Tag Archive for: burglary

Why Are Doorbell Cameras Becoming More Popular?

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Doorbell cameras are tiny non-obstructive cameras that are fixed near the entrance of your house. These cameras work as a major security measure and a doorbell at the same time. But with the rise in automation, the doorbell has also added a set of new features like motion-sensing, two-way communications and viewing live footage on your phone or laptop.


These kinds of doorbell cameras have become really popular for home security. Many times, we watch popular news stories on people’s homes getting robbed and the footage caught by the doorbell camera helps the police investigate the situation. We also come across stories where delivery people mishandle delivery packages and end up damaging the content inside. With the smart doorbell, you can track how people behave and interact with your home when you are not there.


Keeping your family and home safe is the top priority of most of the people today. In this article we will talk about why doorbell cameras are getting so much attention today:


1. Offers two-way communication


Many doorbell cameras offer features like two-way communication. You can easily communicate with anyone who rings your doorbell, through the speaker sitting from any corner of your house. Great home security systems make life easier. For instance, if you are not at home and someone shows up, you can always speak through the phone and convey the message to the guest. Confusing visitors by using this feature also prevents anyone from messing with your home, even when you are not physically present.


2. Equipped with night vision


The cover of night is a robber’s paradise. This is when burglars and intruders are most likely to attack homes. During times like these, it is always advisable not to open the door for every person that knocks on your door at this time. Most of these doorbell cameras are equipped with night vision features and infrared. This lets your home security system survey around your home, as you rest peacefully.


3. Gives you the advantage of screening every visitor


The main reason why doorbell cameras are actually getting all the hype today is because it allows you to screen any visitor that arrives at your doorstep. Home alarm systems come with motion-detecting sensors and other features that give you an update on who is coming to your door. In this manner, you can never miss out on friends, family, and unexpected visitors dropping by your house every now and then. 

 


Conclusion


Doorbells with cameras are the first step you can take to a safer and more sophisticated life. With Boyd & Associates watching your back, doorbells have never been so convenient. These are not that expensive per se, but one can always invest in a legitimate smart doorbell with a camera. At the end of the day, you, your family and your home are all safer off with the doorbell camera. Call Boyd & Associates today and ask about our new promotions!

How to better secure your home for spring

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Security for the home is a high priority all year long. But did you know that most crimes occur during the warm weather? How can you better protect your home during the springtime?

 

Keep all areas of your property lit

Well-lit property is a vital factor in dissuading potential burglars. Keep your property lit and bushes and hedges maintained so they don’t afford good hiding places for criminals to lurk unnoticed.
Remember to utilize smart bulbs applied to smart lamps compatible with our Home Automation system. You can set automation rules, schedule, and/or send commands right from your phone to change the lighting around your home.

Mow your lawn and keep outdoor areas tidy

A clean and organized house can help deter potential burglars, as it tells them the house is not vacant. This could be crucial for your outdoor security equipment too, as debris might have built on your cameras and sensors during the winter months. Cleaning them for spring can help keep your security alerts accurate.

Secure your home while your away

Warm weather also means plenty of people will be on vacation, which can induce burglars. Make sure to take the necessary security precautions before you travel.

Invest in high quality locks and deadbolts

Deadbolts should be used for all doorway entrances. Inside chains or latches help protect from potential invaders.

Hire a reputable security company

The most effective security investment you can make is to hire a reputable, knowledgeable security firm. The best security firm can help protect your home 24/7. Entrances, windows, and other vulnerable areas can be continuously monitored by security cameras. Home security and safety can be checked from anywhere, at any time, by computer, laptop, or cell phone. A wireless cellular system also helps protect from the communication disruptions common in disasters. Response time for security emergencies can be much reduced. One security firm fulfills all these requirements: Boyd & Associates.

 

Why choose Boyd & Associates

Since 1967, Boyd & Associates has been providing total security for homes, businesses, and communities of every size and type. We combine advanced systems, responsive service and rigorously trained security teams to create a strong, nimble and formidable force that deters, detects and responds – for total security. It is through our tireless pursuit of perfection and our unwavering commitment to the latest technologies that we have been able to exceed the expectations of industry leaders and homeowners throughout Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County and Riverside County

Video Doorbell vs. Security Camera

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During uncertain and changing times, we know you’re not only concerned about home security and crime, but your health as well. At Boyd & Associates, we’re working to keep our offices sanitized and serving our customers over the phone. We’re also committed to providing that extra sense of security that security cameras and video doorbells can provide.

If you’re still choosing between these options, here’s a look at the pros and cons of each to ensure you get the right protection against home burglary, porch pirates, and other threats:

Video Doorbell: Security Camera Built into the Doorbell 

Pros:

  • User-Friendliness: The average consumer can easily use a video doorbell. It runs independently of other equipment and has an intuitive user interface, so is simple to operate and maintain.

 

  • Affordability: Less expensive than a complete security system, it is cheap to purchase and install and requires only one device to be set up.

 

  • Wide-Angle Lens: A wide field of view means you can see people approaching from different angles. Increased coverage means videos can let you identify individuals and motion as someone gets nearby.

 

  • Motion Detection Recording: The camera can start broadcasting images and video footage in response to motion, in addition to turning on when someone rings the bell.

Cons:

  • Limited Application: A video doorbell camera has a fixed field of view and is suited for a single application, such as monitoring your front or patio door.

 

  • Wide-Angle Distortions: The device distorts images at close range because the wide-angle lens is designed to capture as much detail as possible.

Security Camera

Pros:

  • More Coverage: A complete wireless security camera system can provide coverage inside and outside your home. Multiple cameras can be installed and connected so you get more coverage around your property.

 

  • Customization: Cameras can be placed and positioned depending on the areas you want to monitor. There are also housings and mounts available to help protect them. In addition to monitoring and sending alerts, these cameras can be hidden or more visible to help deter potential burglars.

 

  • Better Quality: A surveillance camera system typically offers higher resolution images and improved IR capabilities. The footage captured by a wireless CCTV camera is generally more useful, while the camera’s design is more vandal resistant.

 

  • More Storage: More data storage resources and options mean you can capture and store video footage from multiple cameras, maximizing the benefits you get from the technology.

Cons:

  • Risk Some Personal Privacy: Surveillance cameras are always on the watch, so in addition to burglary, package theft, and other crimes, they’re watching you and your family as well.

 

  • Complex System: The complexity of various components working together can make a surveillance camera system more difficult to install and use. However, a benefit is they can integrate with a smartphone or other mobile device.

 

  • Higher Price Tag: Complete systems are more expensive than other consumer home security equipment. A basic start-up system may be more affordable, but there’s no way around the expense of higher-end systems.

Boyd & Associates Is Open for Business

At Boyd & Associates, we are open for business and continuing to provide vital services to the community. Exempt from the Stay-at-Home mandate, we’re as committed as ever to helping area homes and businesses be safe and secure. Review our coronavirus (COVID-19) update and call us at 805-321-6664 for information or assistance with home security and automation systems, commercial security, and patrol services.

History and Timeline of the Home Security System

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The concept of the home security system is nothing new. An intrusion door alarm was invented in the early 1700s. Much like today’s security systems, it alerted homeowners of potential intruders. It was invented by Tildesley, an English inventor who linked a set of chimes mechanically to a door lock. There were other early inventions, but home security was nowhere near as advanced as today’s smart home systems.

Early Advancements in Home Security

Milestones in home security systems enabled people to rely less on guard dogs and startled animals or mechanical equipment that wasn’t always reliable. Some important names in the evolution of security alarm systems include:

  • Augustus Russel Pope: In 1853, Pope developed a prototype electro-magnetic alarm system in Boston. The battery-operated system activated when an electrical circuit was closed as a result of a door or window opening. A flow of current would cause the system’s magnets to vibrate and cause a hammer to strike a brass bell. Additional components kept the bell ringing even if a window or door was closed after the alarm was activated.

 

  • Edwin Holmes: Although not the talented inventor Pope was, Holmes bought the rights to his invention and founded the first electrical alarm system company. He was also a master at advertising, targeting a general public that was skeptical about electricity in the 19th Holmes published the names of his prominent “burglar alarm telegraph” customers in New Yorker magazine and created a brand out of the system. He even connected his customers’ alarm systems to a central control station using the New York City telephone network.

 

  • Edward A. Calahan: Calahan further developed this concept and helped form the American District Telegraph (ADT) in 1871. It divided New York City into districts connected to a central monitoring station. This was the first alarm system that could alert homeowners of a burglary and notify police and fire services simultaneously. Calahan’s emergency call boxes became standard for emergency and messenger services. His company later expanded to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Chicago.

Video Surveillance and Fire Safety Emerges

While video surveillance technology existed in the 1940s, it didn’t become mainstream until the 1970s. The images were grainy at first, but users could see images of visitors on a television monitor. An early advancement was made in 1966, when nurse Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home video security system. It was the first time a remote control could be used to open a door.

During this same era, fire alarm technology evolved. Canadian researchers conducted a study in 1962 to examine the life-saving potential of heat and smoke detectors. They found that fatalities from residential fires could be reduced by 8% using heat detectors and 41% with smoke detectors.1 Between 1975 and 1998, smoke alarms attributed to a 50% drop in fire deaths in the U.S.

In the 1980s, security became a large part of home automation technology, as automated garage doors, infrared controls, and fiber optics became mainstream. These systems became more affordable in the 1990s. Today, automated home security systems are commonplace and controlled via familiar devices, including smartphones.

Security, Monitoring, and Automation with Boyd & Associates

Boyd & Associates offers complete burglar alarm, fire and life safety, and alarm monitoring systems. In addition to home automation services, commercial intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance systems are also available. To learn more about the latest in automated home security systems and services, contact us at 805-321-6664 today!

Source:
  1. McGuire J, Ruscoe B (1962) Value of a Fire Detector in the Home, Fire Study No. 9. Division of Building Research, National Research Council of Canada, p 12