Just this past Sunday night through Monday morning, a series of eight armed robberies and carjackings occurred in the South Loop and Northwest Side of Chicago. In each case, the victims were ambushed by two to four people and in some cases beaten and robbed.

This increase in serial incidents have prompted police to ask the public for help.

What can Residents do to Improve their Safety?

Download and Use the Chicago OEMC App

The official safety app of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) became available back in February.

It provides residents with preparedness tips, safety information, alerts, and the CHI Safe Walk. The CHI Walk feature shares your location with a friend or family member when walking or traveling alone. Additionally, it has the option to call the police by pressing only one button.

Download the app here

Collaborate with OEMC by linking Privately-owned Public Cameras.

Chicago property and business owners have the option to link their public cameras to the OEMC network. The main goal for residents to work with OEMC is to accelerate the process of solving crimes. When participating in the program, police are granted access to private public cameras. This minimizes valuable time that is spent calling, downloading, and sending footage from one individual to another.

One example of how communication can be delayed during an emergency is when an association or business has a new employee that doesn’t know the password or how to operate the system.

When something like this happens, we first contact the main account holder to approve the request. Once they approve it, we assist the new employee or walk them through the process of downloading the footage. And lastly, we save and send the footage to the police. This simple process can typically take a few days to complete and delay cases that are time sensitive.

Is Genetec Stratocast Video the Right Option for You?

If you are considering connecting your cameras to OEMC but still feel unsure about how this can help your organization, the experience of these two customers might help.

This is how these clients are using Genetec Stratocast cloud video surveillance to collaborate with Chicago police and manage their systems:

Client #1 – Parking Corporation

Our long time client, a parking corporation, wanted to connect their camera system to the Chicago’s office of Emergency Management & Communication (OEMC). With OEMC connection, police can access camera feed from outdoor cameras during emergencies and after appropriate notification has been given.

We recommended Genetec Stratocast video service as all cameras can be accessed and managed in the cloud.

We upgraded their 1080P HD camera to a 4K camera. The new system was not only compatible with OEMC but provided up to four times higher resolution than the standard 1080 resolution.

Client #2 – Apartment Complex

Another long-time client, an apartment complex, contacted us to replace their old camera system. They wanted the new system to be easier to manage and to have more coverage.

We replaced the old cameras with 4-lens cameras to provide 180 degree coverage.

They also opted to connect their cameras to OEMC. They report that the service makes it easier to manage the system from one central station and has improved communication with police during incidents.

Will Police Have Access to All My Cameras?

It’s important to clarify that police will only have access to cameras that are recording in public areas and will still communicate with the camera owner before accessing footage. This is also an agreement that could be revoked if the owner no longer wants to share access.

What do Property and Business Owners Need to do to Connect their Public Cameras to OEMC?

The most practical solution is Genetec Stratocast Video Surveillance. This is a well-established and reliable cloud solution that many associations, properties, and businesses are already using. Some of these include: The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, The Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field ballpark, and SSA districts.

Want to implement the use of this technology to help reduce crime in Chicago? Contact us to discuss the process or to get a quote by calling 773-388-1208.

The post Can Public Cameras Connected to OEMC Reduce Crime? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Earlier this month, ABC news reported the case of Danielle Cruz, a Chicago homeowner who was remodeling her vacant home when a stranger moved into the property. When she realized this was happening, she called the police.  However, when police arrived, they couldn’t do anything after the “trespasser” showed them a signed lease.

Why couldn’t the police remove the woman from Danielle’s home?

Although trespassing is a crime in Illinois, police officers have no way of knowing whether the person in question is a trespasser or a tenant. Even when it’s up to their discretion to remove the person, they often refuse. This is because they don’t want to be liable if the homeowner is simply trying to skip the eviction process.

In these cases, Police will likely handle this as a civil matter rather than criminal if no other crimes are taking place. Nonetheless, it’s still important to report the incident to the police. Officers are considered sworn witnesses and their statements are documented in official reports.

What is a Squatter?

“A squatter is someone who trespasses on a piece of property they do not own and begins living there without permission. They do not have any legal claim to the property and are not tenants, but after a period of time they may gain squatter’s rights.”

Nonetheless, the process to remove a squatter is usually lengthy.  As mentioned above, the property owner must file an action in court for civil trespassing and wait for a court date where a judge will decide on the case. This is why it’s far easier to prevent your vacant property from being occupied by trespassers in the first place than to remove a squatter.

When a trespasser becomes a Squatter

In the case of Danielle Cruz, by the time she realized that there was someone living in her home, the squatter had already changed the locks. This means that at least several days had passed since the intruder had settled in Danielle’s home. Furthermore, “this unaccounted time” makes it more difficult for police to treat this incident as trespassing.

In retrospect, the only “right timing” to prevent a squatter from settling into your home, it’s to be alerted as the incident is occurring.

Can an alarm system prevent trespassers from settling into your vacant property?

Burglar Alarm 

Burglar alarms are monitored by a local station 24/7. Whether you are at home or away, the system will alert you and the local monitoring station when someone or something ‘is in the zone’ and has activated the motion sensors. The monitoring station will then call you to verify a false alarm or to dispatch the authorities immediately if needed.

This system is best for…homes.

Benefits:

• Protect your investment from Squatters or intruders.
• Manage and monitor your alarm from your phone remotely from an app. Additional smart home devices can also be managed this way.
• Discounts on home insurance.

Video Verification Alarm

A Virtual Guard Verification Alarm uses high-tech cameras with live video monitoring to provide continuous feedback. Properties are monitored 24/7 and when the system’s camera detects motion, a signal is sent to a live operator. The operator will ask the person to leave through an onsite speaker. A local police officer or a security guard will be immediately dispatched if the intruder doesn’t leave.

This system is best for… construction sites, commercial buildings, auto dealerships, warehouses, schools, and any places with open/wide areas.

Benefits:

• No power? No phone line? No internet? A Video Verification Alarm provides security even with the ‘three no’s and under extreme weather conditions.
• Your property is protected soon after your account is activated. This process takes less than 24 hours and there isn’t training involved to operate the system.
• In addition to the camera, Virtual Guard’s sensor can also be triggered and an automated voice message will ask the trespasser to leave the area.

Removing a squatter from your property can be a lengthy process that can cost thousands of dollars for a property owner. The best plan is to get alerted as soon as a trespasser enters the property. An alarm system and support from a local monitoring company can work together to protect your investments.  Catching an intruder in time will prevent them from settling into your home.

The post How to Protect your Property from Squatters appeared first on VinTech Systems.

How Can an Alarm System Protect You from a Burglary?

Alarm systems are monitored by a local station 24/7. This means that whether you are at home or not, the alarm will alert you and the local monitoring station when someone or something ‘is in the zone’ and has activated the motion sensors. The monitoring station will then call you to verify a false alarm or to dispatch the authorities immediately if needed. However, since a burglar alarm system can be triggered by different things, it’s important to know how to correctly use all features. This will ensure that you’ll get the fastest and most accurate response and your family or business remains protected.

What Are the Main Components of an Alarm System?

Control panel

The control panel is the primary component of your burglar alarm system. It has a touchscreen or keypad in which you will be entering confidential codes to arm/disarm your alarm.

Motion sensors

As their name indicates, motion sensors detect motion. When these are activated, you’ll get notified right away. One of the advantages is that you can add as many motion sensors to your alarm as you wish. This is practical because if you have a larger home with more doors and windows to protect, it’s only reasonable that you’ll need more sensors.

Central monitoring station

This is usually a local station that is in charge of monitoring your alarm, receiving signals, and calling you to determine a false alarm or real emergency and dispatch the police right away.

Remote access

You can remotely control your alarm with an app in your smartphone. This app is handy when you forget to arm your alarm. It is also useful when you need to give access to a family member or friend while you’re away on vacation. Some apps also allow you to control your home lights or thermostat.

What Additional Systems Can I Connect to My Alarm?

Panic buttons and smoke detectors.

Do You Have to Be Present When Your Alarm System Is Installed?

The person who will be managing the alarm should be present at the time of installation. Installation shouldn’t take long so this will be the best time to discuss questions and make sure you have all you need to operate your system successfully.

Most security companies provide a user manual for their system. Those who don’t, will usually provide basic training the day of installation. Take this opportunity to ask questions and practice to arm/disarm your alarm. Make sure you know your passwords/codes and what steps to take in case of a false alarm.

Installation Day Checklist:

• Request a user manual for your system or ask about onsite training
• Practice arming/disarming your alarm
• Know what to do if you have a false alarm
  Ask additional questions
  Save your password/codes in a safe place
  Have your security company’s phone number handy.

What are the most common mistakes when using a burglar alarm?

According to VinTech Systems’ president Mun Wong, there are two main mistakes she has witnessed throughout the years:

“First, clients forget to arm their system. Second, they don’t use the stay function to protect themselves against home intrusion.” – Mun Wong

Fortunately, these common errors can be easily fixed.

Using a burglar alarm when you leave home.

It’s easy to forget to arm your alarm system when you are leaving your home in a hurry. However, not doing so would be the same as not having a security system at all. Before leaving your home, take a few seconds to arm your alarm system in AWAY mode.

To arm your burglar alarm in AWAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (AWAY)

If any of the secured doors/windows are not closed, the system will notify you immediately.

Using a burglar alarm while you are at home?

When you are returning home or going to bed, you should set your alarm to STAY mode. That ensures that any motion sensors inside the house are not active but zones around the home are. Many people don’t use this feature. If an intrusion similar to the ones in Lincoln Park occurs, the alarm will sound immediately and the owners will have the opportunity to contact police right away.

To arm your system in STAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (STAY)

Depending on the model, there should be additional modes available in your instruction manual.

Get the most from your Burglar Alarm

An alarm system can be an excellent tool to protect your family and home. If you have any doubts or concerns, work with your alarm company to help you use your system effectively. Only this way will you benefit the most from using your system.

More from our blog: When does a False Alarm become a problem?

The post How to Use your Burglar Alarm appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

The housing market is booming.

The need to work remotely and spend more time at home has increased the demand for larger living spaces. Additionally, more Americans are buying or refinancing their homes because of the current low interest rates on mortgages.

This could also be the reason why the DIY industry is gaining momentum. The home security systems market alone ‘was valued at USD 53.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 78.9 billion by 2025.’

Instead of slowing down during the pandemic, it is reported that homeowners ‘have continued to spend money on home improvements’ while paying special attention to DIY alarm systems.

A DIY alarm system might seem like an attractive option. But, how can you decide if it’s a good alternative for your property?

It really depends on your security needs and how tech-savvy you are.

When you first visit a DIY company website, you might notice that they place most of their attention in the buying process. This is because they aren’t required to obtain a license for installations. In a sense, they are like many other companies that only sell you a product.

This doesn’t necessarily mean bad business. However, it does mean that the company you choose has to be transparent and have a solid foundation. Not all security companies abide by the same values and some advertising of DIY alarm systems can be misleading.

But before you jump into reading reviews and comparing products, the following tips can help you decide if a DIY system is a good fit for you and your home.

Where does a DIY Alarm System perform best?

A DIY alarm system works best for small spaces like apartments or flats. An apartment usually has less doors and windows to secure, therefore, you will likely also need less motion sensors.

A second reason is that most wireless systems have to be within a certain distance of their wireless network. This is not difficult in small spaces but becomes more complicated in a multi-level building.

The Pros of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System

Installation is economical.

A professional installation tends to cost more. This is because of the high quality of the system and the personalized service you’ll receive if you hire a full-service company. This is why one of the main appeals of a DIY alarm system is that if you install it yourself, you’ll save big bucks.

This choice will not only give you the advantage of getting your system sooner but you’ll be saving on initial costs. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to first research the DIY company of your preference to make sure it is well-established. This is important because a DIY system allows you to add other products in the future so you don’t have to buy it all at once.

For example, if you first want to buy an alarm system and a year later a video doorbell, you’ll be able to integrate both systems as long as you buy them from the same company.

It’s also important to ask about the equipment’s warranty and return policy. Since not all DIY alarm systems are good quality, a good return policy can protect you if the system doesn’t work well or it isn’t what you expected. Only because the system fits your budget, it doesn’t mean it will also fit your needs.

Take your DIY Alarm System Wherever you go

If you are tech-savvy, it will not be difficult to uninstall your DIY System. If you rent your apartment or move often, this might be a good option for you. The ability to take the system wherever you go will not only be convenient but installation costs will again not apply as you will re-install the system yourself.

You’ll be Free from Annual Contracts

Most professional security companies require that you sign a 1 or 2 year contract of alarm monitoring services. This means that as soon as your alarm is installed, it will be monitored by a central station. In case of an emergency, the monitoring station will call you to verify if they need to alert the authorities.

In contrast, with a DIY alarm, you’ll have the task of self-monitor your security system.  This means that your alarm system will not be monitored by a central station and when the alarm is activated, it’ll be up to you to alert the authorities. You’ll also be free from a monthly monitoring fee and responsible for any repairs the system will require in the future.

The Cons of Purchasing a DIY Alarm System  

DIY Installations Can Be frustrating

Some DIY companies don’t even include information about the installation process in their websites. They focus on describing the system’s features and having images of people using their systems.

Before you start adding items to your cart, it’s reasonable to want to know if a company has a support team. If questions about the installation arise, you’ll need someone to guide you through the process. You should also ask about the options you’ll have if and when the system malfunctions.

For example, Park’s Associates’ Senior analyst Dina Abdelrazik, told Security Systems News  that “From our data, on average, consumers spend 4 hours or more installing their DIY security system in the home – that is a very long time,”.

Are you willing to spend 4 hours or more installing your system? Have in mind that this time only accounts for installation. Additional hours of your time will be required to self-monitor and repair your system.

This is one of the main reasons why if you are not tech-savvy, its best to stay away from DIY alarm systems.

The post Pros and Cons of a DIY Alarm System 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.

Park Ridge incident

No smoke alarms were found inside a Park Ridge home in which a morning fire broke out officials say.  Fire extensively damaged the rear addition of a house. Firefighters found heavy smoke and flames shooting out of the back and north side of the single-story addition. Two women who lived in the home were able to get out before firefighters arrived.  A search of the two-story brick house and rear addition found just one smoke detector on the second floor. It wasn’t working because it didn’t have batteries.

Chicago Lawn incident

A man died following a house fire in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood Tuesday afternoon that apparently was caused by careless smoking, authorities said. Crews were called to the home and took one person who had been in the home in critical condition to an area hospital, where he later died.  There were no smoke detectors in the home.

Recent news articles like these two show the critical importance of smoke detectors. These alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Working smoke alarms decrease the chance of dying in a fire by half. Smoke alarms detect and alert the presence of fire in its early stages therefore giving people time to escape safely.

Connect your smoke detector to your burglar alarm

Some of our clients have opted to have their smoke detector connected to their burglar alarm system. If the smoke detector goes off, an activation signal is sent to our alarm monitoring station, following the same emergency procedure as a burglar alarm. Although you can’t control the when, you can always ensure your smoke detector is working properly. Listed below are 6 tips that help reduce false smoke alarms.

Clean all smoke detectors in your home at least twice a year.

Airborne dust and contaminants can interfere with a smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke and/or set a false alarm. Alarms may look clean, but dust can accumulate inside the cover, especially in newly built homes. Gently vacuum smoke alarms regularly using the soft brush attachment.

Avoid using chemicals.

Strong chemical odors like ammonia or paint fumes can set off a smoke detector.

Replace your batteries annually.

Don’t wait for that high-pitched chirp to take action. Instead, keep a standing annual date with yourself for replacing the battery in each of your smoke alarms.

Change the location.

Place your smoke detector further away from the kitchen or bathroom. If your smoke detector is located too close to these rooms, cooking fumes and steam can trick it into setting off its alarm – even when there’s no danger.

Replace your smoke detector.

The National Fire Association recommends replacing it every ten years. However, an old smoke detector can trigger false alarms. If you have already changed the batteries and your smoke detector is still beeping, it should be replaced right away.

Learn more about your alarm type and what triggers it.

There are currently three types of smoke alarms: ionization, photoelectric and combination ionization/photoelectric.

If you would like to learn more about this or to add a smoke detector to your current alarm system, please contact us at 773-388-1208 or sales@vintechnology.com

The post 6 Tips to Reduce False Smoke Alarms appeared first on VinTech Systems.

The Security Technology Executive magazine wrote an article about local Chicago metal scrap yard Aluma. The scrap yard is currently working to overcome recurrent theft.

Why are Scrap Yards an Easy Target?

Aluma is not alone. Scrap yards have a history of being easy targets to thieves. Burglars know that scrap metal such as copper, aluminum, and pipes offer a quick a buck. Additionally, scrap metal is near impossible to trace if stolen. All of these factors combined create a perfect storm. Scrap yard owners loose thousands of dollars. For instance, a commercial sheet of stainless steel or aluminum can cost as much as $2,500.

In the case of Aluma, it was targeted by thieves during the night and losing thousands of dollar. The metal pieces burglars were stealing were very large and heavy.

Their first solution of hiring a security guard was costing upward of $10,000 a month. To save some money, but still protect their property, their next solution was installing a video surveillance system to be the “eyes and ears” overseeing their six acre site. Unfortunately, the system was giving false alarms every time the wind blew or it rained. Their security company reevaluated Aluma’s needs and concluded that burglars would require a vehicle to haul away their stolen loot. Wireless motion sensor transmitters were then installed at their three entrance/exit roads, triggering signals back to their central control station, and alerting of any unauthorized activity.

The end results

Aluma got a return on their investment by recouping their costs of installing their surveillance system. They reallocated their $120,000 security guard costs and completely eliminated being an easy target for theft.

With having scrap yards as a couple of VinTech’s clients, we know our clients have faced similar problems like Aluma. A surveillance system with remote viewing and motion triggers is one of best investments, and preventive measures, that a business so susceptible to theft could make.

The post Reasons Why a Scrap Yard is an Easy Target for Theft appeared first on VinTech Systems.