Shoplifting Epidemic in Massachusetts – Is Your Business Security System Ready?  

Business Security System - Shoplifting EpidemicWe probably all know someone who pocketed a candy bar or a pack of gum from the local store when they were kids. They probably caught hell from their folks when they did. The truth is today shoplifting is far from a petty crime. In fact, it costs businesses nationwide billions and forces them to consider a business security system upgrade.

Sure, there are still the petty thieves that come in to pilfer what they can and these crimes can add up to some significant losses for businesses. According to the FBI, shoplifting rings are considered major organized crime. We’re talking about sophisticated groups of shoplifters, who case out stores just like banks. They come equipped with floor plans and special foil-lined bags that block the signals of security sensors. Read more

Safety And Security Systems For Aging Parents, Not As Challenging As You may Think

aging-parents-home-securityThis year we’ve seen the first wave of what has been dubbed the “Silver Tsunami” as the first of 78 million “Baby Boomers” reached retirement age. The number of people over 65 in America will more than double over the next few decades, making up 20% of the total US population by 2050. According to the NPR News Series Aging at Home, a vast majority of those seniors will chose to remain in their own homes when they retire.

Current life expectancy in the US is 77.9 years. With people living longer on average, aging at home can present several challenges that can be worrisome to children whose elderly parents opt out of long-term care facilities. Are they taking all their medications properly? Are they safe and secure from accidents and crime? What if they need help in an emergency? A wealth of home security products has been developed that is answering those questions, allowing seniors to age at home, and bringing peace of mind to their families. Laurie Orlov, founder of Florida-based Aging in Place Technology Watch has said that, “Livability can be extended through the incorporation of telecare and other assistive technologies that are geared toward keeping seniors safe and easing the burden on their caregivers.” Read more

Running the Core on IP – Money Saving Legacy Protocol Tips

IP video surveillanceThe transition from analog-based business video surveillance to an IP-based digital monitoring has gathered significant momentum over the course of the past five years. However, there are still many organizations that choose to maintain existing analog video systems because of the perceived costs associated with moving to an IP solution, as well as concerns about reliability. Fortunately, it is possible to combine analog and IP video surveillance under the same umbrella and in doing so reduce the overall security budget. Read more

Home Security Systems Make a Difference As Crime Rates Rise

crimes rates home security systemSevere rains, flooding, tornadoes, high winds, heavy wet snow—New England has had its share of extreme weather lately—extreme weather that damaged or destroyed thousands of homes.

But as the economy continues to struggle, keep in mind that a growing source of home damage and loss is burglary. Yes, more American homes are being burglarized, the Associated Press reports – all in pursuit of gold, whose price peaked this summer at around $1,900 an ounce. Although this type of crime is non-confrontational (because typically no one is home) most burglars remove valuables and damage your home. Read more

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a Serious Risk—Is Your Family Protected?

carbon monoxide poisoningAutumn in New England comes with many pleasant sights but this year it brings a snowy Nor’easter that knocked out power to more than 3 million homes and businesses across the Northeast on Saturday.  When the cold arrives each year and especially during power outages, there also comes a hidden danger. Often called the silent killer, as described in our recent news alert, carbon monoxide, or “CO” is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal in high concentrations. CO is produced by the burning of oil, natural gas, propane, wood, coal, kerosene and wood pellets—so as we enter the home heating season, it’s something we all need to be aware of. Read more