Security and Alarm Systems Blog

From 2007 to 2008, there was a drop in every criminal category except forcible rape in Los Angeles County (View the PDF Report). Property Crimes saw a drop between 4 and 8%. Stolen property in 2008 amounted to $310 million, and 27% of that was recovered, down a percent from 2007.

There were 38,000 larceny theft cases in 2008, making it the most popular crime by far. Burglary was also very common, there were 16,000 burglaries in Los Angeles County in 2008.

Burglary, Robbery, and Theft can all be prevented with a well-designed security system. We offer installation services for burglar alarms, fire alarms, security cameras, and door access control. All of these electronic security systems can decrease the possibility of theft in your home or business.

For the first time since 2001, a there is a steady increase in the crime index relating to property crimes in San Diego (view graph). There have been over 82,300 total property crimes in San Diego County in 2008, with the highest months being April, September and December. This increase in crime can be attributed to the economic recession. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in a security system in your San Diego home or office. Even just having a few motion detectors and contacts on doors and windows can help protect your family or business from break-in in san diego county.

There are several types of electronic security available. For example, if your business involves keeping an inventory of anything valuable, then you would gain from a surveillance camera system, or a cctv security system. A cctv security system will allow you to view and record happenings around your office, warehouse or outside surroundings. Often times, just the presence of a cctv security system prevents burglary because the burglar knows they are being watched and they know that it is more likely that they will be captured.

Another great option for a business with valuable inventory or valuable trade secrets is door access control. San Diego is a hot spot for technology and pharmaceutical companies, and protection is very important in these sectors. A door access control system or intercom only allows access to restricted areas to pre-approved people. This system can use a numeric keypad, magnetic swipe card, RFID keyfob, or biometric devices to allow or deny access to vital areas of your business. These systems are very big in the federal government, where national secrets and expensive technology must be guarded. A door access control system in San Diego actually saves money because it drastically reduces the need for security guards.

On Monday an article came out about security cameras in China. China’s police say they have installed 2.75 million surveillance cameras since 2003 and plan to expand the system into the countryside, which is home to about 800 million of the country’s 1.3 billion people.

The cameras are the most visible components of police surveillance, mainly in urban areas, according to a news release posted Monday on the Chinese Public Security Ministry’s Web site.

These camera security systems have proved controversial in other countries, like Britain, which reportedly has 4.2 million surveillance cameras installed – which is about one per 14 people. The ratio of cameras to people stands at only one to 472,000. The camera-to-person ratio is believed to be much higher in China’s cities, with the capital Beijing having 265,000 cameras.

No dialog or privacy rights has arisen in China, where tight communist political control and broad and intrusive police powers have been the norm for half a century. However, China’s plans to combine surveillance cameras with face recognition software has raised concerns about how the equipment will be used.

The Associated Press reported “Thefts, burglaries and purse snatching have all more than doubled since the 1990s amid rising wealth inequalities and relaxed social controls, with about 4.75 million cases reported in 2007, the last year for which statistics were available. However, police say violent crime has declined in recent years with better enforcement of rules governing weapons and explosives.” The Chinese police believe that the expansion of camera security to the countryside should “put the safety of the broad masses of the people first and foremost.”

Do you think a Security System is an important investment? Well, six out of every 10 employees stole company data when they left their job last year, said a study of US workers. Most American businesses fail to take important steps to prevent data theft (read our blog for a detailed article). This can be a frightening figure for any business owner or manager. Think about the damage an employee you have just laid-off or fired can do. But this can be prevented with a good security system.

Read the full Article : 6 of 10 ex-employees have stolen from your company

A man was shot about 100 yards from our office. There’s a park across the street where kids play and gang members sometimes hang out. Everyone was working as usual when we heard 3 gunshots. I saw the man laying on the ground, but didn’t think anything of it because there’s usually people laying down on the grass. Then I was one of our neighbors running to him, and I knew this was bad.

A bullet was found in the doorway 3 doors down! Looking at the trajectory, it must have shot straight over Shaunde’s car, gotten slowed down in a tree, and finally hit a storm drain and ricocheted around a sheltered doorway.

The Police were here quick, and they stuck around for hours. One of the investigators noticed our CCTV system, and asked to see the footage, but unfortunately we were in the middle of switching out a DVR, and the Cameras were turned off. It happened too far to see anything clearly anyways, but it would have helped some. We definitely feel bad, its not every day your surveillance system cameras are pointed at an attempted murder.

I read that the man lived, and is going to be OK, and The police arrested a gang member shortly after the shooting.

We have noticed a spike in the need for businesses to protect the data centers or server rooms in their offices, especially in Irvine and San Diego, California. There are several forms of security we offer in this area. The most common needs involve a door access control system, so that only authorized personnel may enter the room. There is also a helpful option in surveillance, where the server room is secure by recording the area with security cameras. Often times, it is possible to add door access equipment long with an existing security system, which will save you a good amount of money. Another great addition to server room security is a temperature sensor. Everyone knows that computers generate heat, yet they are also sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to keep your server room temperature controlled. If the server room’s temperature reaches a certain temperature, a signal will be sent through your security system, and you will be notified immediately. This will keep your data safe, and prevent a gigantic headache, or even worse a complete loss of your companies information.

If you are interested in a free consultation, call us at (800) 577-2527.

I just wanted to let you know that I wrote an article on the topic from Feb 23rd. This article covers how to use security systems to prevent employee theft. I think I make a good case for protecting your company from fired or laid-off employees with security systems. Please read the Employee Theft Article if you are interested.

Six out of every 10 employees stole company data when they left their job last year, said a study of US workers. Most American businesses fail to take important steps to prevent data theft.

You are probably asking yourself “How can I stop an employee from stealing company data, and not interfere with their productivity.”

Company Data theft can be taken into two categories: Computer-based and physical. To remedy any holes in your computer-based security, constantly consult your IT department (or IT company) to see if they feel your company is up to date on information security software and processes.

Progressive Technology Security Systems can’t help you with information theft, but we do offer some very viable solutions to keep employees from restricted areas, and keep people honest while in your business. First, we offer state-of-the-art door access and intercom solutions, which keep employees from entering restricted areas. One strategy to keep your information safe is to allow only your most trusted managers to vital areas of the office, such as the server or IT room. Door Access Control will prevent anyone without a magnetic card, keyfob, code, or a specific fingerprint, to gain access to areas with sensitive information.

Another great security tool is surveillance. People just act better if they know that they are being watched. A Camera Security System is a great way to keep employees in line, without creating a culture of mistrust. Everyone just assumes that a camera system is just to record an intruder in the night, but there are so many workplace applications.

If you are interested, and would like to know more about Door Access or Camera Security, please click on the links or call us at (800) 577-2527.

Here is a funny news story you may have heard about. A Washington man heard burglars in his house. He went outside to find their van, running. The rest is Darwin Awards history:

“Patrick Rosario was working in his basement last Tuesday when two burglars broke down the front door. When he saw them pulling out his TV, he ducked out the back door while calling 911.”

“He got to the driveway, saw their getaway van was running, and jumped in.”

Click Here to see the news story.

Stupid mistakes cost lots of money
Everyone knows that. So, doesn’t it make sense to ask questions about who will be installing your $10,000 Security Camera System. We provide an Employment Resume to any customer who asks (and even some that don’t).

An Employment Resume includes similar projects that an employee has completed, so you can rest assured that stupid mistakes will not be made, and your system will be installed and designed by a competent Security Professional.