Home Security News

Types of Home Video Surveillance

According to the Home Security Information site, there are two types of home video surveillance: covert and overt.  Covert systems employ hidden cameras (i.e. nanny cams disguised as teddy bears), in order to identity the thief without them ever knowing it.  There must be something appealing about this, because a lot of people are interested in hidden video cameras.  Must be the voyeurs in us.  In truth, an overt system, or one where the cameras are prominently displayed, is more of a deterrent for thieves.  They see the cameras, assume you have a good home security system, and decided to bother someone else.  With a covert system, even if you ID the thief, he's still made off with your belongings, and they'll probably be pawned long before the police ever catch the thief (if they do.)

Read the whole article for more on home video surveillance information.

Cold Weather Car Thieves

There have been quite a few car thefts in the news in Seattle over the last few days.  With the colded weather, people are going outside to turn on their cars to warm up in the morning, then going back inside for a few minutes.  It's in that time that car thieves are striking.  The news cast I caught said some were crimes of opportunity (oh, look, a running car with no one around), but some thieves plan for this time of year, so they can take advantage of this.  The moral of the story... don't leave your car running with your keys in it for any reason!

Media Center PC + Home Surveillance Monitoring System

The SecurGen IDVR is a media PC designed to manage all your entertainment needs, but it can also act as a surveillance monitoring system, integrating the control of up to 8 surveillance cameras in your home (I assume that's for the outside grounds as well as the inside).  Although many people still get a little frazzled at the idea of computers controlling the home, it's nice to see someone making systems that are designed to do useful things along with entertaining.

For more information on the system, check out this post at http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20051126/securhome-integrates-home-security-and-digital-hub/

And also visitor the vendor at: http://www.securgen.com/ | http://www.securgen.com/products_IPDVR.asp

Outdoor Storage Sheds

Outdoor storage sheds should be secured just as with anything else in your home.  There are two reasons.  First off, anything valuable inside could easily be stolen if the shed isn't locked properly.  And second, the tools (rakes, ladders, axes, etc.) you keep in your storage shed could be used to aid a burglar in breaking into your primary residence. 

The "Lock Up Your Stuff" section of do! Magazine's November 2005 issues recommends installing latches that will support a padlock.  "When you buy a padlock, make sure you get one that is laminated.  Buy the heaviest duty padlock you can so it takes lots of effort for someone to cut through it."

The article also recommends installing a motion-sensing light near the storage shed doors so intruders will be more likely to be scared away.  Also, make sure you lock the shed whenever you're done using the tools and especially if you are going away on vacation.

Best Door Lock

A recent Consumer Reports test took a look at a number of residential door locks.  They were surprised how easy it was to just kick in the doors, breaking many of the locks.  If they can do it, so can a burglar.  The testers also evaluated which locks could withstand a burglar who brings tools, like a drill.

The winner?  Of the 31 they tested, "It's the Medeco Maxum residential series, which goes for 160 dollars."  If you don't want to spend that much, Consumer Reports recommended two others as best buys: "They're the Weslock 671 and the Emteck Low Profile 8455." Both locks cost $25.

Article: Home Security: Testing Door Locks

Car Thieves Favor Imports--How to Protect Your Car

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports the most frequently stolen cars in the U.S. in 2004:

1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1989 Toyota Camry
3. 1991 Honda Accord
4. 1994 Dodge Caravan
5. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
7. 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup
8. 1990 Acura Integra
9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
10. 1991 Nissan Sentra

If you own one of these cars (or any car for that matter), what can you do to protect yourself?  Geico recommends that you lock your vehicle any time you leave it (even if it's in your driveway), that you park in attended lots in well-lit areas, that you close your windows completely when parked, that you never leave your car running while you dash inside somewhere, and that you park with the wheels turned curbside in order to make your car more difficult to tow.

Thieves Often Strike During the Holidays

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, most people are more interested in making vacation plans to visit family and friends than thinking about home security.  According to news article Police Say Thieves Often Thrive During the Holidays, the holidays are often a time when burglars are making plans too.  Not to visit family but to visit your house when you're not away.  Browse through sites like Home Security Information and Crime Doctor to learn how to protect your house when you're not home.  There are also lots of tidbits in this blog if you check out the home security and home automation categories.