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? What’s the Deal When It Comes to Video Surveillance Ethics? People often question video surveillance ethics. Home video surveillance is gaining popularity. Property crimes have risen. Also, parents want to check on kids, elderly relatives, and pets when away. Seeing kids home from school or checking on an elderly relative with health issues brings peace of mind. People just pick up their smartphones. Parents also install video surveillance. They check on kids and nannies during the day. Employers use it to protect their business and workers. The many uses of video surveillance raise questions. What ethical and legal rules should people follow? This applies to home and business video surveillance. They monitor family, pets, employees, and businesses. The good news is we have answers for you. Protect Your Home or Business When You’re Away What to Know about Residential Video Surveillance If you choose home video surveillance, you can put cameras inside and outside. If you want indoor cameras to watch kids, nannies, pets, or elderly relatives when you’re away, don’t legally or ethically put cameras in bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. Also, don’t install cameras in guest rooms. That would violate overnight guests’ privacy. It’s okay to put a camera in your own bedroom or young children’s bedrooms. If you hire a nanny, it is best to do the following to ensure video surveillance ethics are followed: 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. Hiding cameras and using them secretly breaks trust. It goes against video surveillance ethics. Parents want to protect kids. Homeowners want to protect property. But it unnerves people to find out they are being videoed without their okay. Proper notice can stop many problems. It’s best to have anyone working on the property sign an agreement. This paper shows they know about the cameras. It’s also ethical and polite to tell non-employees entering the property. Use a sign or tell them they are under surveillance. What to Know about Commercial Video Surveillance Ethics Just like you’d have a nanny sign an agreement, business owners should have employees sign one too. This paper should say they know they are on video at work. The law doesn’t require this. But it’s a good way to protect everyone. Business owner’s right to install cameras. It’s important to cover all of the bases. Usually, people install cameras to watch over everyone’s safety there. Also, business owners can make sure their business is okay when they aren’t present. Furthermore, many home rules apply here too. For example, don’t put cameras in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms. This breaks privacy rules. It could even be seen as spying. Moreover, it’s bad when someone accuses an employer of recording in private areas. Consequently, the issue of “audio surveillance” arises. State-of-The-Art Systems That Meet Your Needs The Scoop on Video with Audio and the Video Surveillance Ethics 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 Regarding commercial video that includes audio, an employer can only use video-only surveillance when they operate cameras without employees’ knowledge. However, section 250.05 of the New York Penal Law states that an employer can’t eavesdrop on conversations by mechanical means anyway. Since video cameras with audio recording ability fall within this category, violating this law constitutes a felony. On the other hand, New York allows recording a person’s voice with their consent. Therefore, if you have employees sign an agreement in which they acknowledge their voice will be recorded in certain areas of the business when they are 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 excuse unlawful audio reception. It is imperative that all audio recordings are carried out lawfully. Posting a sign that says, “Entering this facility implies that you consent to audio surveillance” works well. However, don’t immediately choose audio if you’re unsure how your business can stay within the law. Furthermore, if you ever doubt it, seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Since every business and situation differs, it’s important that you define your intent so you know whether or not it violates the law. Ultimately, the decision depends on how important audio surveillance is to you. Contact Your Western New York Security Company SPS Fire & Security specializes in residential and business video surveillance. We use state-of-the-art equipment, commitment to the customers, and personalized service to give you the best experience possible. We also give you better protection for your home or business and we’re local! Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
The Future is Now: Top Home Automation Trends for 2025
Technology That is Getting Smarter Want a smarter home? Home automation trends are changing fast. Let’s look at what’s new for 2025. First, expect more AI. Artificial intelligence will run more of your home. For example, your lights will learn when you like them on. Your thermostat will adjust before you even feel too hot or cold. Furthermore, smart speakers will do even more than play music. They will control all your devices with simple voice commands. Also, security will get smarter. Home automation trends show security systems will use AI to know who belongs and who doesn’t. For instance, cameras will spot strange activity. Smart locks will open for you but stay shut for others. As has been the case for years, you’ll get alerts on your phone if anything seems wrong. Home Automation Trends: Energy Savings Next, energy saving will be key. People want to save money and help the planet. Home automation trends will focus on this. For example, smart thermostats will learn your habits and cut energy use. Smart plugs will turn off devices that waste power. Solar panels will work with smart systems to use energy better. Furthermore, health and wellness are becoming part of smart homes. Home automation trends include devices that track your sleep. Smart scales will monitor your weight and other health data. Air purifiers will adjust based on air quality. Your home will help you stay healthy. Moreover, everything will connect better. Different smart devices will work together more easily. You won’t need many different apps. One system will control your lights, security, and entertainment. This makes your smart home simpler to use. What Happens to DIY? Finally, DIY will still be popular, but professional installation is better. Home automation trends include easy-to-install devices and apps that guide you through the process. In conclusion, 2025 will bring exciting changes to smart homes. Expect smarter AI, better security, more energy saving, a focus on health, easier connections, and more DIY options. These home automation trends will make our homes more convenient, safe, and efficient. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Installer Who Is Up On the Latest Home Automation Trends 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. Most of all, we have the skill. Call us at 585-770-0348.
4 Ways to Protect Packages from Porch Pirates
Tips to Protect Your Holiday Packages from Porch Pirates The holiday shopping season is here, so we conveniently order gifts online and have them delivered. Many of us are at work when these packages arrive. Home video surveillance systems reveal that some delivery people don’t knock due to their heavy workload this time of year. Porch pirates take advantage of this. Sadly, about 23 million Americans have had packages stolen right off their porches after they were delivered. These thieves are called “porch pirates.” Also, their stealing is happening more because more people are buying things online. 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 To truly protect your packages, install a home surveillance system. Specifically, a camera right outside your delivery door gives you all the details. For instance, you see exactly when the package arrives. Furthermore, this ability not only helps you catch a porch pirate in the act but also effectively resolves delivery disputes. Unfortunately, however, delivery companies sometimes deliver packages to incorrect addresses. Therefore, if they mark your package “delivered” but it never arrives, you can deduce someone else received it and readily start a claim. If porch pirates see a camera pointing right at them outside, that can make them turn around and leave. Also, you can protect your packages in other ways. For example You can have your packages delivered to your job if that works. Another way is to have them sent to a friend, neighbor, or family member who will be home. Finally, you can tell the delivery company to leave your package at a back door or somewhere hidden. 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.
Video Surveillance Solves the Most Bizarre Crimes
Video Surveillance That Sees Everything Making video watching better to solve crimes has been a goal for years. Now, thanks to better technology, we can do it. Today’s home and business cameras have much clearer pictures. Because of this, the police can catch thieves and other bad people when they go onto someone’s 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 really scare someone. But think about being a store worker when a robber uses hot dog tongs as their weapon! This actually happened in 2012. So, instead of a fake gun or something else silly, this robber grabbed hot dog tongs. Then, the robber used them to scare customers and told everyone to give him money. After that, the police came and caught 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 cameras have also caught shootings, fights, people using fake checks, and lots more. So, it’s important for homes, banks, stores, gas stations, shops, and offices to have good video watching systems. Because the video helps protect these places, it can also protect other people nearby. 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 Prep Tips for Securing Your Home 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! Unfortunately, while you’re securing your home for winter vacation, many of them won’t be. A lot of homes are 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, follow one rule: unplug them if you aren’t using them. Specifically, there’s no need for the computer, blender, microwave, or even the television to remain plugged in. Because these things have electricity moving through them, you also reduce your chance of 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. In case 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 Focused On Securing Your Home At SPS Fire & Security in Rochester, we help you protect everything you’ve worked hard for when you’re away. If you travel and don’t have a security system, talk to us now 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
Using Video Surveillance & Its Role In Protecting You Long ago, people knocked on doors. Smiling, they’d tell you about their carpet cleaner. Companies sold things this way. In the meantime, salesmen earned money for their families. Door-to-door sales was a real job. Some people made good money. However, it’s not a common profession anymore. Luckily, using video surveillance keeps the fakers away. Unfortunately, things have changed, and this has created a home security risk. Gradually, these jobs ended. Consequently, more fake salesmen showed up. Sadly, these folks got good at tricking people, sporting vacuums and cleaners just like the old days. In addition, they gave free gifts for demos. However, some real salesmen still exist. Nevertheless, most just check out your house. Now, more get caught because people see they need video cameras by their doors. Types of Door-To-Door Scams IIn Rochester, NY, laws control who can sell door-to-door. For example, Rochester says sellers need a license. This license costs $250 and lasts six months. But that’s not all. Sellers also need a $5,000 bond. An insurance company pays for this bond. Fortunately, this protects people from fake sales by licensed sellers. When someone knocks at your door, it’s smart to ask a door-to-door seller for ID. Also, talk through the closed door. Give the camera a chance to catch the scammer. You know more than ever that a person is a scammer if they try your door handle. Sometimes, they try windows or car door handles. These actions show they are bad news. 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 Using Video Surveillance Systems to Protect Your Family Having cameras by your doors stops fake sellers from hurting more people. Across the country, security cameras reveal the scams. Furthermore, homeowners with cameras almost always catch the scammers. To learn more about how you can protect your home with video surveillance, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 and we will get back to you ASAP.
IP Cameras vs. Analog: Which is Right for Your Security?
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. Fortunately, there are some things to know about IP cameras. Let’s look at the analog camera: On crime dramas, officers crowd around the tech expert. He scans the video footage. Then, a main character halts and stares at the techie. The techie zooms in on one spot. In moments, the blurry image turns sharp, like a clear iPhone 7 photo in bright sunlight. And that’s not how it works. Unfortunately, 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 Now, grainy footage is fading away. Clear, wide-ranging images replace blurry, narrow ones. IP cameras capture sharp visuals, boosting the chances of catching criminals. Sure, they cost more than analog cameras. But the price isn’t as high as you might expect. The sharp footage brings strong security and peace of mind, making it worth every penny. How are IP Cameras Different? These internet protocol cameras are different in a number of ways. Those ways include: IP cameras deliver clear pictures with high resolution. They use video analytics to tag specific events in view. Plus, they offer flexibility to connect to a DVR, monitor your home, or watch footage on your smartphone. Their scalability supports a large wireless camera system. You can track activity inside and outside your home. Cameras come in various styles and sizes to cover specific areas. Also, you can make them bold or hidden, depending on your preference. 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 Cameras Installer Is it worth it? Absolutely, it’s worth every penny. Picture yourself on vacation, checking your phone to see what’s happening at home. Sounds great, right? SPS Fire & Security can make it happen. Call us at 585-770-0348 for a free quote.
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.