The Genie smart lock

Smart locks definitely aren't rare these days. Many of the devices, however, go through batteries pretty quickly.  It’s with this in mind that the Genie Smart Lock was created – it has all the right features and it uses much less power!

Like most of the other smart locks out there, Genie allows you to unlock your door with the help of your smartphone. It uses both Bluetooth and WiFi to accomplish this, this gives you the option of unlocking your door from anywhere in your house. They can also grant temporary door-unlocking privileges to other people, like house guests or maid services.

The main selling point of this particular lock is the battery life! Most smart locks average about a month of use per charge, but the Genie promises up to 12 months of life. This is done using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The lock itself only sends out BLE signals, and the Genie Hub, a WiFi connected device that is a part of the system, receives those signals and sends them to the user’s smartphone through WiFi. This means the lock itself is never actually connected to a searching for a wireless internet signal – resulting in low power consumption.

For users who are interested in the WiFi Features, the lock can be used with just the BLE connectivity without the Genie Hub. Of course, is you decide to go this way then you will be missing out on all the remote unlocking  features, but having options is always a good thing.

As with all smart locks, should the battery die at some point, a normal key is also included for emergency unlocking. Also, another important thing to note is that the lock is designed to work with a standard 54mm door hole, and can be replaced with a traditional lock without leaving a trace.

Smart locks are becoming more and more popular as time goes by, but it’s rare to find one with all the best features and still an amazing battery life.

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

Written By: Christine Romans

How to avoid door to door scams

Never, ever let a salesman into your home. Letting a stranger into your home is incredibly dangerous, even if you hear a knock on the door and a stranger is there – use extreme caution! It is always best to check through the peephole or a window first to see who is at the door before opening it. Always ask a person to identify themselves before you open the door, if you are still concerned there’s nothing wrong with turning them away. Safety is a priority!

The home security industry is plagued with people using scams to make money, here’s how to guard your castle and avoid door to door scams…

Check for ID
Many people will claim to someone they aren’t. Always make sure to ask for some form of identification. Even so, keep in mind many people might give you false identification.

Get their offer in writing
If you absolutely must listen to a pitch from a door-knocker, always get their offer in writing and then contact them after reading their contract.

When in doubt, shut the door
You should never, ever feel inclined to open the door and listen to someone. If at any time you feel what the door-knocker is saying is too good to be true, it probably is. So, just close the door and stay safe.

Never invite a solicitor into your home
Never let anyone you don’t know inside your house. It is extremely dangerous to invite a solicitor into your home, you never know what their actual plan could be – they may want to rob or hurt you!

Don’t be afraid to call local law enforcement
Some people who knock on your door just won’t leave. If any of the techniques above fail, don’t ever be afraid to call your local law enforcement.

When you hear a knock on your door, make sure to keep your guard up and these tips in mind!

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for all your home security needs! We have a variety of services, from general guarding to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

Why door alarms are a practical decision for home security

Door alarms are an inexpensive option for home security, but they only take the security system so far. While they are definitely a great first step, you may want to think about getting alarm monitoring to go with your door alarms you have in your home.

Benefits

Door alarm systems are great because they alert you if an intruder is trying to break into your home while you are in it. They usually sound at 110 – 120 decibels, which is loud enough for you to hear throughout your home. When the alarm goes off you can react quickly and phone the police, and it also scares the intruder into leaving because he knows you are home. If you are away from home, the alarm may be just loud enough for your neighbour to hear, and then they may be able to call the police for you. Keep in mind that most break-ins actually happen during the day, so this is very important.

Types

There are a few different types of door alarms. Some are wireless and portable and do not have to be permanently mounted anywhere. These door alarms can simply be hung on the doorknob and are activated when someone turns it, because they are portable you can take them with when you travel. The door stop alarm is a wireless door alarm that looks very similar to an actual door stop, but it sounds an alarm when pressure is put on the door as it is opening. It is wedge shaped, so you can put the narrow part under the door. Other door alarm systems have a keypad panel, which is usually mounted close to the monitored door; the code number will activate and deactivate the alarm.

Are Door Alarm Systems Enough?

Though door alarms are a key part of a full security system, they are not always enough just on their own. Yes, these alarms alert you when an intruder is breaking in, and alert the intruder that there is some kind of security system, but no one else is really alerted by the alarm. Your neighbours may not even hear it and even if they do, that doesn't mean they’re going to react. In conjunction with door alarms, alarm monitoring services round out the home security package. If you have alarm monitoring, as soon as the door alarm goes off, either the police, a security company or both will be alerted of the problem. This means that the police will arrive at your home quickly to access the situation, without monitoring, no one else would be alerted to the break-in and so no help would arrive!

If you are considering setting up door alarms or already have them in place, you should consider installing an alarm monitoring service with SIS – Security & InvestigationServices as well. You can talk to a security expert to help you make the decision for your home security plan and help keep you, your family and your possessions safe.

Advice for children about family safety

Many families are protected with a home security system from SIS – Security & Investigation Services. However, the equipment will only provide alerts about the intruders who have broken into your home. Homeowners must assume a responsibility for not attracting thieves and for informing children about the dangers from burglary. Children may want playmates to come to their house to play games or climb trees. But remember that friends are a source of risks because children may not know about methods for concealing information about personal possessions.

> Confidentiality
Children may choose to make themselves more popular by talking about the new electronics their father bought or the valuable jewelry their mother wears. The information about personal possessions should be protected because thieves will cruise through neighbourhoods and look for open windows and doors such as patio and garage doors. The thieves may enter through an open garage door and steal tools from a work bench or an unlocked vehicle.

> Electronic Devices
A burglar will break a window and enter a home to steal video games, TVs, computers and music systems. Because of this children should always be advised about not speaking to anyone about any expensive or new electronic devices in their home. All information about new purchases should be protected because a thief could easily enter a home and steal something.

> Weapons and Jewelry
Thieves can easily sell stolen weapons, jewelry, antiques and family heirlooms – all these cannot be replaced! Therefore, parents should protect themselves and their children by speaking with their children about the potential threats from strangers. Family members may be frightened after a burglary, but you will all have protection with a home security system from SIS – Security & Investigation Services.

Written By: Christine Romans

Why DIY home security installation is better

The secret of DIY installation is that it’s super easy. Even though professional installation requires no work on your part, the “work” you need to do for most do-it-yourself installations is minimal. Here are some pros and cons of DIY installation…

The upside of DIY installation:

> No installation fees > Install on your own schedule
> Adjust the system how you want it
> You can move your system whenever you want
> You’ll learn about how your system works

The downside of DIY installation:

> You have to do all the work
> No in-person professional, however they are usually on the phone guiding you

The best part about DIY installation is that it’s completely free. You don’t have to pay any installation fees since you’ll be doing it yourself. The good companies won’t leave you all alone to do this though! Some companies have an installation professional to walk you through the process over the phone, so when you install your system yourself you won’t have to wait around for an installer.

There are some situations where you really need a professionals help, like with any kind of hard-wired home security that’s going to be more difficult to install than wireless. If you want to talk to a professional to get a better idea on which type of system is best for you, give SIS – Security & Investigation Services can help you anytime.

Written By: Christine Romans

Safety tips when selling your home

When you are selling your home, always remember that there are certain safety guidelines that should always be followed to keep yourself and others safe…

Valuables
- Don’t forget to take your keys, credit cards, jewelry, and other valuables from your home or lock them away.
- Antique, rare or expensive home décor items also should be put away to avoid accidental breakage, or worse, theft!

Medications
- Remove all prescription medications from medical cabinets and bedside tables.

Weapons
- Firearms, knives (including those in a block in the kitchen), and other weapons should be removed from sight and locked away.

Personal Info
- Bills, invoices, credit card statements, mail and anything with personal identifying information should be removed from view.
- Family photos and anything labeled with names also should be out away.

Showings
- Do not let strangers into your home if they do not have an appointment first.
- All showings should be officially scheduled in advance through either your estate agent, their office, or another estate agent who represents the buyer.

Hazards
- Protect yourself from a liability standpoint by making sure that driveway and sidewalks are clear and free of all debris.
- Also, make sure all pets are secured at all times.
- Do everything on your power to ensure a prospective buyer is never in any danger.

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for all your home security needs. From general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

The Step Off Door Alarm

With all the hot days turning your home into an oven, it only makes sense to leave windows open at night and let the cool air come inside. But, as peaceful as that sounds, it’s also the perfect time for predators to be sneaking around looking for ways to get into your home.

There are many ways you can deter burglars from climbing in your window at night, like…

- Dogs can be trained to wake you up with a bark and also subdue a person breaking into your home.

- Alarm systems can protect your doors and windows with the simple push of a button.

- Replacing windows with newer models that have window locks so the windows cant just slide open.

- Cutting a sturdy piece of wood to slip into the track to stop the window from opening all the way.

Not everyone can afford an alarm system though, and not everyone is allowed a dog. Lock and slicks can also make it hard to open the window to get good circulation.

Luckily, there is another solution. The Step Off Door Alarm by Damsel in Defense. It is a versatile, inexpensive and easy to use gadget that works with sliding glass doors and main doors to your home and windows. All you have to do is set the pressure sensitivity and place it so that if the door or window is slid open, the pressure will sound a 120 decibel alarm that will not only wake up the dead, but scare any intruders away immediately!

The Step Off Door Alarm is battery operated and portable, it can be used in college dorms, hotel rooms and anywhere else you want to stay safe. It can also be used during camping in your trailer or placed just under a tire so that if someone tries to steal your car the alarm will sound.

If you can’t afford expensive monitoring the Step Off Door Alarm can completely replace it, plus you won’t have to be in any unsafe situations, attacks, burglaries and you will have complete peace of mind. Anyone who has used this device would give it five stars, because it is durable, practical and it lasts very long.

If anyone ever tries to break into your home, you will be completely safe and out of harm’s way thanks to this nifty little gadget.

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for all your home security needs. Whether it be general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

4 ways you can save money by saving energy

You’re wasting energy now and you don’t even know it. While sitting on your phone or computer you've let energy go to waste/ that’s right, by doing nothing your home is quietly letting energy and your hard-earned money go down the drain.

Saving money and energy is not as hard as you may think; here are four easy ways to save money by conserving energy…

Turn it down
Whether it’s your thermostat or water heater, adjusting the temperature down can shave off a lot of money each month. That can add up to big savings!

Plug it up
Make sure your home is tight, and I don’t mean styling! Make sure there’s no ways for air to leak out of windows or doors.

Use a switch
Gadgets and devices around your home that stay plugged in slowly drain energy. Use a lamp module will give you automation technology, but also cuts off this energy loss.

Go renewable
Getting solar panels is cheaper than ever. Using wind or geothermal energy is a good alternative as well. Using these technologies in your home could bring your energy costs to 0!

There you have it, four quick and easy ways you can stop wasting energy and save money today!

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services today for a reliable, affordable home security system. They offer anything from general guarding to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

Backyard pool safety tips

With the warm temperatures outside, it’s great to be able to cool off in the pool. If you own a pool or you’re visiting friends or family with a pool, always keep safety in mind! Accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, so make sure to follow these simple safety tips…

When you ARE NOT using your pool, follow these guidelines:

- Secure your pool with a high barrier. A fence or gate with a latch is best. Make sure the latch is closed completely and locked when out of the pool area.

- Keep the pool covered. A hard cover will prevent anyone from climbing into the water without supervision. You should also remove ladders or steps.

- Install an alarm. You may want to consider installing an alarm or video surveillance around your pool. You can set up notifications, so that when you aren't at the pool, you’ll be notified is motion is detected there.

- Ensure that lawn chairs and tables are kept away from the fence around the pool. This is keep children from trying to climb over the fence.

- Teach your kids how to swim. Even though it doesn't always prevent accidents, everyone should know how to swim well.

- Establish clear rules. Make sure children know to never enter the pool area without adult supervision.

When you ARE using your pool, follow these guidelines:

- Supervise children at all times. Small children should always be in arms reach of an adult.

- Establish a buddy system. Never allow anyone to swim alone.

- Keep water clear. Make sure you maintain the proper chemical levels, filtration and circulation in your pool.

- Have lifesaving equipment ready at all times. Make sure all adults know how to use the equipment in case of an emergency.

- Pay attention. When supervising children at the pool, keep distractions at a minimum. Keep an eye on the children at all times.

Swimming is great for the whole family, especially when the weather is unbearable, but always make sure to keep these tips in mind and ensure everyone is safe and secure. 

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for a professional company that prides themselves on protecting you, your home or your business.

Written By: Christine Romans

How to build a safer home

Are you building a home? Or thinking of building one in the future? Well, if you answered yes then you have the rare opportunity to combine high-level security into the overall design right from the beginning. Here are some of the security measures you can build into your dream home, starting from the outside in.

1. Guard the Exterior

There are certain parts of a home’s exterior that are more vulnerable to burglary. You should always plan the outside of your home first to deter intruders…

- Create a Barrier: A fence or a gate is a great way to create a physical barrier for potential intruders. When you pick out fencing, keep in mind that height plays a big role in the level of security offered. If you get a high fence, remember that it will actually shield the intruder as they approach your home. A shorter fence will create a barrier while keeping the visibility.
- Optimize Landscaping: An intruder’s main goal is to look for a home with easy access points. It is a good idea to place pot plants and shrubs strategically to deter criminals and add an extra layer of defense. Thorn bushes can actually act as nature’s barbed wire!
- Shed Some Light: A burglar wants to get in and out quickly without being seen, so when you are planning your new home, be sure to include outdoor lighting. Always make sure to have timed and manual lights, and consider security lights that activate on motion. They will often scare criminals away.

2. Secure Potential Entryways

Most doorways are based on style, curb appeal and efficiency, but another feature you should look for is durability. All doors should be thick and resilient to prevent someone from entering. Some other common entry points are your windows, basements, garage and crawl spaces. To protect yourself and your family, install burglar bars and invest in keyed locks.

3. Plan your Home’s Interior

When you are designing your floor plan, keep safety in mind. It is best to have concealed storage places for expensive items, gadgets and money. TV armoires may not be your style, but they do a great job at keeping your expensive items neatly out of sight. Finally, install a video surveillance solution and have complete peace of mind that your home is safe even when you are not there.

Have you thought about optimizing your new home for security? 

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services today! they can provide you with a variety of home security and business services. 

Written By: Christine Romans

3 reasons why you should hire an alarm company

Maybe you've had the horrible experience of being involved in a home robbery, or perhaps your family and friends have told you about how terrifying it can be. Some of us can barely sleep at night because of the anxiety of one actually happening can cause. Whatever the case may be, choosing a home security company can provide you with complete peace of mind.

1. Preventative Measures
Even if you take all the precautions in the world, a break still could happen. However there is a way to avoid it, by having services from SIS – Security &Investigation Services, you can significantly lower the risk. When criminals are scanning for a house to break into, they are often looking for easy access. If you have an alarm system, they will steer clear of your home knowing that if they break in it will cause trouble. Make sure you have stickers and signs on your windows and in your yard so people know of the system that you have.

 2. Watching When You’re Away
Depending on the features that you have with your systems, you may be able to monitor your property when you are away from home. You can tap into cameras that let you know what is going on inside and outside your house. By doing this, you can see in advance if trouble is brewing and alert the police or proper authorities.

3. Individualised Plans for you
On top of having an alarm system, you can also personlise the system to your specific needs. For example, you might want to add a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector onto your system. Even if you already have these features in your home, you can have them connected to the alarm system for even more protection. Make sure to work with the service professionals so they can help you determine the right plan for your home.

Keep these reasons in mind next time you tell yourself you don’t need an alarm system, it is best to install a home alarm system as soon as possible to avoid being involved in a home break-in  or any other traumatic event.

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

Written By: Christine Romans

Are you getting enough from your home security?

Do you need a new home security solution or is the one you have working for you? This is a question many families across the country ask themselves; and it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether you need upgrades or not.

On the outside, your home security may appear to be just fine. After all, all your equipment is working just fine, right? What many folks don’t know are that there may be some underlying vulnerabilities that aren't noticeable.

Here’s how to tell if your home security solutions need an upgrade…

For all your home security needs, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They can offer you a wide variety of services, from general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.


Written By: Christine Romans

3 ways to use your security system to protect your children

Your security alarm system means many things to you – a safe and secure house, peaceful sleep at night and you always know your family is always safe. With a home security system you can feel rest assured knowing that your kids are where they are supposed to be, and not getting into things they shouldn't. Here are three tips to help you get the most of your home security system and protect your family…

Use your door sensors
Your entry sensors can be used for a wide variety of things. Many assume that they are just for doors and windows to alert you if someone is burglarizing your home, but they can also be used to alert you when someone is entering somewhere they’re not supposed to. You can use an entry sensor on a door to the pool to make sure your little one doesn't wander out unsupervised. As soon as the door opens you’ll hear a siren or an alert! You can also use the door sensors to keep your children out of your medicine cabinet and away from chemicals under the sink, or on a gun safe to prevent a dangerous situation.

Entry sensors give you control
Entry sensors work well to keep tabs on your kids. Whether you want to know how many times your five-year-old gets up at night or when your teenager is trying to get into the liquor cabinet. If you have “secret alerts” you will receive all this knowledge quickly via text message or email. The great thing about secret alerts is that there is no siren, so your kids will never know that you know!

Personal Pins
With some home security systems you can create a personal identification number for each member of the household! This way you’ll always know when each person comes home; to make sure they are safe and sound. To turn off the system the person will need to enter their own personal pin on the keypad, this way you can tell when your teenager is past their curfew.

Using your home security system in creative ways is a great way to protect you and your loved ones. There is no end to how you can use your alarm system!

For all your security needs, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They can offer you anything from general guarding to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

Four routines for a safe home

Do you ever rush to make it to work on time and forget to lock your back door? Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you may have left your garage door open all day? We make home security mistakes all the time, but it does not need to be that way. If you just take 5 minutes of your time, you’ll be able to secure your home properly. Here is a quick guide.

     1.       Now that the weather is really hot, go from room to room and give your windows a quick check. Make sure that windows are locked and do not appear to be tampered with. Be sure to lock windows on second floors as well; burglars have been known to use ladders in order to access second story windows.

     2.       Be sure that outside items are picked up and put away. It may be ridiculous, but some of the most common items stolen from a home are children’s outside toys and lawn furniture left outside for extended periods. Criminals who are looking to make a quick score will grab high dollar bicycles, squirt guns, braai grills, pool equipment and so much more. These items are then sold for money, it’s not exactly the crime of the century, but some criminal’s specifically look for these items as they know the police are not going to put much effort into finding the culprit.

     3.       Make sure security cameras, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and gas detectors are working, if you’re not sure how get a professional from a home security company like SIS – Safety& Investigation Services to check for you. You’re probably wondering how this relates to your home getting broken into. These items relate directly to the safety and security of your home and family, we’re not suggesting you check these items every time you leave, but you should check them throughout the year.

     4.       Last, but not least, make sure you turn off your oven and the iron! Seriously, leaving these two items on has become quite a cliché. However you might be shocked to learn of the high number of home fires which occur each year due to the unsafe use of these items and others like them.

Some of the items do not have to be performed before you leave your home every day, but you should always keep them in mind and try and fit them into your routine. Pick and choose what works best for you and your living situation.

Written By: Christine Romans

The Sesame Smart Lock

The Sesame is a new smart lock for your house. This great device replaces traditional locks and comes with a smartphone app that replaces your house keys!

The Bluetooth-connected Sesame smart lock was well on its way to making its funding goal on the very first day of a 60 day Kickstarter campaign, having racked up more than 60,000 dollars in pledges from some 400 backers just hours after they launched the project.

The nice thing about the Sesame Smart Lock is that it requires zero carpentry skills to install it on your front door. It has a patented design which fits any latch in the world! The device slips over an existing deadbolt and is attached with supplied 3M Command tape, meaning it can be installed in just seconds.

The Sesame (derived from the “open Sesame” command) also has military grade encryption, so no one is hacking this thing!

Security is pretty important for a device like the Sesame, especially given that this smart lock will allow you to give others the ability to open it even when you’re not around. The lock is run by a smart phone app, but there are actually different ways to work it inn addition to opening the app up. You can also device “special knocks” to tap on your door or your phone and Sesame will be alerted to draw back the bolt.

You can control the smart lock remotely with the Wi-Fi access point, meaning you shouldn't ever have to worry about if you left your front door unlocked! It will also send you an alert when the door lock is being used.

The Sesame’s supplied lithium batteries promise about 500 days of use, and the device will send your smartphone a notification when the batteries are running low.

The Sesame Smart Lock will retail for about 149 dollars when it launches, although it is available now if you want to purchase one for only 89 dollars.

For all your home security needs, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. Choose from a variety of options including general guarding, farm protection and CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

How can CCTV help you?

These days you have a wide variety to choose from when it comes to security, the only problem is finding the right security for your home or business. Some security devices have odd names that can make it difficult to understand their use, like CCTV cameras. However, many people may be unsure what CCTV even stands for, or whether it’s really even something you need.

So, what exactly are they and how do they help you? Here’s everything you need to know about them, including what CCTV means…

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television, which means you can record and transmit video wirelessly. It also means that you can view both live and previous video feed.

You can choose to link your camera, infrared beams and alarm system. So, if the camera detects movement within its coverage area it’ll send a video clip to the monitoring centre. Each clip should be small enough to be sent instantly.

Once the monitoring centre receives the video slip it will be forwarded to the people you selected to be viewed.

These cameras will work during the day and during the night. They also work really well in poor and varying light conditions.

Most CCTV systems allow you to connect through an existing LAN network. However, some only allow authorized users to view the video footage.

You can also opt to view a live camera feed, which can be viewed from anywhere using your phone or computer.

Over time, the rise in crime has been matched by the development of technology in the security industry. CCTV cameras are the perfect example of this development.

If you are interested in increasing your home or business’ security with CCTV cameras you can contact a professional home security company like SIS – Security &Investigation Services.

Why you should change your locks

Door locks provide you with a protective layer of security for those inside your home or other building. While it would be nice to live in a world where locks are not needed, that simply is not reality. Having quality locks on doors is important to assure the safety of both people and property. Here are some good reasons why you should replace your existing locks…

Outdated technology
As with many other devices, door knobs, deadbolts and other locks get better over time. As thieves discover ways to pick existing locks, lock manufacturers create new technology to prevent it. In order to have the best security locks possible, home and other building owners need to update their locks from time to time. SIS –Security &Investigation Services can also provide additional security services to keep your home and business safe from thieves.

New Home
Whenever you move into a new home, it is important to have the locks changed. Though he or she may have received keys from a real estate agent or past occupant, there still may be other sets of keys in existence. In fact, there could even be forgotten emergency keys hidden outside of the home where someone may find later.

Lost Keys
If keys are ever lost, the locks should be changed. As there is no way of knowing where the keys are, or who may have them, it is best to change the locks to keep your home or business completely secure. Even if the keys are returned to you, a thieve may have copied the keys and can later gain entry to the property.

While locks will have many years of useful service, you still need to replace them for these above reasons. 

For a professional home security system and services, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They can provide you with general guarding, farm protection and CCTV off site monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

3 different types of burglars

It is commonly said that homeowners should “think like a burglar” when planning their home security systems. Take a look at these common criminal personality profiles and remember them when you are making decisions about your home security…

The Impulse Thief
This thief may not be career criminal; they are usually just immoral people who see an opportunity to steal. They frequently make their scores from garages and commonly target power tools, lawnmowers and bicycles.

Motion lights will do a great deal to deter these thieves, they obviously don’t want to be seen when trying to steal the items in your garage. Security cameras and security signs will add to the effect.

The Mastermind
Although most criminals occupy the bottom of the IQ scale, there are some who are capable of meticulous planning. The mastermind burglar will stake out your home and establish your schedule weeks before the burglary. They prefer to enter with advanced methods like lock picking and they know the most common hiding spots for your valuables. The burglary is usually over in 15 minutes or less.

It is possible that the mastermind thief has studied the most common alarm systems and knows how to disable them from the outside. The wires from cameras, motion sensors and other elements of your home security system should always be concealed or protected. A reliable, sturdy deadbolt will keep thieves from entering even if they pick the lock.

The Smash-and-Grab Thief
This type of thief is somewhere between the mastermind and the impulsive thief. While they do set out with the goal of burglarizing a home, they do not think very far ahead. Usually, they enter your home by breaking a window or kicking in a door. They tend to aim for whatever valuables are in sight such as TVs and other electronics.

Foiling the smash-and-grab thief is typically very easy. Most of them will be driven away if you have glass break sensors installed on your windows by a home security technician. Reinforced door jams will stop them from breaking down a door. Very few smash-and-grab thieves have the finesse to enter a home through any method other than brute force, so these steps will likely stop them in their tracks.

In addition to seeking out a professional home security system provider like SIS – Security & Investigation Services, you should also remember these different criminal profiles when planning your home security strategy.

Written By: Christine Romans

Four safety tips for living with roommates

Getting a roommate to help cut down on your living costs is often the best thing to do. If you are thinking of sharing a room, house or apartment with anyone outside your family, use these tips below to help keep you and your roommate’s safe…

     1.       Run a background check and ask for references if you do not know your potential roommate personally. This is especially important when you advertise the available room or space on the internet or in the newspaper.

     2.       Take the time to get to know your potential roommate. While you might now instantly bond with them overnight, try to talk over your lifestyle differences and meet in the middle. This step might also help you pick up major red flags about their acquaintances and friends.

     3.       Invest in simple home security measures, like a high-quality lock and chain for the front door (and your room door, you can never be too careful!) Check the locks of all windows to make sure they work, when your roommate moves out, change all the door locks especially if you did not part on the best of terms.

     4.       When you and your roommate’s first get to your new apartment or house, get in touch with a home security installation company like SIS – Security & Investigation Services to discuss your home security options. Working with a company like SIS – Security & Investigation Services can help you identify major problems in your new space. You might also want to consider installing a home security system for additional safety in your home.

Getting to know your roommates might be a bit frightening at first, but keeping your home safe is pretty easy. Build a safe, happy living space by following the easy steps above.

Written By: Christine Romans

3 Home Security Tactics that are Wasting Time and Money

A home security tactic that worked at one point may not work as well in today’s world. Plus there is so much bad advice floating around, it’s crucial that you stop these obsolete home security tactics and replace them with something better.

Door Chain Locks – In movies, door chains are usually the security of choice. This is odd because they are the most useless locking method! If a criminal wanted to break into your home a chain would not stop them, it is way too small to hold the door shut when someone is throwing their weight against it from the other side. If you want to see who is at your door without opening it, a peephole is the better option.

Hiding Valuables in Obvious Spots – You may think you’re being clever be hiding you valuables in your sock drawer, freezer or between your mattress, but criminals know all about these spots! In fact burglars usually make a direct beeline for those spots when they break into a home. The fake food cans are a bit better but burglars are still well-aware that they exist. Rather opt to buy a safe and bolt it to the wall.

Outdated or ineffective Alarm Systems – An alarm system is the biggest deterrent to thieves, but you can only benefit from them is they are up to date and work properly. Many people don’t bother to update their outdated alarm systems and they have a false sense of security, if it’s been a few years consult with a home security specialist.

Some home security tactics have become ineffective over the years; others were never good ideas in the first place. You can avoid these mistakes by installing a professional security system from SIS – Security & Investigation Services, they can offer you a variety of services from general guarding to farm protection.

Written By: Christine Romans