How Detroit Caught 60 Criminals In 6 Weeks At Construction Sites

Case study on how outdoor video alarm systems prevent lots of crime and security system false alarms.

Due to the recession, the city of Detroit closed lots of its public schools in 2009. As the old schools were scheduled for remodeling or demolition, reports of vandalism and theft began to pop up.

Like most cities, the school construction sites in Detroit were easy targets for crime. That’s because the only thing that’s typically standing between a criminal and valuable property at a construction site is a fence.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, close to $1 billion are lost every year because of theft and vandalism at construction sites.

In Detroit and other parts of the country, this billion-dollar problem extends well beyond construction sites.

Businesses and organizations all across the country are looking for cost-effective ways to protect property at outdoor sites.

• In cities: Local businesses are looking for ways to protect vacant buildings and stores.

• In neighborhoods: Schools and churches are looking for ways to protect against vandalism.

• In rural areas: Local farms are looking for ways to protect equipment and anhydrous tanks.

So what’s the solution?

Back in Detroit, the city found a cost-effective answer to this problem thanks to Videofied. This security system manufacturer designs outdoor video alarm systems that decrease false alarms and improve police response times from a few hours to a few minutes.

When the city of Detroit started using the Videofied system, there were 60 arrests made within the first six weeks of use. The construction sites are no longer targets for vandals and thieves. Here’s how it happened.

How Videofied Works

Detroit saw a significant reduction in property crime because the Videofied system catches criminals in the act.

The average police response time to a standard security alarm is anywhere between 45 minutes and 1 hour. With Videofied, police in Detroit respond immediately. Here’s why:

• Motion Detection: When motion is detected, security cameras are activated.

• Video Recording: A 10-second video is recorded and sent to a monitoring station.

• Monitoring Station: If the monitoring station sees criminal activity on the video, police immediately are notified.

This innovate process catches criminal acts while they’re happening. Because the criminal act is verified, police will immediately respond.

This verification process also eliminates false alarms, saving your company from hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars in fines.

How Businesses Are Using Videofied To Protect Property

Here’s what helped Detroit police make 60 arrests in six weeks and protected the school construction sites.

Videofied security systems can be set up just about anywhere. That’s because the security system uses wireless signals.

Whether it’s on the streets of Detroit or on a farm in rural California, there are no limits. The system can operate up to four years on one set of batteries. It also can work in extreme temperatures (-20 degrees F to +140 degrees F).

Here are some other areas where outdoor video alarm systems can successfully be used:

• Construction Sites: Protecting against copper, tools and machinery theft.
• Stores And Restaurants: Protecting against vandalism and theft in outdoor areas.
• Schools And Churches: Protecting against afterhours vandalism around school and church property.
• Farms: Protecting against theft of farming equipment and anhydrous tanks.
• Utility Companies: Protecting power stations from people stealing copper and other precious metals.
• Events: Protecting outdoor festivals and events where temporary security is needed afterhours.

These are just some of the areas you can use this system. Because the system is wireless, it can be used just about anywhere.

What Type Of Results Are Businesses Getting?

There are success stories all over the country involving outdoor video alarm systems.

As noted earlier, the city of Detroit saw 60 arrests in six weeks. To date, the number of arrests has expanded to more than 100. Here are some other success stories:

• In California, a gang was stealing thousands of solar panels from wineries across Napa Valley. The crime spree had cost businesses more than $400,000. When police installed the outdoor video alarm system, they were able to catch the gang of thieves.

• In Arizona, an outdoor video alarm system was responsible for 40 arrests in four months.

• In Georgia, a roofing company had more than $23,000 of goods of stolen. After getting an outdoor video alarm system, police were alerted during the next heist. The thieves were scared away and the company has not had any thefts since.

The Security Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make

For every story of success, there are stories where the criminal is never caught. Property is lost. And businesses learn valuable lessons.

Here are some security mistakes you won’t want to make if you’re looking to protect property in a remote area or at an outdoor site.

• You Rely On Fences: A fence is a great first line of defense for protecting a construction site or anything outdoors. However, it’s easy for criminals to break through this first line of defense.

• You Use Security Lighting: Security lighting is great for areas where people are nearby. But security lighting doesn’t make a difference in remote areas where no one is around.

• You Get Guard Dogs: Dogs are better as pets. Keeping aggressive dogs on the site that you want to protect is a liability. The dogs could get lose and bite someone. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.

• You Hire A Guard Service: Guard services give the appearance of protection. However many services do not stay on the site the entire time. They have other locations to monitor. Guard services that stay on site the entire time are very expensive.

• You Use Indoor Security Equipment: Indoor surveillance cameras and DVR equipment can be very expensive to protect an outdoor location for a short period of time. It’s also very difficult to install on remote sites.

Avoiding these mistakes will keep your property safe and help you avoid a lot of headaches down the road.

What Are The Benefits Of Outdoor Video Alarm Systems

There are several important reasons why you should consider using an outdoor video alarm system. These reasons include:

• Quick Response Time: Because a central monitoring station watches video feeds 24/7, police are immediately notified of criminal activities. This improves police response time from hours to minutes.

• No False Alarm Fines: Because a central monitoring station is viewing the triggered alarms via video feeds, police will not be dispatched to false alarms. This saves your company money in fines that you would accumulate with standard security systems.

• Easy Installation: These systems are easy to relocate and install. There are no wires and installation can be done faster than traditional indoor security systems. This ensures your site will be protected as soon as possible.

• Reasonable Price: In comparison to other security options, using an outdoor video alarm system is a much more cost-effective option than using standard security equipment or hiring a guard service.

You Can Do This

It is possible to find an outdoor video alarm system that fits your budget. These systems are flexible and easy to use.

Whether you need an outdoor video alarm system for a construction site, a farm or a neighborhood event, you can’t go wrong with this type of security system.

It even has the backing of the National Sheriffs’ Association.

The National Sheriffs’ Association endorsed Videofied’s outdoor video alarm system. In their report, the association said the Videofied system is one of the most reliable outdoor video alarm systems on the market. The report also said Videofied significantly reduces property crime.

We’re Here To Answer Your Questions

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we have been helping businesses protect their property for years.

We have extensive experience keeping businesses safe and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have on outdoor video alarm systems.

Feel free to call us at 1-800-762-3196 if you’d like to learn more about outdoor video alarm systems. You can also contact us 24/7 on the Hue & Cry Contact Page.

Also don’t forget to become a fan on the Hue & Cry Facebook Page. There’s lots of exclusive information to help keep your business safe.

Tips To Promote Security Outside Your Business

Most business owners spend a lot of time and money protecting the inside of their business. It makes sense. There’s merchandise and other items that need protection.

However, many business owners forget to protect the exterior of their stores and offices. Unprotected exteriors are easy targets for theft and vandalism. Windows can be broken … walls can be spray painted … expensive items can be stolen.

Following the business security tips below can help protect your business’ exterior from vandalism and theft.

Bring Valuables Inside

One of the best ways to protect outdoor valuables is to bring them inside after business hours. If there is outdoor furniture or merchandise that needs to be protected, bring them inside of your business after hours. Make it part of your regular closing routine to bring valuables inside.

Lock Up Valuables

If furniture and other items are too big to bring into your business after hours, make sure they are properly secured with locks. With outdoor furniture, place chains and clocks around the items, making it hard to steal them.

Install Security Cameras

Installing security cameras is great way to protect against outdoor theft and vandalism. Security camera surveillance systems installed outside your business help to identify would-be thieves and vandals. Security cameras also help to deter would-be criminals from damaging your business. If you decide to install security cameras be sure to have signs telling people your exterior is protected by security cameras.

Install A Fence

For some businesses, it may make sense to install a fence. Having a fence can help protect property that is stored outside. This is especially important for retail stores such as hardware stores. It is also important for construction companies that have expensive equipment and machinery outside.

Hire Security Guards

Hiring security guards are another option that you may want to consider. However, this can be a very expensive option. Most likely, hiring security guards to protect the exterior of your business will not be feasible under your business security budget.

Summary

Following the tips above will help protect the outside of your business. For other business security solutions, be sure to check out the Hue & Cry Security Systems website.

Should You Set Up Surveillance Cameras In Your Home?

More and more homeowners are turning to camera surveillance systems for monitoring and protection. Previously used for business security, surveillance cameras are now popping up in homes.

With surveillance cameras homeowners can keep tabs on potential intruders and unwanted guests. With more and more homeowners using surveillance cameras, should you add a camera to your home security system?

Here are some things to consider:

• What are your security goals?
• Do you want surveillance cameras inside and/or outside your home?
• How much are you willing to invest in surveillance cameras?
• What type of security camera system do you want?

What are your security goals?

When deciding whether or not to purchase surveillance cameras for your home, it is important to first set your security goals.

• Do you plan to use the cameras to protect your home while you’re away?
• Do you plan to use the cameras to monitor guests such as babysitters?

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself, when outlining your security goals.

What type of security camera system do you want?

Based on your security goals, you will be able to decide whether you want cameras inside and/or outside your home. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s all based on your security goals.

How much are you willing to invest in surveillance cameras?

Setting a budget is an important step. Like any responsible homeowner, you don’t want to invest too much or too little in your home security system. We recommend talking with friends, family and home security professionals to find what is right for you.

What type of security camera system do you want?

Once you have a budget, you can then decide what type of security system you want. You will have plenty of options. Decide what is in your price range and what will be best for your family.

Summary

Home surveillance cameras are not for everyone. We recommend discussing your options with family and friends. There are a lot of benefits to using surveillance cameras at your home. It’s all about finding the right comfort level.

Critical Steps To Choosing A Strong Business Security System

Choosing a business security system can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It requires patience and collaboration among decision makers at your business.

There are several critical steps you need to follow when choosing a business security system.

Step 1: Discussion

• Have a period of time to discuss what type of security you want for your business. Be sure to discuss a budget. Take as much time as you need to talk during the discussion period. You want to have a clear plan of what security needs are most important.

Step 2: Security Cameras

• Discuss with your employees and managers if they would like surveillance cameras. For some, this may be too intrusive. Be sure to discuss locations. You may want cameras outside of your business.

Step 3: Access Control Cards

• Discuss if access control cards are the right fit for your business. Access control systems keep doors locked until an employee uses his or her access control card to remotely open the door. This is a good day-time business security solution.

Step 4: Fire Alarms

• Having a fire alarm is a very important safety feature. You will want to find a company that has good working relationships with fire departments across the country.

Step 5: Security Alarm

• You will need to have a discussion about what type of security alarm you want. Do you want motion detectors, 24 hour monitoring, etc. See what security features best match your business and your budget.

Once you have discussed various business security solutions, you will be able to work with a security system provider to help carry out your business security plan.

What Type Of Security Camera Is Right For Small Businesses?

A few weeks ago, we talked about Which Type of Security Camera Is Right For You. In the blog post, we discussed several types of security camera surveillance systems.

Today, we thought we’d dive deeper into the security camera conversation and see what type of security camera is right for small businesses. Here are the options:

• Box Security Cameras – These cameras are the larger, bulky cameras hanging in corners of stores. Box security cameras are used as visual theft deterrents.
• Bullet Security Cameras – These cameras are small and have a cylinder shape. These cameras are favored by many small businesses because of their small size.
• Dome Security Cameras – These cameras blend in with the surroundings. Businesses use dome security cameras because no one can tell which way the camera is pointing.

For small businesses, the best business security solution is the domed security camera. There are several reasons why a small business should buy a dome security camera:

1. Dome security cameras are harder to vandalize: Because of its design, these cameras are harder to disable or damage. A vandal will think twice before messing with a dome security camera.
2. It’s harder to tell where the camera is pointing: Because of its black dome, vandals cannot see which way the camera is pointing, making it harder to commit a crime.
3. Dome security cameras seem less intrusive: Because of its design, these cameras do not make customers feel like their every movement is being watched. This creates a better atmosphere for your business.

While dome security cameras are usually the best bet for small businesses, we suggest that you discuss your business security options with a professional. They can help you make sure you are making the right decision.

$50 Million Art Heist Shows Business Security Importance

How does someone steal a $50 million painting from a museum in Egypt with a security system and 40-plus surveillance cameras?

You would think it involved an elaborate plan like something out of The Thomas Crown Affair or Ocean’s Eleven. But no high-tech gadgets or slight of hand were used to take a priceless Vincent van Gogh painting.

According to the investigation, all it took was sloppy security measures and carelessness from museum employees. Only seven of the 43 security cameras were working and guards neglected to check museum visitors for suspicious activity.

The lessons learned from this embarrassment can be applied to your business security plan:

• Have a good, working business security system
• Invest in reliable camera surveillance systems
• Employ trustworthy, professional employees
• Train employees to notice suspicious activity

Most Importantly: Regularly test your security cameras to ensure they are working properly.

Security cameras do not work forever. Many business owners assume equipment works for years. But without proper maintenance and regular testing these cameras can break down. We recommend testing your cameras on a regular basis.

Because the security guards at the museum were so negligent, police are holding them in jail for neglect and professional delinquency.

Don’t let a faulty security system and employee incompetence threaten the security of your business. Do your homework and find the right business security solutions.

Which Type Of Security Camera Is Right For You?

There are many types of security camera surveillance systems and even more different features to choose from when selecting how to prepare your business security solution.

Each camera is meant for different business needs and different circumstances so choosing the right one for your needs is essential. In this article we’ll go through the three most common used cameras so you can get a better understanding of your options.

Box Security Cameras – When most people think of security cameras, this is what they think of first. Generally for indoor use, the bulky cameras are meant to be seen and act as a deterrent to crime. Their biggest strength comes from their ability to magnify details and reach ranges that are not always possible with other cameras. You will most often see these cameras in retail shops and banks.

Bullet Security Cameras – These ultra small cylinder shaped cameras (called lipstick cameras by some) are perfect for small spaces and remaining undetected. Good for indoor and outdoor use, these cameras are used for both home security and business security and many are equipped with excellent infrared capabilities that can see up to 20 ft. in the dark.

Dome Security Cameras – Dome cameras are versatile indoor and outdoor (with weatherproofing) devices that are commonly used to blend in with the surroundings. Domes are frequently tinted so nobody can tell which way the camera is pointing as well as vandalism proofed so they cannot be easily disabled. You generally see these cameras in department stores and indoor malls since they fit with the surrounds and do not make customers uncomfortable.

These three options all come equipped with a number of features that are designed to meet your security needs. Check with your security company to find exactly which camera is best for you.

Stop Employee Theft By Setting The Right Policies

Setting up official policies to deal with employee theft is very important. One of the biggest threats to your business is employee theft.

The lack of rules and policies can do serious harm to your business. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, employee theft costs businesses more than $50 billion a year. To help your business, here are some of the most important policies:

Employee Education – Explaining what constitutes employee theft, how to stop it, and what procedures must be followed by every employee is a must. By giving the proper training, you turn your employees into your own security team. Make sure that you make education sessions positive and explain how each employee benefits from preventing theft.

Check The Books – Conducting regular audits on areas that are likely to be targeted by theft is an important step to eliminating it all together. Regularly audit every area where money changes hands (purchasing, payroll, sales, etc.) even if you completely trust the people involved. Make some of these audits random so employees do not have time to cover their tracks.

Enforce Mandatory Vacations And Job Rotations – Many employee theft schemes are discovered only when an employee takes a sick day and someone else must fill in for them. By enforcing mandatory vacations and occasionally rotating people between departments, you prevent anyone from being able to hide what they are doing.

Support Employees – While it’s not a valid excuse, many employees feel justified in stealing because they feel the company wronged them. By supporting employees through tough times, treating them kindly and with respect, and setting management practices that encourage overall company profit, you will see a major decrease in theft and an increase in loyalty.

Create Reporting Programs – Make it easy for your employees to report theft and make sure that everyone knows exactly how to do it anonymously. Some companies have even had success offering small rewards to anyone who reports a serious instance of employee theft.

Choose Right Business Security Solution – A good business security system with access codes, alarms, and camera surveillance systems where necessary can make a big difference in stopping employee theft. While it’s not exactly a procedure, it should certainly be part of your security efforts.

Things To Consider When Buying Business Security Cameras

When buying security camera surveillance systems, it’s important that you understand exact what you’re getting and why you want it.

Some people have expectations for their camera surveillance systems that are simply not possible or would require a different type of system entirely. To prevent this, everyone should know what their cameras can and cannot do before deciding to buy them.

Know What You Want To Monitor – What areas of your business do you want to monitor with your security camera and how good does the quality need to be? Different cameras are good for different things and selecting the right one can make the difference between an effective system and a useless one.

Understand The Risks of Security Cameras – Security cameras provide an expectation of protection from people entering your business. That’s why fake security cameras can be a legal risk. If people expect protection but don’t get it, your business can suffer the consequences.

Let People Know You’re Monitoring Them – Part of the usefulness of security cameras is that they prevent people from committing crimes because they don’t want to be filmed. Use signs to make sure that your employees and customers are well aware of your security cameras.

Don’t Expect To Record Voices – In most areas, video recording is completely legal but recording conversations without someone’s permission is against the law. That’s why CCTV systems do not offer audio functions.

How To Prevent Robberies At Your Business

Robberies can be a major problem for some businesses, and it’s important that you take every step you can to protect your employees, customers, and store.

There are a number of methods that you can follow that will help prevent robberies and keep everybody as safe as possible.

• Your business security system must include a good security camera surveillance system. This means a professionally installed, highly visible system that records all areas where frequent customer interactions occur.

• Train your employees to look for suspicious behavior. Sometimes it is possible to notice threats before they happen. And when they do, contact the authorities immediately. By having your employees look for anxious, jittery, or suspicious people, you can help prevent robberies.

• Take police action immediately. Employees should pay careful attention to what robbers look like, so they can give a full description to police. Be sure to take every action necessary to aid in the arrest. This makes the statement that you are not a safe target to rob in the future.

• Be friendly. Believe it or not, having your employees be really friendly to every customer that walks through the door can potentially stop robberies. People don’t rob someone that they like so if the robber is immediately treated nicely before they have a chance to act, they may leave without causing trouble.

No strategy is fool-proof, but by taking the actions recommended here and discussing your options with an experience security professional, you can significantly cut down on the risk of robberies in your business.