DIY Video Surveillance vs. Professional CCTV Installation
Which Video Surveillance Route Should You Take? The home security industry is growing rapidly, which means there are more property protection options available to homeowners every day. The debate, however, is to whether go with professional security system installation or a DIY alarm system. Chances are, you’ve encountered this debate before, so we’re going to take a look at the surveillance system. Video surveillance has become such a significant part of the overall alarm system because it allows you to keep an eye on your property when away and potentially identify a person who commits a burglary or other property crime. But notice the word used there was “potentially” and here’s why: The video surveillance cameras that you have installed can have a major impact on the likelihood a criminal will be caught. Here’s a good example: Because of the high prevalence of property crimes, more people are turning to social media to catch criminals. Video surveillance images are posted on Facebook every single day, but the criminals are very difficult to identify even if the images are taken in broad daylight. Picture quality is one of the HUGE differences between DIY systems that are bought at Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Amazon versus a professionally installed system. Professional installation puts an emphasis on picture quality so the probability of a criminal being caught raises. The Unmonitored System vs. The Monitored System Another issue to look at is monitoring. Yes, there are many DIY CCTV systems that allow you to record and even monitor in real-time. There are also some that allow you to connect via your smart phone. The element missing is the 24/7 monitoring. You can’t look at your phone or sit in front of a television or computer screen every single minute of every single day. When video surveillance is part of your security system package, the 24/7 monitoring service is alerted so that action can be taken on your behalf. Even if you have push notifications sent to your phone, you run the risk of being in an area with no signal, your phone battery dying, or being in a situation where you might not hear the notification. When you have professional monitoring, you have another set of eyes on everything that matters to you. The Lowdown on Installation Then, of course, there’s the installation. You can put a DIY camera exactly where you want it. This makes buying that type of system at the local hardware store very tempting. However, the absence of the certified technician who can evaluate the property and identify key areas could be the difference between dealing with a break-in and not dealing with one. The quality of the camera can also be the difference between identifying the burglar or not identifying them. Right now, there are many criminals NOT being identified even when they look directly at the cameras. And you should know: Burglars are becoming very camera savvy, easily identifying those that have been purchased locally or on the internet versus a professionally installed system. Burglars almost ALWAYS do their research prior to breaking into a structure because they want to minimize their risk. According to Architectural Digest, burglars do their homework. Looking for Video Surveillance Options In Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo? Finding yourself at this point means you are exploring your options. This means it is time to ask questions. If you’re torn between a DIY system and professionally installed, compare the pros and cons of both. Call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to learn more
Video Surveillance Ethics & Legalities in New York
Can I Record My Nanny? Are Audio Recordings Legal Commercially? Home video surveillance is becoming more popular as property-related crimes have increased over the years. Another reason for its popularity is the need for parents to check in on their children, elderly loved ones, and pets when they’re not home. A lot of peace of mind can be achieved when all a person has to do is pick up their smartphone to see the kids coming home from school or that an elderly loved one with health problems is doing ok. Parents are also having their homes outfitted with video surveillance to check in on the kids and the nanny throughout the day, while employers use them to protect their business and employees. The many purposes of video surveillance bring up quite a few questions, however. The big question is what ethical and legal aspects should be followed when using residential and commercial video surveillance to monitor the well-being of family members, pets, employees, and businesses? The good news is that we have some answers for you. Protect Your Home or Business When You’re Away What to Know about Residential Video Surveillance When you opt for home video surveillance, cameras may be placed inside and outside of the property. When you want cameras inside so you can watch the kids, nanny, pets, or your elderly loved one when you’re not there, cameras cannot be legally or ethically placed in the bathrooms or the bedroom of a live-in nanny. Cameras also shouldn’t be installed in guest rooms since that would be violating the privacy of overnight guests. It’s fine if you want to place a camera in your own bedroom or the bedrooms of very young children. If you hire a nanny, it is best to do the following: Advise the nanny that cameras are used inside the home. Show the nanny where the cameras are located. Have the nanny sign an agreement in which he/she acknowledges the presence of video surveillance in the home. When cameras are hidden and used in secret, it creates a breach of trust. It’s understandable that parents want to protect their children and homeowners want to protect their property, but it can be very unnerving for all involved when a person discovers they are being videoed without their consent. Many issues can be avoided when proper notification is given. With that said, it is ideal to have anyone working on the property sign an agreement so that it is on paper that they are aware of the presence of the cameras. It’s also ethical and courteous to make sure non-employees entering the property are aware – through a sign or verbally – that they are under surveillance. What to Know about Commercial Video Surveillance Just as you would have a nanny or other residential employee sign an agreement, business owners and managers should have employees sign an agreement. This document should state that they understand that they are under video surveillance when on the property. This isn’t required by law, but it is a good practice to protect everyone, despite it being the business owner’s right to install cameras. Cameras are typically installed to monitor the safety of all people on the premises. Business owners also have the right to ensure that the business is being cared for properly when they aren’t there. Also note: Many of the residential rules apply here as well. For instance, cameras are to not be installed in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms. This is a breach of privacy and could be considered voyeurism. It’s not a good day when an employer is accused of recording in areas where a reasonable amount of privacy is expected. From here comes the issue of “audio surveillance.” State-of-The-Art Systems That Meet Your Needs The Scoop on Video with Audio There are some states that protect against audio recordings without the consent of the nanny or other party entering the premises. New York isn’t one of those, but, again, it is common courtesy to notify the nanny, handyman, dog walker, or another individual that the video cameras can also record audio. When the person is an employee, written consent will be needed. The following video addresses video surveillance rules that must be followed by Realtors, but has valuable information that can apply to any property owner wishing to have home surveillance cameras installed: Commercial Audio Surveillance – Employees In regards to commercial video that is outfitted with audio, an employer can only use video-only surveillance when using cameras without the knowledge of employees. However, section 250.05 of the New York Penal Law states that an employer can’t eavesdrop on conversations by mechanical means anyway. Video cameras with the ability to record audio fall within this category and violation of the law constitutes a felony. But on the other side of this very complicated coin, New York allows recording a person’s voice with their consent. If you have employees sign an agreement in which they acknowledge their voice will be recorded in certain areas of the business when present in the building, then you protect yourself against eavesdropping laws. Commercial Audio Surveillance – Customers As far as recording the voices of customers, there are some establishments that may need audio recording for security reasons. These establishments include: Check cashing establishments Banks Educational testing centers Convenience store/gas station counters Nightclub entrances and exits If it is a must for audio surveillance to be present, posting a sign doesn’t necessarily excuse unlawful audio reception if it occurs. It is imperative to ensure that all audio recordings are carried out lawfully. Posting a sign that says, “Entering this facility implies that you consent to audio surveillance” may suffice. But don’t immediately opt for audio if you’re unsure about how your business can remain within the confines of the law. If you are ever in doubt, seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Every business and situation is different, so it is important that you define your
Hot Home Automation Trends for 2018
Technology That is Getting Smarter Home security has become a hot topic, especially in 2017 since more homeowners have become aware of how much a security system can protect them and what these systems can do. A home security system is much more than a device that sounds an alarm when an intruder comes into the home. They are even more than the 24/7 monitoring services they are attached to (although the authorities being called for you is a great feature to have) thanks to home automation. Security systems have evolved so much that they have entered into the realm of home automation. You don’t have to have a home specially built to be a smart home, but you can take what you have and transform it into something that is safer and more convenient for you. Read on for a rundown of what is expected to happen to home automation in 2018. More Talking and Less Button Pushing 2017 marked the emergence of the voice assistant. Amazon’s Alexa is the perfect example. However, it’s possible that Google Assistant and Siri could get in on the action. Imagine being able to control an alarm clock, the lights in your home, or appliances just by talking to Siri. Currently, the apps to control these home components are there, but through manual control rather than voice control. As for why Siri is in the running for voice-controlled home automation, Apple relaxed the requirements of its HomeKit. It’s no longer required that compatible products contain a HomeKit chip. This means that Siri could be integrated into existing smartphone setups installed by security companies. Home Appliances Will Get Smarter Currently, Whirlpool and Samsung have a few appliances that can be controlled by a smartphone app. And here’s another possibility: appliances connected to smoke detectors that turn off tan appliances if smoke is detected. This could prevent a terrifying and life-changing fire in the kitchen. More Robust Security Systems And just as they always do, security systems will come with faster processing speeds and other features. For instance, video surveillance is always improving. One of the goals is to further improve images captured in the dark. Complete Security Solutions All in all, it’s not just about the security anymore; it’s about having more control over what is yours. It’s also about having control over the scale of security. Some people like a simple security system, while others want the entire package. The flexibility is there to get what you want and it looks like 2018 is going to bring even more options for those getting new systems or upgrading their existing ones. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Installer At SPS Fire & Security, you determine the level of security and convenience that you need. From regular security systems to automating different areas of your home, we have the tools and experience. To find the best solution for you, call us at 585-770-0348.
Video Surveillance and Fighting Porch Pirates Before the Holidays
Tips to Protect Your Holiday Packages The holiday shopping season is here, which mean it’s that time of year when we begin conveniently ordering gifts online and having them delivered to our door. Many of us are at work when these packages arrive and, as home video surveillance systems have revealed, some delivery people don’t knock at all because they have so many packages they have to deliver this time of year. Unfortunately, approximately 23 million Americans have had packages stolen from their front porches after delivery. These thieves are called “porch pirates” and their antics are on the rise as e-commerce sales increase. According to the Porch Pirate Report by Shorr.com: 92% of consumers have their packages delivered to their homes 5% of consumers have their packages delivered to their businesses 1% have packages delivered to a friend’s house, 1% to a neighbor’s house, and 1% to a parent’s house 53% of people have changed plans to ensure they’re home to receive a package, although they aren’t required to sign for it. Protecting Your Packages One way you can truly protect your packages is through the installation of a home surveillance system. When there is a camera right outside the door where deliveries are left, you can get all the details. For instance, you can see when the package arrived. This ability doesn’t just help you see a porch pirate in the act, but can also help you solve delivery disputes. Unfortunately, packages can be delivered to incorrect addresses. If the package is marked “delivered” by the delivery company but never arrived, you can guess that someone else received it and initiate a claim with the delivery company. Simply having the outside camera can deter a porch pirate. If they see a camera pointing right at them, they are more likely to turn around and move on. Other ways to protect your packages include: Having the package delivered to your work if you are allowed Having the package delivered to a friend, neighbor, or family member who will be home Instructing the delivery company to leave the package at a back door or hidden area Your Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Video Surveillance Experts There are different ways for protecting your packages, but having a camera by the door is something that can serve you all year round. You will always know who has come to your porch, can be aware if anyone attempted or succeeded to get into your house, and can keep an eye on activities outside of your home. To learn more about you can protect your family and your home, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Bizarre Crimes Solved by Video Surveillance
Video Surveillance That Sees Everything Improving video surveillance to solve crime is something that has been on the agenda for many years. Thanks to improved technology, that has become possible. Today’s home and business surveillance systems have much clearer images, which helps authorities catch thieves and other people up to no good when they enter a property. In fact, ABC News reported in 2013 that private surveillance cameras were catching more criminals. Below are some of the most bizarre crimes that were ever caught on security video cameras. Drive-By Pizza On July 9, 2017, an 18-year-old teenager was arrested after he threw an entire pizza from his car at a pedestrian. That pedestrian happened to be a homeowner standing on the sidewalk within the range of his residential security camera. Although the pizza didn’t hit the man, the teenager was hit with an assault charge. Armed with Hot Dog Tongs Armed robbery can be a very traumatic experience for the victim, but imagine being a convenience store worker and the robber’s weapon of choice being a pair of hot dog tongs from the store you are working in. This really happened in 2012. Instead of a finger gun, banana, or a bottle of water, the robber armed himself with hot dog tongs. The robber proceeded to threaten customers and demand money from all of them. The police arrived and arrested the man for armed robbery. Kidnapping of Carlesha Freeland-Gaither While this one doesn’t produce the giggles like assault by pizza or armed hot dog tong robbery, it does show you the serious business of good video surveillance. Carlesha Freeland-Gaither was a 22-year-old nursing assistant who was taken right off the street. Video caught footage of the vehicle the assailant was driving. Authorities found out who they were looking for and this wasn’t his first crime. Shootings, Assaults, and More Outside surveillance cameras have also caught shootings, assaults, people cashing fraudulent checks, and so much more. It’s important for homes, banks, convenience stores, gas stations, retail establishments, and office buildings to be outfitted with the proper video surveillance. Not only does the footage protect each of these establishments, but can protect others outside within the perimeter. Contact Your Rochester Video Surveillance Experts You can protect yourself and others with the installation of a good residential or business camera system. SPS Fire & Security has helped many homeowners and business owners throughout Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse protect their homes and businesses, as well as others in their neighborhoods. Call today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below and we will get back to you ASAP.
Home Security – Securing Your Home for Winter Vacation
Home Security and Home Prep Tips If you’re like many people in the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo area, you go south for the winter or travel during the holidays. According to the AAA, more than 103 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. That’s a lot of people! That also means there are a lot of homes left vulnerable to thieves looking to take advantage of the situation. The following points are tips for securing your home for your winter vacation, whether it’s a week or a few months: 1. Prevent Water Issues Since you won’t be home using hot water, you can turn down your hot water heater to reduce the amount of energy it consumes. This will save you money. You can also turn off your main water supply so you don’t have to worry about unexpected leaks. The last thing you need is to come home to a flood or receive a very high water bill. You can also keep your heat on to prevent the pipes from freezing, but keep it no higher or lower than 50 degrees. This is just warm enough to prevent the freezing of pipes and still save you money on energy costs. 2. Prevent Electrical Issues When it comes to appliances and other electrical devices, there is one rule to follow: unplug it if you aren’t using it. There’s no need for the computer, blender, microwave, or even the television to be plugged in. All of these things have electricity moving through them even when they aren’t being used. You also reduce your chance of having an electrical fire. 3. Make the Empty House Less Obvious Next, make sure the house doesn’t look empty. You can do the following to make the house look occupied: Keep a few key lights on in the home, preferably those that are on the most anyway. This is to ensure nothing looks out of place. Have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper each day so the mail doesn’t accumulate in the mailbox. Have someone on standby to shovel your sidewalk, porch steps, and/or driveway if it snows. Keep on a radio so voices can be heard through windows or doors. 4. Properly Secure Your Home The last area to consider is the security of your home. With a properly installed home security system, there are many things you can achieve: View your home while you’re away via an app on your phone that can see what your home video surveillance cameras see. Control the lights in the home so you can turn lights on and off no matter where you are. You can also control your thermostat. What better way to make a burglar believe someone is home than to turn your home into a smart home? If a pipe bursts, the alarm system can detect it and notify you of a problem so you can send someone to your home to see what is happening. If there is a fire, the fire department will be notified. If someone breaks in, the alarm will sound and the 24/7 monitoring center will be notified so the authorities can be called. A home security system with all this functionality can help you manage parts of the other areas you need to do to make sure your home is secure while you’re gone. An Experienced Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Security Company At SPS Fire & Security, we want to help you protect everything that you have worked so hard for while you’re gone. If you don’t have a security system and you travel, now is the time to talk to us to see how you can better secure your home. Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.
Using Video Surveillance in the Fight Against Door-to-Door Scams
Video Surveillance & Its Role In Protecting You Once upon a time, someone could knock on your door with a carpet cleaner in their hand and ask you if you wanted to see a legitimate demonstration of the product. This was a way in which many companies achieved sales and how salesmen made a living for their families. The door-to-door sales job was a real job and it could be lucrative for some. Unfortunately, things have changed and that has created a home security risk. Slowly, these jobs were phased out because of increases in scammers claiming to be salesmen when they weren’t. They have also gotten very good at their sinister craft over time, making themselves extremely convincing. They will have that vacuum or carpet cleaner on-hand, as well as a free laundry detergent sample or another free gift for letting them do an in-home demonstration. While there are still some true door-to-door salespeople out there, most are just there to case your home. Many are getting caught because people are realizing the importance of having video surveillance systems with cameras around exterior doors. Types of Door-To-Door Scams In Rochester, NY and other communities, there are solicitation laws. For instance, Rochester has a Peddling and Soliciting law that says a commercial traveler needs to acquire a license to commence operations within the city or Monroe County. The cost of that license is $250 and it is good for six months. However, it doesn’t stop there. A bond in the amount of $5,000 also needs to be executed by an insurance company or surety company licensed to do business in New York. The purpose of the insurance is to protect the citizens from fraudulent or false sales practices by the licensed people. It is wise to ask a door-to-door salesperson for proof that they are who they say they are. Talk to them through the door rather than opening it up. Many home surveillance systems have caught alleged salespeople pulling on the front door if no one answers, pulling on car door handles and looking in windows. These actions indicate that the person is up to no good. As for the types of scams, here is what Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and other parts of the country are experiencing: The meat company scam – A person comes to the door saying they are from a meat or food company and they want to make you a deal. The vacuum or carpet cleaner demo scam – Kirby still has some salespeople going door-to-door these days, but they will most likely have proof they are supposed to be there. Electric company scam – A person claiming to be from the electric company comes to the door and asks to see your bill for one reason or another. Security system scam – A legitimate security system company is never going to come to your door and ask to do a free estimate. Home improvement – Beware of a person claiming to be a construction worker comes to your door telling you they will fix your roof, siding, or fence for a portion of the money up front. You will never see them again. Syracuse, Buffalo & Rochester Video Surveillance Systems Protecting Your Family Having a video surveillance system installed around the doors of your home can prevent a fake salesperson from victimizing more people. In different parts of the country, the footage has even been shown on local news channels when it is determined the person is not who they say they are. They almost always get caught thanks to homeowners that take that extra step to protect what’s theirs. To learn more about how you can protect your home with video surveillance, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below and we will get back to you ASAP.
IP Cameras Versus Analog Security Cameras
Distinguishing the Difference Between Security Camera Types Analog security cameras have been around for a long time, which makes one wonder if an IP security camera is going to be worth the investment. Let’s look at the analog camera: On crime dramas, you see a group of officers gathered around the department techie, watching him as he goes through the footage. Suddenly, one of the main characters of the show stops the techie and tells him to zoom in on a specific area of the screen. In seconds, the extremely grainy image is as clear as a photo taken by an iPhone 7 on a sunny day. And that’s not how it works. Grainy analog video footage stays grainy and police struggle to make sense of what makes the person in the footage look like who they are. That is why some people get away with crimes despite the presence of security cameras. IP Cameras Are Changing Everything Fortunately, the days of grainy footage are becoming a thing of the past. Gone are the days of poor quality or narrowly focused images. Instead, you get clearer images that are more likely to lead to a criminal’s capture. This does come at a higher cost than analog, but not as bad as you may think. It is well worth the security and the peace of mind you receive because you have a security camera that is going to have decipherable footage. How are IP Cameras Different? These internet protocol cameras are different in a number of ways. Those ways include: Much better picture quality due to higher resolution Video analytics that allow you to flag specific events that happen within the camera’s view Lots of flexibility that allows you to connect to a DVR or even monitor your home or watch footage on your smartphone Scalability allows you to have an extensive wireless camera system You can keep track of what is happening inside and outside of your home Cameras come in different styles and sizes so you can properly monitor certain areas of your property You can make your cameras as obvious or discreet as you want It doesn’t even stop here. There are so many benefits and features that it is best to review them all with a professional so the features can be matched with your needs and wants, making finding the right fit a lot easier. Contact Our Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse IP Camera Installer So, is it all worth it? It is very worth it. Imagine being on vacation and looking at your phone to see what’s happening at home. If this sounds good to you, SPS Fire & Security can help you. Call us at 585-770-0348 to get a free quote or fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Protecting Your Packages During the Holiday Season
Don’t Be the Victim of a Porch Pirate It is that time of year again where many individuals get so busy that they are unable to make it to the stores to purchase their Christmas presents for that special someone. Since they are unable to make it to the stores, these individuals are heading straight to online shopping to make many purchases. Unfortunately, during the Christmas season, there have been reports of many package thefts happening all around the world. People will order their items online and then have them delivered. Chances are, they are unable to be home when that special item arrives. Leaving your items unattended all day and night on your doorstep will result in them getting stolen. According to ABC News, the average cost is $28 worth of packages stolen from your front door. Tips for Protecting Your Packages Major tip: Home security systems can come with video surveillance. Keep an eye on your porch and keep thieves away. If they still take the package, you have evidence. Here are other tips to protect your packages: Have your packages shipped to you at work if that is possible. If that is not an option, have a neighbor or friend wait at your house on the day your package arrives. When ordering online, keep a lookout for an email from the company you have ordered from for a link to the website with a tracking number. By watching the website for when your package will arrive allows you to plan accordingly for what day and time to expect the arrival. If you are sending a package to someone, pay the extra money if needed to have a signature requested when the package arrives. That way the delivery person cannot leave the package and you can feel more at ease to know it got to that special person. If the first three ways don’t make you feel comfortable then you can install a video surveillance camera. By doing so you can protect your home and packages. Plus you will have evidence of the package thieve. If you are a person that not only during the holiday season you have a lot of packages sent to you then you might want to take into consideration these helpful tips all year long. Contact Your Fire & Security Experts Also keep in mind that the holidays is a time for Christmas light hazards, tree fires, and break-ins. Consider contacting SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to make an appointment to have a security system installed. There are many options to protect you and your home and family from fire, carbon monoxide, and burglars.
Benefits of Video Surveillance for Business
How Video Cameras Can Protect Your Business A great number of businesses have video surveillance systems and many other security devices to protect not only the business, but their workers and customers. As technology improves, so does the security systems that are in the businesses. Nowadays, surveillance systems do a wide verity of things, such as video recording, capturing important details, and much more. One of the biggest benefits of security video is that the owner, boss or manager of the company can control it remotely from their home or from any where in the world. Video Surveillance Benefits Reduces Theft – By having a camera system installed at your business, you can easily cut the number of thefts that happens. Research has proven that the average small business losses around $50k per year. Business can cut that in half by just getting the system installed. Makes Available Evidence for Criminal Reports – When a business has a video surveillance camera and has a problem such as theft, it makes easier to have access to evidence by just viewing the footage from the camera. Law enforcement can replay footage to then make a clearer cut accusation for a report. Improves Productivity – Knowing that a company has a surveillance camera system will enable the employees to be on their best behavior when you are not at the business. Around the Clock Protection – When the company is closed, the owner or boss in charge can have peace of mind knowing that while they are sleeping the camera system is doing the job they need it to do. Cost Effective – Hired security guards and police officers patrolling the area of your business can be helpful, but sometimes they can be costly (thousands and thousands of dollars a year). They may be at your business a significant amount the time, but they sure enough don’t do what a surveillance system will do. Cuts Insurance Rates – By owning a surveillance system for a business, you can save up to 10% on your coverage. Reduces Liability – Many times a criminal will come into a business and make a false claim. With the camera footage, the owner can look to see what evidence there is before filing a report. Peace of Mind – Every person seeking a place of employment wants to find a job that they feel safe and secure going to. Having a surveillance camera gives all employees at a business the feeling of safety. Rochester Video Surveillance Experts Deciding on a video surveillance system can be tough, but it is better than not having one at all. If your company or a company that you know is in need of better security, contact SPS Fire and Security at 585-770-0348. We make the decision easy for you.