Home Security News

Shopping for a Security System for Your Business

We've talked a lot about home security systems, but what about security for your business?  Perhaps you own a store, work from an office, or run a factory, ranch, or other physical structure with lots of employees.  In these scenarios, security is just as is important as it is for your home, maybe even more so since you might stand to lose a lot more, financially speaking, if your business is burglarized.

That's why installing a security system for your business makes sense.  If you've decided to take this step, the Internet is a good place to start researching what's out there.  Do you want a wireless burglar alarm that you can install yourself?  Do you want video surveillance that you can watch over the Internet (i.e. check in on the facilities from home or the road)?  Would you prefer a hard-wired (still the most reliable) system that a professional installs for you?  Do you want a monitored system, meaning someone is keeping an eye on your premises 24/7?  Perhaps you want to get a call on your cell phone or a text message whenever someone walks onto your property.

All of these options are out there, and deciding exactly what you want can get confusing.  One thing you can do is browse security companies that offer their products over the Internet.  One such company is Advanced Perimeter Systems Limited.

Their Perimeter security systems are manufactured in Scotland and sold all over the world.  Among their products, they feature security management software (this lets you keep an eye on all your alarms, surveillance systems, etc. from a central point), intruder detection systems (these can warn you if someone is moving onto your property before they can do anything to cause trouble), and electric fences (perhaps you want to keep people from even stepping on your premises). 

Just remember: before you hire a security company that will tell you what you want, do some research yourself and get an idea of what's out there and what will work for you.  You'll save yourself money this way, because no one will be able to talk you into anything.

**This is a sponsored post.

Security Mailboxes That Aren't Ugly!

I've written about secure mailboxes before (the kind where the mailman can put the mail in the slot, but it takes a key to get the mail out, so nobody else can mess with your letters), and it's a pretty smart idea from a home security standpoint.  The downside is that secure mailboxes tend to be utilitarian (read: cold and ugly).  If you want something a little homier, you can get a custom mailbox that fits the style of your house.  Though it will cost you more than an off-the-shelf model, a mailbox is something that lasts for a long time (especially if you get a quality one designed and custom-built for you). 

For information, here's a blog post on where to find a locking mailbox.

Spy Finder Hidden Camera Detector and Other Gift Ideas

Believe it or not, security and spy gadgets can make excellent Christmas presents, especially for the man in your life.  Think James Bond.  What guy doesn't like to play with fun gadgets?

If you're looking for a good gift for him, this Spy Finder Hidden Camera Detector allows you to walk into a room or store and immediately know if there are any cameras monitoring you.  The site suggests you can use it in dressing rooms or locker rooms to suss out hidden wireless cameras and immediately know if someone is watching you.  The gadget runs on 2 AA batteries and is on sale for $100 at BrickHouse Security.

In keeping with the James Bond theme, what guy wouldn't like a pair of night vision goggles for Christmas (at least one of these NVG models should be on the "gifts for him" page)?  With them, you can what's going on in your neighborhood, even when it's pitch dark outside.  Prices for these start at just over $100.

One gift on the company's site that I felt was a little dorky was the covert wireless cigarette pack camera.  I suppose it could work as kind of a gag gift for a smoker, but really, who is going to use something like this except for a kid?  And I don't want to be giving my kids anything that looks like a pack of cigarettes.

All in all, though, the BrickHouse site has some fun security and spy gadgets that could make good Christmas presents for people.

Window Cop, a Wireless Alarm for Your Windows

Here is a home security alarm that gives you added protection for your windows without the cost or hassle of installing a whole house system, including wiring that involves tearing into walls and what not.  Window Cop is a battery-operated alarm system (so no wires to worry about) that fits double-hung windows between 21" and 37".  It's a screen that lets you open the windows and enjoy fresh air without putting your house at risk (especially if you have a tendency to leave those windows open when you go to sleep). 

If someone tries to enter the house, the alarm will start up an ear-piercing siren to drive them away.  It also keeps children from falling out windows or getting hurt, if you have toddlers running around the house.

Prices start at about $30.

http://www.windowcop.com/

Ferocious Guard... Duck

That's right, I said guard duck, not guard dog.  This is more for fun than actual home security, but I got a kick out of it, so it gets a blog post. 

"No one ever suspects the duck. Would be thieves and trespassers might not even notice the mallard on your porch until its motion sensor is triggered and it quacks out a loud alarm. Each 8" tall, hard plastic water foul requires two AA batteries (not included)."

That's right; look out burglars: there's a new duck in town. Ahem.

The plastic duck will run you $10.95 and is available over at Archie McPhee.

Fingerprint Activated Home Safe

The BioSaf Denali safe we looked at the other day isn't a bad choice if you want a safe that's fingerprint activated, instead of opening to a combination or a key, but it is a bit on the small side.  If you have more valuables that you want to store, you could try a bigger model. 

This biometric access safe from Hammacher Schlemmer measures about 18" in all directions and weighs 140 pounds (you should bolt a safe to the floor to ensure a burglar can't make off with it, but even if you didn't, this one would be a pain for them to carry out to their get-away vehicle!).  The safe gives you 1.2 cubic feet of storage, and it can keep your documents and belongings safe in the event of a residential fire (it can withstand temperatures of 1700 degrees F for up to an hour).  The price is $500.

Biometric Access Safe

Hidden Safes

Even though I'm a firm believer in a wall- or floor-mounted safe that is secure enough no burglar will be able to swipe it or get into it, they do cost a few hundred dollars.  Many people don't have that kind of money to spend, and if you live in an apartment, you may not have the option of drilling holes into the floor to secure a safe.  This is why hidden safes are popular.

Hidden safes are pretty much what they sound like: little cubbies for your valuables that are disguised as wall outlets, jars of peanut butter, cans of cola, etc.  This article on hidden safes has more information on what your options are and where you can shop online to find these devices.

Residential Safe with Fingerprint Reader

If you like the idea of a home safe but hate the idea of memorizing a combination (and remembering it months later when you decide you actually need to get into said safe), this safe could be for you.  The Denali from BioSaf has a biometric fingerprint scanner, so all you have to do is press your thumb to the reader, and the safe will pop open.  No more keys and combinations that have to be memorized.  Let's just hope no burglars have the thought of removing one of your fingers in order to use the digit to open the safe on their own... (I've watched too many science fiction movies.)

Price is $400 from BioSaf via Home Improvement.

Motion-Sensing Security Camera Monitors Your Door

Did you know that burglars often come right up to the front door of a home and knock to make sure no one is home before robbing a house?  Maybe it would make sense to install a security camera that monitors door activity.  That's what Jasco Product's Intellicorder does.  It's a "virtual digital camcorder with motion sensing activation that allows you to capture high resolution video and audio of any visitor."

The door cam is easy for a DIY type to install, too, because there's no wiring involved.  It mounts in the peephole in your door, so thieves can't even see it from the outside.  But from inside, you can see exactly what's happening on your front porch.  The camera doesn't record 24/7, which would be a waste of batteries, but instead detects motion and turns on, automatically starting recording only when someone approaches.  It has an LCD screen you can look at, or you can take the captured video, which is recorded on a SD memory card (similar to what your digital camera uses), and load it onto your computer.

The Intellicorder will cost you about $300.

http://www.jascoproducts.com

Finding Good Deals on Security Gadgets

I've known about the SmartHome folks for a while (they are a store specializing in home automation toys, which includes home security stuff), but I just came across their auction site.  Apparently, they list things they're overstocked on or just are willing to let go at below MSRP, and you can bid on them, just as with eBay or other auction sites.  Many of their items (like timers for lights, etc.) have $1 opening bids.  When I took a peek at their site, they had more than 300 auctions open you could browse through.

iLock Fingerprint Door Lock

The iLock is a biometric door lock system that has a fingerprint sensor located on the knob. It eliminates the need for house keys.  The lock can be programmed to open for multiple people (anyone who lives in the house), including visitors such as pet sitters if you go on vacation.  You can delete those temporary entries once you return home and ensure that person no longer has access to the house (whereas if you give someone a spare set of keys to use, you can never be sure they didn't make copies while you were gone).  The iLock fingerprint door lock system is priced at $599.

http://www.tychisystems.com/

Burglar Alarm That Calls You When Triggered

Home security can be a pricy investment.  Though no one is going to argue that it's a good one, you may not be ready to spend thousands on a state-of-the-art monitored system.  If you just want a way to get your feet wet (and you've invested in the basics like strong window and door locks along with good outdoor lighting), X10 sells a do-it-yourself burglar alarm siren system that you can program to call up to four phone numbers if it goes off. The system only costs $100, so it's a decent way to decide if an alarm system is good for you or whether you're the kind of person who always forgets to turn it on or triggers it because you forget to turn it off when you come home (let's hope that's not the case, but if it is, maybe we can recommend a big dog instead...:)

Protector Plus Dial-Up Home Security System

Fingerprint Wall Safes

Since residential fingerprint door locks are becoming more popular these days, it was only only a matter of time until we started getting fingerprint home safes.  I think the technology is even handier for safes than for doors.  A key I can keep with me; a combination or digital lock that I only open once in a while... that can be tough to remember.  And you don't want to do something stupid like write the combo on a piece of paper stuck somewhere in the room.  (If you can find it, a burglar can, too).  So, I like the idea of a safe that only opens to my fingerprint.  Smarthome offers this model for a little under $500:

Fingerprint Wall Safe

Safe Disguised as an End Table? Puleeease

Hammacher Schlemmer sells a lot of cool stuff but this "Safe Disguised as an End Table" just made me roll my eyes.  How stupid do you have to think a thief is to buy something like this?  If you've ever watched that Discovery Channel show "It Takes a Thief" you'd know that they check everything. No drawer is left unopened, no mattress left unturned.  They'll find this safe in a heartbeat.  Will they have the combination?  No, but so what?  They can just take the end table with them... then one of their safecracker buddies can take their time opening it.

If you want a safe to protect your valuables, do yourself a favor.  Instead of trying to be clever by hiding valuables somewhere you think thieves won't look (they know about all these gimmicks...), buy a sturdy safe and bolt it to the floor.  That's the best way to keep someone from walking away with your good stuff...

Keyless Deadbolt

Technically, the Turner Deadbolt isn't a keyless deadbolt (you still need a key to open the lock), but unlike normal deadbolts, you don't need a key to lock it up when you leave the house.  Deadbolts are what keep burglars from being able to kick in doors, and experts say, "the first line in home security."  But many people don't like to (or forget to) use them because of the inconvenience of having to stop and lock the door on the way out.  The Turner Deadbolt locks with a simple twist of the wrist.  At $50, it's a relatively cheap upgrade for your doors, and any do-it-yourselfer can handle the installation.

http://www.turnerlock.com/

Featured on HGTV's I Want That

LED Key Lights

I've heard of key chains with LED flashlights on them to help you open your house or car door on a dark night, but KeyLights from Elementx LLC are the first keys I've seen with the LED lights imbedded.  The light is bright enough to illuminate the pathway as you walk and the lock of the door so you can see where you're putting your key.  This means no fumbling in the dark while some would-be mugger sneaks up behind you. The light keys come blank so you can have the local key maker copy your current house or car key onto them.  They are available in five different colors (with matching lights) and are gauranteed to last for five years. 

http://www.keylights.com/

Video Door Monitoring System

The Broan NuTone Video Door Monitoring System (Model VSUC4SK) lets you know who's at the door without actually going out to check.  It comes equipped with two cameras, so it can monitor the front and back doors.  The cameras get mounted by the door, and when someone rings the door bell, the video signal transmits a picture of your visitor to the screen in the house (which is designed to be mounted under a cabinet in the kitchen, but could really go in any room). 

Here's a blurb from the manufacturer's site:

"If you need hands-free security and media access in a compact unit, our drop-down monitor will fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets... Lower 7" wide color LCD panel to watch cable TV with the integrated cable tuner, enjoy your favorite music, or access the morning news on its AM/FM radio. Answer and make telephone calls from its hands-free speakerphone."

The video door monitoring system is slated for summer 2005 release, but no word on the price yet.

http://www.broan-nutone.com/