Burglar Reveals 15 Trade Secrets – A Look Into The Mind of a Burglar

Burglar Reveals 15 Trade Secrets – A Look Into The Mind of a Burglar | Modern Survival Online February 25, 2012 The Grey Enigma

Hello, my name is Bob and I’m your local neighborhood burglar! First I’m going to tell you what I look for before breaking into your home, and then I’m going to tell you how I can break into your home.  I’ll even tell you what I’m doing and looking for inside your home.

A lot of people ask me why I do what I do, and why I haven’t been caught yet.  Do you know what I tell them?  Because people don’t realize how easy they make it for me.  I shouldn’t be doing this but I need a challenge!  Here’s what I’m looking for to make your house my next target: Before picking a house I have to scope the whole neighborhood. To do this I’m not going to be walking in the traditional cat burglar uniform. I’m going to be walking around with a rake, dressed up as the cable, electric, or phone repairman.  In some cases I even post a flier on your door for a closer look.  Usually my work hours are from 8AM-11AM.  I want to avoid any kind of confrontation.High privacy fences – This way your pesky neighbors can’t sneak up on me or call the police.  Any sort of high vegetation, like trees or shrubbery, covering your windows – this way they can’t see me break your window.

I prefer lots of cover:

*Toys or playground equipment in your yard – Toys or playground equipment in your yard are signs that kids live there, which to me equals a mother lives there and “cha-ching” that means JEWELRY.
•I’ll post a flyer on your door to get a closer look of your home. I’m also checking to see if you have a burglar alarm.

Here’s how I break into your home:
•I’ll knock on your door to see if anyone is home. If someone answers the door I’ll just come up with some bogus story.
•I’m going to check if the front or back door is unlocked. Sometimes people usually hide a key somewhere easy to access. If I can’t find a key I will check the windows. If worse comes to worse I’ll just smash a window.
•I can also get into a home through your doors using my trusty crowbar.
•If I can’t make it into your house in one minute I just move onto the next one.

Now here’s what I’m doing once I’m inside your home:
•I always use the same search pattern. I go straight to the master bedroom. I look for cash, jewelry, or anything that might be valuable. People often make the mistake of leaving money or jewelry in the most common areas.
•I’ll even look under the bed and in your closets.
•I’m always listening for outside noises. It’s a 6th sense.
•I check your bathroom medicine cabinets for any narcotic prescriptions. Pills are easy money.
•I’m going to check your kitchen and living room for electronics, credit cards, car keys, and personal information.
•After I have gathered everything I need, I call my backup driver to meet me so we can load up all the goods in the car or van.
•Once I have loaded all the goods, my associate and I drive away to the next target. It’s a never ending cycle.

And that’s it folks.  It usually takes me about 8-12 minutes to get in and out of your home.  It’s as easy as that!

In closing, there are a lot of things that you can do to avoid someone like me.  A security system is a no brain-er.  If that’s not an option, leaving a TV or stereo on during the day usually helps someone like me avoid your home.  This usually indicates someone is home.  Also most burglars won’t even attempt entry if they know there’s a large dog in the home.

So now you know my methods and secrets.  Hopefully this will help you avoid bad guys like me. If not, I’ll be lurking around.  So, once again, I’m Bob, your local Burglar, and I’ll be coming to a city near you!
via Burglar Reveals 15 Trade Secrets – A Look Into The Mind of a Burglar | Modern Survival Online.

Reasons you need to invest in a home security system now

By Kate Mulcrone | Yahoo! Homes – Fri, Dec 21, 2012 3:07 PM EST

Have you thought about installing a home security system, but put it off because you don’t think you really need one?

Well, before you put it off any longer, you may want to consider these facts: In 2010, there were more than two million home burglaries in the United States, over 70 percent of which took place in residential homes, reports the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

What’s more, victims of these burglaries claimed an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property, and the average dollar loss per burglary was $2,119.

With these startling statistics, investing in a home security system doesn’t seem like such a bad idea, does it?

Marshall Marinace, vice-president of the Electronic Security Association, doesn’t think so.

“The number one reason to invest in a home security system is to protect your family and assets,” says Marinace. “The simple fact of installing a security system deters crime. Your police department might not have the eyes and ears out there that they used to, especially in areas where police departments have seen big budget cuts.”

Keep reading to see why else you should invest in a home security system…

Reason #1 – To Deter Potential Crime

You might think that a crazy-loud k-9 is a great way to keep burglars away – and you wouldn’t be wrong – but studies show that investing in a home security system is a proven way to keep burglars at bay.

In fact, according to a 2010 study partially underwritten by the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation, burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home. So, anything that made a house harder to access, including home security systems, deadbolt locks, bars on windows, and pins in sash windows, acted as a deterrent.

What’s more, the Electronic Security Association’s “Home Safety Fast Facts” report, notes that 9 out of 10 burglars avoid homes with alarm systems and said if they did encounter an alarm, they would not attack the home.

The bottom line: Burglars are on the lookout for “soft targets,” so making your home more difficult to access is likely to deter a break-in.

Reason #2 – To Detect Smoke and Fire

So, it’s pretty obvious that a home security system can protect your home against burglary, but did you know that many security systems are also built to protect your home from a fire?

Here’s how: “A home fire alarm system is usually part of a total security system providing burglary protection in addition to fire protection,” according to the U.S. Fire Administration. “Such a system supervises doors, windows, and spaces within the home for break-in and may provide monitoring services by dialing your telephone to report a fire or intrusion to a security office, where it will be reported to your local police or fire department.”

And having a home security system that doubles as a smoke detector is extremely important, especially when you consider the latest home fire statistics.

The National Fire Prevention Association says fire departments responded to an average of 371,700 home fires in the United States each year from 2006 to 2010. Their August 2012 report on structure fires, that include any type of residential fire, found that many fires are started by cooking mishaps or “heating fires,” which are caused by central heating units, fireplaces, chimneys, water heaters, or heating stoves.

And unfortunately, these fires could do a lot of damage. According to a 2008 to 2010 U.S. Fire Administration study on heating fires, about 50,000 heating fires occur in the United States each year and result in approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries, and $326 million in property loss.

To avoid becoming a part of this statistic, consider how a home security system could help you.

Reason #3 – To get a Discount on your Home Insurance

On top of being a burglar-deterrent, installing a home security system could also help lower the premium on your home insurance – and by a pretty penny at that.

In fact, “Some companies may cut your premiums by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other monitoring stations,” according to a homeowner’s insurance article published by the Insurance Information Institute.

Why are home insurance companies willing to offer these huge discounts?

Think about it like this: When you install a home security system, it makes it less likely that someone will be able to break into your home, and in effect, there’s less of a chance that your insurer will have to cover your losses due to a home invasion.

Essentially, when you install a home security system, you are less of a risk for your insurer.

Reason #4 – To Control Your Home Remotely

Have you ever called a neighbor to ask whether you left your kitchen window open? Now there’s an app for that, in a manner of speaking.

Most home security systems can alert you – via text or e-mail – when there’s activity in your home that you want to know about, say Marinace. For example, you can get alerts every time someone enters your home, the basement light goes on, or every time your liquor cabinet opens.

Many systems even allow you to view live video feeds from your home online or on your phone, adds Marinace.

And if you’re a working parent who wants to keep tabs on when your kids come and leave the house, certain alarm systems will allow you to do just that.

Case-in-point: Marinace says that some so-called “latch key” systems will send a picture of your child returning from school to your e-mail or phone. Yes, this does sound a little like “Big Brother,” but when it comes to the safety of your home and family, it’s probably best to be overly cautious.

And if you’re worried you’ll start to get annoyed by the alerts and notifications, you’ll be happy to know that they’re completely customizable, so you can tone them down or turn them off completely.

Reason #5 – To Help Law Enforcement Respond Faster to Emergencies

What’s another good reason to invest in a home security system? How about this: It can actually help children or seniors get medical attention in the event of an emergency.

How so, you’re probably wondering? Well, if someone with health problems is living alone, they could carry a wireless transmitter that triggers their home security system if they need assistance, says Marinace. As with a fire, once the home security system has been triggered, emergency responders are immediately notified.

Marinace also points out that many home security systems include two-way intercoms so that when the system is triggered, you and your family members can communicate directly with the operators in case you can’t get to a phone.

And while this little detail may not sound like much, to someone with limited mobility, who many not be able to get to the phone very quickly, it could prove extremely helpful.

Via: http://homes.yahoo.com/news/reasons-to-invest-in-home-security-025712983.html

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

From the Lexington Fire Department

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 1,650 Americans and cause over $990 million in damage. There are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires Selecting a Tree for the Holiday     Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights Maintain Your Holiday Lights Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets     Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Important Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended!

Holiday Decorations Use Only Nonflammable Decorations All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.

Artificial Christmas Trees If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care Avoid Using Lit Candles     If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.     Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

 

The Lexington Fire Department. “Holiday Fire Safety Tips.”  Lexington ky.gov.  11/28/201.  http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=24&recordid=3599&returnURL=%2findex.aspx%3fpage%3d1

Residential Security is Really About Life Safety

Jerry Coy

By Jerry Coy, Security Consultant, Bates Security

During my initial consultation with potential residential customers, they almost always tell me their main concern is someone breaking into their home.  Here is an actual event that recently happened to a new customer that shows our security systems brings peace of mind beyond a break in.

Just a few weeks ago, my new customer, Marianna Mackey, was awakened by her alarm at 2am.  Marianna’s seven-year old daughter had recently started sleep walking.  She had walked to the front door, unlocked the door and walked outside.  The alarm sounded when she opened the door, waking her mother.  Marianna was able to get to her daughter and bring her back into the house immediately.  Marianna expressed to us her relief and gratitude for her security system the next day.

As a parent, you can imagine so many tragic things.  What if it were winter with freezing temperatures?  What if she walked into traffic?  This incident really hit home with me.  Several years ago, I lost my beautiful 10-year old daughter, Lindsay.  There is nothing more precious than the security and safety of your loved ones.

Electronic Security vs. Physical Security: A Consultant’s Job to Review

Bobby Klaiber

by:  Bobby Klaiber, Sonitrol Security Consultant (Sonitrol is a sister company of Bates Security)

One of my favorite stories about being a security consultant was when I was called to a historic building downtown Lexington to quote an access control job.  If you don’t know, access control is basically an electronic door locking system that will lock/unlock doors with a key card or fob swipe.  Part of being a security consultant is viewing the entire building – providing a complete consultation for security rather than quoting one door here or one camera there.  So after I looked at the doors that the customer wanted access control on, I asked to view all other doors that provided entry into the building.  The customer directed me to the basement where I found a door that led outside.  I opened the door to view the frame and lock, but when I tried to close it, it stuck.  The customer told me that happens often and I needed to use a little more muscle.  I tried again and the door wouldn’t budge!  At this point, I felt I was beginning to look like a weakling, so I tried a third time, possibly using more force that needed.  I ripped out the entire door and it’s frame!

Physical security is very important to your home or business!  Be sure you check your doors and windows and other vulnerable spots.  And if you are visiting a customer, like I was, let the customer open and close the doors!

 

 

 

Building Evacuated Due to Carbon Monoxide

Yesterday our central station received a high carbon monoxide level at a business we secure.  We dispatched the Lexington Fire Department and they evacuated the building until the air quality was back to normal.

The employees at this business are lucky that their company had us install a monitored carbon monoxide system.  Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because it can’t be seen, smelled or heard.  It causes 500 deaths a year in the U.S. and an additional 20,000 go to the ER because of it.

Having a carbon monoxide detector in your home or business can help protect you, your family or your employees from being poisoned.  Having a monitored carbon monoxide detector is even better because we call the fire department for you in case you are unable to call yourself.

Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:  headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion and loss of consciousness.

 

 

Lint in Dryer Vents Cause Fires

According to FEMA and estimated 2,900 dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss.  This can be prevented by:

Cleaning the lint filter before and after each cycle.

Clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.

Clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every 6 months or more frequently if it becomes clogged.

Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged, crushed, or restricted.

You should never go to sleep or leave your home while the dryer is running.

Having working fire alarms in your home can help alert your family in case a dryer fire does occur.  At Bates Security we can put in a monitored fire system so that in the event of a fire, the fire department is alerted.  This is especially helpful if you are unable to call yourself or are not home to call.

Watch this video to learn more about protecting your family from dryer fires.

10 Tips to Prevent Home Invasions

There have been a lot of home invasions in the news recently.  These are some of the most frightening crimes because they target where you should feel the most safe, your home.  A home invasion is when multiple perpetrators force entry into an occupied home to commit a robbery or other crimes. We’ve gathered some of our favorite tips to help protect you and your family from this type of crime.

1.  Don’t open your door to strangers or solicitors.  Most home invaders knock on the front door to gain entry.  They pose as someone in distress, a person asking for directions, workers, delivery persons, or they may be offering to do work for you.

2.  Lock your windows and doors and keep your garage door closed even when your home.

3.  Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.

4. Check to see who is at your door before opening it by using a peephole, intercom system, or nearby window.

5. Use your front porch light to help you see outside.

6. Don’t rely on chains to keep intruders out, they don’t.

7. If you have an alarm system, use the occupied mode while you are home.  If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound and get help to you.

8. Have an escape plan.  Train your family on where to go and what to say.  If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.

9. Consider owning a dog for protection. If this isn’t possible, an empty dog bowl left on the porch gives the impression that there is a dog on the premises.

10. If you live alone, place men’s boots or other clothing laying around or yell “I’ll get it” when answering the door to make it seem like your not alone.

 Sources:

Pennsylvania State Police. 9/9/12. Home Invasions. Retrieved from http://www.portal.state.pa.us/…/psp_preventing_home_invasions_pamphlet

Huntsville Police Dept. 9/9/12. Home Invasion Safety tips. Retrieved from http://www.hsvpolice.com/home_invasion_safety.htm

South Brunswick Police Dept. 9/6/12.  Reducing the Risks in a Home Invasion Robbery. Retrieved from http://www.twp.south-brunswick.nj.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B40116E30-5118-45CD-B688-EBEAFA36E03C%7D&DE=%7B57D44B4F-5B29-43C4-B38E-8FCC4102DD18%7D

Chief James T. Hurley. 9/6/12. Violent Crime Hits Home: Home Invasion Robbery. Retrieved from http://www.fbfl.us/index.aspx?NID=153

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