The 73-year-old former 911 dispatcher Jean Ebbert received an odd call this week from a man claiming to be her grandson who was in jail for DUI and needed $8,000, Ebbert told Fox & Friends on Saturday.

Ebbert says she knew that she didn’t have a grandson who was old enough to drive and knew it was a scam but decided to keep playing along anyway despite her family members telling her to hang up.

“My son was like ‘hang up ma’ and I’m thinking you’re 40 years old I’m 73 and you’re telling me to hang up?” Ebbert said. “And I didn’t hang up. I usually hang up.”

Ebbert eventually spoke to another man on the phone who claimed to be her grandson’s lawyer and asked to come to the house to collect the bail money. Jean told the man to come to the house to pick up the money but also called the police to wait for the man when he arrived.

When the man showed up at Jean’s house, she handed him an empty envelope full of paper towels before officers swarmed him in an exchange that was captured on her Ring doorbell camera.

The man was identified as 28-year-old Joshua Estrella Gomez of Mineola, New York, who was arrested and charged with attempted grand larceny in the third degree.

“Speak to your families. Speak to your neighbors. Visit those that are vulnerable. Let them know, don’t listen to these scams,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder warned. “These individuals sit at home and have nothing else to do but think of a way to take advantage of our elderly.”

Full Story: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-grandmother-tricks-scammer-captured-on-video?fbclid=IwAR2lcbCLVAUZNE1CzwBRwXmcAbYVqb0Bauq4e2G5_00R2m4QfnKy9FVBiBI

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There are simple ways you can keep your home a safe place for your loved ones. Just choose a few at a time and you can increase your safety.

• Why prevention is the best way for home security
• Short on time? Try these Basic Security Precautions
• Security Tips for Families – Comprehensive Guide
• Secure The Garage, Windows, And Doors
• Know Your Neighbors
• Teach Kids About Home Safety
• Plan Ahead When Taking Long Vacations
• Maintain Privacy
• Use Deterrents Such As Security Lights And Dogs

WHY PREVENTION IS THE BEST WAY FOR HOME SECURITY  

Prevention should be your top priority if you want to protect your family from injuries and burglaries since it’s normally the first option. First, look around and check which areas in your home are vulnerable. 

Do you need to upgrade your security system? Do you need to install alarm and smoke sensors?

If you know the weakest points in your home, then you can immediately analyze and improve upon your home’s security and safety. 

EXERCISE THESE BASIC SECURITY PRECAUTIONS  

When you move into a new home, make sure that you consider the basic security that your home “should” need. It’s simple and will benefit you and your family in the long run. Here are some immediate suggestions:

• Look for areas in your home that may be vulnerable to security attacks or breaches. To beat a criminal is to think like one – so you can find the weak points and address them right away.
• Never put your complete first and last names on the mailbox. Instead, use only your initials.
• Make sure that your wireless internet connection is secured at all times. Use a difficult password to protect it.
• Lock your windows and doors every time you come in or leave the house. Most home burglaries happen during the day!
• Work with neighbors to alert one another of any suspicious activity, people, or unfamiliar vehicles in the area.
• Always trim any trees or shrubs near your doors and windows. Keep your lawn well maintained to prevent hiding spots for burglars.
• Be cautious when service people come to your home or anyone you don’t recognize. Ask for their identification and, when in doubt, call the company and ask about the person.

SECURITY TIPS FOR FAMILIES – COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE  

If you have a little more time to really make your home a safe place or have already implemented the basics, consider making improvements in the areas below.

HOME SECURITY

SECURING THE GARAGE, WINDOWS, AND DOORS  

The garage, windows, and doors can be the weakest link in your house if these are not properly secured. Here’s what you can do to beef up your home security:

• Fix door and window frames if you see signs of rot
• Fortify glass doors or windows with security bars and consider security film for first floor windows
• Change door locks when moving to a new home
• Conceal your spare keys in unusual places if hiding them outdoors
• Use high-quality deadbolt locks in all your entry doors (spring-latch locks can be easily opened with a credit card)
• If you have glass sliding doors, make sure to secure it with a metal rod
• Make sure that door hinges are placed inside, not outside, the house
• Reinforce your windows and doors so they won’t be easily opened, this is the number one entry point for burglars
• Cover garage windows and make sure the door is always closed
• Install a C-clamp on your garage door or a lock to make it difficult to open when you’re on long trips
• Add a peephole or a camera that lets you to check on visitors without opening the door
• Make sure that all your tools are concealed or properly hidden so they can’t be used against you
• Consider installing an alarm system to guard your doors and windows

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS  

Getting to know your neighbors can help build a safer neighborhood. Friendly neighbors help in looking out for each other. Your neighbors can help you monitor the surroundings of your home for any suspicious activity. If you need to be on a long vacation, your neighbors can help you watch your home and make it appear someone is living there instead of being empty.

TEACH KIDS ABOUT HOME SAFETY  

Always teach your kids not to open the door to anyone (except parents or grandparents). If the visitor is a family friend, teach your kids to let them wait outside and call you first. 

You should also make sure that children have access to emergency telephone numbers. These include numbers to the nearest police station, fire station, and ambulance.

When teaching kids about home safety and security, it is important that you not only tell them but actually show them how to do it. Role-playing can be a great way to teach young children how to respond properly when strangers come to your home or if there are unexpected emergencies.

PLANNING AHEAD WHEN TAKING LONG VACATIONS  

Thieves love to target an empty house. If you have plans for a long vacation, make sure that you take the necessary steps to prevent burglars from taking advantage of your empty home:

• Never post announcements about your long vacation on social media ahead of time.
• If you have a landline phone, set the volume at a low setting. Unanswered telephone calls are an obvious indicator that no one is home.
• Hire a house sitter to stay or ask a neighbor to visit your home daily while you’re away.
• Use lights and timers to turn on your TV or radio randomly. This will make your home look lived-in even during the night.
• Keep your yard clean and maintained. Trim the shrubs to avoid hiding spots for potential burglars.
• Ask the post office to temporarily suspend sending you mail until you return home.

MAINTAIN PRIVACY  

Keep your home and its valuables away from prying eyes by covering your windows with curtains or blinds and keeping your doors closed at all times. Exercising this option may not be worth the risk to the burglar since they are unable to see what’s in your home.

USE DETERRENTS SUCH AS SECURITY LIGHTS AND DOGS  

Automatic motion lights, dogs and even yard fences are some of the best deterrents for your home. Burglars tend to break inside a home without drawing much attention from you and your neighbors.

Source: https://24-7-home-security.com/

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On Monday evening, a husband and wife in Peachland, B.C., said they were home when their security cameras alerted them of movement on their property.

“We have six cameras on our house, which are activated by motion, and they notify us through our cellphone,” Gary Hedge told Global News on Wednesday.

Hedge’s security video shows a grey Pontiac Grand Am pulling onto the driveway, with a young man dressed in camo fatigues getting out. Notably, the man isn’t wearing shoes, but has socks on. From there, the man can be seen prowling around the house, with video showing him checking doors and windows.

Hedge, a retired dentist and president of Peachland’s Community Policing organization, said the man first tried the side garage door before going to the lower deck and checking the door and looking through windows.

“He then proceeded to the north side of the house, where he cut the window screen and was going to enter through that bedroom window,” said Hedge.

At first, Hedge said his wife Judy thought it was the neighbor who was activating the camera between the houses. So she went to the lower deck and found the would-be prowler. Hedge said his wife asked him what he was doing, with “nothing” being the reply.

Gary Hedge also said since he was using a knife on the window, Judy Hedge backed off.

“The individual then ran back to the driveway via the empty lot next door, leaving his knife on the ground where I confronted him,” said Hedge, adding the fleeing vehicle nearly clipped him.

Hedge said police were contacted, adding the incident was shocking, as it happened around 8:40 p.m., with obvious indications that they were home, along with numerous home security warnings. Kelowna RCMP confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it was an attempted break-in.

“He tried every door. Our garage door, all our lower doors. He looked into all our lower windows,” said Hedge, who moved from Winnipeg to the Okanagan six years ago. “The sheer nerve is just astounding.”

A fan of security cameras for years, Hedge said it’s important that residents be proactive in protecting their property. “We’re basically making it easy for these thieves,” said Hedge. “But for him to pick this house, with this much security, well, you just have to shake your head.”

Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/7051169/attempted-break-in-peachland/

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The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of package thefts around July 25, 2021. According to a Facebook post, the affected homeowners used home security camera footage and social media to work with the Armed Robbery and Burglary Division (A.R.A.B.) and ultimately catch the suspect. 

“Homeowners were alert. They were aware,” said Sheriff Jason Ard. 

The suspect was identified as Pamela Sloane, 56, of Denham Springs. Sloane was linked to eight cases of package theft and charged on each count. 

“We appreciate those residents who stepped forward & continue to work with us,” said Sheriff Ard. 

Detectives are still investigating reports of package thefts in the area. 

Source: https://www.wbrz.com/news/neighbors-team-up-using-home-security-footage-to-catch-package-thief/

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Some tragedies are unavoidable. However, homeowners can take steps to prevent other issues from striking home. One of the most effective measures you can take is to install a home surveillance system.

Home security cameras can work wonders for your home and the broader community. If you’re wondering whether they’re worthwhile or not, find the answer here! We present five reasons why you should get a home security system in the guide below.

1. Home Surveillance Protects Property

When most people think of home surveillance, they think of protecting their valuables and other property. Studies indicate this is a valid concern. Each year, approximately 2.5 million burglaries happen in the US. 

Two-thirds of these burglaries are home break-ins. What’s more, homes without a security system are significantly more likely to face a break-in. 

The data seems clear. Home security in 2021 is a vital resource for any homeowner seeking to protect their home. This system can reduce your chances of facing a break-in by a large margin.

2. Home Surveillance Grants Remote Access to Your Home

One of the advantages of a modern surveillance system is that it grants you access to your home wherever you are. By filtering the camera feed into your smartphone cameras, you can see what’s happening at home anytime. 

Some security systems even allow you to speak with those on your property through your cameras. This way, you can verify a person’s identity if they ring your doorbell. You can also greet your children when they come home from school, granting you peace of mind.

3. Monitor Your Children 

Automated home surveillance is a tremendous relief for parents with young children. With these systems, you can monitor your children’s activity around the house through your cameras. 

You can install a hidden spy camera to keep an eye on your kids outside. Alternatively, you can place cameras in your nursery to monitor your infant as they sleep. With these systems, you can put those fears that haunt every parent to rest.

4. Updates You on Fire and Gas Issues

Housefires often occur when people are away from home. If this is a possibility that alarms you, home surveillance systems offer solutions. 

Many systems offer to send updates to your smartphone if your smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detectors go off. Some providers allow the system to notify the relevant authorities immediately if these issues occur.

5. Lower Homeowner’s Insurance

Purchasing a security system can reduce your homeowner’s insurance by a significant amount. Moreover, they offer increased access to the police and emergency responders if something comes up at home. As such, these systems provide an extra level of protection and convenience to benefit you.

Source: https://www.musttechnews.com/5-key-reasons-why-home-surveillance-is-necessary-in-2021/

The post 5 Key Reasons Why Home Surveillance is Necessary in 2021 appeared first on Safehome Security.

Business Security System Essentials

While businesses differ, general storefront business security systems still need the same essential equipment. Whether you own a restaurant, salon, retail store, or other brick and mortar business, you’ll need the following security system equipment to keep it secure.

Security Cameras

When it comes to business security, security cameras are one of the most sought after products. A surveillance system can help you keep track of what’s going on at your business day to day as well as during your off hours.

For business security cameras, there are two distinct options to consider: smart security cameras or CCTV. Smart security cameras record motion or event activated clips and store them via cloud storage. Closed circuit television or CCTV cameras allow 24/7 recording that can be stored locally and do not rely on an internet connection for recording.

Monitored Smoke Detectors

Regardless of the type of business you own, fire is a risk to everyone. Monitored smoke detectors will allow you to contact the fire department in the event of a fire whether you’re there or not. This prevents the need to rely on an employee being physically present to call the fire department during a fire emergency.

Silent Panic Buttons

The silent panic button will send a silent signal to emergency services during a theft or robbery scenario. Sometimes the loud siren of the alarm could potentially create an unsafe situation for employees. The silent panic button allows you to contact the authorities with the assailant knowing.

Glass Break Sensors

If you’re concerned that your business might be at risk for vandalism, a glass break sensor can give you some peace of mind. Glass break sensors alert your security system on the sound of breaking glass. On top of vandalism, glass break sensors help to protect your business from theft by alerting you and the authorities if someone tries to enter the business after hours by breaking a window.

Unique User Passcodes

Unique user passcodes can quickly be created and assigned as you bring on new employees. The same goes for when you lose employees. This helps to keep your business safe as you’ll always know who has access to enter, leave, or disarm the security system. Unique user passcodes can also help you hold your team accountable for locking up, arming the alarm system, and closing up shop daily.

Get a Business Security System

The bottom line — protect your business. Without a security solution, your business will be at risk. Need some guidance about choosing the best security system for your business? Talk to a business security specialist by clicking here.

Know someone who’s considering protecting their brick and mortar store with a business security system? Send them this article to give them some tips!

The post 5 Business Security System Necessities for Securing a Small Business appeared first on Safehome Security.

Give Trick or Treaters a Scare on Halloween

Kids and parents alike enjoy a few harmless tricks during the Halloween season. The doorbell camera can help you make a “ghostly” appearance to anyone who approaches your front door! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to our favorite doorbell camera Halloween trick:

1. Turn your porch light on to signal in any potential trick or treaters
2. Leave out a bowl of delicious candy
3. Wait for trick or treaters
4. When they go to take the candy, give them your scariest ghost voice
5. Laugh hysterically
6. Repeat until there are no more trick or treaters

If this looks familiar, you’ve probably seen Ring’s recent advertisement! In case you missed it, see it in action below.

Keep Your Home Safe and Connected

On top of having fun with your family, the doorbell camera will help keep you safe. So if you need another reason to do this Halloween trick, know that you’ll always know who’s coming to the door, whether you’re home or not.

Contact us to see how you can get a doorbell camera with your security system this Halloween! If you know someone with a doorbell camera, share this article with them so that they can trick the trick or treaters.

The post Trick the Trick or Treaters with the Doorbell Camera on Halloween appeared first on Safehome Security.

How much does a home security system cost?

When asking about how much a home security system costs, there are a few things to consider. What type of equipment are you getting? Are you handling the installation on your own or will you need it installed by a professional? And, do you want to pay upfront costs or roll it into a monthly payment? All of these things will determine the price of your home security system. If you’re looking for something simple and basic, you might be surprised how little you could pay for something that could save your life! Remember, there are other ways to offset the costs of a home security system. So explore your options with products and services to see how you can save money!

Can Having a Home Security System Save You Money?

The short answer is yes. Home security systems can save you money on things like homeowners insurance, energy costs, and other expenses. In some cases, these savings can offset the costs of the monthly payment for the security system altogether! Here are some things to look at when trying to save money with your security system.

Homeowners Insurance Savings

One thing that is often overlooked is the fact that simply having a security system can help you save money on your homeowners insurance. This is because to your homeowners insurance provider, a protected home is perceived as a lower risk. The savings also increase based on the level of protection that you have for your home. For example, there is a discount for burglary and theft. That discount then expands when you add monitored fire protection — and again with flood detection! The savings can add up to 5% or more — and sometimes you save as much as 20%!

Contact your homeowners insurance provider to see how much having a security system can save you on your homeowners insurance. Then, deduct that price from your monthly monitoring!

Energy Savings

On top of the homeowners insurance discount, your security system can also help to reduce expensive energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy says that heating your home is one of the most costly areas of your utility bill. Installing a connected thermostat can help to negate these costs significantly! Connected thermostats can automatically adjust your heating and cooling system to optimal energy levels when you’re away. On top of that, you can also control them from your phone and get an alert if the kids are bumping it up without you knowing (you’re welcome, dads). On average, connected thermostats save our customers $10-$15 a month in energy costs.

Savings on Other Home Services

Finally, many people opt out of some other home services when they have a home security system. For example, if you have kids that are in the in-between age of staying home alone after school or needing a babysitter, having a home security system could give you the peace of mind you need to let them stay home alone. With products like the connected door lock and home security cameras, you can stay connected to your kids as they come home from school. So, with a home security system, you can worry less while you’re working, and potentially eliminate the need for a babysitter.

Conclusion

Having a home security system can help you save money on things like homeowners insurance, energy costs, and more. If you’re thinking about getting a security system, but have some concerns about costs, we’d recommend you see how it can save you money. Add up what you’ll save in energy costs and homeowners insurance. If the savings bring the price of a home security system to a more reasonable expense for you, then it’s worth it to have a safer home!

Know someone who has been thinking about installing a home security system, but likes saving money? Share this article with them to show them how it can help them save some money too!

The post 3 Ways a Home Security System Can Save You Money appeared first on Safehome Security.

Why Should You Have Home Security Cameras?

Home security cameras are a great way to protect your home and stay connected to it on-the-go. Today, you can stream your cameras live to your phone with nothing more than a WiFi connection. They do more than just catch burglars. They help you stay connected to your home and family!

Beyond feeling safe, there are plenty of reasons to stay connected. Here are a few:

• To see your kids coming home from school
• To lazily let the dog out the back door, but still keep an eye on them
• To check on pets throughout the day
• To answer the front door
• To create home movies and memories

Choosing the Right Kind of Camera

Now that you know how your family will use cameras to keep your home protected and connected, let’s talk about which cameras are best for your home. There are countless options out there, but to keep it simple, you can break cameras down into three basic types: Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras.

Indoor vs Outdoor Cameras

There are a few differences between indoor and outdoor cameras. First, outdoor cameras need to be weatherproof in order to withstand the elements. Check the camera’s IP Rating before putting it outside to see if it’s weather and waterproof. Second, outdoor cameras need their own power source like a solar panel. Both allow you to check in from your phone day or night.

Doorbell Cameras

Doorbell cameras are a little different. Rather than just recording on motion (though they do that too), doorbell cameras will start recording when someone rings. Then, they’ll connect you to the front door through a video call! They replace your existing hardwired doorbell. If you don’t have a hardwired doorbell, don’t worry. You can still set up battery-powered doorbell cameras too!

Things to Consider When You Set Up Home Security Cameras

While you’ll surely be using your cameras to keep your home safe, they’ll quickly become part of your daily life. To make sure you are getting the most out of your cameras, there are a few things to keep in mind when setting them up.

Camera Position

All cameras have a specific field of view, usually around 130°. This is what the camera is able to “see” in front of it. If something is too close to the camera, part of it might get cut off. For this reason, when placing an indoor camera, it’s better to put it in the corner of a room to get the most out of its field of view.

Camera Range

How far do you need the camera to see with clarity? Some cameras have zoom capabilities, however, digital zoom does not improve clarity when you zoom in. If you’re just trying to see the area around your home, most cameras will have all of the range you need. If you need to see further than that, you might need to explore other camera options. When it comes to night vision, most cameras use high-power infrared LEDs to light up the field of view. This usually lights about 20-50 feet in front of the camera, which is perfect for protecting a home.

Motion Detection

When something moves in front of your camera, it’ll start recording. This is great for catching bad guys, but not so great if you live on a busy road. Cars driving by constantly could trigger your motion detection and send you unwanted video clips! Luckily, the sensitivity can be easily adjusted to prevent these unwanted motion recordings. When setting up your cameras, test the motion detection to make sure you are only getting the videos you actually want to see throughout the day!

How to Buy and Install Home Security Cameras

Now that you know you definitely want to set up home security cameras and you know which ones are right for you, it’s time to protect your home! If you are a DIYer, this is a task you’re probably looking forward to. If not, you might be a little intimidated at the task of installing cameras around your home. Don’t fret! That’s what we’re here for! Cameras can be easy to set up, but if you need some help, you can always go with a professional installation to make sure everything is done right.

Have more questions about home security cameras? We’re here for you. Call us today to talk to a security specialist to find out which cameras are best for you or to set up an installation!

Know someone thinking about getting home security cameras? Share this with them to make sure they’re informed!

The post Read This Before You Set Up Home Security Cameras appeared first on Safehome Security.

Where Are the Best Places to Put Home Security Cameras?

While every home is different, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind that will ensure your home feels safe and connected. When considering the best places to put home security cameras, first keep in mind that most break-ins occur on the first level of the home. A large portion of these come through the front door! Here are some of the best places to put your home security cameras.

1. Outside the Front Door

KGW News asked 86 convicted burglars how they would typically break into homes. Most said that they would either use an unlocked door or kick the front door open, “…Loud bangs are better than loud glass breaking.” This makes protecting your front door an absolute must! When setting up front door cameras, you have a couple of options.

Doorbell cameras are a great way to protect your entire entryway. Most of these cameras give you the option to record on motion. So, you don’t have to rely on the burglar to ring the doorbell for the camera to begin recording. If you want to cover a bigger portion of the front of your house, you can also set up an outdoor camera on the upper corner of your porch area. Angle it down to see anyone approaching your door.

However, you won’t just be using your cameras to prevent burglary, you’ll be using them to stay connected to your home and family! Putting your cameras by the front door can give you a daily reminder when your kids come home from school, or make sure you’re there to pick up a package when you can’t be!

2. The Back Door and Back Windows

Considering that most break-ins occur on the first floor of the home, it’s also a great idea to put cameras outside the back of your home. The backs of homes usually aren’t visible from the street, which means someone could attempt a break-in while being hidden from passersby. To get the most coverage, place your cameras on the side corner of your home. Then, angle them to face your back door and yard.

You can also use a backyard camera to keep an eye on the pets when they’re outside. Use an Amazon Echo Show to ask Alexa to show you the backyard. The camera will then stream right to your Echo Show, so you can be a little lazy when letting the dogs out.

3. The Driveway or Garage

Aside from our houses, our vehicles are often the most expensive things we own. So, obviously we want to keep them protected as well. If you keep your car in the garage, it’s a good idea to angle your camera to cover the entry points. If you park in the driveway, you can put your cameras on the side of your home and angle them to keep the whole area in view.

Depending on your home, you might be able to find the right angle that allows you to protect the driveway and the front or back of your home with the same camera! Get creative with the positioning to make your camera show you exactly what you’re looking for.

4. The Nursery

Moving to the inside of the home, baby monitors are one of the most sought after products for new parents. If you’re a parent, you know how much stress can be alleviated with this simple device. Rather than getting an entirely new baby monitor, more and more parents are now placing their indoor cameras in the nursery. This helps them feel like they’re still there even though they’re in the other room.

Use motion activated clips, or watch a live stream with 2-way audio to make your cameras act as a baby monitor. Using the same cameras inside as outside allows you to keep everything that has to do with your home on the same app — safe, connected, and in control of the things that matter most.

5. Facing the Gauge on Your Oil Tank

Why walk all the way to the basement to see how much oil is in your tank when you can simply pull out your phone to check? This camera setup is entirely a convenience factor, but you’d be surprised how often you use it. Cameras aren’t just about keeping your home safe, they should give you peace of mind and make your life easier.

When winter rolls around, you’ll be doing everything that you can to prepare your home. This is one simple way you can stay in-the-know of your oil level to avoid having to hire an emergency refill on the coldest day of the year!

Other Places You Can Put Your Home Cameras

People have gotten pretty creative over the years with their home security cameras. Once you nail down the essentials, you can start adding them for convenience. Here are a few clever places to put your cameras:

• Near the thermostat to see who’s changing the temp when you’re not around
• With dogs or cats to see what they do when you’re away
• Facing a swimming pool to help childproof it
• In your favorite hangout spot to capture the social media-worthy moments

Ready to protect your home? We can help you set up cameras in all of these key locations! Contact us to learn how we can help you get the most out of your security cameras.

Have a friend who’s thinking about setting up some cameras? Share this article with them.

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