A lot of retail stores seemed to be armed with dummy cameras nowadays. After all, they are inexpensive versions of the much more effective but pricey CCTV cameras. And for a layman, they are pretty much the same. (In case you didn’t know, dummy cameras are fake security cameras that have the camera housing minus the actual electronics) They are designed to look like actual cameras but are not real. Dummy cameras when used in the right place can prove to be useful. 

But does installing 6 to 7 dummy cameras in a retail store really help prevent shoplifting? Or in a more serious situation, can they actually help you in gathering evidence or catching a criminal like real CCTV cameras do? The answer is NO. 

In order to better understand their effectiveness it is necessary to look into the implications and limitations of dummy cameras. 

PROS 

• Inexpensive. While a real security camera will cost you an arm and a leg, the dummy security camera hardly costs $10 to $20.
• Authentic looking. Dummy cameras look exactly like real CCTV cameras and it would take an expert to know that it isn’t real.
•  CAN help prevent crime. A dummy security camera can prove to be helpful in preventing crime as the sight of a camera is enough to deter criminals from attempting a crime.
• Can be used to strengthen your security network at minimal cost. Add it along with real CCTV cameras and your network suddenly looks much stronger.  

CONS 

• Cannot record real footage. There are people who feel that a dummy security camera is a cheap but working CCTV camera. No. It is what the name suggests, a DUMMY or a replica.
• A seasoned shoplifter will eventually find out that the camera is a fake when he/she is not caught after repeated offences.
• Some models have a red LED light on the front panel that shows that the camera is working. But very few original cameras have such LED lights and this light itself can be an indicator that the camera is a fake one.
• Can give a sense of implied security.  

The Final Verdict 

The usage of dummy security cameras should be determined by one’s personal preferences. Yes, at times they can prove to be ineffective but it is also true that when used at the right place, they can prove to be extremely effective in preventing crime. But the best way to use them would be to pair them up with other security gadgets like door/window alarms & motion sensors so that you always have a back up.

Tip1: Multilayered Security - The security setup at your home needs to be like an onion (multilayered) and not an egg (it’s a breeze to crack it). Most burglars prefer a quick and unobserved entry. Make it difficult for the burglar to bypass the security system and he will give up sooner than you expect. Use burglar alarms, electronic watchdogs, motion sensors, driveway alarms, CCTV cameras, dummy cameras and mirrors in your home.

Tip2: Be the Burglar - It takes a thief to spot one. So become a thief and take a walk around your home. How does it look? Does it look inviting? Does the window on the first floor give a perfect view of the expensive paintings that you bought yesterday? Is there an excellent place to hide?

Tip3: Identify the weak link - You might have left a weak link in your security setup. This might be an unlocked door, an unsecured window or an outdated dysfunctional lock. Identify it before a burglar does and rectify the mistake.

Tip4: The right and wrong of shrubbery - Shrubbery that prevents a clear view of your doors and walkways from across the streets, very wrong. Thorny Shrubbery (cactus, rosebushes) that makes it difficult for anyone to reach a window, very right. Learn the rights and wrongs of using shrubbery and landscaping around the home.

Tip5: Love thy Neighbor - The lord preached this ages ago and if you still are not practicing it, then this is the time to do it. Include your neighbors in the scheme of things and inform them about your daily schedule. Give them the permission to inform the law enforcement agencies in case they spot anything untoward (a stranger standing in your lawn acting suspicious). A neighborhood watch program is also one of the best ways to secure your neighborhood.

Tip6: Let there be light - Using low voltage lighting and combining it with motion sensors around the perimeter of your home is one of the best cost effective methods to discourage intruders. You can of course, combine the lights and integrate it into your burglar alarm as well.

Tip7: Close the invitation - If your window provides a clear view of expensive equipment inside, then it is like a showroom advertising the wares inside and also an invitation for any burglar walking down the street to come in and try his luck. Close the invitation. Get heavy drapes that hamper visibility from the outside. Heavy drapes mean less guaranteed results for the burglar and hence, lesser chances of him attempting a break in at your place.

Tip8: Create an illusion - At times, an illusion is even better than reality. So create an illusion that your home is well protected. Use timers on TV and lights when you are going away for a long time. Use a combination of security sign boards, decals and dummy cameras in the exterior. It is inexpensive and can well serve the purpose.

Tip9: Monitor it - Security systems that work on battery can frequently run out of juice. The last thing that you would want is an alarm that failed to go off because of a drained battery. So keep monitoring your system from time to time and replace old batteries when they need to be replaced.

Tip10: Use it when you have it - Never ever leave your home without switching on the security system. You might be going down the street for a 10 minute walk but you should always switch it on. A lot of people have been found guilty of not using a home security system. Always use it when you have it.

Having kids at home means that you have all the more reason to be concerned about security. A lot of children in the United States come back from school to empty homes as both the parents are out at work. There are numerous dangers in the world that kids are completely unaware of. And it’s your responsibility as parents to educate them about these dangers and use the best possible resources to protect them. It helps create a safe and happy environment for the kids and also prepares them for any untoward incident that may occur when they are alone at home.

• The first thing that you teach your child should be to never answer the door when he/she is alone at home. At times, the person at the door might say that he/she is a security figure and has come for some urgent work. But under no circumstances should the child answer the door and let the person in. If it is indeed a cop then it will be as easy as a pie for him/her to find a way to communicate with the child without opening the door.
• Teach your child to call 911 emergency services in case of an emergency.
• Teach your child his/her name and address. This would come in handy if he/she were ever to be lost or kidnapped.
• Teach him/her your phone number, your spouse’s phone number and/or any other phone number that will come in handy in an emergency situation.
• Show him/her how to arm and disarm the home security system. Also show him the various ways in which he can alert the authorities about a possible intruder.
• Lastly, teach him/her phone etiquettes. In other words, he/she should never let an unknown caller know that he/she is alone at home.

These are some of the things that you can teach your child to ensure that he/she isn’t caught unawares if there is a possible intruder at the door. However, there are many steps that you can take besides these to enhance the protection level of your home. Let us look at some of them.

1. Gas leaks are one of the gravest problems being faced by people around the world. Many homes are susceptible to gas leaks and subsequently fire damage. And a large number of fatalities occur every year in such accidents. The reason that you don’t find them on the front page of newspapers is because there are more interesting and ’sensational’ things happening. However, installing a simple inexpensive fire and smoke alarm in the home can give you the necessary protection and peace of mind. You can also install a carbon monoxide detector that can alert you in case the gas levels go too high.
2. Install alarm systems that monitor all the entry and exit points of the home. CCTV cameras, motion detectors and driveway alarm systems can also enhance the security level in and around your home.
3. If you have a babysitter or a nanny looking after your kid in your absence, then you can use a nanny cam.
4. If you have a swimming pool at home, then using a swimming pool alarm system is a must. Children love the sight of a pool and frequently go near them to play. A pool alarm system will alert you if someone enters the pool area or jumps/falls into the water.
5. Enroll in a neighborhood watch program where one neighbor keeps an eye out for strangers and vice-a-versa. Neighborhood watch programs are a big success and are a red flag for criminals looking to enter your area.

These are some of the simplest yet most effective methods of protecting your children.

The key, the easiest pass way to your home. And how many copies of the key to your home do you posses now? And do you have an idea how many copies are actually missing or in circulation (handed over to neighbors, maid, cleaning service or a repair man)? It is surprisingly strange to find that one of the most important security measures is often neglected. I have visited homes where I have seen the key to the main door lying idle on the desk, near a drawer and even on the teapoy. And considering that it is fairly easy to duplicate keys, anyone who has access to your home can easily steal a copy, duplicate it and replace the original and you wouldn’t even know. So who’s got your keys? 

Preventing unauthorized access 

Key control as it is called is the assurance that none of the keys to your home can be duplicated without your knowledge. One of the best ways of gaining complete key control is to use patent protected keys. Patent protected locking systems have multiple levels of security and incorporate more than one locking mechanism. It may include a tumbler mechanism, a separate locking sidebar and more. These locks are multi cylinder locks that can only be opened by specialized keys that are designed exclusively by the manufacturer. Most burglars look to gain easy access and to do it fast. Patented locks and keys will provide them with a new challenge at every turn of the key. This is what makes patent protected locking systems the most secure. It is next to impossible for anyone to duplicate the keys and gain access to your home. 

So how do I get a duplicate copy?  

A patented locking system cannot be duplicated by an average Joe from the street. Only authorized dealers will duplicate the keys and that too with your permission and knowledge. This gives you complete key control. 

Bump Proof keys 

If you have been seeking information on locks, keys and home security then key bumping will not be a new term to you. But if you are hearing it for the first time, then it is technique that has become extremely popular and is used for opening a pin tumbler lock using a bump key. The advantage of using a bump key is that one bump key can be used to open all locks of the same type. In fact, lock bumping can very well make a mockery of your ordinary locks. And the worst part is that these keys are freely available on the internet. Just about anyone including you can buy a bump key off the internet. Besides there are several websites that have instructional videos on making your own bump keys. And these videos are so detailed, that even a child can buy a bump key and use it to break into your home. 

So, you have to replace those old locks with more advanced high security bump locks and keys. A simple replacement is all that is needed to protect your home and assets from techniques like lock bumping. A bump proof lock is the best way to stay protected but it is also an expensive measure. High quality bump proof locks cost well over $200 and that is not a sum that everyone can afford. However, there is a relatively inexpensive way for you to convert an ordinary lock into a bump proof lock. Even your local locksmith can help you with it and it won’t cost you more than a few dollars. 

So the next time you wonder about the security of your home and keys, then think about these points that I have mentioned above.

At times, I can’t help imagining the worst possible scenario. I have the best security system that money can buy and I try and think like a criminal or a burglar for ways that I can crack it. This helps me find any loopholes in the system. I have frequently walked around my place to look for ways by which I can dodge the motion detectors and the CCTV cameras but have found none. I have also looked for ways to disarm the complete alarm system without getting into the home and found no ways to do it. Even if I cut off the power supply, it still works on a backup power system.

It was during one such trip that I found that if someone were to follow me inside and threaten me with a weapon, then I would have to disarm the alarm system myself and no one would even come to know about it. The last thing that you want to try in such a situation is heroics. Now, that was one scenario that I hadn’t thought about. So, I called the security company immediately and explained the situation to them. The guy on the other end then coolly explained that I had no need to panic as I could still use the duress code.

What is the duress code?

The word duress is defined as ‘Forcible confinement’. It means that you are being held against your will and in case of an alarm system; it indicates to the security company that your house is being intruded. The duress code is a secret code that will disarm your security system but send a silent system to the security company. Whenever the security company receives a duress code activated alarm, it will instantly notify the law enforcement agencies and they will tackle the situation accordingly. The duress code will thus allow you to fool the intruder that you have disarmed the system but help will be on its way.

Know your security system

Information about the duress code prompted me to call up my security company for a user manual of my security system. A lot of people take their security systems for granted and hence are not completely aware of all the features that come with it. Does your security system have a feature like the duress code? Call your security company now to know more about it.

You might have the best security setup in the neighborhood but hey, you forgot to position the camera in the right direction. Sounds funny? It isn’t. It is one of the many situations that occur in homes that are burgled around the world and in the end, the only footage that the security team gets, is that of the leaves in the yard shaking in the wind or of the feet of the burglars. What good is a security camera if it is positioned in a place where the burglar is least likely to tread? Or what good is it if the view of the camera is partially obstructed by any object in the path? The key to deriving maximum benefits out of your security camera is to position it in such a way that it covers a larger area than normal and is difficult to reach and vandalize.

Inspect the view

A lot of people rely on the installer sent by the home security company. While most installers do a reasonable job, there are a few installations that prove to be challenging. The very make and construction (to be more precise) of the homes make it difficult to install the camera easily. And if the installation of the camera is time consuming, then the installer will look to install the camera in the easiest possible place. So, it’s up to you to ensure that the camera is positioned in the best possible place. How do you do that? It’s simple. You take a visual from that place. While your eyes do a much superior job, it can very well give you a great idea of what to expect if a camera were to be installed at that spot. And that’s all that you need.

The higher the better

• Always install one or more cameras near the roof. If the other cameras are vandalized or disarmed by the burglars, then you will always have these cameras that provide the best view and cover the largest area.
• Use hidden and concealed cameras in your security setup. And do not hide them in ordinary objects that can be easily detected. Use your imagination. The camera can easily be concealed in just about anything.
• Use the diagonal corners to get better coverage.

A camera positioned in the right way is worth three positioned in the wrong way. That’s not an old adage. That’s a quote by yours truly.

‘Smile, You can are on camera!’ There was a time when you could just afford to smile and give your best pose for a photograph to be clicked. However, now you need to find the camera first in order to pose for it. Yes, we are discussing hidden cameras, also known as spy cams. Spy cams are everywhere. They could be hidden in your locker room, they could be hidden inside an innocent looking teddy bear and it could also be hidden inside the button of the shirt that the guy sitting next to you on the bus is wearing. Technology has made it possible for the spy cam to fit into objects that are not larger than a quarter. And while this may have its own potential uses, it is also being abused on a large scale.

Privacy

Many states do not have uniform laws when it comes to spy cams and invasion of privacy. And you could be on camera any time of the day irrespective of where you are and what you are doing. For example, having a bath in the bathroom, making love in the bedroom or changing clothes in the locker room. As long as the camera doesn’t record the audio it isn’t considered to be illegal. And the footage can very well be used for voyeuristic purposes and be sold to websites that cater to such audiences. On the other hand, a hidden camera that records audio as well can very well be included in the wire tap and bugging laws and hence is used less frequently.

Hidden cameras and types

Log on to any search engine and type the phrase hidden camera. You will come across hundreds if not thousands of websites giving you information as well as selling hidden cameras. Most of these cameras use high end infrared technology and motion detection and are concealed in everything from books to soft toys and even sunglasses. And as bad as it might seem, it is true that hidden cameras make excellent security devices. They are highly popular as nanny cams where they are used to keep an eye on unruly nannies or babysitters while they are alone with the baby. Hidden cameras are also used for discreet surveillance in government offices, law enforcement agencies and also for home security. If a home is burgled and all the CCTV cameras vandalized, then a hidden camera can prove to be a boon. And as I said before, it’s nearly impossible to detect a hidden camera.

Camera detectors and jammers

• You can use camera detectors to protect your privacy when you are in a motel room or a locker room and suspect that it is under supervision. A camera detector uses alternately pulsating “laser frequency” beams that detect camera lenses up to a distance of 50 feet away. You can look through the camera detector and find any hidden camera in the room. Some hidden camera detectors also vibrate so as to prevent the voyeur from knowing that the camera has been detected. While some other models can actually guide you to the source of the camera by flashing an LED light.
• A camera jammer on the other hand uses reverse frequency to block all wireless cameras and audio recording devices. While it cannot detect the presence of the camera, it definitely works in deactivating the camera and preventing it from relaying any footage.
• These gadgets are fairly inexpensive and cost $40 and above. But it might be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

So the next time you feel that someone is spying on you, use one of the above mentioned gadgets to guarantee you complete safety and peace of mind.

“Myths are a waste of time. They prevent progression.” - Barbara Streisand.

It’s easy to believe in something that you have only heard off. It’s difficult to confirm the authenticity of such claims. A lot of misconceptions and myths are floating around in our society about several things. There’s the ‘crocodiles in the sewer’ and Area 51 for the more adventurous types. There are hundreds of such misconceptions about items that we use around the home everyday. There are numerous such misconceptions about burglar alarms and security systems. In this article, we look to bust those myths and clear any doubts that you may have in your mind.

• Myth: Security systems and Burglar alarms are extremely expensive and hence, only meant for the rich.
• Reality: Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and the demand for home security systems has brought several new players into the market. The rising competition has reduced the prices of home security systems considerably. Today, even a middle class family can easily afford a high end video monitoring system. Also, some security companies have packages where they install the alarms and CCTV cameras free of cost in exchange for an annual monitoring contract. Isn’t that a win-win situation for all? 
• Myth: Burglar alarms are complicated and difficult to use.
• Reality: burglar alarms are extremely user friendly and even a child can configure, arm and disarm a burglar alarm easily. The days when burglar alarms consisted of complex control panels with lots of buttons are long gone. They have been replaced by sleek and customer friendly models that have one-touch solutions for most alarm functions. You can activate and control multiple security zones in and around your home, monitor CCTV cameras, activate lighting and motion sensors and even inform the law authorities from one central control panel. 
• Myth: Burglar alarms are an unnecessary investment and they give off frequent false alarms.
• Reality: Burglar alarms are extremely important to provide security and safety to your loved ones and your hard earned money. Crime is on an all time high and you have to ensure that your assets are protected. Besides, burglar alarms will only enhance the value of your home. It is a proven fact that homes that have burglar alarms installed fetch a much higher price in the market. As far as false alarms are concerned, the burglar alarms in the market today are so advanced and precision calibrated that they can easily differentiate between humans and animals, living things and non living things like moving curtains, wind etc. In fact the new security systems have virtually eliminated the chances of frequent false alarms. 
• Myth: Installing burglar alarm systems is going to be a pain.
• Reality: Installing burglar alarm systems is a cinch. If you want to avoid drilling and wiring, then you can always opt for a wireless home security system that has no wires whatsoever. But even a hardwired security system can be installed by a professional, with no wires visible.

I hope that clears a lot of doubts that might have crept up in your mind regarding burglar alarms.

Do you feel safe behind doors? This question is ironical. Almost every one of us feels safe behind the doors of our home. A sense of security prevails as we close the doors and latch it. The door is considered to be the major entry and exit point into a home not just by its occupants but also by burglars. And statistics reveal that two-thirds of all illegal entries were made through doors. You might just be surprised to know that according to a national survey conducted by the Consumer Reports Magazine in the 90’s, it was revealed that most residential doors can delaminate when pressure is applied on it. Now that isn’t a very promising statistics, is it? In simpler terms, a burglar might just kick with all his might causing your door to break in. However, not all doors are the same. There are different kinds of doors with varying strength levels.

Types of doors

There are many varieties of doors that are commonly used in new constructions. These include solid wood doors (undoubtedly the most stable of them all), panel doors (hollow as well as solid core) and lastly, metal skinned wood-edged doors. The same stands true for door frames as well. There are wooden door frames that split into two when pressure was applied on it.

So how do burglaries occur?

• It is true that the latest security advancements can very well help you to prevent a burglary. But the fact is that no amount of security gadgets can guarantee you complete safety from burglaries and thefts. Almost 87% of break-ins occur when burglars use ordinary tools like screwdrivers and crowbars and defeat ordinary locks.
• Glass frames or windows that are at a distance of around three feet from the internal locks are a great way for a burglar to break in.
• A home security set up may always have that one weak link. In most of the homes that are burglarized, the burglars gained access through that one door that was left unlocked or didn’t have a secure locking system. It might be the back door or the door of an attached garage.

Tips to secure doors

So how does one secure the doors? There are more ways than one in which you can do it.

• Use reinforcers: Reinforcers can either be installed on the door frame or it can be integrated into the deadbolt pocket. A reinforcer can increase the strength of your door tremendously. Metal plates can also be used on either side of the door to prevent delamination.
• Deadbolts: Use the best quality deadbolts that are resistant to high impact and common lock picking techniques. The deadbolt should at least extend one inch into the doorframe. However, given the time and tools, any lock can be picked. The only thing that you can do is make it more difficult for the burglar.
• Unreachable locks: The locks should be unreachable from the outside no matter how anyone tries. The pet door and the mail slot are some of the techniques that have been used by burglars with a fair amount of success.
• Landscaping: Ensure that there is no landscaping that obscures the sight of anyone standing at the door.
• Peephole/Eyehole: If you do not have a peephole on your door, then install one now.
• Internal locks: You can enhance the security of a door by using internal locks and latches.
• Use an alarm system: Using an electronic security alarm system certainly has its own advantages. A burglar cannot use a mundane tool to break into your home anymore.
• Secure all doors: If you are planning to install or have already installed an alarm system then ensure that you integrate all the doors into it. Never leave even one door unguarded. 

This is part one in a series of articles that identifies weal links in a home security set up and provides insight on ways to counter it.

If you are new to the home security market then chances are that you might be overwhelmed by the wide array of choices in the market. One term that you will hear frequently is a monitored home security system. It is termed as one of the most efficient forms of home security and hence costs higher than most ordinary systems. But are they worth the extra cost? Or is it just another marketing gimmick?

A monitored security alarm system is a system that is connected 24×7 to a remote monitoring service manned by security personnel. In case of an alarm, these security personnel will immediately contact the law enforcement agencies and they will be dispatched to your home. So how is it different from a normal alarm system and why the extra cost?

How it works

There are two scenarios that we can use to explain the obvious advantage of using a monitored security system over a more conventional one. Let’s look at each one of them.

1. An elderly couple stays alone at home and finds that the alarm has been triggered in the middle of the night. Almost immediately, panic sets in. Is it a false alarm? Or is someone trying to break in? Should I call the cops? Now where was that panic button on the keypad? It is easy to get confused. Also, in the unlikely event that the home is really being burgled, then there is very little reaction time for the person to call 911 and give his/her details. In such a scenario, a monitoring service can be a boon. A company representative will call the home immediately to check the status and the reason for the alarm being triggered and in case of an unsatisfactory response; will inform the law enforcement agencies instantly. If you have been trapped in a room in the house and are unable to get in touch with anyone, then the monitoring service can come to your aid.
2. In the second situation, let’s assume that you are not at home and the alarm is triggered. Almost immediately, security personnel from the monitoring company will be dispatched to your place. Or they will contact the police and a team of cops will be dispatched to your place to check. This can not only prevent a robbery and save your valuables and assets, but can also save the lives of your pets if you own them.

A monitoring service takes into account several factors before deciding on how to respond to an alarm. For example, an alarm that has been triggered at 3 am in the middle of the night is more likely to be set off by a burglar than an alarm that has been triggered in the evening at 5 pm when most people are at home. Also, the home owner can decide the immediate response that the monitoring company should undertake. Some families even give the monitoring company a list of friends or relatives that they can call in case of an alarm. It is also possible to get the monitoring company to activate the CCTV cameras when the alarm is triggered so that they can monitor the place remotely.

A reliable monitoring service can cost between $25 to $40 monthly and this extra cost may well be worth the extra features and comfort provided by this type of service. Some companies even offer a two to three year contract.