure

If you have a garage it could look like candy to a burglar.  Burglars target garages because people put some really good stuff in them.  Most garages contain items are often easy to steal and sell.  People usually keep items such as, bicycles, lawn mowers, tools, and of course the grand daddy item is the family car.

Most people don’t spend too much time in their garages, it’s really used as storage and as the main entry into the house itself.  With that in mind, a burglar has a good chance of coming and going without being noticed.

Low Cost/No Cost Garage Security

How do we secure a garage without spending a bundle?  I have a few tips that just may help you out in making sure that your garage is secure.

• Change the combination in your garage door opener.
• Is the garage door itself well maintained
• Keep the garage door closed

If you have a garage door opener, you probably love it because you don’t have to get out of your car just to open the garage door.  You just have to push a little button and it opens.  But if you haven’t changed the factory settings for the combination, your garage may not be as safe as you would like it to be.

It’s pretty easy to change the settings and even if you only change one of the switches, you reduce the chance of a burglar being able to find your combination by at least 10.  If you change 2 of the switches located in your garage door remote and the opener itself, you make it even harder for the thief to figure out the combination.  The more switches you change, the more complex the combination is and the less likely that a burglar can get it.  Cost to do is about 5 minutes, 10 if you have to borrow a ladder from the neighbor.

Next, let’s look at the garage door itself.  Both the overhead door and the hinged door (if you have one) leading in from the outside.  Check the overhead door, are any of the panels loose, or broken?  The hinged door, does it have a good lock on it, is it sturdy?  The same goes for any windows that you may have.  Cost to do will depend on the what kind of repairs need to be done.

Last but certainly not least is to close the garage door.  It doesn’t matter how much security you have if you leave your garage door open.  A thief could get it and take off with something valuable in just a few seconds.  Besides that if you leave your garage door open, it announces to everyone just what kind of cool stuff you have to steal.  Cost to do is about 2 seconds or however long it takes you to push the button on the garage door opener.

I know these security tips seem a little basic and you were probably expecting me to sell you something but sometimes just doing the most basic security can improve your chances of avoiding a theft.  As for selling you something, I may do that in the future but only if I find something that is worth it.  Until next time, stay safe and secure.

I guess the real answer to why a thief would steal anything is because thieves are always on the lookout for a way to make money at the expense of someone else.  But a thief can steal a lot  more than the stuff that you have in your house.  The things in your home may be valuable and some things may even be irreplaceable but they are just things.  When it comes down to it you can live without the things or you can replace them but what happens when someone steals your identity?  One of the most important things that you own is your identity.

What is Identity Theft

According to Wikipedia, “identity theft is a crime used to refer to fraud that involves someone pretending to be someone else in order to steal money or get other benefits.”

Identity theft can take on many different forms.  Identity thieves may get your credit card and go shopping on your dime, or they may go so far as to rent an apartment, buy a home or automobile using your identity.  The different forms of identity theft are:

• Credit Card Fraud: the identity thief may open a new account using your name and when they use the credit cards, they just don’t pay the bills.  If they steal a credit card that you already have, they may change your mailing address so that you don’t get the bills, all the while they are racking up the charges on your account.
• Phone/Utility Fraud: this is where an identity thief uses your name to open a new phone account or they may get their utilities like the electric or cable turned on using your information and again they just don’t worry about paying the bills.
• Bank/Finance Fraud: in this case, the identity thief may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks, they can clone your ATM card and drain your accounts. Or they may even go so far as to take out a loan in your name.
• Government Document/Benefits Fraud: if an identity thief get a hold of your driver’s license they may change the picture and do whatever they want using your name.  They may also use your name and Social Security number to get benefits from the government or file a fraudulent tax return.
• Other Fraud: some of the other things that an identity thief can do with your good name is: get a job using your SSN, rent a home, get medical care, avoid arrest.  Actually this list could probably go on for a little while longer but I think you get the idea.

According to the FTC, the most common form of identity theft is credit card fraud.  The second most common type of identity theft is government documents/benefits fraud.

The point is that identity theft is very serious and you may not find out that your identity is being used by someone else until you review your credit report, look at your credit card statement, get contacted by a debt collector, try to get a loan, or even get arrested.

Some victims of identity theft can take care of their problems rather quickly but others can spend hundreds of hours and dollars trying to repair the damage to their good name and credit record. 

The best protection from being a victim of identity theft is prevention.  Stay tuned for future posts on how to secure your identity.  Until next time, Stay Safe and Secure.

Do you ever feel frightened about being home alone?  Well it’s about time that you feel safe in your home whether you are home alone or not.

The best part of having good home security is that it can prevent thieves from even being tempted to target your house.  The majority of burglars are out there just looking for an easy opportunity.  If you remove the opportunity, the burglar will more than likely move on to someone else’s house that doesn’t have the security that you do.

How To Deter The Thief

The first thing I would do is to walk around the outside of your home and make a note of any plants or shrubs that should be removed.  Remove the ones that hide the entrance to your home.  You want to make sure that you can see your front door clearly from the street.  Really this goes for all the entries into your home, plants that hide your house make it easier for a burglar to break in without anyone seeing them.

Home Security On The Thorny Side

After you have gotten rid of all of those big plants, you may be thinking that your landscaping is missing something.  You can replace those plants with something that has thorns.  Plants that have thorns or are spiny in nature will deture most burglars from trying to get in that way.  I mean who wants to leave the scene of the crime with a bunch of scratches.

Light Up Your Home For Security

Flood lights that come on automatically when they detect movement are really an essential part of your home security.  I know for me they not only are very helpful when I come home at night and forget to turn on the front porch light, but if someone is prowling around my property, I want to know about it.  Nothing scares a burglar more than having some flood light come on when they are staking out the place.

Home Security Systems

Anyone that is concerned with their home security should have some type of burglar alarm system.  There are a lot of burglar alarm systems to choose from.  You should be able to find something that will easily fit into your budget and still equip your home with an effective security system.

Pets And Home Security

You’ve heard the saying that a dog is mans best friend.  Well, to a burglar – not so much!  Burglars don’t like to deal with animals, especially the kind that bark.  A barking dog has the potential of attracting unwanted attention to a thief and as an added bonus some dogs will bite in order to protect their property.

These are just a few tips that will help to keep you safe and secure in your home.  Stay tuned, there will be more tips on home security.  Until then – Stay Safe.