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Beware of These Deceptive Home Invasion Tactics

Beware of These 3 Deceptive Home Invasion Tactics

Beware of These 3 Deceptive Home Invasion Tactics

Beware of These Deceptive Home Invasion TacticsHome invasions are on the rise and because of them, home security is a topic of concern for all homeowners and families. Criminals are becoming increasingly brazen and coming up with new tactics to deceive and trick their victims. When it comes to home security, most people are complacent. This is not good because it ultimately leads to disaster. Staying well aware of the tactics used by the home invaders is the key that will help you take the necessary protective measures to protect your family and your home.

Following are the 3 deceptive and most common home invasion tactics you should be aware of:

1. Litter Left in Front of Your House
If you see any kind of litter in front of your house, then it is highly recommended that you dispose of it. This is because criminals scouting the neighborhood leave trash indicators on properties. Things such as bags, lids, cans, etc. in front of your house could have been intentionally left by a criminal scout in order to let another criminal know that your property has been marked to have something worth stealing. This makes your home a target for a break-in.

2. Using Your Pets to Case Your Home
Criminals look for your pets, for example dogs that are left outside as this is a clear indicator that there are going to be no dogs inside, hence making it easier for the criminals to break in. To get rid of the obvious threat (the dog outside of your home), a criminal will feed the dog with meat that has been poisoned in order to kill it or make it very ill.

Criminals also look for homes where cats are present. This is because most people who have cats tend to leave their windows open and even disable their alarms so that their beloved pets can move about freely.

3. Ad Flyers and Business Cards
Never take business cards or flyers from a stranger who approaches you at your house or anywhere else. Criminals have been known to lace authentic-looking business cards or flyers with chloroform or other such substance. If that substance is absorbed by your skin, you can pass out, making you an easy target for the criminal to rob you of your valuables, money, and house keys. The keys will then give the criminal access to your house and your valuables inside.

Final Word
When it comes to home invasion, prevention is always your best bet. Being aware of the common tactics used by criminals to invade the home can help you take better protective measures and ensure the safety of your home and your family.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

Important Differences Between DIY And Professionally Installed Security Systems

4 Important Differences Between DIY And Professionally Installed Security Systems

4 Important Differences Between DIY And Professionally Installed Security Systems

Important Differences Between DIY And Professionally Installed Security Systems The mode of installation is a big factor when it comes to choosing the best home security system that fits your needs. Homeowners are faced with the decision of choosing between a DIY security system and a professionally installed security system. There are many key differences between them and you must consider a lot of different factors when making your decision.

Following are 4 important differences between DIY and professionally installed security systems:

1. Cost
A DIY security system may seem like your best bet when you are trying to save money. DIY security systems are often sold at relatively lower prices, making them ideal for homeowners that have a limited budget. And since there are no extra installation charges, this option can be appealing to most homeowners. Professionally installed security systems on the other hand, require a contract or installation fees. So, they are relatively more expensive than DIY security systems.

2. Monitoring
Another key difference between DIY and professionally installed security systems is quality monitoring service. When you purchase a DIY security system, you are basically purchasing a security system that will alert you and your family to break-ins and other dangers. Unfortunately, that’s all a DIY security system is able to do, aside from possibly being able to purchase some kind of a cheap monitoring program. Professionally installed security systems on the other hand, are connected with a highly rated professional security monitoring company. So, when the alarm is triggered, not only does the security system alert you and your family, it also be trusted to immediately alert the monitoring center that will then send the proper authorities. Because of this, a professionally installed security system helps the family feel more secure when they are at home, but also when they are not.

3. Tech Support
If you choose a DIY security system, then you are pretty much on your own. The company may be able to answer simple questions, but you won’t have access to equipment replacement options and tech support. Apart from this, if something goes wrong with your DIY security system, it will be you out on the lawn in the middle of the night trying to figure out the cause of the problem. As opposed to this, professionally installed security system has many advantages. With it, you will have access to professional support. The installer will make sure that the equipment is set up properly and will be available any time to answer your questions. Furthermore, if something goes wrong, you will know who to call. The professional installer will be more than happy to walk you through the diagnosis of your security system or come to your house and fix it if necessary.

4. Security System Grading
DIY security systems generally tend to not be graded. Because of this, these security systems often don’t meet the requirements of insurance companies. So, your valuables may not be covered if you experience a break in. On the other hand, professionally installed security systems are graded and they are also connected with a monitoring center. Because of this, these systems satisfy the requirements of insurance companies.

For your further consideration, here is an actual story of a situation that recently occurred with one of our customers, as told by the owner of our company:

We had a commercial customer, for whom we installed and monitored a very good alarm system with glassbreak and motion detectors, etc. A little less than a year ago they switched their phones to IP so they needed another way for the alarm to communicate. We told them it would be $150 to install a cellular communicator for alarm communication and $10 a month for the cell service charges. That is pretty standard and the install cost is just about the price of parts. So anyway, they cancelled and went to a DIY system. They put that system in and got some cheap monitoring. About two weeks ago they had a break-in. It just so happens that our new office location is right around the corner from their office and I didn’t even realize it. One of their employees came out the next morning and told one of our techs that they had been broken into and the alarm never went off. The person broke the glass out of the front door (which is why glassbreak detectors are important) and left and then went back two hours later and busted up file cabinets, took a cash box and some stuff out of the refrigerator. It was likely a homeless person who hangs out around the train tracks right behind the industrial park we are in. But the alarm did not go off either time. One of our employees went by and just talked to them about what happened and at that point they still had no idea why the alarm didn’t go off. They had cameras that did work and that is how they knew the guy left for two hours and then returned. However, he had his face covered so the video is useless.

Final Word
Choosing between DIY and a professionally installed security system is not easy and you have to consider many factors. However, whatever your decision may be, you should know that you are making the right choice by having a security system to secure your home and protect your family.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

Things to Not Do if You Come Home to a Burglary in Progress

3 Things to Not Do if You Come Home to a Burglary in Progress

3 Things to Not Do if You Come Home to a Burglary in Progress

Things to Not Do if You Come Home to a Burglary in ProgressMost home burglaries occur when nobody is home because it significantly reduces the chances of being caught mid-robbery. Burglars don’t want any unnecessary attention drawn to them during a break-in as an empty house is prime picking for loot, which is why most will wait until homeowners are out before breaking into their home.

Unfortunately for some people, they happen to come home during a burglary in progress, which is a terrifying situation nobody wishes to find themselves in. Yet if you come home during a burglary, you’ll need to act fast to ensure the protection of yourself and your family.

It’s easy to get caught up in the panic and chaos of a home robbery yet there are some things you need to avoid doing to reduce the risk of being attacked. Here are 3 things to no do if you come home to a burglary in progress:

Enter the House (If Possible)
If you come home and find obvious signs of a break-in don’t make the mistake of charging into your house. Many burglars leave few signs of their entry position to ensure they don’t get caught, which is why many people already enter their home before realizing there is a problem, so if you have an obvious warning sign take advantage of it.

For example, if your front door shows signs of forced entry, such as a broken lock or damaged hinges, then make sure to avoid entering and call the police immediately. Similarly, avoid entering if there is a broken or unopened window, even if to quickly look for signs of intrusion before deciding to call the cops.

Look for the Burglar
Should you not realize there is a burglary occurring when you enter the house and then discover something is wrong, don’t make the mistake of looking for the burglar to confront them or chase them off. Yes, you want to defend your home, possessions and family, yet the risk is never worth taking.

When looking for a burglar you stand the chance of getting into a physical altercation. You don’t know what the robber is capable of and whether they have a weapon, so never try to find them in the middle of a burglary.

Instead, quietly walk back outside or hide yourself in a secure location and contact the police, providing you have your phone on you. If not, wait quietly and for them to eventually leave – no burglar will stay around for too long.

Attempt to Fight the Burglar
If you walk into your home and catch a burglar in the act, the temptation to charge at the person is understandably high, especially if your family are around. In most cases, a burglary is a non-violent crime (its why most burglars wait for you to leave before breaking in) so you likely won’t need to get into a fight unless it is a last resort.

Your home security systems should act fast and you may have already called the police if you could tell a break-in was happening, so there is no need to fight the intruder – wait for the police to handle the individual.

Of course, some situations arise that are unavailable and you may find yourself fighting for your life, but if you can avoid a physical altercation then do so. If the burglar gives you instructions, simply follow them and don’t make sudden or rash movements – none of the possessions they are stealing are ever worth risking your life over.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

Spring-Cleaning-Maintenance-Tips-for-Your-Security-Alarm

7 Spring Cleaning Maintenance Tips for Your Security Alarm

Spring-Cleaning-Maintenance-Tips-for-Your-Security-Alarm

Spring-Cleaning-Maintenance-Tips-for-Your-Security-AlarmSpring is the time of the year when a lot of homeowners clean and freshen their homes both inside and out. While organizing and cleaning, it is also a good time to consider how good your home security is. A security alarm is a vital part of a property and you should definitely think about it during your spring cleaning maintenance.

Following are 7 spring cleaning maintenance tips for your security alarm:

1. Perform a Detection Test
Walk around your home and trigger all the detection devices such as beams and passives and open all the windows and doors. Confirm that the device reflects on your keypad’s respective zone number. You should also pay careful attention to old devices that have poor detection. If any old devices are damaged, replace them.

2. Perform a Signal Test
Contact the control center of your security alarm’s company and ask them to place your account on test for about half an hour. After that, arm your security alarm system in Away mode. Wait until the exit delay expires. Then walk through your home and trigger all the zones by walking past all the detection devices and opening all windows and doors. Apart from this, you should also test the fixed panic buttons. Now disarm your alarm system and contact the control to confirm whether they have received signals from all zones.

3. Replace Batteries in Devices
It would be a good idea to perform an inspection of batteries in your security devices during the spring cleaning maintenance. Make sure the batteries in the important security devices are working properly. Replace the batteries that may have expired.

4. Clean All Camera Lenses
Cleaning the camera lenses is another important spring cleaning maintenance task that you can perform for your security alarm system. Security cameras are susceptible to grime and dirt, so make sure to remove any sign of these so that your security cameras keep functioning at their best.

5. Dust DVRs
The DVR is a vital component of a security alarm system as it stores the footage from all the connected cameras as well as allows you to review the footage at any time so you can use it as evidence. Because of these reasons, you want the digital video recorder to always be working as intended. So, don’t forget to dust your DVRs during your spring cleaning maintenance. Use a microfiber cloth to dust the top. For removing any internal dust build-ups, you should use an electric computer blower.

6. Inspect Landscaping
Landscape features overgrow with time and can block camera views. So, if there are any vines, trees, bushes, and other forms of foliage and plants surrounding your premises, then it is recommended that you inspect them to see whether they have impaired the camera feed.

7. Update Your Codes and Information
It is recommended that you update the user codes of your security alarm system during your spring cleaning maintenance. Apart from these, challenge codes should also be updated with the control center. Don’t forget to update all contact numbers and key-holder details as well.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

Top Security Threats at Retail Businesses

Beware of These 6 Top Security Threats at Retail Businesses

Beware of These 6 Top Security Threats at Retail Businesses

Top Security Threats at Retail BusinessesThere is no shortage of security threats for retail businesses. As if running a retail store wasn’t challenging enough, there is a daily threat of various security risks that will take their toll on even the most successful retail businesses.

Nobody is free from these threats – businesses small and large face constant security threats that they must be prepared for.
It’s why the retail industry relies so heavily on various security processes and equipment, which can help to minimize the risks they face. However, knowing about the threats is also important as it gives you a better chance of preventing them.

Shoplifting
It’s one of the most common form of thefts that retail businesses face, with shoplifters stealing billions of dollars’ worth of products every year. While security processes like CCTV, creating few blind spots, training employees to spot these threats can minimize the risks, the threat of shoplifters is an ever-present one in retail.

Employee Theft
A lot of theft in retail is internal, with employees taking advantage of their inside knowledge to exploit security weaknesses and steal from their employer. This could be anything from stock to cash from the register, which is why its important to keep detailed inventory and bookkeeping so any theft is noticed quickly.

Security cameras and controlled access are another few methods that can help reduce these risks, allowing employers to see what their employees are doing and who is entering and leaving stock rooms etc.

Break-Ins
After hours break-ins are less common thanks to strong security measures in many retail businesses, although smaller retailers often face increased threats of after hour break ins due to less robust security systems.

Break-ins can be significantly damaging, espiecally when hold high volume and high value inventory, so always take appropriate measures such as increased CCTV, reinforced doors and locks, gates and fences around the premises etc.

Lawsuits
Many criminals target retail businesses with fake lawsuits, claiming on-site injuries in the hopes of suing for compensation. Cameras mostly negate these risks, although not every criminal is aware of security cameras so they may attempt a fake lawsuit anyway.

Robbery
Holding retail businesses at gunpoint is far less prominent thanks to increased presence of cameras that make it difficult to get away with it, but the sad truth is the threat of armed robbery remains for many businesses.

Scams
From fake cash bills and coupons to fraudulent refunds, there are various scams that savvy criminals use to steal from unwitting retail businesses. These scams typically occur during point of sale processing, so educating employees on common scams and providing equipment such as counterfeit note detectors should help minimize the threats.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

Best Types of Home Security When Your Home is in a Country Club

4 Best Types of Home Security When Your Home is in a Country Club

4 Best Types of Home Security When Your Home is in a Country Club

Best Types of Home Security When Your Home is in a Country ClubWhile a country club usually has a dedicated security team in place and various security measures to protect residents, it’s always a good idea to invest in your own home security devices. Yes, there may be less likelihood of security breaches given the security measures already in place, but that doesn’t mean your country club home is risk-free.

After all, countless visitors pass through a country club on any given day. Most are residents or club members, but there is always the chance of unwanted individuals making their way onto the premises. In fact, with such a large area to monitor and many homes within, you cannot expect your country club home to be free from potential break-ins from opportunistic criminals.

To make things safer, here are 4 of the best types of home security when your home is in a country club:

1. Monitored Home Security System
A monitored home security system is your best line of defense and protection when it comes to protecting your country club home from intruders. Many options are available when it comes to the types of sensors that are able to detect break ins or intrusions through all points of entry to your home. The monitoring feature means that any alarm activity is immediately reported to our 24/7 monitoring center who will dispatch emergency personnel to your country club residence immediately. These systems have the option for the devices mentioned below as well.

2. Video Doorbell
Smart technology has provided us with many great home security devices, and few are better for a country club home than a video doorbell. These devices consist of a high definition camera, speaker system, and ringer. When your doorbell is rung, you’re sent a video feed from the camera, allowing for remote viewing anywhere in the country club.

With so many people wandering through the golf course throughout the day, you never know who could end up at your front door. A video doorbell means you never need to guess, while the ability to speak to people at the door from your phone gives the impression you’re always home.

3. Indoor Camera
There are likely countless security cameras throughout the premises of the country club – but none are inside your home. While this is an obvious choice for your own privacy, it does mean country club homes are often a blind spot on the club’s CCTV system, so investing in an indoor camera is always recommended.

The camera could be installed as part of a wired security system, but there are many wireless cameras that are easy to install yourself. Most modern indoor home security cameras connect directly to your phone and computer, allowing you to constantly monitor your home, even from the fairway or clubhouse.

4. Window and Door Sensors
Again, smart technology has produced many great wireless door and window sensors that are perfect for a country club home.
They don’t need to be hardwired into a security system, meaning there are no monthly fees for the service, while they come with various security features to keep your home safe, including loud alarms, silent alarms that alert you via your phone, and even integrated cameras.

It’s easy to leave a window cranked when going for a walk across the country club grounds or playing a few holes, but there are still security risks even when part of a country club. Unlocked windows and doors give an opportunistic burglar all the encouragement they need, so investing in good door and window sensors is very worthwhile.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

security alarm monitoring in coachella valley

5 Reasons Why Security Alarm Monitoring is Important

5 Reasons Why Security Alarm Monitoring is Important

1. The police will be called automatically if there is an intruder.

If there is ever an intruder that enters your house, the 24/7 monitoring system will automatically call your local police and explain what is happening. This makes contacting the police extremely fast because you do not even have to do anything in order to have the police be on their way to your home or business. While an alarm system will deter intruders by itself, on the off chance that one decides to still try to invade your house, you will be able to have the police there as soon as possible.

2. The same thing goes for the fire department.

A home security alarm system will also watch over your home for fires. If your smoke detectors go off, the fire department will be called so that you can emergency services on the way as soon as possible. This goes equally for a business security system. The great thing about this automated system is that if the smoke detector simply goes off by accident, it won’t automatically contact the local fire department. You have a small amount of time to confirm the fire was an accident and to clear out the smoke in your property.

3. If the security team that is watching over your house sees a potential issue, they will contact you to ensure you are alright.

security alarm monitoring in coachella valleyA lot of the bigger security companies will also offer a comfort aspect to their 24/7 monitoring system. Whenever a small mishap happens, such as a smoke alarm or the alarm went off and was quickly turned back off, you might even receive a phone call ensuring that everything is alright and asking if you need any assistance. The people watching over your house are there to help and comfort you no matter what, and it is extremely nice to know that your alarm company is worrying about your well being.

4. You can also be warned about carbon monoxide in your home or business.

This one is one of the scariest of all of the threats. Carbon monoxide is really scary because it is a gas that has no color, and no smell. Essentially, you would never be able to tell if you had dangerously high levels of it in your home until it was too late. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are extremely subtle and can progress very quickly. With a monitoring system, you will be alerted as soon as carbon monoxide levels go higher than what is safe.

5. There is always a trained security expert watching over your home.

This one is less about practicality, and a lot more about the sheer comfort of being somewhere that you feel safe in. No matter what time of day, you can feel more safe because of the fact that people that are trained to watch over security systems are ensuring that you and your family or coworkers stay safe and healthy.

Consider researching the different options that are available for security alarm monitoring in your home or business. Not only will it help to improve your comfort, it will also add backup solutions and a peace of mind that no matter what, someone will be there to help you and/or send the help you need.

To experience the peace of mind of having a monitored security alarm system for your home or business in The Coachella Valley, contact the experts at Command One Security! One of our home security consultants will be happy to discuss the best and most cost-effective options we have available for you. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

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