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Dealership owners carry high-valued inventory outside for public display. Tailoring security solutions for your specific needs can protect on-site assets. The goal is to stop crimes while in progress.

Using the latest video analytic surveillance technology combined with highly skilled and experienced live video monitoring operators can help prevent crime. Once the video analytics detect motion, these operators are trained to proactively identify suspicious activity, and prevent crimes in progress in real time.

With the use of stealth video monitoring you can not only see theft and vandalism in real time but you can also prove or disprove customer damage complaints, and as an added bonus capture employee productivity. Criminal activity, unsubstantiated claims and poor employee productivity can cost business owners a considerable amount of time and money.

Most dealerships have the same common concerns.

• Theft of wheels, catalytic converters and even navigation systems can be particularly vulnerable to thieves. Vandalism can be as common as theft.

Verifying a live crime in progress by operators can lead to quicker police response times.

• Customers with fraudulent claims of damage to vehicles while in for service.
• Employee productivity can be captured on camera in regards to two critical areas, selling and service. Managers often utilize cameras to see how sales people are moving around the property and interacting with customers, as well as manage the efficiency of the service and operational teams.

Use a combination of technology and human intelligence to execute the best possible client experiences and security outcomes.

Our tools help manage risk and mitigate liabilities. We can help:

• Detect using video analytics technology, individuals are spotted and verified as trespassers by one of our operators.
• Report any activity to dealership managers.
• Respond by notifying police immediately of a live crime in progress, and give a description and location of a suspect.
• Arrest, meaning criminals are more likely to be caught in the act and apprehended.

Our security experts integrate your needs and goals into an industry leading security system designed specifically for you. Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478, and we will help you design the perfect security system for your dealership.

Why is it important to have your fire alarm system inspected? Regular service and maintenance may increase the life of your system, meet insurance company requirements, significantly improve reliability and reduce false alarms. Periodic system testing and inspection by qualified specialists can detect any problems.

False alarms and fire alarm problems can be caused by a myriad of problems, such as age, temperature, dust, dirt, contaminates, and vandalism. Even remodeling and improper maintenance procedures can cause damage and increase your false alarm rate.

As the fire system ages, voltage fluctuations and temperature changes with higher humidity levels may cause systems to fail or have alarm problems. Maintaining your system by testing and calibrating alarm sensors, checking battery corrosion and expiration dates may decrease system failure and false alarms.

If systems are older than twenty years it may be at its technology life expectancy. Updating an older system depends upon how well it was maintained, the age and whether or not it is compatible with today’s technology, although, properly maintained systems may continue to work well for many years.

The specialist performing the inspection, testing and maintenance should be knowledgeable and qualified to service your fire alarm system. Use a specialist whose daily work revolves around fire alarm system technology. With proper testing, inspection and maintenance your fire alarm system can function at its optimal performance.

NFPA codes regulate the frequency of required inspections which are annually, at a minimum. Some businesses inspect their systems biannually or quarterly. Remember, business owners cannot conduct maintenance work or inspections on their own system, per fire code. These checkups may be the difference between no line of defense and lives saved.

According to the FBI 2012 Crime Report, almost nine million property crime offenses occurred that year. Of those property crimes 68 percent were theft. Glass areas are extremely vulnerable since they present an easy way to gain entry to a premise. Glass doors, side windows next to the main entrances and windows facing back alleys should be protected, as well as stock area windows with limited activity, and restricted office areas.

Retail windows are a beautiful way to display merchandise, but can present a crime of opportunity for the impulsive thief. Protecting storefront glass breaks may not prevent “smash and grab” losses, however, it would prevent most burglars from actually entering the building and removing valuable property. Using glass break sensors would alert employees and the central monitoring station there is a break-in as soon as a window is smashed.

Security systems are typically off when cleaning crews are in the building and when employees are working after hours. Glass break sensors can still remain on, allowing individuals the ability to move freely around the building, and know they are still protected.

Glass display cases are another use for glass break sensors. Museum curators and retailers with glass display and jewelry cases often want the extra security inside the glass display case.

Some buildings may have tinted film on the windows in sunnier climates or security glass laminates used to prevent shattering from impacts. The sensors are not affected by the tinted films but the sensors will need to be placed closer to the windows with security glass laminates. Many offices also have curtains or blinds on at least some windows, glass break sensors provide protection regardless of the type of window coverings.

Glass break sensors will detect the unique sound of breaking glass and vibration coming from the glass as it breaks. By listening for the unique sound of glass breaking, the sensors have a range of about 20 feet, and can cover multiple windows. They are flexible, reliable and designed to eliminate false alarms.

Business owners have two types of sensors to choose from; the first is a sensor that works on acoustics or sound alone, the second works on acoustics and vibration together. We use the GE Shatter Pro which has increased alarm immunity because of its advanced technology. It also has a high quality filter for ambient noise.

If there are trees or other access points leading to the second floor of the building, glass break sensors should be installed in these areas as well. Businesses can take an active role in reducing their vulnerability and criminal opportunity. One Source Security and Automation, Inc can evaluate your building and recommend the best security protection for your business.

Call us today for a free evaluation, (800) 570-6478.

We recently got a call from a school administrator who clearly needs security for his district.

He is in need of specifics such as security cameras (we’re doing so many upgrades for schools lately), as well as strobe lights. He needs an innovative solution which may include strobes to signal to students that are further away on campus. We enjoy designing systems such as this.

He sort of tabled our request to visit him and for us to simply provide advice (we’re not in the “selling” business with pressure applied after we meet with potential clients). We are advisors and act as a resource to help with security solutions.

By not meeting with us, he will not get to ask questions and receive advice in a no-pressure meeting and consultation. To his credit, he did say he would “pass it on” at the next quarterly meeting.

We can only assume that he has some of the following concerns, and we can do this because we’ve met with countless schools who have the same, valid concerns.

With all that has occurred at schools in recent years, do we want to further concern the children, parents and staff by installing an over-abundance of daunting security cameras, etc? Or does this action actually soothe people more?

This can go either way, but our experience is, that administrators don’t want an overwhelming display of security due to the former mentioned above.

Schools quite often have metal detectors at the entrances nowadays. So how could some extra security cameras be worse than that?

The answer is, we can install security cameras in discreet fashion. We can even install covert (hidden) cameras.

As for protection of the staff and children, highly discreet measures can be taken such as installing panic buttons under desks and supplying staff with universal keys.

These allow for any staff to jump into a class or other room, and lock any door from the inside with his or her key.

It can be set up also, so that staff can immediately and with the swipe of one access card, set all the doors of the school into an emergency lock down.

Also discreet are the tiny camera lenses that are housed in video-intercom metal plates that are affixed to the building near entrances. This video-intercom allows office staff to not only screen a person, but to see his or her demeanor and current state.

This writer needs to highlight one more issue before he signs off. Does it have to be “zero sum”? All or nothing? Of course not.

Administrators don’t want a “prison-like” atmosphere in their schools. But at the expense of what? Should you take no action because this is your concern? Or should you meet with an expert who does this consulting and installation for scores and scores of school systems?

I say the latter.

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Avigilon Appearance Search technology help users save time and effort during critical investigations, by recognizing the movements and unique characteristics of people and vehicles, while ignoring any activity that isn’t relevant to a scene. It is designed to provide security operators critical information about where and when a person or vehicle might have been before and after an event.

Avigilon’s new technology can quickly and easily locate a specific person or vehicle of interest across an entire site, whether searching for an individual who left a bag in a hallway, a missing or lost person, or where a vehicle ended up after its arrival at the facility. The goal is to improve incident response time and enhance forensic investigations by allowing operators to build video evidence and create a narrative of events. Operators can scan vast amounts of recorded footage efficiently, grouping video data together in order to help track a person or vehicle route.

Avigilon Face Appearance Search technology increases the speed and accuracy of investigations, by detecting and understanding that it is searching for the same person, even if items such as their clothing change over time.

Avigilon Appearance Search technology is redefining the way customers think about and interact with their video surveillance systems, providing powerful insights for effective decision making, according to Dr. Mahesh Saptharishi, Avigilon’s CTO.

Video analytics brings attention to the right incident at the right time. Notifications can be set to alert personnel of a security breach at the perimeter of a property or a restricted/dangerous area; all information can be pushed to mobile devices, as well.

Through the use of high-definition video analytics, pattern-based analytics algorithms, and teach-by-example capabilities, Avigilon provides full HD video footage with sharp image detail and smarter analytic solutions through proven self-learning video analytics technology. Avigilons technology can instantly detect and learn the surrounding scene upon initial set up.

From cameras to software, everything you need all in one place, call One Source Security today for a FREE assessment of your facility, at 800-570-6478.

File this one under “People never cease to amaze me”, and, “He didn’t seem like the type of guy to do that”.

If you’re the owner or administrator of an animal hospital or shelter, you need to protect your assets just as much as if they were electronics, jewelry or other traditionally sought-after goods by thieves.

And those assets are much more important to some people than the aforementioned material things. They comprise “man’s best friend”. Of course you also need to protect medication from being stolen, and equipment as well.

Keeping tabs on employees is another important function of a security system. Monitoring employees with video (both remotely and on-site), as well as making sure they close up the facility safely and on time with the help of your monitoring company, doesn’t have to have a negative connotation. It actually acts to protect them and provides a feeling of safety for them—and peace of mind for you.

Getting back to the latest craziness alluded to at the open of this blog…An elderly man in Methuen, MA actually stole a beagle recently in the middle of the day—he even brought his own leash. He and his wife teamed up to pull off the heist.

But, because the shelter had video surveillance in place, the footage was released to local news outlets and ultimately the man returned the dog.

Sadly, this is the second beagle, and third dog overall, to be stolen from a facility this year in Massachusetts.
Only having a monitored alarm system may not be enough.

Sure, it will alert the central station if someone tries to break in, but you can do so much more with your security system for animal hospitals and shelters.

How about open and close reports to ensure that your employees have opened and closed safely and on time? Even better, utilize supervised reports where a central station operator will call you if the facility is opened late, not closed and armed at night, etc. You will also be alerted if an employee enters in the middle of the night and disarms the system.

Remote video monitoring, as part of your overall video surveillance solution, is a convenient and effective security measure.

Use your mobile device from anywhere there is an internet connection to feel as if you’re at your facility constantly. Even receive email alerts if there is any motion inside your property during times when there shouldn’t be anyone present.

Access Control can ensure that only the properly authorized and credentialed employees and vendors enter sensitive areas.

You will receive reports of who went where and when. You can also create time zones that only allow entry to certain areas at certain times. And as a bonus, the expense of re-keying or changing locks won’t be an issue because there are no keys to lose.

So you can use a combination of several security measures to create a safe environment at your animal hospital or shelter. You know better than anyone that those animals are more precious than any material item such as jewelry, and now they can be protected, along with your employees

File this story under “I’ve heard of that happening, but what are the chances it would happen to me?”

Well, according to a report on NBC’s Today show this morning, thefts of packages left on front porches or doorsteps by delivery companies are experiencing an uptick this year.

Pictured above is a dome security camera positioned on the roof of a porch.

And just like with house break-ins, these crimes are often committed in broad daylight, in quiet neighborhoods, with neighbors carrying on in the meantime.

And thieves have more opportunity than ever this holiday season, since more and more people are doing a greater percentage (if not all) of their gift shopping online. This could possibly explain the aforementioned uptick in thefts, but nonethesles, there has been an increase no matter how you look at it.

So what can you do about it? Can you hold the delivery companies responsible? Actually, they will not be held accountable for any theft after the package has been delivered. Nor should they be.

But most do have the option for delivery confirmation. They would require someone be present to sign for and accept your package if you choose that option when you purchase your product. There may be fees associated with this this.

But since this is a security blog, let’s talk for a minute about video surveillance. The report on the Today show indicated that many people use home security cameras.

One woman interviewed even posted images of her thief online. But at the time of the report there were no suspects.

Home video surveillance helps in a few ways. Yes, you can also post clips of the thief online after the fact and provide the images to authorities—you are so far ahead of the game if you have these pieces of the puzzle than if you didn’t.

But if you have the home security cameras installed in plain view on your front porch or equivalent area, they certainly act as a deterrent to some degree. They obviously don’t stop all brazen thieves, but they do more good than harm, many would say.

You can also set up remote video monitoring for your home. You can at least see your package throughout the day. As well as see when it arrives, then call a neighbor to go pick it up. Some remote video monitoring allows you to transmit audio, so you could communicate a choice greeting to someone you saw snooping where they shouldn’t be.

In fact, driveway alert sensors can also transmit pre-recorded messages that warn potential package-stealers that they are on video or that they should think twice. These can be set up in a variety of places.

Other actions you can take include having the package delivered to your place of work. You could also have a trusted neighbor keep watch for the delivery and pick it up upon arrival, or have it delivered to him or her.

According to the report on Today, some companies are offering text alerts upon delivery, so be sure to ask for this.

Thanks for spending some time with us today.

Many people will be going away on vacation for Labor Day weekend. This gives us plenty of time to put some finishing touches on the security of our homes and provide the peace of mind that will allow us to enjoy our trips even more.

Pictured above is motion detector set of exterior lights

Please refer to our past blog post “Security While You’re on Vacation–12 Important Tips” for many resources. But we wanted to key on one specific tip today–security lighting.

Cardinal Rule Number One: Don’t leave your lights on 24/7 in various parts of the house when you go away, making it appear as if someone’s home. Thieves see right through this. Don’t feel bad if you have done this either. Many people have (even this author is guilty of having done it before he entered the security field).

Instead, purchase timer modules to plug into your outlets in a few areas of your house to hook up to existing lamps and lights. Set them to turn on and off at times you would typically do so yourself.

This is even superior to having a neighbor come in and turn your lights on and off for you, since a thieve could be “casing” your house and see the neighbor’s activity. Lights with timer modules don’t provide such an obvious sign that you’re away.

Lights that turn on when it gets dark and then turn off when the sun rises are an ok solution for the exterior, but the best bet is motion detector lights. One problem with those that turn off and on with the sunrise/set is that people may not use them when they’re home and not vacationing. They’ll activate them when they go away, thereby making them feel more secure.

But, if a thief has been casing your property, and he now sees the lights on during the weekend nights, he may assume you’re not home.

Motion detector lights are effective because they are set to trigger on motion all the time, whether you’re home or away. They save energy because they don’t need to be on all the time and they certainly startle a potential crook who is about to set up shop outside your window or door.

For advanced measures, and to take action should a breach were to happen, it is possible to have your lighting tied into your security alarm system. So not only will your alarm sound and alert the central monitoring station, but it will also illuminate the scene.

Please ask One Source Security for details on how to make to this happen, or for other questions about security lighting.

In fact, please click the button below for a free security assessment. We would be happy to discuss your needs with you. Thanks for spending some time with us today.

Two reports on the Today show this morning highlighted the fact that Grinches really do surface during the holidays—from a neighbor stealing Christmas decorations to professional thieves stabbing store personnel then fleeing via a high-speed chase.

Pictured above is a dome security camera used in business and home video surveillance.

One report calls them professional thieves who steal for a living. What are they stealing? These criminals are actually lining their jackets with many forms of red meat. They’re also pilfering Axe deodorant, Prilosec, Oil of Olay and razor blades.

These items are being taken because they are easy to move once out of the store at low prices compared to their retail tag, and a lot can be taken at once.

The Today report showed one burglar actually entering the store as he burst through the ceiling, but most are not taking such drastic measures (nor are they stabbing employees as mentioned in the lead to this post).

In terms of removing merchandise from the stores, some are entering with empty handbags that have been lined with aluminum foil and duct tape to trick store security systems.

Today reporters also indicated that there were other more blatant methods.

Return fraud is one of these such methods. Wrongdoers actually remove the item of value from the box, then fill it back up with useless contents and return it, usually for cash. Then, the stolen goods are sold on the “black market”.

Under ringing, according to Today, is also employed. The report showed surveillance video of a man at a register. His cart was filled with power tools. The clerk, with whom he was obviously in “cahoots”, only rang him up for a bottle of Gatorade.

A mother, with her child in tow, was captured on film switching the price tags of expensive toys with much less pricey items. This behavior is of course known as sticker swapping.

To combat the heavy losses that stores suffer, which ultimately lead to higher prices for the consumer, Target is going high tech. The Today piece called it something out of “CSI”, but it truly is a lab, based in Minnesota, designed to research and investigate.

Their goal is to work with law enforcement to capture thieves after doing such things as lifting fingerprints off of merchandise. They also analyze and enhance video surveillance.

It this leads to a decrease in thefts, then not only is the lab itself worth it, but it can help keep prices of goods down at Target since thieves won’t be removing items from shelves at such a high rate.

Also on Today, was a report of a woman in Texas who was stealing Christmas decorations in surrounding neighborhoods.

Home video surveillance led to her capture. Local news outlets published pictures of the woman and soon after, authorities were able to apprehend her.

The video shown on Today depicted her bending over alongside a driveway and peeling away a string of Christmas lights. Images also show her walking directly in front of a home security camera with a clear view of her face.

Hopefully, these Grinches will have a change in heart and stop their bad behavior…just like the real Grinch did in the Christmas special. That way, video surveillance, crime labs and police won’t need to intervene. We can wish can’t we—it is Christmas afterall.

Construction sites can be a valuable place for thieves. There are vehicles and equipment, as well as copper and electrical components to steal. Construction sites can be perceived as an easy mark or a soft target. Most building sites are in open areas, with no natural security, walls or roof, located in remote areas. After hours, construction sites are deserted until the next work day, which can extend over a weekend.

The combination of these factors creates a crime opportunity with low risk and maximum reward for a thief. For the site owner, damaged or stolen materials and equipment can cut profit margins with delays and replacement costs.

Motion detection lights can startle any thief entering a construction site and quickly deter them from stealing or vandalizing expensive property. However, with no response from the police, the lights only help them see their way around the site.

Investing in a video surveillance system with intelligent software can deter external and internal theft. The intelligent software recognizes people and vehicles but ignores animals and other insignificant changes on the property, preventing false notifications. Video surveillance with monitors and a DVR located in the construction trailer can be used to solve labor issues and inappropriate or unacceptable behavior, while monitoring employees and subcontractors to ensure they are following safety procedures on the contraction site. Delivery of equipment and materials can be monitored remotely from a smart device or computer. With multiple jobs project manager’s and construction managers can keep an eye or see what the guys are up to and see the progress of the project.

A wireless security system, with motion sensors can be connected to a central monitoring station or set up to notify construction managers in the event of an intrusion on the site. Alarms can be installed to sound when a motion detector is tripped; scaring the intruder or it can be silent, which may increase the likelihood the thief will be caught in the act.

Protecting and alerting you when issues arise on a construction site can affect the bottom line. Call One Source Security today, 800-570-6478, to answer any construction security questions.