When a stranger comes knocking

When someone you don’t know comes to your front door, it can be scary, especially if you’re home alone. It’s okay to feel unsettled because it’s common for intruders to knock on the front door or ring the doorbell to see if anyone is home before attempting a break-in. It’s also not uncommon for criminals to pretend to be salespeople or maintenance professionals in order to get inside your home! If a stranger ever comes to your front door, here’s how to handle the situation:

- Take a look -
Before you even think about opening the door, always check to see whose there. Whether you have a peephole or security cameras, you should have some way to see who’s at the door first. Make sure you train yourself and everyone in your household, especially your children.

- Call to someone in the house -
It may sound a bit weird, but it’s not a bad idea to call out “I’ll get it!” or “can someone get the door?” before answering. Even if you’re home alone, calling out to an imaginary friend will make it seem like you’re not home all by yourself!

- Don’t ignore them -
If you see a stranger at your door, your immediate reaction might be to ignore them. However, if it is a potential intruder, they might be checking if it’s a good time to break in – when no one’s home! So it’s always better to say something or make a noise rather than ignore them and remain quiet.

- Respond without opening -  
Always ask for strangers to identify themselves without opening the door. You may want to use an intercom system if you have one or simply talk through the door. If you don’t know who they are or they make you feel uncomfortable, ask them to leave immediately! If they say they’re here for maintenance, a survey or sales, always ask for identification first.

- Keep information to yourself -
A fishy stranger might ask you questions like “what hours do you work?” or “when will you be home tomorrow?” Don’t answer questions like these! Or any other questions about members of your household. If a stranger is particularly pushy or says they’re in trouble and need help, rather offer to call a police officer.

It’s easy to follow these tips and take precautions before opening the door to a stranger. Not everyone has ill intentions towards you and your family, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

For a home security system, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for a reliable, professional security system you can trust!

Written By: Christine Romans

Why you shouldn’t set traps for burglars

Home security is an important factor to consider in your house, apartment, business etc. Many people think it may be wise or even fun to set a booby trap in order to possibly catch a burglar in the act! But there are a number of legal reasons and dangers involved in attempting to trap a burglar. Here are some reasons that might make you think twice before setting a trap for a burglar:

Booby traps are illegal – The most important reason to avoid attempting to trap a burglar is the fact that it is illegal! A booby trap is a concealed or camouflaged device designed to cause bodily harm when triggered by and action of a person making contact with the device. This term includes guns, ammunition, explosives, nails, spikes or toxic fumes and gases.

You probably believe that you can act in self-defense if an intruder enters your home, but it often happens that people who do just that find themselves facing legal action. So basically if you set up a trap to protect your property from intruders you will be responsible for any injury or death even if it is of a burglar.

You are putting yourself in danger – It may be tempting to try and catch a burglar in the act, even if the trap has no harmful effects. However, there really is no way to know how effective your trap will be in the event of a break-in.  Let’s say you decide to make a trap for a burglar and someone breaks into your home, there is a huge possibility that the trap might fail horribly and the burglar will be irritated and aware of your presence!

So you will never know how effective your trap will be until you test it out in real life, but why would you want to do that and put your family at risk? Instead it would be wise to consider a professional home security system from SIS – Security & Investigation Services. Always remember that even the best home designed trap isn't going to be as effective as a security system provided by a company specializing in home protection.

Leave it up to the professionals – While there are some safety precautions to deter burglars, use them in addition to a home security system monitored by a 24/7 professional monitoring team. Additional burglar deterrents include:
- Installing motion detecting lights outside your home
- Locking your doors and windows
- Placing security signs and decals on the exterior of your property
- Having a dog or a “beware of dog” sign
- installing fake or real security cameras around your home

Nonetheless, some individuals still decide to design and set their own traps for burglars. No one’s saying you shouldn't defend yourself from intruders. You just shouldn't set a premeditated trap for what you suspect might happen.

There are countless solutions to deterring criminal activity on your property, the main one being a monitored home security system. Contact SIS – Security & Investigation Services for a professional, reliable home security system.

Written By: Christine Romans

The dumbest criminals in the world – Part 2

Most burglars aren't the sharpest tools in the shed; they could be why they chose a life of crime. Still, whether due to poor planning or panicking under pressure, some criminals stand out as especially dumb; here is part 2 of the dumbest criminals in the world.

No. 5
On March 23, 2010 in Fairfield, Connecticut, Albert Bailey and an unnamed juvenile accomplice decided to rob a bank. Bailey was clever enough to call the bank in advance and let them know that they were coming to rob it, his intention was to give the bank plenty of time to get the money ready so the two of them could just walk in, take the cash and leave!

After the call, Bailey sent in his juvenile accomplice along with a note to avoid any confusion in case the bank was waiting for another robber. Meanwhile a bank employee called the police and updated them about everything that was happening. The robbers demanded 100 000 Dollars but only got 900, they then walked out the bank into the arms of the police, who arrested them immediately without incident.

No. 4
In Omaha, Nebraska, Melissa Peters was getting ready to take her son to school, she headed to her car when she found 17-year-old Mganga Mganga pointing a gun at her face. They quickly fled and he entered the car to steal it, there was one problem though – the car had a manual transmission and Mganga had no idea how to use it.

What happened next was like something out of a movie, Mganga turned on the lights and the windshield wipers trying to make his escape! A neighbour called the police and it took them minutes to arrive and find an empty car sliding gently into the neighbour’s yard, knocking over the fence.

Mganga had made a run for it, so the police officers went after him on foot and had no problem catching up to him a few blocks away. At least he avoided weapons charge, as the gun turned out to be fake.

No. 3
Try to imagine what would make the worst target for a burglar, how about a house full of police officers? That’s what Darren Kimpton of Abington, Northampton chose. The home he selected had already been broken into earlier that night, so police officers were on the scene investigating when Kimpton broke in. he tried to make a run for it but he was captured after a brief struggle.

But, that wasn’t his first unsuccessful burglary of the day, he’d tried to break into a nearby house but failed to do so, he did manage to cut himself on some broken glass and leave blood at the scene so cops easily linked him to the crime!

No. 2
The target was Halifax Bank in London, this particular robber entered the bank with a gun in one hand a gun in the other, he demanded 700 000 Pounds in cash – so far, so good! Next, he planned to hand over his bag so the teller could fill it up with money; instead he got a bit confused and gave the teller the gun.

There was a moment of confusion and the robber tried to grab his gun back, but the teller was clever enough to grab it and point it at him! Even so, the robber still managed to make a run for it and he didn’t go away empty handed, as he pedaled off on a bank employees bicycle.

No. 1
A good disguise obviously needs to hide your true identity and it also needs to help you blend in with the crowd, the disguise that Dennis Hawkins chose, failed on both counts. His disguise was this: a woman’s blonde wig, a pair of fake breasts and clown pants. The first problem was that the silly get-up revealed his face, which was captured on camera and if he wanted to fool people into thinking he was a woman he should’ve thought about getting rid of his mustache and goatee.

The second problem was that the disguise was far from conspicuous; right after the police releases a description to the public, a gas station attendant called to report someone wearing the unique look while trying to steal a car. And as if that wasn't noticeable enough, when the police arrived they found Hawkins covered in the red paint from a dye pack exploding in his face.

To prove that he was completely brainless, he tried to mug a woman and get away with her car before the robbery, but she ran off, taking the car keys with her!

So it’s clear that for every criminal mastermind there is a total numbskull sitting in a cell somewhere because they didn't have two brain cells to rub together when they decided to go through with their illegal acts.

For all your home security and business needs, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they can provide you with anything ranging from general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans 

The dumbest criminals in the world – Part 1

Not everyone is suited for a life of crime, we avoid it because we realise that it would be wrong to be a part of illegal activities. And then there is another special group of people – people who attempt a life of crime but really shouldn't because they are just plain horrible at it!

No. 10
In August 1995, a man named Klaus Schmidt tried to rob a bank in Berlin by walking in with a pistol and demanding money, pretty standard right? Well after a while the bank employees started noticing that the criminal was acting rather strange, at one point one of them asked if he needed a bag, and he replied “You’re damn right it’s a real gun!” It was then when they realised that Klaus Schmidt was deaf!

The employees took advantage and set off the alarm, obviously Schmidt couldn't hear a thing, even as the police approached the bank! When the deaf criminal was taken into custody he tried to turn a negative into a positive – by trying to sue the bank for exploiting his disability!

No. 9
In 2011 there was a police sting in Derbyshire, the police used a strategy of offering wanted criminals free beer. The criminals received notices through undercover officers informing them that they’d won a crate of beer each. To collect the beer they need to contact the company that ran the promotion.

Believe it or not, many were tempted by the offer. Nineteen wanted criminals called the number and set up a time and place to collect their free beer! Tragically for them there was no free beer when they turned up, only police officers ready to take them into custody.

No. 8
In 2008, an 18-year-old Ruben Zarate wanted to rob a muffler shop in Chicago, he entered the shop with a gun and demanded money, but there was one problem – most of the money was locked away in the safe! Only the manager could open the safe and the manager wasn't in, so Ruben decided he would try again later and he left his cellphone number with the store employees, that way they could call him when the manager returned.

First, however the employees called the police and then they called the robber and when the bright spark criminal returned he found the officers waiting to arrest him.

No. 7
Sometimes the criminal makes it almost too easy for the police, like the case when a Boston Robber snatched a woman’s wallet and left behind something that belonged to him – his birth certificate!

The man, named Zachary Tentoni stole a wallet containing just 40 Dollars in cash and the victims ID, but during the struggle he dropped two bags of his own. To make things worse for poor Zachary on the very top of one of his bags was his birth certificating and as if that wasn't enough the bag also contained a letter from his mom revealing his address!

Zachery obviously realized his dumb mistake because when the police contacted him he pretended to be someone else, but he failed when the victim identified him immediately.

No. 6
A fast car or a motorbike is a good choice for a getaway vehicle; do you know what isn't a good choice? A 10-year-old donkey! A gang of thieves in Columbia abducted a donkey named Xavi from his owner and proceeded to rob a convenience store. The heist went pretty well and they loaded their goods onto the donkey and prepared to make their escape, but Xavi didn't want to cooperate.

Up until that point, the police were not aware that the robbery had taken place, but good old Xavi started making so much noise that he attracted the attention of some nearby officers. The robbers ran away on foot, leaving behind Xavi and of course, all of their goods!

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for a professional, reliable home security system. they offer a wide variety of services ranging from general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring 

Written By: Christine Romans

Summer home security tips

Summer is here and when we think of summer we think of pool parties, suntan lotion and enjoying a beach vacation, but there is one downside it is also the season for burglars. When you’re busy enjoying the warm, fresh air you can become lazy and people tend to leave doors, windows and blinds wide open. Plus summer is the season when you and your family would like to get away; here are a few things you need to know.

Why does crime increase during the summer?

Research shows that the average burglar is male and under the age of 25 and the peak age for property crime arrest is just 16, but why is this relevant? Because most 16-year-olds are out of school during summer and summer is the most popular season for family holidays and burglars love to target empty homes. The crime increase isn't about the weather conditions; it’s about opportunity and circumstance!

Installing professional home security

If you don’t have a security system your home is three times more likely to be burglarized than a secure home, so make sure you invest in a quality home security system. For instance, Contact SIS – Security &Investigation Services for a professional, high-quality home security service! If you are planning to travel during the summer, consider purchasing security cameras or motion activation technology.

Double up on security

A home security system makes an excellent deterrent, but it isn't the only one, if you want to maximize your security for the summer you might want to invest in some of these things:
- If you don’t have a dog, you might want to buy a dog bark alarm that will ward off potential intruders with realistic barking sounds.
- Install a dummy camera if you can’t afford a real surveillance system. Burglars can’t tell the difference and the sight of a camera will scare them away instantly.
- Finally, get some yard signs and decals and place them around your home.

Start a neighbourhood watch program

Now that the summer sizzle is in the air, this is the perfect time to start up a neighbourhood watch program. If you’re not sure how to get it started, check out my helpful Easy ways to make a safer community post. When you get the entire community involved, you can sleep easier at night and enjoy full-on security at all times.

Businesses: take note

If you run business it is absolutely essential that you have a quality security system in place. Did you know that commercial theft, like home invasion increases during summer and it is especially bad in the month of December. If you step up your security plan today you’ll be more ready for summer and the holidays.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure your home or business is perfectly secure for summer, get a head start on your summer safety strategy! When you take control of your security tan today you can spend your summer focusing on more important things, like your tan.

Written By: Christine Romans

How to stay safe during load shedding

Get your candles and your torches ready because there may be more load shedding on the cards for a long time to come. With power cuts happening all across the country at random times during the course of the day, it can cause people to feel unsafe in their own homes, especially at night. Some private security companies said that load shedding can wreak havoc with alarm systems and the signals sent to your security provider’s control room.

Many people believe that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted, however, all modern alarms should have a backup battery pack that automatically activates when the electricity is cut.

When load shedding happens in your home,  keep in mind that it can increase the possibility of a false alarm activation and even though you might have a backup battery pack for your alarm system, it is important that your test your alarm on a regular basis.

Testing your alarm is a simple procedure which will take less than five minutes of your time. Make sure the testing is done as early as possible so that technicians can address any problems that they may find.

During power cuts burglars see one thing – opportunity. They are the most comfortable in the dark and can easily break into your home without being seen, especially if your alarm system has gone haywire. That’s why it is important to remember to lock all your doors and make sure your windows are closed and secure. Light candles and torches ton provide some light, but never leave an open flame unattended!

If you don’t want to be caught unawares, you should consider installing LED technology which is combined into the alarm systems wiring and will automatically switch on for a maximum of 15 minutes when the electricity cuts out.

When the dreaded load shedding happens, it’s simply inconvenient and it could be potentially dangerous too! Remember to check the schedule ahead of time to make sure you are safe and secure in your home. 

For a professional home security system contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they can provide you with a variety of services from guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

The history of the burglar alarm

The burglar alarm has been around for thousands of years, the most basic alarm used long ago by ancient humans was the dog! In 30 000bc dogs would help protect property and guard against people trying to steal valuables.

In 3150bc moats were used as alarm systems to protect the castles and fortress during dangerous times, they were the first line of defense in keeping people secure during ancient Egyptian times. Over time, humans evolved and use other tricks like chimes to warn against burglars, the burglar alarms these days are far more complicated and use advanced technology.

In 1852, Edwin Holmes invented the first electric alarm system in Boston, his basic design had a tripwire that electrically powered a solenoid that struck a gong when it was set off. Holmes then decided to start a business and move to New York. In 1905 the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) bought the Holmes business, they used the advanced electrical grid that was in New York and linked the personal burglar alarms to police and fire departments.

Starting in the 1970s, a lot of alarm systems came equipped with motion sensors, they used basic ultrasonic technology that was emitted from a sensor and reflected back. If there was an change in sound the alarm would go off.

When the 1980s came along, there were improvements to motion sensors that merged with other technologies. Motion sensors then began to use infrared technology to avoid false alarms and establish full home protection systems.

Throughout the 1990s the prices on home security systems fell quite a bit. Many companies offered free installation packages with a monthly fee. The system was combined with not only safety services, but also phone support from the company itself.

These days alarm systems are so advanced many of us can’t even keep up! Forget about trying to dig a moat around your house or using an orphaned wolf pup as security, the alarm systems we have today are almost futuristic. Face recognition systems and alarm systems controlled by your smartphone, we can only wonder what alarm systems will be like in a few years.  

For an advanced, reliable home security system, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They offer a wide range of services, from guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

The link between your yard and home security

Did you know that the state of your yard can really impact the chances of your home being burglarized? It’s a fact that burglars will scan the neighbourhood and search for ideal targets; some of the things they look for are the luxuriousness of your house, visibility of your valuables and the signs of a home security system. But these aren't the only factors, read through these facts and make sure your home is extra safe.

Tall trees and bushes attract burglars
If your home is looking like the Amazon Rainforest, it’s time to get out the weed eater! Homes with many trees, vines and plants will draw burglars in – the overgrowing distractions will provide a great cover. Burglars prefer to be seen as little as possible and some people make it all too easy for them to stay hidden, so it’s best to always remember to keep your trees trimmed and foliage at a minimum. The last thing you want is for burglars to be tempted to sneak onto your property under the cover of darkness!

Fencing is also problematic
Be weary of tall fences, often they can be more inviting to a burglar than tall trees and bushes. It may seem strange because fences are supposed to keep people out, but its important to be aware that they could also double as a hiding spot. If you have a tall fence covering part of your house, you may want to think about upgrading your home security or replacing it with a tall gate.

An unkempt lawn means you’re not home
Maybe you just haven’t gotten around to mowing the grass lately and your lawn as become tall, wild and completely out of control, you should know that an unkempt lawn can draw the interest of burglars. Having an unmanaged lawn sends a message that you might be away on holiday for a long time! Yes, we all hate yard work, but it’s important to keep our grass and weeds in order at all times, it’s not just about having the best looking lawn on the block!

Yard signs make a great addition
How do you decorate your yard? Flower beds? Gnomes? Pretty benches? Well, you might want to think about adding a couple of home security yard signs to the mix! Even if you don’t actually have a home security system installed you can still scare burglars by posting signs on your wall and windows with home security logos and warnings.

All a well-kept yard needs is a lawnmower, a pair of clippers , the services of an actual gardener or home security system. A burglar loves an easy target, and your landscaping may be drawing them in! 

Take your home security to the next level with a quality home security system from SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they pride themselves on protecting your home or business.

Written By: Christine Romans

The best times to buy a home security system

So when is the best time to buy a home security system? You might think you know the answer: when you buy a home or move into a new place, but there isn't one right answer to that question. Here are some of the best times for you to get busy installing your home security system…

*You just moved*
You've just moved into a new flat or apartment, you have a van full of your most important possessions sitting right outside for the whole world to see. Whenever you move, everything you own is right out in the open, and anyone can take a quick peek.

There’s a myth that home security systems aren't an option for you if you’re renting a place, this isn't true at all. Gone are the days of drilling holes in walls just to install your security system, many security systems are specially designed for people who rent apartments or flats.

*You just bought really nice equipment*
The whole neighbourhood officially knows about your brand new 3D flat screen TV and your Porsche shining through your garage windows. It’s okay, it’s natural to want to show off your new stuff to your friends and neighbours, it’s horrible to have to live in fear of someone knowing you've got them and then stealing them.

While you’re busy showing off your new equipment why not show off your fancy home security system too, that way word will spread that no one should attempt to burgle your home. Keep in mind that its also a good idea to take extra precautions and cut up the boxes from your new toys before you place them outside your home by the bin.

*You’re going on vacation*
It’s the festive season, so why would you want to spend your whole holiday worrying about if someone has broken into your home or not? That one Facebook picture of you relaxing on the beach in Miami could be all it takes to convince a burglar to get up and take advantage of your unprotected home.

Majority of burglaries take place when no one is home and when your one vacation this means an even longer period of time when no one is checking in. there is one simple solution – get a home security system! An alarm system and an alarm monitoring service and you’ll know about anything that happens while you’re enjoying your holiday.

*You've got a new roommate*
A new roomie can come with a lot of interesting baggage: forgetting to lock the door or a crazy ex-lover. So even if you are super careful with your security, that doesn't mean that your new roomie will be too. Getting a home security system will help to remind your roommate, plus you can always be in control of your flat or apartment from wherever you are.

Always remember that your roommate is new so make sure to inform them about services and visitors - they won’t know that you don’t have a monthly carpet cleaner coming in and could let in a potential burglar. 

You don’t need to sit and wait for the “right time”? The truth is the best time to get a home security system is before you need it. Not after your house has been burgled, you never know what could happen. Getting a home security system is like wearing a seat belt in your car, chances are you’re not going to crash, but wearing it will make sure you are protected if you do. So if you’re driving through life always make sure to wear the seatbelt that is your home security system, and put it on before you have an accident!

For all your home security services contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they over a wide variety of services ranging from CCTV off site and alarm monitoring to general guarding and farm protection. 

Written By: Christine Romans