Your Source for Security Cameras & Other Security Equipment
Protect Your Vacant Property
Think an empty building doesn’t need maintenance or security? Think again. Unoccupied buildings tend to be more susceptible to damage and criminal activity than those filled with expensive equipment. If your property will be vacant, whether long or short term, you should secure it as soon as possible.
Main Risks For Empty Buildings
- Weather
We all know that weather can cause significant damage relatively quickly, especially for buildings in areas known for inclement weather. Damage to the exterior, including the roof and windows, can also make its way inside to cause further problems.
- Thieves
If you leave equipment or anything of value in an unsecured building, you run a high risk of theft. Even if you’ve emptied the property, thieves may still enter and steal valuable construction materials (ex. copper pines or wires).
- Vandals
Even though you may have cleared out your property, you are still at risk for vandalism. Vandals may trash your property by leaving waste, breaking things, and covering walls in graffiti.
- Trespassing
This covers a number of threats, which include squatting and illicit activities.
How To Secure Your Vacant Property
- Secure Entrances
Before vacating a property, be sure that all windows and doors are properly closed and locked. Look for gaps or damage to the frames that may allow wind, rain, or intruders to get in.
If you plan on leaving for an extended period of time, you should consider investing in stronger methods of securing doors and windows. While traditional wood boarding may be cost-effective, these have also added to the blaze of an arson attack. Investing in a metal alternative may be a better choice. You may also want to consider steel security doors which make it impossible to access your building without special equipment.
- Maintain Exteriors
Any loose objects can be stolen, used to gain entry, or used as a weapon. For example, bins, palettes and spare construction materials can quickly turn into projectiles in the wrong hands, or can be picked up by high winds in a storm. Be sure to store large objects indoors or out of sight.
Landscaping may be an afterthought, but can make a difference. You should keep pathways clear of debris, such as snow and ice in the winter, and trim grass and hedges to deter vermin from inhabiting your yard. Landscaping also makes it appear that the premise is occupied, making it less of a target.
- Check The Alarms
A security alarm is a necessity. A security alarm system can deter intruders, and, if linked to the local police, can elicit immediate response to any incidents. If you vacate your building, be sure to check your system regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. If your system is managed by a third party, be sure to inform them of your absence.
Because a fire, whether intentional or accidental, is always possible, you should also maintain your fire alarm and sprinkler system. Be sure that pipes and sensors remain functional.
- Increase Passive Security
While dummy cameras can be a reasonable deterrent for those on a budget, operational security cameras may be a better investment. If you plan on leaving your property vacant for a longer period, you may want a real security camera to record any trespassers or criminal activity that occurs while you’re gone.
It may behoove you to make your property physically harder to access, especially if you have open spaces. Fencing and gates with proper locks and concrete barriers are effective ways to keep intruders out.
- Hire Active Security
If you will be storing valuable equipment and materials on site during your absence, you may want to hire professional guard control or even guard dogs and handlers. You can schedule the guard to check on your building at random times to keep trespassers away and to report any unusual activity.
If a building is scheduled for future renovation or demolition, registering your building for a guardianship scheme could be a more cost-effective solution. While you won’t be able to freely access your building when the guards are there, but it will safeguard against trespassers and squatters.
How do you protect your vacant property? Share your tips on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Find quality security cameras and CCTV surveillance systems when you shop at SecurityCamExpert.com! Visit us online or call 888-203-6294 to learn more about our services, including installation and support.
Take Your Security Seriously
Protecting our families, homes, and valuables is a top priority. Home and business security systems aim to give you peace of mind when it comes to intruders, however, not all properties are created equal. A security system tailored to your specific needs is a smarter option. Aside from consulting with Security Cam Experts, you should also take note of these statistics and security tips.
Statistics
- According to the FBI, in 2014, there were 1,729,806 burglaries in the United States.
- Of those burglaries, 73.2% were residential burglaries.
- Of these residential burglaries, nearly 28% occurred during the day while over half happened at night.
- Top targets include women living alone or wealthy senior citizens.
- Burglars also choose targets by the type of car you drive, what neighborhood you live in, the size of the home, or signs that a home is unoccupied.
Prevention Tips
- Never open your door to strangers or solicitors. Remember that delivery persons need not step into your home to make a delivery.
- Never rely on a chain-latch as a barrier to partially open the door. With enough force, it can easily be broken.
- If you don’t have one already, install a peephole and always use it to see who is at your door before opening it.
- Lock all doors, windows, and garages at all times. This helps to prevent unwanted intruders from simply walking through an unlocked entrance.
- Choose heavy duty locks and use four three-inch screws to secure heavy duty lock strike plates in the door frames.
- See something, say something. If you notice any suspicious stranger activity, call the police.
- Have a family meeting in regards to home security plans so that everyone is on the same page.
Having something to protect you is better than nothing, which is why even a simple dummy camera can make a difference. But if you can afford it, investing in surveillance systems and home alarm systems can be a great benefit and put some of your worries at ease. If you have any questions or want to shop a wide variety of affordable security cameras and equipment, please call 888-203-6294 or visit SecurityCamExpert.com today!
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3D Printing’s Impact On The Security Camera Industry
What do you do when you want a sense of security but don’t want to shell out big bucks? Print your own dummy security camera with a 3D printer, obviously.
That’s precisely what Dr. Özkal Özsoy did. Dr. Özkal Özsoy is an electronics engineer, product design consultant, and inventor based in Istanbul, Turkey. With his knowledge, experience, research, and 3D printer, he set out to build his own dummy security camera.
He began by researching different security cameras and which design would best deter criminals and intruders from targeting his apartment. Once he decided on a model, he scaled it down so that all 3D printers on the market could print it, but this move also saved materials.
Because of its hollow interior, it’s possible to house an actual wireless security camera within it. The dummy camera is divided into four different parts for easy assembly. He also included four holes for 3mm LEDS, and used a wide angle, LED collimator as the lens. These parts make the dummy camera much more believable.
Security cameras, whether dummy or real, can be a great way to avoid becoming a target. Most criminals will avoid security cameras, as they can produce evidence that may identify them. You don’t need to break the bank to protect yourself. Find affordable security cameras and camera systems at SecurityCamExpert.com. Need help? Our expert staff is happy to help – give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
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Dummy Cameras & Security Systems
At One Government Center in Fall River, Massachusetts, a new security camera system was installed. While this is a common security measure that many cities are catching on to, the problem was that the installation was kept fairly quiet and some are complaining that fake security cameras were installed. Why were they installed? How much did it cost? Why install fake cameras? Public discussion about this installation is being averted, but the people want answers.
For public areas, such as the previously mentioned government building, it is uncommon for dummy security cameras to be employed. For home or business owners, however, dummy security cameras can be beneficial to deterring crimes or providing the illusion of a more elaborate security system.
Whether you are looking to expand an existing security system or you want to use the dummy camera as a simple deterrent, it’s ever important to find a realistic looking camera. Do research on actual security cameras, evaluate the features and details. Look into fake security cameras and compare the physical differences. Some fake security cameras have a flashing or consistent red light on, while most security cameras lack this. Wiring is important too; you want it to look like your camera is connected to something, otherwise, intruders may catch on.
If you’re expanding a real security system, find a dummy camera that blends in with your system. It would be bad to have a camera stand out from the rest as it may draw attention and provoke questions. Also, be sure to keep quiet about the fake security cameras. The idea is to convince people that your property is highly monitored and any foul behavior will be caught.
Dummy cameras may have a bad reputation, but they can help home and business owners with cost-effective security. Since these cameras are usually on the more affordable, inexpensive side, installing them is an easy solution. Most people will see these cameras and think twice about doing anything. Determined thieves may further investigate. For the most part, dummy cameras can deter petty burglars for a small cost.
We offer great prices on all of our security cameras, fake and real. Check out our inventory online at SecurityCamExpert.com. Please feel free to call us at 1-888-203-6294 with any questions.
How Much Do Home Security Surveillance Cameras Cost?
Shopping on a budget for a security camera system? It doesn’t have to be that hard. Let SecurityCamExpert.com help you find smart solutions without breaking the bank.
Our selection of security cameras includes a variety of different styles with varying specifications. We carry security cameras starting as low as $20-$60 and reaching up to $250-$400 depending on specifications. You can pay for better quality and features, or you can get good quality for a decent price. It all depends on how much you can or are willing to spend.
For the most basic security system solutions, you can opt for dummy cameras. Our dummy cameras don’t exceed $30 so you can build a pseudo security system for cheap. Check out this SecurityMan Dummy Indoor Camera, it has a convincing look for a reasonable price.
If you want a functioning security system, dome security cameras and bullet security cameras are common types and low in price. Ours range from $40-$175, all dependent upon picture resolution, special features like night vision or audio components. Still, a great camera can be found for a cost-effective price. Our box cameras hover around the same range, but also require a separate purchase of camera lenses, which can add to overall cost.
As we move up the price ladder, our specialty security cameras like HD-SDI, high resolution, network IP and PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) start around $100 and go up from there. It should be understood that you are paying more for performance and abilities. These cameras offer much better picture and allow you to better manipulate your viewing range. License plate capture cameras have magnificent zoom abilities along with solid resolution, so they can start north of $200.
While SecurityCamExpert.com offers individual security cameras, we also offer great packaged deals which can significantly assist those on a tight budget. Our camera packages include the basics: DVR (with & without hard drives), cameras, cables and power supplies. Our 4 camera packages range from $249 up to $549, while our 8 camera packages range from $329 up to $567. Our 16 camera packages range from $836-915, but we also offer wireless camera bundles that start as low as $139 and up. Our 4 camera IP/hybrid camera package starts at $399 and you can add more cameras or accessories from there. You can explore our packages options here.
Shop our inventory online and you’ll find security cameras or systems that fit within your budget. Would you rather get a quote based on your needs? Fill out our Free CCTV System Quote and work with our staff to create a security system within your means. Feel free to call us at 1-888-203-6294 with any questions you may have.
Do Dummy Cameras Actually Work?
Ever wonder why people use dummy cameras or fake security cameras? Do you think “If they’re going to spend money on dummy cameras, why not buy real ones?” There are varying opinions on fake security cameras. Some find dummy security cameras pointless, while others find that their dummy cameras deter crimes for a cheaper price.
Some people believe that since the dummy cameras don’t work, it is useless to purchase and install them. It is reasonable to believe that, and to each his own, however, studies have shown that the presence of security cameras can help to prevent crimes.
For those who desire some type of security but can only afford so much, dummy security cameras could be a great alternative. While employing a real security camera will allow you to actually monitor what is going on in and around your property, the mere presence can do a sufficient job.
The trick is to purchase a convincing fake security camera. The right dummy cameras won’t blatantly look like fake security cameras. Most dummy cameras are made to look fairly realistic, but some cameras possess dead giveaways. It is best to steer clear of these dummy security cameras.
The key to choosing the right dummy security cameras is to know what a real security camera looks like. You want the dummy security cameras to be seen, but you don’t want it to be too obvious. You want people to think you’re trying to be covert, as you would with a real security camera. Most security cameras are built to be somewhat elusive, and placement can help with that. Installing dummy cameras in traditional surveillance camera spots will make them more convincing. Ambiguity can elicit apprehension, which is why fake security cameras can be a wise investment.
As long as you are well-informed about your choice and installation of fake security cameras, dummy security cameras may actually work for you. While they don’t capture criminal acts, they can avert possible criminals. Shop our selection of dummy cameras online at SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.