Home Security Myths & Misconceptions

November 6, 2014 By Leave a Comment

A home is so much more than a physical structure that you reside in.  It’s where you have lazy Sunday breakfast with your spouse and kids.  It’s where you enjoy a cup of hot coffee on your back porch.  It’s where you read bedtime stories to your children and tuck them in at night.  It’s where you might keep precious assets.  It’s where you and your family live life to its fullest.  How and what are you doing to protect all of that?  Odds are, if you haven’t already installed a home security system, you’ve at least thought about it at one time or another.  So what has been preventing you from taking the plunge?  Well, like many homeowners you’ve probably convinced yourself or been falsely informed that you don’t need a comprehensive security system.  There are a vast array of myths and misconceptions about home security systems, and you will learn why and how they are simply untrue.

My home is in a safe neighborhood, nothing bad could happen here.

Yes, we would all love to believe that we live in a Utopian society where everyone Fingerprint & broken glass-West Midlands Policecontributes, gets along, and the sun is always shining, right?  Unfortunately, just as the weather is unpredictable, so is human nature.  Criminals don’t care if your neighborhood is considered safe, if they see vulnerability, they see opportunity.  Don’t fool yourself into thinking your home is safe because of your surroundings.  Statistically, 88% of all burglaries happen residentially, 86% happen when someone is home.  Don’t wait for something tragic to happen.  Take initiative and contact a trusted home security systems specialist at Perfect Connections, Inc. before it’s too late.

I don’t own anything a burglar/intruder would want.

While it may be true that you don’t own expensive valuable items, or have wads of cash lying around, burglars/intruders aren’t always after your jewelry or money.  Whatever the intentions of a criminal, you have to assume if they are breaking into your home, they’re after something.  Even if they don’t steal something of monetary value, they might accidentally grab something that is irreplaceable and of emotional significance, or worse, cause harm to you or a family member.  According to safewise.com, “1 in 3 homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system.”  Don’t presume to know what criminals are after, protect what matters most with a comprehensive security system solution.

Security systems don’t work and are too expensive.

Thinking your security system is going to act like an impenetrable force field that will deflect potential intruders or criminal behavior is just not realistic.  Neither is believing a comprehensive security system won’t do anything for your home and your family, or that it’s too costly.  The cost in damages from a burglary can be far more financially draining than the cost of a comprehensive security system with alarm monitoring.  Never mind the emotional toll it can take on you and your family.

Luckily, the evolution of security systems has allowed professionals to offer a wider range of economic solutions to fit your budget.  You can actually save money by installing a home security system; many home insurance providers offer discounts for doing so.  Beware of security systems companies that lowball their price quotes, odds are you’ll end up being just a number in a sea of inadequately protected customers.  Watch out for companies that offer you an “accurate” quote over the phone, how can they asses your home’s needs if they’ve never been there?  A full home security assessment should be done in person by a licensed specialist, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

Security systems have been proven to deter intruders, in fact the Electronic Security Association’s “Home Safety Fast Facts” report indicates 9 out of 10 burglars purposefully avoid homes with security systems.  Thinking that security systems don’t work fast enough is inaccurate.  Some systems alert the authorities within 45 seconds, and if a patrol car is in the area, the likelihood of the perpetrator being caught is higher.  Even if a burglar were to get into your home, the second your alarm goes off, the sound and attention will typically drive your intruder away.

My home is not built to accept a security system.

Old home-Brad ClinesmithMaybe you live in an old Colonial or Victorian house where the walls are solid and accessibility throughout the home is challenging.  You might assume the construction of your home wouldn’t allow the installation of a home security system because it would require extensive drilling and/or remodeling.  In the past there might have been a tinge of truth to that assumption, however, today many if not most systems are or have wireless capabilities.  Not only is a wireless system convenient in older homes, or any home for that matter, but it’s aesthetically more pleasing as it eliminates any loose or dangling wires.  What if a burglar were to cut phone and power lines?  According to nightwatchprotection.com, “With wireless phone and internet technology combined with battery and backup generator support, you can expect your security system to be up and running under the worst conditions.”

My pets will set off false alarms, besides they’re like built-in security units.

While a barking dog can make a potential intruder run in the opposite direction, they can’t always differentiate between a threat and a familiarity, never mind the fact they can’t contact emergency services.  Pets may not alert you if they recognize the intruder, for example, someone who had previously done work in your home.  A comprehensive security system does not discriminate, if a window is broken, the alarm goes off.  If the door is kicked in, the alarm will sound and the authorities will be notified, giving you and your family time to get to a safe place.

Worrying your pets will sound a false alarm is less of concern with todays’ advanced motion detectors.  The detectors that are pet friendly are set to pick up motion from objects over a certain weight.  This decreases the chances of a false alarm, and you don’t have to fret about your pets wandering around your home.

All security systems are the same and they’re too complicated.

Couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Each security systems company will have different products, procedures, and policies.  Your security systems professional should be able to customize a comprehensive system that suits the individual needs of your home.  Don’t fall for a “one size fits all” solution.  As far as systems being too complicated, technological advancements have simplified user interfaces making them easier to operate.  Many systems utilize graphic touch screen controls that provide step by step instructions.

It’s important to do your homework and shop around to figure out which company best suits your needs.  Put your trust in companies with a proven customer retention record and a history of experience like Perfect Connections, Inc.  We have 98% Customer Loyalty Rating, and have been providing security system services to Northern and Central New Jersey since 1992.

 

Image Credits: Image #1 by West Midlands Police-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by Brad Clinesmith-Flickr-Creative Commons,

 

 

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Access Control

November 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Protecting your business is a top priority.  You’ve done your homework, found a security systems professional, and are ready to customize a security system that fits your needs.  When browsing the vast array of available security system options you’ve probably come across the phrase access control.  What is it, and does your business need it?  In general, access control is exactly what it sounds like, it grants, denies, or limits entry and sometimes exit to an environment.  To get a little more specific, “Access control systems are physical or electronic systems which are designed to control who has access to a network” (wisegeek.com).

One of the most obvious and simplistic examples of access control is a door with a lock and key.  Being a business owner, you know it may take more than a door to protect you, your employees, and company assets from potential crime and danger.  Including an access control device, whether it’s a proximity card reader, keypad with password, fingerprint scanner, or a combination of these, as part of your comprehensive security system can help prevent costly and disastrous interruptions in your day-to-day business.  It can also keep you informed on who is coming and going, where your employees are going throughout the day, limit access to specified areas, and keep unauthorized people out.  Security systems companies like Perfect Connections, Inc. can provide a variety of access control solutions to better secure the integrity of your business.

Types of Access Control

As previously defined access control can consist of physical or electronic systems.  Today, many systems are a combination of both.  There are a few basic types of access control systems, that when used in conjunction with monitored alarms and surveillance can provide comprehensive protection for your organization.  Locks, readers, keypads, cards or fobs, and biometric scanners are some of the most common forms of authentication devices.  So what are they, and how do they work?

Locks

You’re probably aware of the general function and parts in your average door lock.  Typically there is a knob or lever that when turned releases the door latch from the strike plate on the wall.  Today, there are more advanced locking mechanisms that can provide better protection for your business.  Two of the more commonly known locking mechanisms are magnetic, or maglock, and electric strikes.  Magnetic consists of an electromagnet and armature plate; it works by a current passing through the magnet attracting the armature plate creating a locked position.  Maglocks are a durable and fast acting solution.  Electric Strikes either accept alternating or direct currents.  Like a standard strike, they accept a locking latch.  Unlike a standard strike, they can be configured to open without the use of a lever or knob turn, and are controlled by electrical currents.  These types of locks can be triggered by a readers that accept cards, key fobs, or keypads with passcodes, and biometrics.  It is important to remember that where you have locking doors, gates etc. egress and fired codes must be taken into account.  To be sure your locking mechanisms are code compliant, be sure to have them installed by a security systems professional.

Readers

According to William Deutsch ikeypad & reader-7263255n regards to EAC (electronic access control), “In a modern EAC system, the readers are designed to recognize codes (something you know), credentials (something you have), or biometrics (something you are).”  Readers take the given information from the potential entrant and either confirm identity by allowing access or deny it for being false or incorrect.  They are the means by which information is processed and they can be installed on the exteriors and/or interiors of a facility.

There is a range of readers available including proximity readers and smart card reader; hiring a knowledgeable and informative security systems professional like Perfect Connections, Inc. will help you better assess your facility’s needs.  You may think the construction of your facility wouldn’t allow for the installation of a reader.  For example, if you have a fully glazed entry, where would it go?  Luckily, readers can be applied to architectural elements that are as minimal in area as window/door mullions.  Don’t let the architecture of your facility dictate your security needs.  As with any system, nothing is perfect; if someone were to steal a key fob and hack a PIN, the reader will not know the difference, and the intruder will gain access.  This is why having a comprehensive security system that includes surveillance and monitored alarms in conjunction with access control is best.

Keypads

Keypad technology typically consists of a small mounted panel that requires a password, PIN, or code, that when entered correctly, unlocks or grants access to electric or magnetic door locks, gates, and/or security systems.  This method of identity validation is simple, economic, keyless, and not uncommon.  The benefits of a keypad they can easily be recoded, they can be standalone or tie into central control stations to protect multiple entry points, and they will help deter opportunists.  Unfortunately, they are not infallible.  Codes, passwords, and PINs can easily be shared, and if there is no protective housing for the keypad, onlookers can easily view a code being entered, or see wear and tear on the buttons or screen that are used most (Dan M. Bowers).  Used by themselves can leave a facility susceptible to outsider access, but used in combination with other technologies like card readers, key fobs, and/or biometrics will increase their effectiveness.  Combining the keypad with another verification control can be called “two factor authentication,”  and it’s more secure than the keypad by itself.

Access Cards & Key Fobs (“Credentials”)200248699-001

Access cards and key fobs also commonly referred to as “credentials,” are a popular security measure for many businesses.  Access cards or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards contain specific information that is transmitted to the reader when within a given boundary.  Sometimes the cards, which are typically the size of a standard credit card, have to be held to or tapped on the reader, or they can be set up to read the contained information from a specified distance.  The same type of information is stored and conveyed by a key fob key fob which is usually molded from plastic or resin, and is small enough to fit on a keychain.  This is a more secure option than the keypad by itself, as the cards and fobs are not easily replicated.  However, theft or loss of a card or fob can be problematic.  Just as with the keypad, including layers of protection through a comprehensive security system can make all the difference.

Biometrics

What is biometrics?  “Security Biometric is the science of using physical characteristics (fingerprints, eyes, hands) to identify a person and some of the products used in this system include fingerprint readers and retinal scanners.”  While this type of technology may seem a little unconventional when it comes to access control, its presence is becoming more evident.  The most common applications being fingerprint readers and hand geometry scanners.  The benefits of a biometric system include never forgetting the item that will grant you access because it is part of you, and it’s harder to forge.  One of the major drawbacks of a biometric system is the cost.  Also, once the data is collected from an individual and stored, it can’t be changed because it so unique.  Biometric security is controversial topic for many as it can be perceived as an invasion of privacy.  While it may be considered controversial to some, it can provide the necessary means of protection for others.

What Are You Doing To Control Access?

Whether you’ve been considering controlled access to your facility for a while, have an old system in place, or this is completely new territory for you, don’t wait another minute!  Contact a trusted security professional at Perfect Connections, Inc. to help guide you through the process.  From an initial assessment to final installation, you can rely on our exceptional team of security experts that has provided service to Northern and Central New Jersey for decades.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credits:  Image #1 by 7263255-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by IDenticardImages-Flickr-Creative Commons

 

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Never Thought You Needed a Security System. Now You Do.

October 23, 2014 By Leave a Comment

System Lock-Yuri Samoilov-Creative CommonsIf you’re like most business owners, you’ve worked hard to keep your company running.  You’ve invested time, money, blood, sweat, and maybe tears to get where you are.  The facility, whether it be a corporate office, salvage yard, or healthcare facility, is where business happens.  No matter what type of business you may be conducting, there are physical and financial assets that warrant some level of protection.  Perfect Connections, Inc. a security systems company, servicing Northern and Central New Jersey for over 20 years, recognizes this, and we can help you in your quest to safeguard what you’ve worked so hard for.

Perhaps you’ve considered security systems in the past, but thought you could manage without one.  So why now?  Maybe another local business caught fire, and due to a poor smoke detection system, the building went up in flames before a fire station could be properly notified.  Maybe someone you know forgot to close their loading dock before leaving the premises resulting in substantial theft; with no cameras to help catch the crooks who committed the crime either.  Perhaps you or an employee was a recent victim of a burglar who gained access to your office by means of an unmonitored entry.  Whatever the reason may be, you now realize the need for a comprehensive security system.

Unfortunately, no business is immune to crime or natural dangers such as fires, flooding, and carbon monoxide poisoning.  According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) “In 2013, there were 1,240,000 fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,240 civilian deaths, 15,925 civilian injuries, and $11.5 billion in property damage.”  Of those reported fires 487,500 were structure fires.  It’s statistics like these that make it crucial for any business owner to invest in a comprehensive security system that includes a reliable fire alarm system in conjunction with a proper sprinkler system that meets local code requirements.

Unlike natural dangers, criminals are opportunists.  If they perceive easier access to a certain facility, due to lack of security, it’s more than likely they will pursue that target.  As Henry David Thoreau once said, “The path of least resistance leads to crooked rivers and crooked men.”

Without a comprehensive security system any business opens itself up to catastrophic loss, substantial property damage, and financial crisis.  Company theft and burglary is not always an external issue.  According to CreditDonkey 95% of employees steal from their own employers, nationally this cost companies a total of $34.5 billion in 2011.  These substantial losses can be significantly decreased and potentially prevented by installing a proper security system.

On the upside, a nBurglar-Johnationwide report from the FBI shows that burglary was down by 8.1%, and larceny was down by 4.7% from 2012-2013.  These statistics are a “big picture” view of reported crime in the United States, reported being the operable word.  Many crimes go unreported, for example, employee theft often goes unreported because the employer is often unaware it’s happening until it’s too late.

There Is a Solution

Fortunately there are steps you can take to safeguard your business and its assets.  If this is your first time considering a security system you will want to do a little research on local system providers and installers.  Reviews online or from a personal reference can be helpful when trying to decide on a company.  Having a licensed professional come to your site and perform a security assessment would be the next step.  They will help you figure out where your weaknesses are, suggest an appropriate system solution, and provide you with a cost estimate.  When choosing a security company be sure they are experts in their field.  You wouldn’t hire an electrician to fix your plumbing, right?  One size does not fit all when it comes to selecting a security specialist.  Don’t fall for companies with false claims because you’ll end up with inadequate protection that will most likely cost you more than just a service call.

For new construction projects, it is imperative to contact a security systems expert early on.  This will help ensure a more integrated solution, and in all likelihood save money on the back end.  If you are a tenant in a larger commercial space, it is up to the landlord to provide code compliant safety measures for the whole building, but that doesn’t mean each unit comes equipped with a security system.  To ensure your unit is safeguarded, call a trusted security systems provider for an assessment.

Here are some questions to ask a licensed professional:

  • Where are my weaknesses?
  • How can I better protect my business?
  • How and what type of security system would work best?
  • What type of system will fit my budget?
  • What features are included?
  • Does the cost include labor?
  • Who will be installing the system?
  • Does the company have the proper state licenses?
  • Who/how is the monitoring managed?
  • How long is the system under warranty?
  • Will I own the system, or will it be leased?
  • Is the installation company insured?

The Benefits

What are you actually protecting or preventing when you have a security system installed?  What are the advantages?  You’re preserving the integrity and potential growth of your business.  With monitoring and recording systems you can be sure your employees will feel safer while on the job, and you can rest easy knowing your business is protected even while you’re away.  Through remote access by means of a smartphone, tablet, or computer you can keep an eye on what is happening at your facility when you are not there.  Incorporating an access control mechanism will give you peace of mind knowing who is coming and going, decreasing the risk of intruders.

Once a security system is installed making your security presence public knowledge through signage can help deter potential thieves or vandals from wreaking havoc on your facility.  Having proper fire alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and flood warning notifications as integral parts of your security system will help prevent irreparable damages.  By installing a comprehensive system the chances of vandalism, information theft, employee theft, shoplifting, fire, flooding, carbon monoxide poisoning, burglary, break-ins, and crime in general will be decreased.

As technology evolves so will security systems.  The two are becoming more and more intertwined, so it’s important to select a company, like Perfect Connections, Inc., that is informed and informative on the fluctuating trends.  Don’t fall victim to the mentality that cheaper is always better, what good is a cheap system that fails when you are most vulnerable?  While nothing is perfect, installing a security system will help significantly decrease the chances of a potential disaster, saving you time, money, and aggravation.

Learn more about the security system features and services available to your business at Perfect Connections, Inc.  We have been a trusted security systems provider in Central and Northern New Jersey since 1992.  You can be sure we understand the challenges businesses face, and how to provide a comprehensive solution.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.Smile you are on camera sign-Sept 18 2014

Image Credits: Image #1 by Yuri Samoilov-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by John-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #3 by Intel Free Press-Flickr-Creative Commons,

 

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Smoke Detectors vs. Smoke Alarms

March 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Very often  smoke detectors and smoke alarms are thought to be the same. They are not.

They are two different products that can detect smoke. Smoke alarms are what you can buy at any hardware store and electrical supply. They are typically 110V and battery or simply battery powered. Most are ionization type detectors. They have sounders built into them to make noise when they detect smoke. In new construction, it is required that when using smoke alarms, they must be interconnected, so if one detects smoke, they all go off.

Smoke detectors that are part of a system, are usually low voltage, 12 – 24 volts, and may or may not have a sounder built in. Most residential and standard commercial smoke detectors work on the photoelectric detection principle. The big advantage of smoke detectors tied into a monitored alarm system is that the fire department will show up in the case of an emergency even if you are not home.

In commercial properties in NJ, commercial smoke detectors must be part of a fire alarm system, while residential smoke detectors can be connected to a residential burglar alarm system. Smoke detectors installed by an alarm company can either be primary (detection that meets code) or supplementary protection.

Here is a very important difference for homeowners and building owners to know. Smoke Alarms have a 10 year life expectancy and are required to be replaced by code at the expiration of that time. Smoke Detectors do not have that same limit, though should be inspected to make sure they work properly.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

February 25, 2014 By

We have all heard of Carbon Monoxide, the odorless killer. On average, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 170 people a year die of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning that was not produced by automobiles. Just this past weekend there were 2 deaths on Long Island due to a malfunctioning heater in a restaurant.

170 deaths out of a population of 300 million doesn’t seem like a lot, but they are deaths that can for the most part be prevented. Carbon Monoxide is particularly dangerous in a home because it  puts you into a deeper sleep.

CO detectors are designed to alert you before a life threatening level of CO is reached. Current detectors and very stable and very rarely false alarm. If a CO detector goes off, do not ignore it but go outside immediately and call the authorities.

The state of NJ requires that all new homes, and homes that are resold, have a CO detector in the hallway of every sleeping area.

The advantage of a CO detector connected to a monitored alarm system is that in the event of activation, the authorities are notified and can gain entry and rescue you.

If you do not have a working Carbon Monoxide Detector, get one tonight.

If you would like to discuss connecting a CO detector to your alarm system, call us at 800-369-3962.

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100% Satisfaction Guarantee

February 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment

If you buy virtually anything at any store, you have a period of time that you can return that product and get your money back if you are not satisfied.

I think that policy should apply to anything you buy, particularly with a purchase as important as a security system to protect your home and family.  Lets face it, since less than half of all people in the country have a security system of any kind, it may be your first time considering and researching a system for your home.

Even if you do thorough due diligence, you are still taking a chance when having a system installed. There is just no way for you to know all the ins and outs and you have no choice but to trust the company installing the system. All the risk is on you. We don’t think that is fair.

That is why we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on everything we sell. If you are not happy we will remove the equipment and refund your money, no questions asked. Simply let us know within 30 days of installation. You see, we spend a lot of time researching the equipment we sell and attending training’s, and spend a lot of time talking to our customers to find out what works best.

We are confident that you will be 100% satisfied with our products, installation, and service and are willing to put our money where our mouth is.

We think that you should ask anyone you are talking to about an alarm system if they offer a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. If not, continue looking until you find one that does.

It is only fair.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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Central Station Passwords

February 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Whether you have a residential security system or a commercial security system, in order for the central station to know that the person that they are speaking to is an authorized user of the system, a password is used.

A password is a word that is attached to your monitoring account which the central station asks for before they will give you any information or take instruction from you.  If you do not know your password, you will not be able to stop a false police dispatch.  For this reason, it is very important that every user of the alarm system has knowledge of the password.

This password can be universal, one that every user of the system knows, or the preferable way, each user having an individual password. The advantage of the individual passwords is better security. Since every person has their own word, they will safeguard it closer than if everyone is sharing a word.  Also, if you decide that someone no longer should have access to your premises, you can change the alarm system user code, (the code that is used to disarm the system) and the password.

If a disgruntled employee has a universal password, even if their code was taken out of the alarm system, they would be able to stop a police dispatch.  Since the password is universal, a name is not attached to it so you don’t know who in reality answered the phone and gave the password.

Password maintenance is simple.  Simply call your alarm company and they can take your changes.  We ask for it in writing, via email or fax. After that, we do all the work.

To recap, for added security every user of the alarm system should be given their own unique password as well as their own passcode for operation of the system.

There are exceptions of course, very often husband and wife use the same code and often the kids as well.  This is not a great idea since they may share that password with their friends. It is easier to change one person’s code then asking all users to remember a new one.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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Alarm System User Codes

February 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

To operate an alarm system from the keypad you need a numeric code.  These codes are called passcodes, PINS, or user codes.  In all cases, to disarm the system, you have to enter a user code. Some alarm systems are programmed to require you to use a code to arm the system as well.

The main user code is the Master Code.  The master code allows you to make some basic changes to the alarm system and review history and trouble conditions. The master code is also the code you use to add and delete other user codes.

Typically, user codes (other than the master) can arm and disarm the system.  If selected they can do other functions, such as bypassing zones, as well. You can also program a code as a one time code, if you need to give someone access to your premises only once.

For various reasons is a good idea to give different users of the alarm system different codes. First, the alarm system can keep track of who disarmed the system.  You know who came in and what time. Second, if you fire the person or cleaning service, you don’t have to remember a new code, you simply have to delete the code you no longer wish to be in the system.

Most alarm systems have the capability for at least 12 user codes.  If you need more, make sure you tell your alarm company. It is important that you keep track of the user code position that any code is assigned.  Often you can’t see the codes from the alarm keypad so keeping a simple spread sheet is a good idea.  Make sure you are instructed as to how to add and delete codes. If you want to make sure that the system keeps track of arming and disarming, tell your installer. The newer systems we install, from 2GIG, keep track automatically.  With the interactive service, that information is available right from your phone.

When you have an alarm system installed, you will also need to have a password for the central station.  That will be the topic of the next post.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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How Long Is The Warranty?

January 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment

What kind of warranty do alarm systems come with?

The answer to this question is a really short blog post because the answer is quite simple. Most alarm companies offer a 90 warranty on alarm systems. Common practice is to sell you a service contract when you are buying the system.

We feel that 90 days is nonsense.  We take pride in our work and do a professional installation following all recommended techniques and best practices.  We use high quality components and installation materials. All of our installers have a minimum 5 year experience installing alarms and are good at what they do.  We offer a full one year warranty on everything we sell. If anything breaks or stops working, we will repair or replace it within a year at no charge. The only exceptions are damage caused by external reasons, some examples are lightning, water, and vandalism. Other than that, it is covered.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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Do Alarm Systems Work And How Well?

January 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment

First a couple of statistics.  In 2007 according to the FBI, 17.5 million property crimes took place in the United States.  That breaks down to one burglary every 14 seconds.  Though the majority of burglaries take place during the day, 60% to 65% of burglaries take place between 6am and 6pm, close to 40% happen at night when victims are sleeping.  81% of intruders enter through the first floor and 35% of all burglaries are through the front door.

The average loss during a burglary was $2,000.

Typically burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home. The more difficult it is to gain access, the more likely a burglar is likely to reconsider the attack

Historically speaking, when the economy is not doing well, property crime and burglary have increased

Less than 13% of burglaries are solved.

Without a doubt, there are many factors that can reduce your odds of being burglarized. Adequate lighting outdoors, lights on inside the house, locked doors, shrubs and trees trimmed so windows are not blocked, all help. Protecting your home is a combination of factors, not any single thing.

The biggest factor, however, and most interesting to anyone considering a security system, is that homes with monitored alarm systems are 3 times less likely to be broken into than homes without. Burglars are not stupid and call tell when it is more likely they will be caught. By making it harder, you are encouraging the burglar to pick a different place to break into. It is estimated that 74% of uncompleted burglaries can be credited to an audible alarm

90% of convicted burglars say they would avoid homes with alarm systems and said that if they did pick a home with an alarm system, they would abandon the break in.

Alarm systems provide a psychological deterrent to crime.

As we have seen, alarm systems do work. If a burglar breaks in and realizes the alarm is contacting the police department, they tend to flee. If you have yard signs and decals indicating that your home is protected, the burglar tends to move on to the next house.  This combination, along with other security measures, is a potent way to safeguard your home against break in.

So to answer the question, alarm systems do work.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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