Central Monitoring News

Archive for June, 2014

Security Cameras Can Protect Wedding Gifts

Posted by Central Monitoring Services, Inc. on June 23, 2014

There is a lot to handle, manage and control during a wedding. Wise wedding planners have a plan to deal with each issue, including the potential theft of wedding gifts.

So Much to Deal With During Wedding Season

The bride and groom often hire wedding planners to coordinate the food, entertainment and security. But the wedding planner cannot be in all places at all times. Why not establish a hidden “central security van” with access to Wedding Cakesecurity cameras? This could prevent any problems at your special event.

The wedding schedule doesn’t allow much time to keep track of everything. Wealthy guests will expect you to protect them and their belongings. Hidden security cameras are a great idea to handle problems before, during and after the celebration.

Security Cameras Provide Peace of Mind 

While you enjoy the festivities during this wedding season, well-placed security cameras can control access to your event. Prevent wedding crashers from ruining your event. Others will feel safer when they see the cameras are in place.

Your guests will leave electronic devices, cameras, purses and maybe even their vehicles on the property. You have a duty to make sure they are well cared for. Installing electronic surveillance devices can help you fulfill your duties.

Protecting Wedding Gifts 

Wedding gifts are another great reason to have security cameras installed. Gift cards, jewelry, expensive electronic devices and other items can be easily stolen by someone who knows he is not being watched. The metal gift card box should be in a secure location with a hidden camera right on it. A sign saying “You are being watched. Enjoy the wedding” is a subtle warning to prevent would-be pilfering.

When you want to start a new life, why play games with security at your wedding? You know there will be many valuables. Many wedding gifts are intended to be in your family for generations. A wedding crasher doesn’t care. He can pawn your gifts for easy money.

You may choose to place security cameras at the building entrance, coat room, parking lot and gift room. This helps your security staff verify what is going on at all times. At the height of your “I Dos” is when the wedding thief is most likely to strike. Beat him at his own game with wedding surveillance tapes and cameras.

Evidence of Theft After the Fact 

How many people have said – “I had something stolen, do you have video cameras?” During the wedding, you don’t want to interrupt the ceremony if something is lost. With installed cameras, you can always view the recordings with the police later to find information you might have missed.

Security cameras can also be helpful for those who are forgetful after having too much to drink. Maybe they dropped their car keys or smart phone. Your security can review the tapes and return the property to the rightful owner.

Consider all options to keep your family and your guests safe during your special day.

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Terminating Employees Can Lead to a Breach in Company Security

Posted by Central Monitoring Services, Inc. on June 20, 2014

Business SecurityEmployers work hard to hire the right person for the job. However, sometimes an employee still isn’t the right fit and the employer must make the difficult decision to terminate him or her. Managers and business owners should understand how an employee’s departure poses a security risk for their companies, what precautions to take, and how to set up and apply a termination process.

Why Staff Leave
Some employees will leave a company understanding why they were let go. For example, layoffs are difficult but often necessary if a business is struggling. Some people may feel upset and feel that other people should have been let go before them. Fired employees may feel vindictive or out for revenge. When this happens, they may try to get back at the manager or the company that terminated them.

Focus on Business Facilities
When staff members are let go, it’s time to start changing all of the security codes allowing access to the premises. Experts in the security world recommend that these items should be changed on a regular basis but should be done immediately when an employee is terminated. If a former staff member does return to the office, it is important that managers and proper personnel are notified. Employees can of course collect their personal belongings, but this should be monitored so other items are not accessed.

Swipe Cards
Many businesses forget to collect employees’ swipe cards or forget that a person may have more than one. When a staff member is let go, it is important to take these items back or to update the building’s security codes so they can no longer get into the building or access important areas. This doesn’t take much time but is an important step.

Cloud Computing Access
Cloud technology has become more popular over the years because it allows people the chance to access information no matter where they are. For example, many businesses use DropBox or GoogleDocs so that staff can collaborate on projects or share important files. With the right business security systems, business owners and managers can limit access to these files and prevent harmful breaches. Access can be limited or removed very quickly, even when people are not in the office. This keeps the cloud secure and ensures that important data is not shared with the wrong people.

The best way to stay on top of business security systems is to act quickly when staff members are let go or terminated. Having the right policies and protocol in place protects the business so that important passcodes, data, files, projects and more are not accessed or shared. All it takes is one scorned or vindictive former staff member to really affect the livelihood of an organization. Paying attention to security prevents issues from arising. Otherwise, this could be a costly mistake.

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Know the Profile of a Professional Criminal

Posted by Central Monitoring Services, Inc. on June 2, 2014

Have you ever watched a news story about a thief where the criminal’s neighbors were interviewed and swore that the man was just like everybody else? Although the burglar of today might not immediately appear as though they need to take a trip behind bars, there are some subtle signs that might indicate a criminal nature or likelihood of thievery.

The FBI suggests that there were an extraordinary 8,975,438 property crimes around the country in 2012 (the latest year for which statistics are available). That was a subtle decline from 2011, but burglaries remain exceptionally common and hard to solve. Understanding what type of individual tends to commit burglaries will help you take note of suspicious behavior and protect yourself and your property.

Common Characteristics of Burglars

A burglary occurs every 14.6 seconds, according to the agency’s “Crime Clock.” That means there are a lot of people out there committing burglaries, so it’s not possible to create a single profile for absolutely every burglar. However, there are some common characteristics of thieves that may help you guard against theft.

Burglars often resemble the following:

  • Under 25-years-old
  • Usually male
  • Wears baggy clothes (to hide tools of the trade like pliers and screwdrivers)
  • Exceptionally observant

Don’t assume that this burglar profile represents the only type of person who steals. Anyone can become a burglar with the right incentive. That little old lady down the street could have 20 years of experience as a cat burglar!

Burglars Don’t Always Look like Burglars

In an article by “Reader’s Digest,” the author suggests that burglars often carry a clipboard or dress like a service professional. Perhaps the burglar will evencarrya rake or other lawn tools to make it appear as though he’s just a member of a landscaping crew. Even if a burglar fits all of the common demographics of a burglar, he might be able to slip through detection by “hiding in plain sight.”

In addition, a burglar will even knock on your front door just to see if anyone’s home before trying to break in. Many savvy thieves will take no chances in accidentally robbing a house when someone’s at home. When you answer the door, the burglar will pretend he’s lost or he might offer to do some yard work.

Don’t Assume Law Enforcement Works Miracles

Burglaries aren’t often solved and the criminal often gets away. For example, one tally of statistics in Las Vegas showed that only around 10% of burglaries resulted in an arrest and closure of the case. However, there are things a homeowner can do to improve the chance for law enforcement success.

Ensuring the police thoroughly inspect a home or business for fingerprints and other evidence is important, as is installing a visual security system with surveillance cameras. Anything a homeowner or business owner can do to help law enforcement identify a burglar will help catch even the savviest of criminals.

Don’t assume that the police will be able to find the perpetrator or that you’ll ever get your possessions back. When you understand the common features of a burglar, you’ll be able to watch out for suspicious behavior and keep your family or business safe from theft and potential harm.

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