But what about small business and residential homes that have strong ties to the Chicagoland and don’t want or can’t afford to leave?

Feeling secure is not a commodity but a necessity for Chicago residents.

A VinTech employee who lives in Bowmanville, a family-friendly neighborhood in Chicago, says she had always felt safe living there. Then last week, a string of robberies close to her home  started to make her feel uneasy.

That Monday morning, she heard helicopters in the area for several hours.

The suspects were later arrested in Lincoln Square but not before 2 people were assaulted and the car that was used for the crimes crashed against a city truck.

Then a few days later, she opened her Nextdoor App to write this post:

“This morning, Wednesday Dec 21st, at around 3:05 a.m. I woke up to three gunshots that were at very close proximity. This occurred near Farragut and Hoyne in the Bowmanville neighborhood. Can anyone tell me if they heard them too? I’m shook because they sounded so close.”

Dozens of neighbors commented with support and what they were already doing as a response to the incident. Unfortunately, many agree that even when the act of violence is not directed at you, it can disturb your peace and routine.

How do outdoor security cameras improve safety?

Security cameras are not new to the City of Chicago who has a network of more than 50,000. In addition, last year’s Home and Business Protection Program provided a rebate for residents to install new outdoor security cameras.

In order to improve safety, one of the program’s requirements was to connect these public cameras to The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

The OEMC is a “state-of-the-art unified video surveillance network” that officials and Homeland Security directors access “during emergency situations and after appropriate notification has been given.”

As part of the process, our technicians connected new camera systems to this network and trained clients to manage their new system. Additionally, our office staff provided guidance and the documentation needed to apply for the rebate.

Why are more Chicago residents and business owners installing outdoor cameras?

Deter criminals.
Most criminals want to commit a crime and move on to the next “best thing”.

Outdoor security cameras are different from other security systems because they are visible BEFORE the crime is committed. In conjunction with warning signs, they work to increase the perception that would-be criminals could be caught and punished.

Provide evidence. 
One thing that most Chicago residents will agree is that they don’t want offenders getting away with crimes.

Security cameras can capture criminals in the act but most importantly, they capture details. High definition security cameras can give significant clues like face features, tattoos, and vehicle license plates. When an incident occurs in front of your business or residence, you’ll be glad to have footage to provide as evidence to the police.  And with the video surveillance network, they will access the footage almost right away.

Why is a burglar alarm a necessity?

A recent FBI report, found that 1 in 3 homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system.

A burglar alarm can help decrease those chances and is one of the most cost-effective solutions to secure a home or business.
Get back your peace of mind.

An alarm system works with sensors. When a sensor is triggered, there’s a physical and electronic notification. The physical alert is useful if you are inside the home or business and to alert neighbors.

During the night, you can fall asleep more peacefully knowing that you’ll be alerted if someone tries to break into your home or business. This is a simple proactive action that can give you that peace of mind back.

When a professional company monitors your alarm, you’ll also have a faster response from the police and it’ll buy you some time to take charge of the situation.
Safety routine in Place.

Did you know that the most common points of entry for burglars are open doors and windows?

When you have a burglar alarm, it’s easier to be in control because it becomes part of your routine. If there are any tips you’ll ever want to follow are these three: Lock all doors (including the garage or back doors for businesses), lock all windows, and arm your alarm.

Reduce losses. 

A burglar alarm can be controlled remotely. From a phone App, you can arm and disarm your system, control your thermostat, and other smart devices. Everyday actions, overtime increases protection and reduces loss of valuable items and resources.

Want to discuss which system is best for your property?

Contact us with your questions at info@vintechnology.com and join the network of Chicago residents who are already using their systems to improve safety in their lives and neighborhoods.

Recent incidents that have been caught by businesses and residential cameras.

Robberies – Armed robbery in Lincoln Park of a woman who was visiting daughter from Wisconsin for Holiday shopping.
Car jackings. Car jacking assault caught on camera. Victim fought to get her dog out of the car.
Disappearances. The Wiener’s Circle provided footage that helped in the disappearance of Northwestern student Peter Salvino.

The post Do Chicago residents really need a security 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.

Opening the doors of your property to find that you were robbed can be unsettling. Insurance is helpful but you still want those who are responsible to be arrested.

LG Bar, a Chicago business located in the neighborhood of Old Town was robbed overnight last spring. The bar’s cameras recorded HD images of the intruders. In fact, their faces, clothing, and special characteristics were all identified. Chicago police received footage containing all the useful evidence.

Nowadays, more crimes are solved with the help of technology, social media, and security cameras. You can expect this peace of mind when acquiring security system for your property or business.

Helps Deter Crime

Some businesses post photos of thieves in their he wall of shame to expose criminals. Similarly, security cameras can work to intimidate thieves. Their main purpose is to deter crime although they can’t stop it. Nonetheless, basic security measures should not be neglected. Property owners still need to lock their doors, report suspicious activity, and activate their alarm system overnight.

Increase the Security of your Community

Communities often have block watch programs in their neighborhoods. These programs rely on volunteers to keep a watchful eye and report crime in their blocks. In the past, it was common to complain about nosy neighbors. Nowadays, these community programs rely heavily on technology. For example, the suburb of Hinsdale, IL. Their program Block Watch registers their neighborhood’s outdoor cameras. The neighborhood’s quality of life reflects the programs’ success. In 2019, Hinsdale IL ranks safer than 81% of U.S cities. In this town, security cameras have become the new community that keeps watch 24/7. 

Refute False Claims

From time to time, businesses have to deal with incorrect claims from clients. False claims can do more than ruin your day. Security camera footage can help resolve those claims faster when you use it as evidence. Evidence can help settle a claim whether its a misunderstanding or crime.

Its reliable Witness

When settling disputes, eye witnesses can forget important details or may unintentionally change a suspect’s description, time, or even the date of the crime. With a security camera, police can collect images and process them using face recognition. They can create an exact timeline of events (using date and time from footage) to help them gather evidence to present in court if needed.

Monitor Activity

Monitoring can help you determine the cause of inexplicable loses in your business or property. However, trust between you and your neighbors and/or your employees is also important. It would be a terrible idea to accuse someone without evidence. Even when a neighbor or an employee claims to have seen another person doing something, its not granted. A security camera system enables you to make an informed decision. Cameras should be used for protection not to micromanage.

A security camera system can empower you, protect your assets, and keep you safe by deterring crime from your community.

Want to read more on the this topic? Read our blog. Security Cameras: Top 5 Reasons You Need Them Now. 

The post Your Chicago Property Needs Security Cameras appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Finding the right camera system for your business can be a challenging because there is a lot of information available. Many companies tend to list products on their websites including a description of their specifications and sometimes even prices. When choosing a camera system for your business, reading about a product doesn’t cut it. Business owners need answers that get to the point, are easy to understand, and help them make the right call. Finding the right security camera system goes hand and hand with finding the right company for the job. These are some key points to keep in mind when deciding which company and system to choose.

Are site surveys important?

So, site survey simply means that a consultant/project manager visits your business, talks to you about your security goals, and your specific concerns. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and establish a budget. Waiting until you receive a formal proposal to inform the company you have a budget will create redundant communication. On the other hand, being completely open about your business needs will show that you are serious and have taken the time to do research.

Working with a company vs. a DYI System

Let’s face it, many companies make it seem like it’s simple to buy and install your own camera system. Initially, this option might be cheaper, but buyers are in for a big surprise. They don’t tell you that this system is basically a “one time purchase”. Who will fix the system if it malfunctions? Do they provide maintenance services? Can you find and replace parts easily?

Will the replacement parts be available when you need them? Do they have reliable customer service? Will that company be there in five years? The main difference between security companies and DYI systems is that companies are not interested in selling products but in providing full service with long-term results. A professional company will be familiar with your business and will work with you to achieve your security expectations.

HD is the way to go

Basically we are talking about resolution here. Do you remember seeing those cameras where face features are unrecognizable? Those are older versions are analog systems. Not very helpful anymore or ever, really. Most high definition systems now range from 420 pixels to up to full 1080 pixels. The larger the area you want to cover, for example warehouses or parking lots, the more resolution you need. Choosing a high resolution camera will reduce the amount of cameras you need and the cost of the system itself.

Choose weatherproof cameras

Do you live in the Chicago area? If yes, you often experience drastic weather changes, and so will your camera system. If your camera surveillance system will be placed outside, weatherproof cameras are a must in Chicago. It will prevent your cameras from extreme rain, wind, and snow. You can also consider placing them under an area that is sheltered to give them additional protection.

Know your camera lens

There are two main types of lens: varifocal and fixed. For cameras with a fixed length lens, measuring for field of view must be precise. Once the camera is installed, what you see on the screen will be its only focus. A camera with an adjustable lens will give you greater flexibility, as its flexibility will give you more coverage. The lens’ size and width will determine what you can see on the security cameras. The larger the lens size, the farther you will be able to see.

Finding the right system for your business doesn’t have to be difficult. However, you have to do research and pick a competent company to give you the best advice. Before you reach a decision, consider local businesses. There are many local security companies that are like gems among their large counterparts.

The post Find the Right Camera System for your Business 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.

See for yourself! Our entire team was moved by this video that went viral about a month ago. We want to share it because there is so much to reflect after watching it. Thanks to footage, perhaps we can see what seems to be a problem with a positive eye.

Youtube link

We always strive to provide expert security solutions for our clients. Not only do we love helping them achieve a more peaceful life, but we also strive to find the truth.  If you want to learn more about how to have a reliable security system, read more here: Why is a reliable security system important?

The post Video Surveillance Tells the Best Story appeared first on VinTech Systems.