Security and Alarm Systems Blog

Many of the features of electronic security systems are futuristic. In the electronic age, you would expect a security system installation to follow suit. This is happening, and the internet, cellular phones, and wireless technology have all impacted security system technology. Cellular phones are now used to relay an alarm signal to a monitoring center. This is a big change, because basic land lines can be easily cut, and then you are relying on the monitoring center to run regular time tests. With cellular back-up, the security system is more “fool-proof” and burglars have a tougher time breaking in without getting caught.

Wireless technology has been an active part of security system technology for years, however it is only now getting to the point where it is as reliable as it should be. Many nationwide companies have used faulty wireless security equipment to make the installation process easier, and as a result the systems they install are often dysfunctional. For example, a friend of mine has an ADT security system and every once in awhile the system goes “ding ding” thinking that a window has opened. This is an example of faulty wireless security equipment.

The internet has been introduced to security system technology very late, but it’s here. Now, you can arm or disarm your security system over the internet with many security manufacturers. Another great technology is security systems that can use a home or businesses network to relay a signal to a monitoring center. It has taken a while for wired and wireless network technology to become reliable enough for a security system to use, but that time is now.

These are all new technologies that security systems can have. Progressive Technology has the capability to install and maintain all of these new security system technologies. If you are interested, call today: (800) 577-2527.

Since 2006, Government Spending on Alarm, signal, and security detection systems has increased every year. In 2006, the federal government spent $577 milion on security systems, and in 2008 the total came to $754 million.

Progressive Technology has held their GSA Contract since 2007. And in that short time, we have gained a reputation of offering high quality security systems, security cameras, door access control and intercom. Our security system customers include Camp Pendleton (Marines), Veterans Affairs, The US Coast Guard, the Air Force, and many others. We have installed security systems for most government agencies across California.

Progressive Technology has been installing security systems in San Diego for over 22 years, and even the oldest systems have lasted far beyond a normal security system. Our competitors might offer cheap (or even free) security systems, but they are only trapping their customers into a long and expensive contract, and installing security systems that do not meet the needs of their customers. This holds true for the government contracts, and that is why Progressive Technology has been able to emerge in the government market.

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.

Yes, we have had a modest presence in Orange County for decades. But now we are actively courting security installation business in Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim and even Los Angeles. Please click on the appropriate link below for more details:

California Alarm Systems
Security System Orange County
Security Systems Irvine
Security Systems Santa Ana
Security Systems Anaheim
Alarm System Los Angeles

Of course, we still install burglar and fire alarms, surveillance and door access in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

In a case that will likely change the face of the security industry (in a good way), a settlement by a nationwide alarm company will offer refunds to over 1,200 customers who bought security systems from unlicensed salespeople. Attention was drawn to the sales force for this security company when Washington county was flooded with complaints of “pushy” salespeople.

This is the first time I have heard of any refunds being offered to customers based on a company not being licensed, and some experts have even claimed that any contract signed by an unlicensed alarm salesperson could be void.

What does it mean to be licensed? Well, the security industry is one which is obligated to exclude people with a felony, misdemeanor or any questionable judgments in their past. This is for obvious reasons. An Alarm license involves a background check. Most companies (i hope) get their state’s proper alarm licenses for their installers and managers, but there are some companies that choose to bypass this procedure.

In my own experience, it costs about $100 per employee, and takes as long as 6-9 months. But, California is not known for having a speedy administration.

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.

Obsolete Security Control Panel
If your Security System is over 5 years old, it may be obsolete. Several panel manufactures have gone out of business throughout the years, leaving no options for replacement parts.
The Good News
For around $1000 (depending on the system size), you can replace your control panel and keypads with an updated control panel, and have a state-of-the-art security system overnight. Don’t let the price tag scare you, because you will gain so much from a new control panel. improvements in technology will lower false alarms, increase security, improve your convenience, and change the way you use the system. The benefit of upgrading your panel is that we can hook-up all of your old equipment to a new panel. This, obviously, saves money on new equipment, but also saves time on the installation so you won’t have to pay very much in labor costs.
The Bad News
You will have to replace the Control Panel on your Security System eventually. Most of the time we upgrade a control panel, our customers are blown away at how powerful the new features are. It’s like they have an entirely new system.

When the economy starts to turn downward, most think about how to lower their expenses. But, there are a select group of forward thinkers that go one step further, and solicit the opportunity to secure what they do have. These are the people that invest in security as a hedge against the increased crime that results from a bad economy.
Crime Rates in California are already among the worst, imagine how theft will increase now. California generally has 9.7 times as many cases of Property Crime as the National Average. About 1.2 out of every 10 cases of theft occur in California, the most in the USA. (Bureau of Justice Statistics 2006).
So, what can you do to protect your assets? First, you can install an alarm system at your location, or if you already have an alarm system, you can look into updating the technology. Without a Security System, you will be susceptible to break-in, and there will be nothing to hasten the burglar in collecting your possessions. New technology is now available, systems can be operated online, cellular backups will send burglary signals if the phone line has been cut, and you can also add-on Door Access components to your security panel. These are all very valuable ways to increase your protection.
Security Cameras are also a great way to increase your Security, and lower the risk of break-in. The economy may send more criminals into desperation, but criminals still feel the same prison. A CCTV System will record an intruder in action, and often times the footage helps a detective in an investigation.

Burglary is a serious threat for any business, but vandalism can be just as costly. Graffiti & Broken Windows can cost just as much as a petty “Smash & Grab” burglar. But, there are preventative options available, mainly in the form of Camera Security Systems; also known as a Surveillance System, CCTV or DVR System.
The logic behind a Camera System is that when a burglar or vandal sees that their actions will be recorded, then they are less likely to target your office. If they do decide to burglarize or vandalize your business regardless, then you at least have a recording of them to hand over to a detective. This greatly increases the chance of catching the thief and recovering your property.
If you are interested in Camera Security, or have any questions, Please call us at (800) 577-2527 or you can also visit our website.