Watching a criminal walk on to your property and break into your home can be a frightening experience to say the least. If your home is ever broken into, having a spy or surveillance camera installed can mean the difference between life and death. Instances of home break-ins are rising around the world and today’s criminals are more technologically advanced than ever before. On MTV’s Cribs, we so often see celebrities with million dollar homes and elaborate security systems and think to ourselves how expensive it must have been to install. Would it surprise you to know that there are many home surveillance and spy camera systems of high quality for under $500, that you can easily install yourself? In this article I will explain the basics of spy and surveillance cameras for your home and give you a nice future reference for making a purchase.

Diverting a potential home-intruder can often times be as simple as having a fake or “dummy” home surveillance system installed. Such systems can easily be purchased for under $100 and give you a serious edge when it comes to home security. If you want to have an even greater feeling of security, I would recommend that you purchase a fully functioning spy or surveillance camera. Spy cameras are affordable and easy to set up and use. Many surveillance cameras that cost under $200 give you the ability to set them up at a remote location up to several miles away and watch the video feed remotely from your home or laptop computer. Having such a system can also be very comforting when it comes time for you to go on a vacation or business trip. Simply install the spy camera software on your laptop computer and set up your surveillance camera at home in a discreet location and you will know exactly what is going on your premises at all times.

You can set up a practical and effective home security station for a lot less money than you might think. If you already have a computer set up in your house then you are halfway there! The next step is to purchase a wireless surveillance or spy camera with the ability to connect to your computer and/or internet. Keep in mind the importance of discreetness when it comes to your spy camera. While your surveillance camera might immediately divert one potential home burglar, another might find your improperly hidden spy camera and either break it or take it out of capacity. If you do not have a computer at home or would rather set up your security station with a television monitor, there are many options for you when it comes to home surveillance. If this is your situation, keep in mind that it will be more difficult for your connection to be “wireless” like those who are set up with a computer. This is because the spy camera will need to connect to your television through the auxiliary connectors.
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Dogs have been used as a main component of security from thousands of years ago and today they go hand in hand with home security signs. Chinese palaces have been protected by dogs. Greek mythology has Cerebus standing guard over the gates of Hades. Dog breeds have very distinct personality and behavioral traits. Some dogs are loyal, protective or have other characteristics that make them suited for guard dog roles. Home security signs on the perimeter of your property that warn of guard dogs are a great first layer of home security for the simple fact that they make a criminal think and wonder about the difficulty of stealing from a home with dogs.

Most people have some familiarity with the pictures of Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd breeds as guard dogs. These particular breeds do make superb guard dogs, especially when properly trained. They possess the physical size, and personality to protect anyone’s property. Other breeds such as Bull Mastiffs and Rottweilers possess excellent guard dog capabilities as well.

I know from personal experience that German Shepherds and others can be taught to discriminate between those who are allowed in the home and those who are not. I house sat for some friends of mine one time and they had a huge German Shepard named Samson. When I first went to their house, my friend Ken took me out to meet Samson and told him, “Samson, this is our friend Tom.” Samson and I were best friends from then on throughout the rest of the summer while his owners were away. These dogs operate by sight and smell. They will readily recognize not only family members but ‘authorized’ visitors as well. Family friends will be welcomed with a friendly tail wag; strangers get a stare and a warning growl. If a stranger comes closer, especially to a family member watch out. A nasty bite or more will come about if they persist.

Even though dogs can be destroyed by a gun or poison, most criminals are not going to go that far. Most of the time, just having home security signs warning of guard dogs will make a burglar reconsider. They really want an easier target of which there are many. Dogs with the physical size and presence of the breeds mentioned are, at least psychologically, a threat most burglars do not want to deal with, which increases your property security.

Though larger dogs may be optimal, much smaller breeds can make excellent guard dogs too. They just need proper training.

Having a dog that constantly barks at everything is not the answer to any successful security issues. With the owner consistently ignoring all the warnings, the burglars will realize they don’t need to be nervous. Most breeds just need some good training to solve barking problems and false alarms.

It is best to have a dog that has both inside and outside access. Dogs that are allowed access to both will consistently cover the whole property. This can be accomplished with an appropriate sized doggie door. Not one so large that it makes home invasion easy though. The right sized doggie door will allow most dog’s access to the outdoors for bathroom breaks and patrol duty. With a little thought, the door can be made big enough for the dog, but small enough so most men will not have access.

You should complete your guard dog program by placing home security signs warning about the guard dog in places that people can see day or night. These are considered clear advertisements’ that your property has guard dog security. Criminals don’t need to see the dog to reconsider there illegal activities in regards to your house. Proper signage will alert them to the fact that one encounter will be more than they want.
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Using surveillance cameras for security around the home allows the homeowner to monitor what’s going on outside the home while remaining safely indoors. Cameras can be very effective in numerous ways. Many homeowners use them to complement their burglar alarms. The technology involved has taken major strides forward and the prices are within an affordable range. Having a DVR recording the activity around your property is an extremely comforting feeling being home and away.

The camera becomes part of the homeowner’s crime prevention/solving solution. Manufactures have responded to consumer demand with a variety of options. Surveillance cameras are so well disguised that a crook has no idea his movements are being monitored. Cameras can be disguised from sprinkler heads to alarm clock radios. The homeowner has two options for video camera connectivity, either wired or wireless. If camera set up has to great of a distance from DVR or for cosmetic reasons, then wireless is the way to go. Security cameras are great to use indoor as well as outdoors.

Fake security cameras are the solution to your inadequate security system. The fake cameras look exactly like real cameras. Good dummy cameras come equipped with a cable and a blinking light. Most criminals cannot tell the difference between a real and fake camera. Fake surveillance cameras are a cost effective of way of deterring criminals from your home, office, or business. Most people cannot afford a substantial amount of surveillance equipment. In some cases, with addition to the upfront cost of security equipment, you’re also faced with maintenance cost. Dummy cameras are the cost-effective solution to your problem of being an easy target.

Most criminals usually canvas an area before they strike. If they see a security camera outside the perimeter of your store or home, it will help in deterring them from committing a criminal act. They will take notice of the surveillance set up immediately.

The Internet revolution has had great progress in video surveillance. IP cameras are stand-alone devices that connect to your Ethernet or wireless network. An IP camera is connected to a network, allowing you to view its video feed from anywhere you are able to connect to the Internet. You can monitor multiple cameras at multiple locations from one remote site. Recordings are highly compressed for easier storage. Video security can be both a defense and a deterrent. If you are considering installing a video surveillance system for your company or your home, understanding how different video surveillance systems work is critical in your decision making process.

IP camera-based systems are the future of video surveillance. IP cameras are more expensive at this moment, but it is obviously a strong investment in superior quality and flexibility. As the surveillance technology of the future grows. IP camera-based video surveillance system is something that will continue to expand. New developments in surveillance systems are based on improving this technology. Therefore, you will be able to upgrade and improve IP camera based video surveillance systems for years to come while older systems will become obsolete.
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When a little child vanishes without a trace, the parents go through untold grief. No clue and no trace. With video surveillance equipment, the story might have ended differently.

Bitter Lessons

The recent tragedy that struck Kate and Gerry McCann of England is a horror story parents would never dream of happening to them. They would never imagine a child of theirs vanishing into thin air. But did Kate and Gerry McCann ever imagine this would happen to them? Not at all.

They were on vacation and having a good time in Southern Portugal. The couple was having dinner 100 meters away from the apartment where their kids were sleeping. They checked on the children every 30 minutes. On the last check, their four-year-old little girl was gone with absolutely no clue at all.

This misfortune can happen to anybody, anytime, and anywhere. Had the couple been using the remote control video surveillance equipment, they would have been alerted if something amiss was going on in the apartment. There would have been a clue, a face, and a voice.

The rise of surveillance technology

The growing popularity of video surveillance equipment is evident of the times. Lives and property have to be protected at all cost. True, video surveillance equipment cannot prevent a crime. However, immediate response to a crime committed lead to the early solution of the case and the identification of the culprit.

Video surveillance equipment like hidden cameras can yield clues. Police officers have confirmed that cameras have helped them solve crimes. When a crime is reported, they check the cameras and backtrack to the time period to find out what occurred. From that point, they can get several leads and proceed with the investigation. The police, however, are also frustrated with some of the video surveillance equipment on hand. Some outdoor surveillance cameras fail to capture a clear image of the criminal. Still, police officers are turning to surveillance technology to help them solve crimes.

Easy protection

Video surveillance equipment is not just the surveillance camera. You will need more video equipment to enhance the performance of the camera. The video surveillance equipment to ensure you get the best performance are:

oTime Lapse VCR

oClosed Circuit TV

oDigital Video Recorder (VDR)

oDigital Video Software

oMotion sensors

oBattery packs

oInternet Monitoring Software

Completing your video surveillance equipment will give you more confidence. You can keep tabs on the children when you are in another room. You can prevent unwanted entry and theft. And in the worst case scenario, you can prevent a kidnapping or a murder.

When your young ones are in Day Care, check if they have video surveillance equipment installed. Parents should take a more proactive and not a reactive stance in protecting their children and themselves. You can also encourage other parents in the neighborhood to join a child watch crusade, and take a more active role in crime prevention. In the house, check all the door locks and change the defective ones. All windows must have secure padlocks too. Also ensure that all exits and entrances have security devices. Indeed, when it comes to your children, nothing must be left to chance.
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It has recently come to the attention of many parents that they are not really aware of what goes on in their house when they are at work, leaving the children with a nanny or a babysitter. Horror stories of child abuse and neglect have somehow shaken them out of that indifference.

When faced with the prospect of catching their nanny in the act, many have faced the issue that a nanny who knows she is being watched will be on her best behavior. The solution has come in the form of the nanny security camera.

A typical home surveillance device, the camera is however very small and can be concealed unnoticeably. Indeed, nanny security camera has been hidden in items from soft toys to desk lamps, on household product boxes and even in the ***** of a mechanical object. The typical nanny security camera provides continuous video feed of the area to which it is exposed. The images can be viewed live on a monitor, or can be recorded using a recording device such as a VCR for later viewing. Many of them link to wireless IP network systems to provide image transfer over the Internet, thus making the images available at any time on any computer logged onto the Net.

The nanny security camera usually requires little to no installation. Being most of the time a wireless device, it is powered by batteries. Thus, it is a good idea to check upon the batteries from time to time to make sure the recording capacity does not die on its owner. The camera is however not limited to nanny surveillance. It can indeed be used as a concealed camera for any other purpose in the house, or even an office.

It has to be noted that the nanny security camera is not offered by every surveillance systems company out there. Being more of a ‘niche’ product, it is however gaining ground and establishing itself as a tried and true, effective surveillance device.
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For home security camera systems, Infrared night vision cameras are quickly becoming the most popular type of cameras. These cameras can be found in indoor or outdoor varieties, and can provide clear color video during the day, and black and white footage at night, even in no-light conditions.

There are several things to consider when you are selecting infrared night vision cameras. First, determine where the camera will be mounted. When placing an infrared camera, it is generally a good idea to ensure that there are no obstructions in between the camera and the primary area to be viewed. Infrared cameras are not able to view through glass, due to the fact that the infrared light will reflect back at the camera and wash out the picture. Also ensure that the camera is not directly viewing a mirror, which can reflect IR light back at the camera, washing the picture out as well. Next, you should take into consideration the distance between where the camera will be mounted and the primary viewing area.

For example, if a camera is being mounted on your front porch to watch people entering and leaving your home, then measure between where the camera will be located and the entryway of the door. This distance will be used in determining the correct IR range to select. Once you know the distance between your camera and the area to be viewed, select a camera that has about 2 times the range for IR night vision. The reason for the increase in night vision distance is several-fold. The IR night vision distance of IR Cameras is generally rated in indoor climate controlled conditions. Especially when placing the cameras outside, the actual distance will most likely decrease due to increased humidity, decreased temperature, etc.

While installing your camera, ensure that the camera and any exposed wiring is out of reach, this will help to prevent vandals from disabling or moving the camera. If you follow these guidelines for selection and installation of an Infrared Night Vision camera, then you should be able to provide excellent video quality for daytime and nighttime use and provide video to your VCR, Standalone DVR or PC-Based DVR for great home security viewing even in no-light conditions.
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The most important achievement of a burglar is to steal into and out of a house without being detected. They really strive to achieve for this perfection when they come to work in our houses. With a suitable home security surveillance system installed in your home, the burglar will have to be a bit more creative to stay undetected. While a video cam might not deter a burglar, you might as well make life harder for them and make them bleed for everything they steal.

The benefit of a having a visible security camera installed in your house is to make burglars hesitate in targeting your property. Burglars will assume that the security camera is just a small part of a more complex security system that can ruin their night at anytime. If the burglar was less determined and diligent, your house would most likely be left alone.

The security camera will record the view of that part of your house that you want secured. Aside from the images, a video security camera will also record the sounds that reach it. If you happen to be watching those cameras while a burglary is actually about to happen, you could call in the police and have the thief arrested before he can walk 10 steps into your home. Security cameras outside the house will protect your walls from vandalism and clue you in to any suspicious characters constantly watching your house.

Security cameras are installed in two ways. The security cameras that are meant to be visible are overt surveillance cameras. These cameras serve to witness any crime and act as a deterrent to the perpetration of a crime. On the other hand, covert security cameras are supposed to catch thieves who are commonly present in your environment. A good example of commonly seen people are employees in the office, housekeepers, gardeners, maids and other people who are trusted with access to an office or a home.

An advantage of hidden cameras is that people don’t know where they are. They may be told of the existence of the covert security camera but, since they don’t know what it watches, they won’t know where to do their stealing. Most would be thieves would rather leave things alone than get caught in the act by hidden video cameras.

The cost of security camera surveillance systems may vary depending on the level of technology and sophistication of the devices. The more common cameras are similar to regular video camcorders that are simply mounted onto walls. You can set the system so that you can monitor your house even while you are working in your office. The more sophisticated home security surveillance systems are connected to computers to automate the security system. You may want to schedule cameras to function when you are out of the house; and turn them off in some places when you enter your house.

Motion detectors can also be used to automatically turn the cameras on whenever a motion trigger is caught by the detectors. Aside from automation, security systems that use computers have more space to record the videos.

Security systems range between a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Don’t let the prices scare you away. What is more important than the systems themselves is the peace of mind that you will have knowing that, if anything should happen, you will be able to give the police some evidence in case someone robs your house.
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To avoid becoming the next victim of a burglary or related crime, there are a wide range of measures a homeowner can take to protect themselves and their property. Basic measures such as closing windows, locking doors or letting neighbours know when you are going to be away don’t cost anything and should come as second nature.

House alarm systems are the next step up the security ladder but will obviously be more expensive. Nevertheless, cost should not be the prime concern, especially when it comes to the safety of your loved ones.

Put yourself in the place of a potential thief and look at your home security through their eyes – you may well surprise yourself. Walk around the outside of your home and try to spot weaknesses, potential points of entry and areas where a burglar could gain undetected access. Are there plants or bushes that are obscuring certain areas? Look for any unprotected windows that are close to the ground as they make for easy entry points.

The same review carried out when it is dark is the next step. Think about the lights and shadows around your home. Consider any pathways that a stranger can walk down unheard and unseen. Leaving curtains and shutters open when it is dark outside make for easy viewing of the inside of downstairs rooms.

When it comes to home security, even the most basic measures can make a big difference. Installation of a wooden or metal security bar across a sliding window can prevent it being opened from the outside. Good bolt locks will not always keep out the professional burglar, but they will at least slow down the opportunist thief. Make mutual arrangements with the nearby neighbours to watch their property, while they watch yours.

Burglars will mostly target homes that they consider easy to get into. A house where nobody is home makes an easy target. Timer switches that control table or desk lamps can easily be installed with the added advantage of fooling them into thinking there is somebody in the house.

Lights that are left on permanently, especially during daylight hours, will make it obvious that the house is unoccupied. Having radios, televisions and lights that switch on and off in a random manner will give the indication that the house is occupied. Timers are very inexpensive with around $100 dollars buying you a dozen or more.

Many home security systems cost as little as a dollar a day. Taking into account how much you could stand to lose, that is a small price to pay for ‘insurance’. As well as that, having one will often also lower your home insurance premiums.

These systems can often be installed as a do it yourself project without requiring specialized assistance. Several have low-cost battery backups so they still function during a natural or burglar-induced power outage.

Many house alarm systems also include a facility to alert you if a door or window is opened. However, a burglar armed with nothing more than a glasscutter, could quite easily bypass that facility. However, a system that includes either a vibration detector or cut sensor will overcome that problem. Motion detectors are another worthwhile upgrade to consider.

At the end of the day, no system is foolproof. Nevertheless, taking action and implementing some simple, inexpensive solutions can better your odds dramatically.
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Upon doing a Google search for crime rates in Los Angeles, I found something very interesting. Los Angeles is way above the national average for murder and auto theft. Los Angeles leads New York City in all areas of crime including murder, theft, rape, assault, burglary and robbery. From these statistics you can see how important home security Los Angeles is for the safety of your family and your home. Read on to discover a few steps you can take right now to increase your home security.

First of all, make sure there is plenty of lighting around your home. Install a motion sensitive security light so that a burglar will not have the cover of darkness. A burglar does not want the risk of being spotted by the neighbors or someone driving down the street so a well lit home will go a long way in deterring a burglar.

Walk around the perimeter of your home and make sure that there are no bushes or any types of plants that are covering the windows of your home. Keep all bushes trimmed down below the window sills so that a burglar will not be able to use the bushes for cover. Check all your window locks to make sure they are working properly. Never leave a window unlocked, even a second story window.

Never hide an extra key to your home on the door sill or anywhere else on the property. You may think that those fake rocks where you can hide a key would be safe, but think again. Someone who wants to break into your home will know to look for these things outside your house. It doesn’t take a thief very long to find that hidden key. Don’t make it easy for them.

Living in Los Angeles, you must be especially careful if you have a nice car. Los Angeles leads the nation in auto theft. If you have a garage that you use for storage or a workshop, consider cleaning it out and using it to conceal your vehicle.

Keep your car in a locked garage and cover any windows so that a car thief cannot be tempted by your expensive auto. If you must park your car on the street or in your driveway, always lock your vehicle and make sure the security system is activated.

If you are willing to spend a little money, get a security system installed in your home. It’s a good idea to use an off sight provider such as ADT. These systems will monitor your home for you and can alert the authorities if anything looks suspicious. It may cost a little more, but the safety of your home and family is worth it.

Living is Los Angeles can be a wonderful experience. Just make sure that you take every precaution to keep yourself and your family safe. Take your home security in Los Angeles very seriously and you will feel much safer.
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Most people are fully aware of the common home security advantages. This means having a system that will notify you, as well as the fire department and police in time of emergency. For instance, if your home were to catch on fire, you and your family would know, giving you a chance to get out safely while the fire department is notified by the system. The same would be true for intruders in that you would be notified, along with the police.

However, home security advantages beyond this are often unknown. Therefore, we wanted to provide readers with interesting information on how a home alarm can save money in addition to protecting the family. Remember, the safety and security of your family and possessions is of the utmost importance but once you understand all the advantages, you will see why so many people are adding security systems to their home.

Insurance

If you are thinking about adding an alarm system to your home, start by talking to your homeowner’s insurance company. Chances are that you will be given a nice discount, typically anywhere from 2% to 20%, depending on a number of factors. To determine how you can enjoy the greatest savings on insurance, find out the specific type of alarm system recommended.

Additionally, if your home were burglarized because no alarm system was installed, you would be required to pay a deductible and then risk having your insurance rate increased. In fact, some insurance companies are so strict that if you had a significant amount of property taken, you could even be informed of policy cancellation.

Possessions

True, when it comes to home security advantages, protecting your family is the most important. However, your home is also the place where your lifetime of possessions reside, being put at risk if the home were burglarized. This means everything you have worked for could be taken in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, many people have expensive items in the home such as jewelry, artwork, or special technology, which might not be covered on the regular homeowner’s insurance policy. That means if these items were taken, you would not be able to recoup money.

Then, some people do not have replacement insurance, meaning items stolen would only be reimbursed for the amount paid, not the current value. Therefore, if you had a five-year-old television set that you paid $300 for, you would only get the $300 originally paid, not the replacement cost of $700! This means you would have to come up with the $400 difference out of pocket to purchase a similar television unit.

Features

Even the actual features are a consideration when it comes to home security advantages. Some systems are basic while others are loaded with high-tech features. If you want the most protection possible, then you could choose from many exciting features to include glass break detectors, floor mat detectors, wireless technology, remote control panic buttons, and more.

As you can see, the number of home security advantages goes beyond protecting your family. If you have been thinking about having a system installed but were not quite sure, we hope the information provided will help you make the right decision. Life is precious and therefore, it must be protected at all costs.
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