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/

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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.

Did you know that between 2012 and 2016, fire departments nationwide faced an average of 355,400 home structure fires per year? Fire safety is an essential part of keeping your Los Angeles, CA home secure. But you don’t need to do it the old-fashioned way.

Investing in a smart fire alarm system can help you stay safe in a convenient way. If you’re looking for a way to protect your family and property this year, here are three reasons you should consider investing in smart technology. Keep reading for more.

See Also: 3 Simple Household Safety Tips For 2019

There’s a Fire Every 88 Seconds

In the United States, fire departments respond to calls every 88 seconds. That’s a staggering figure. What’s even more shocking is that everyday activities like cooking cause most of these fires.

With so many emergency calls, you need a system that can protect your home and property. A smart smoke detector system is a great way to start. Smart detectors are internet-connected devices that can integrate with other smart components.

Unlike traditional detectors, which are locally powered by batteries that can die and cause the annoying chirping sound, smart sensors can connect to a central power system so they won’t fail when you need them.

There’s Less Time to Escape Than You Think

On average, Americans with an established escape plan believe they have around six minutes to leave the house. Unfortunately, they often have much less. To craft an effective escape plan, you need to prepare for the unexpected. Smart technology can help.

A smart fire alarm system can integrate with other smart features to help you find the way out of your house safely in the case of an emergency. For instance, integrate with your lighting for brightly lit pathways to exits, and combine with your HVAC system to flush out the smoke as quickly and efficiently as possible.

See Also: Three Steps to Better Prepare Yourself for a Fire

Dead Batteries Cause 25 Percent of Smoke Alarm Failures

A battery dying in your smoke detector is more than just annoying — it’s potentially life-threatening. Thankfully, with a smart fire system, you can receive alerts directly to your smartphone.

Along with centralized power, you can also count on real-time alerts. Plus, if you sign up with a remote monitoring service, you can rely on professional assistance in the case of an alarm failure. From software updates to emergency service contact, a remote monitoring service can simplify the complexities of any crisis.

Want to get more out of your fire safety plan? Click here.

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By now you probably realize the necessity of installing a robust, reliable home security camera system. It’s an easy way to keep your eye on things at home, even when you’re miles away. But just because you understand the concept of smart cameras doesn’t mean you’re getting the most out of them.

So, how do you achieve better results with a smart security camera system in your Hartford, CT property? Find out here. 

See Also: Are Drones the Future of Your Home Security System?

Color Night Vision

Earlier this month, Amazon updated its Ring doorbell cameras with HDR color night vision. The update allows users to see a full range of colors even in low light conditions, making objects easier to identify.

According to Digital Trends:

“All Ring devices with cameras support night vision. In the past, the infrared sensors used for Ring’s night vision captured monochromatic images and video. With the new color capability in Ring’s night vision, owners will be able to discern more detail for greater protection.”

The update is available for hardwired systems and will soon be ready to launch with the tech giant’s wireless doorbells.

360-Degree Viewing Angles

Less common than bullet cameras, 360-degree cameras are a smart way to achieve full coverage of an entire room. You’d most likely benefit from placing these in a garage or small indoor space.

Cameras with 360-degree viewing angles come with app-based controls that allow you to scan images and identify the most critical parts throughout the room. You can also integrate them with a full, smart security system for even greater control and organization.

Facial Recognition

Artificial intelligence is a game-changer when it comes to home security. It can help protect your property from unknown threats, and it can also help you avoid false alarms that minimize the effectiveness of your system.

Among the most exciting technologies is facial recognition. With this software, your cameras can recognize the difference between the mail carrier and a stranger. It can help you identify anyone who’s approached your entryways and take action before they become a threat.

Additional AI technologies will continue to grow in 2019. For instance, predictive analytics can map out possible behaviors of anyone in view and can alert you if there’s a good chance they’ll trespass.

How can your home security camera system keep you safe this year? Find out by consulting your local security and surveillance expert. Click here to find out more.

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