About our Client

Alice and Friends is a vegan restaurant that offers Asian-inspired dishes, specialty drinks, and house-made desserts in the Chicago area since 2001. In 2015, they installed a VinTech alarm system and indoor and outdoor security cameras. Their outdoor security cameras are registered with the City’s OEMC Program. This allows the Chicago Police Department access to public security cameras and collect evidence to solve crimes.

The night of the incident, Alice and Friends’ outdoor security cameras captured the suspects walking in the alley. The first suspect was slim-build and wore fitted black jeans, a dark-colored hoodie, and light-colored sneakers. The second suspect was medium-build and wore washed jeans, a dark jacket, and white and black sneakers. They were both seen approaching the back door of the business and forcing it open.

As soon as the door was opened, video footage displayed the burglar alarm going off and the suspects running away immediately.

The local alarm monitoring company called our client to confirm it wasn’t a false alarm. They dispatched police right away and law enforcement was able to verify that only one door was damaged.

The next day, police accessed the outdoor cameras to view footage.  At the same time, VinTech’s technical support team worked with Alice and Friends’ owner to review their indoor cameras.  They assisted in saving a copy of the incident’s footage and suggested cloud storage as an add-on service.

String of Business Burglaries in the Chicago Area

Alice and Friends’ incident is only one among a string of business burglaries that are increasing in the Chicago area. Suspects have switched their attention to restaurants, bakeries, and stores because of the possibility of finding cash or small devices that can be easily carried.

Since most businesses now receive payment with credit cards and other forms of e-payments, this means that burglars are willing to break-in and cause property damage over small amounts of cash.

All the meanwhile, small business owners can get stuck with costly repairs or lengthy insurance claims.

How can Burglar Alarms Reduce Property Damage?

A burglar alarm reduces property damage to businesses by preventing or deterring a break in. In the case of Alice and Friends, it prevented further damage to the restaurant and equipment by causing the burglars to panic.

In the aftermath of the incident, our client decided to add cloud storage service. With cloud storage, footage from their cameras is automatically saved to the cloud. This gives them peace of mind that even when physical equipment is destroyed or taken, footage is still stored.  In case an incident happens again, footage will be automatically stored and can be accessed anytime.

How to Choose the Best Security System for your Business

Because there isn’t a one-size fits all solution, the security provider you choose should be an expert in anticipating your unique needs.  Ask for a site survey where you can discuss how to best protect your property and potential challenges.

When securing a restaurant or small business, you are not only protecting your team but also potentially saving thousands of dollars by preventing damage to your property or equipment.

The post Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen Avoids Theft with VinTech Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Property management companies and condo associations have their own rules for tenants. But what happens when a tenant’s guest damages the property or is caught engaging in inappropriate behavior?

A property manager at a condominium building was surprised to see footage from their elevator. A tenant’s guest had approached the property, was buzzed in by a resident, and used the elevator as a bathroom. The property manager reported that the suspect, accompanied by three other individuals, looked straight at the camera and smile.

Is it illegal to urinate in an elevator?

Inappropriate behavior while using the elevator is more common that we thought. With only doing a quick search online, we were able to find several articles and video footage of people using the elevator to urinate. Many others also engaged in other types of unusual activity. Are people not aware that public urination is illegal in all US states? We doubt it. Even T.V. shows have scenes like this and they all end up with the characters getting arrested.  Some others are even forced to be registered as sex offenders. It isn’t funny after all, is it?

How can a camera system protect your property from vandalism?

Footage from high definition security cameras can help a landlord or property manager identify the person who has damaged or vandalize the property. In the case mentioned above, security cameras were a crucial tool. The property manager was only able to have proof of what had occurred in the elevator because of the cameras that were recording.

Nonetheless, the video footage didn’t go to the police right away but instead, the incident was discussed with the unit owner. The video footage showed that these four individuals had entered that particular unit. The owner then received a letter from the condo associations’ attorney with a fine of $1,000 dollars. Of course, the tenants are responsible for paying this fine.

What if the tenant doesn’t want to pay the fine?

Tenants are obligated to pay the repair costs or fines for property damage. This is because most lease agreements specify that a tenant is responsible for any damages to the property. Damage can be caused by themselves and their guests. The tenant can discuss the incident with their guest and try to come to an agreement. Nonetheless, the fine is ultimately the tenant’s responsibility.

Not paying the repair costs or fine means the tenant would be breaking their agreement with their condo association. The property manager can then decide if they should ask the tenant to leave or provide footage of the incident to police. The suspect might not be forced to pay for damages but they can be charged with public urination or in some cases, indecent exposure.

This is what the Chicago Codified Ordinance 8-4-081 states about public urination:

“No person shall urinate or defecate on the public way, or on any outdoor public property, or on any outdoor private property. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), any person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00. Or shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than five days nor more than ten days or by both such fine and imprisonment.”

So even though an elevator is indoors, it is also a public area. As mentioned earlier, if a person is charged and later convicted of indecent exposure, they not only have to pay a fine but they can be sentenced to prison time. In many cases, they will also be asked to do community service or register as sex offenders.

Will renters insurance cover the cost of property damage from a guest?

Most renter’s insurance don’t cover property damage caused by guests. This is why Condo Associations and landlords do well by protecting themselves with security cameras and specific types of property insurance. Additionally, having a detailed agreement between landlords and renters can save property managers from many headaches. Condo Associations are there to protect you but also have the freedom to have specific rules and fines to protect their properties. Security systems and detailed agreements are very important because as mentioned above you cannot rely solely on insurances. These often don’t cover and infinity set of events. One problem with these insurances is that these don’t cover guests and the other is that they have limitations.

Security cameras are an effective way to monitor suspicious activity. Monitoring your building regularly can help you prevent or minimize damage to your property. Sometimes, suspects won’t even bother hiding but when you have video evidence, it will be easier to be protected.

The post Why is a camera system an important asset to condo and multi-family buildings? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Last year, VinTech systems worked with the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce to increase security in their neighborhood. Our company installed 18  high definition cameras. We had positive results although the the project was challenging. As a result, this project was featured in the latest issue of Security Management. This magazine is published by ASIS International, a leader in the security industry. The article described the approach we took and the results of the installation. Our project draw attention because the process is an example to follow to achieve a successful installation.

Why Hire Experts

ASIS International is a worldwide community of security expertise. Their members have access to resources to help them stay up to date in the security industry. We are proud to be a member!

Hiring experts makes a difference. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We often hear prospect clients complain about the company who installed their system.  They become frustrated after the company disappears. Neglecting a security system is like not having one at all. Professional companies can help you through the years to maintain your system working properly. Consider it a red flag if a company installs the system and disappears. Professional companies should follow a process and be a reliable.

The Planning Process

The Chinatown  project is a good example of our work process. We planned meetings and choose the right type of equipment. Moreover, we took the time to select appropriate key locations to install each camera. Once approved, we made sure we provided an estimated timeline to complete the project. After installation, we did our best to deliver a complete experience. VinTech systems provided training to account managers. We also helped our clients download the app. The remote access app enables them to access their security system remotely.

Lastly, we conduct regular maintenance twice a year to assure the system keeps working operating properly.  New management or employees sometimes call us to repeat training. We highly recommended regular training of new users.

What our Clients Say

Simon Leung, operation manager of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, says he is happy with the way the system operates. The security patrol has access to the cameras remotely. He monitors their system from monitors, iPads, and mobile devices. In addition, they can download footage from any of the cameras and provide it to Chicago police if needed.

The Chinatown neighborhood has been a long-time popular community to visit in Chicago. Their restaurants, architecture, and history are loved by both Chicagoan and tourists. We are delighted to see that more clients are achieving results that are improving the safety of our communities.

The post The Aftermath of The Chicago Chinatown Case Study appeared first on VinTech Systems.

The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce decided to add an additional 18 cameras in the Chicago Chinatown area. While the neighborhood is considered quite safe, community leaders have been discussing the ongoing safety of residents and tourists. In association with Chicago Chinatown parking, The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of commerce selected our company to provide expertise and installation of the new cameras. 

The Challenge

Our challenge was to identify the most suitable locations to distribute the cameras. The Chinatown neighborhood is located in Chicago’s south side so we carefully considered the needs of the community to provide optimal solutions.

During our meetings, we identified areas with higher crime rates. We decided to focus on even distribution to maximize coverage.  Additionally, we recommended the use of wireless high definition cameras that detect motion.  These cameras follow motion, record continuously, and provide wider coverage.  Furthermore, a single high definition cameras is capable of covering the same area as four analog cameras. This capability was essential in providing wider coverage while simultaneously being cost-effective.

The Solution

As part of the solution, we also emphasize the importance of being able to identify facial features and license plate numbers. Only high definition cameras can enhanced images without compromising details. The system’s DVR automatically saves and stores footage for up to 21 days. If a crime occurs,  police officials can obtain the footage to assist in identifying the offender.  In many cases, this leads to an arrest. 

Moreover, other Chicago neighborhoods are already taking similar actions in an effort to increase safety in their communities. We are confident that every effort will improve safety in these communities.

The post Case Study: The Chicago Chinatown Neighborhood appeared first on VinTech Systems.

In our November blog, we discussed how a security system provided same-day results in one of the largest homes in Illinois. The property had been trespassed and vandalized. The owner decided to install a security camera system after paying a high cost for repairs. The first day the cameras and sensors were installed, our client received fifteen notifications. Fortunately, the alarms scared the trespassers away.

Most recently, a client experienced a more serious crime. A murder took place near his property and the suspect was seen running into his condo building. A few weeks prior to this incident, the building experienced a power outage. The power outage caused the security system to malfunction. However, there was little priority given to the security system due to property management changes.

A security system is reliable evidence when it works well. It is when an incident occurs that you need will need it most. You can’t get a rain check on that!

Prevention is key. These are the top five reasons to give maintenance to your equipment:

1. Reliability. Maintenance assures the equipment continues to work properly.

2. The cameras are capturing motion 24/7 and the DVR is recording 365 days a year. Even if the equipment is high quality, it needs a refresh.

3. The equipment deals with environmental stress. Outdoor cameras are outside during storms, snow, and freezing temperatures. They need to be checked and cleaned to prevent damage.

4. Heavy winds can occasionally shift the camera’s focus. therefore its not a good idea to have the camera lenses focused on the floor right?

5. The cost of the equipment. Maintenance will extend the life of the equipment. Protect your investment.

What happens during a maintenance service?

A service technician will adjust the cameras to a proper angle. They will also check for signs of equipment deterioration and the condition of the system’s cable connections. Furthermore, they will update the software to make sure it continues to work properly. Take this opportunity to ask questions. And if you haven’t yet, its recommended to ask about the cost of a maintenance plan.

Whether you have a maintenance service or not, always call your security service provider if the system is not working properly. Additionally, we recommend contacting your security company to update your account if changes are made.

The post Protect Your Security System-Maintenance is Important! appeared first on VinTech Systems.