At 1:09 am, April 9th , Sonitrol’s local central station received a verified security audio alarm from a pharmacy customer’s place of business. Operator heard breaking glass and what sounded like footsteps on breaking glass. Evansville Police Department was immediately dispatched. Upon arrival officers found a male suspect with latex gloves and tools in his pants. Suspect was attempting to enter through the drive through window, but was unable to gain entry. Once again, law enforcement’s excellent response time was critical in the capture of this would be burglar.

Verified security systems increase police response time by an average of 38 minutes. 20% of all apprehensions are made BEFORE the suspect enters the building. Sonitrol operators can provide law enforcement dispatch with detailed information to minimize loss to the customer.

So, before you install a security system, answer these questions:

1. How important is a security systems that catches burglars?
2. If your property was broken into, would it be important to you to actually catch intruders?
3. Is it important for you NOT to be awakened in the middle of the night for false alarms?
4. If your property was broken into, would it be worth paying a slight premium to get police on site 75% faster?

If you are interested in a verified security system that helps police BEFORE a break in, contact Sonitrol of Evansville for a FREE consultation.

The next generation of alarm verification is coming and it is going to be huge.

For over 50 years, Sonitrol has had audio alarm verification.

Sonitrol’s verified alarms are sound-based – not motion-based – so when an alarm is triggered,our monitoring professionals can actually listen-in to determine whether a break-in is in progress, or whether a false alarm has occurred. (www.sonitrol.com).

Now the partnership with 3xlogic, Sonitrol will be able to offer a huge advance in verified alarm technology, audio and video verification. Being able to see and hear what goes on at the protected premise will allow Sonitrol operators to share with police what they are walking into even more than ever before. The Sonitrol operators will get a verified video alarm and a live look-in. Eyes and ears protecting your property.

Having worked in and around a Monitoring Station has allowed me to hear actual verified audio alarms in progress. You hear glass break and voices talking inside a property that is armed. The operator, dispatches the police and informs them they hear two individuals inside near the west side entrance. Then the audio of the police apprehension. And Sonitrol has done that over 172,000 times. More than any other alarm company. Listen to actual clips.

Now bring video integration into the mix. A panic alarm comes into the monitoring station from a bank. Audio comes in over the speakers, “put the money in the bag”, and video is available where the operator can not only see the recorded video of the alarm incident, but gets to see live views as well.  What they are wearing, how many the operator sees, how many customers appear to be there, and if there are outdoor cameras even make and model of a vehicle. That information will be of great benefit for the police coming on site.

Sonitrol of Evansville is testing this solution now, and hope to be offering it to customers soon. Sonitrol customers already receive the benefit of the lowest false alarm rate in the industry with the highest apprehensions. With audio and video verification, Sonitrol customers will receive even quicker response from the police to protect your property. Contact your sales consultant for more information.

According to FBI statistics, the crime rates in the United States have been on the rise. Burglary tops the list as one of the most common forms of crime. According to the latest FBI statistics, there were over two million burglaries in ONE year. Burglary in residential locations accounted for 73.9% of the overall numbers. Whether in your business or your home, burglaries are devastating.  Dealing with the insurance company, police reports and the emotional roller coaster of a stranger rummaging through your stuff is upsetting. But if you are burglarized, taking the time to mark your property can help make it a little bit easier to get it back.

Why you need to identify property

Why do most burglars take property? To sell it! Therefore, it may end up at a pawn shop or online. Law enforcement spends countless hours looking for stolen property. If recovered, having a way to identify property as yours, can keep it from sitting in police lock up or not getting it back at all. Mark your TV’s, laptops, computers, lawn equipment, and anything that might catch the eye of a burglar. You will also be helping law enforcement as your identification provides them with marked evidence of your stolen property to help with convictions.

How to identify property after a burglary

There are different ways through which you can discretely mark your property.

Permanent markers have been the most common form of identification. A postcode or name is effective in marking and making property identifiable. Be careful. Markers may wear off with time and the surfaces of some property may not allow you to write on it. Also think about where you identify your property. Choose an inconspicuous spot so that burglars are not able spot a handwritten ID and remove it before they get rid of it.

Etching is another method of marking property today. Etching is not as easily removed as marker ink. Small etchers are available at the hardware stores for as little as $10. Be sure to etch your property in a discrete area that will not bring attention to your identification.

Microdots are also commonly used to mark property thus making it easy to identify. They are basically tiny discs which adhere to the property with adhesive. Each microdot carries a unique code that is connected to a database. It is one of the most effective methods of marking property thus making it easy to identify.

Keeping your property on your property!

Of course, keeping your property on your property, and catching the burglar in the act, is the best way to keep your property! The average loss in a burglary in the United States is $2,185. The cost to have a monitored system, is considerably less; sometimes starting at around $35 per month depending on the devices and options.

Installing a security system in your home or business can also help you in other ways:

1. No loss of irreplaceable personal property – there are some personal things that cannot be replaced with money.
2. Not having to track down your property in pawn shops and police property lockup.
3. Helps police in convicting the burglars
4. Many home insurance providers offer discounts of up to 20% annually for a security system in the home.

Contact us if you would like further information on protecting your property!

Spring break is an exciting time for students, and often the first time a young adult is traveling without parental supervision. This leap of independence can be scary for both students and parents. With some advance planning and an eye towards safety, spring break can be a fun and educational experience. Here are some spring break ideas to keep your young adult safe.

Do Your Research

Especially with international travel, it’s important to research your child’s destination. Make sure they are familiar with local laws and regulations, currency, and language.  Find out local emergency numbers, and have your child program them into his phone and put a written copy in his wallet. It’s also a good idea to look up any travel alerts for the region and find out if there are any scams common to the area.

Travel in Groups

Remind your child that there is safety in numbers. Especially in an unfamiliar area, it is important to stay with a trusted friend. If the group is splitting up for any reason, they should share information about their plans and check in with other group members periodically.

Food and Beverages

In many foreign locations, the water may not be safe to drink, and locally grown produce may cause digestive upset. Your child should be made aware of these risks, and how to minimize their exposures. You should also teach your child how to get help if they become ill, and provide them with the medical insurance information they will need.

Spring break is often equated with drinking alcohol. Young adults should be reminded that it is not ever safe to drink and drive. They should be mindful of how much they are drinking, and never leave drinks unattended. Even non-alcoholic drinks can be spiked.

Money

Travelers of any age can be the victim of pick pocketing and credit card theft. Teach your young adult to protect their credit card information and check all charges to ensure they are correct.   While carrying small amounts of cash can be useful, they should only carry a small amount and be discreet with it. Wallets, cell phones, and other valuables should be worn close to the body in a hard to reach place, such as a front pocket, to discourage pickpockets.

These spring break ideas will help your young adult learn how to be a safe and conscientious traveler for spring break and beyond.

For more information on your security, contact us. 800.444.1191

On Wednesday March 11th, Sonitrol operators received an alarm at 1:44 am at a local school. The Evansville Police Department were immediately dispatched to the location. At 1:48 am, operators started receiving other alarms in the building and were told by dispatch that the K9 unit had been deployed in the building. Suspect was found and apprehended before any damage could be done. With an amazing response time of FOUR minutes, Sonitrol appreciates our officers for their dedication to keeping the citizens and their property safe and secure.

Thank you EPD and Sonitrol operators!

Sonitrol Safe School

We at Sonitrol secure over 300 schools corporations. Using patented audio and video technology, Sonitrol can provide law enforcement with necessary detailed information to help them respond in emergency situations. Find out how Sonitrol Safe School program can secure your school.

If you would like more information on securing what you value, contact us.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

From your security team at 

Many users of wireless security systems in Evansville and surrounding areas are questioning the value of their security system after a recent news story on ABC News regarding the vulnerability to hackers.

SO ARE ALL WIRELESS SECURITY SYSTEMS TRASH?

The news story presented different threat scenarios which were based on criminals using:

1. Sophisticated engineering tools to fool or hack the systems wireless devices
2. Systems that rely on one-way communication
3. A narrow band communication at 300 MHz or 433 MHz.

But alas, NOT ALL SECURITY SYSTEMS ARE CREATED EQUAL!

Using two-way wireless technology creates a significantly more secure system then the standard system many subscribers receive with their “Free sign”. Here’s a little techno jargon for you: 2-way wireless technology uses a 900 MHz frequency hopping; spread-spectrum that is constantly changing the channel used by the system components every 32 milliseconds in a unique pattern to communicate with one another. In layman terms; scramble the signal like an omelet and then it will only arm when every piece of your system communicates back to the receiver. This makes it difficult for a hacker to find and access wireless devices. If you have a business with a wireless system, make sure that it contains the UL Commercial Burglary & Fire listing. To earn this listing a system must demonstrate anti-jamming capabilities.

Of course, it’s not impossible for a determined hacker to access a system, as demonstrated by regular reports of attacks at secured government buildings, major retailers and other organizations. But since most burglaries are a “crime of opportunity”, a little difficulty may cause the Christmas scrooge to seek his treasures elsewhere.

If you have questions regarding the wireless security system you are using in your home or office, please feel contact us for a free assessment.

Introducing the backbone of our company and the reason why many of us get up to go to work.  Thank you to all of our Sonitrol employees who shared these wonderful pictures with us!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IS ONCE AGAIN UPON US.

But have no fear; Your Intrusion or Fire Alarm system will experience minimal impact due to the time change. The clock on the panel at your location will pick up the correct time when the panel sends a periodic test to the Central Monitoring Station, or when you arm or disarm after:

2:00 A.M. ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 2014

If you experience problems after the time change, call your central station.

Access systems

Most access control/card reader systems have the dates for Daylight Savings Time pre-programmed into the system. However, some systems require a manual change.

• If you have restricted access to your location by the time of day and if the corrections are not made before the start of that restricted access period, some access cards may not work at their designated times because of the one-hour time difference.

Depending on the type of system, it may be necessary to preform an update.

• If you have a dedicated phone line for your system, NO ACTION on your part is required. The update will automatically be downloaded on November 2nd, 2014 to update your account.
• If you do not have a dedicated phone line for your system and a test is needed to make changes to your account, you will be required to send a test from your account on November 2nd, 2014 after 2 a.m. to update your system.
• If you are unsure whether you have dedicated line or not, please call your central station to determine if you need to schedule a service call to make these changes.

If you have a Sonitrol system, please feel free to call our knowledgable representatives if you need assistance. 800.444.1191

What Exactly Is Cell Backup And Do I Need It For My Security System?

A recent wave of commercial break-ins has unveiled a brazen, knowledgeable criminal. Telephone lines have been cut which has effectively disabled the security system by causing a communication failure back to the monitoring station. In some cases, the entire panel was ripped out. Cell back-up provides backup communication paths for reporting of alarms in the event of a loss or cut of your primary communication line. It is recommended that every alarm system be equipped with a cell backup device.

How does cell backup work?

When the communication line is cut, a signal is immediately sent via the cellular line to the Monitoring Center telling operators that the phone line is down. Because the cell backup unit maintains constant communication with the Monitoring Station, operators are still able to monitor the facility, providing continuous information to the police department in the event of an actual alarm.

Preventative Measures

It is important that you determine where your telephone or broadband IP infrastructure cables enter your building. If you have any exposed cables, take immediate steps to secure them. It is also important to secure the room that houses the control panel or the brains of your security system.  This box should be out of sight to your visitors and customers. You also want to make sure that the delay, or amount of time you are given to enter your building and disarm the system, is as minimal as possible. Remember, the longer the delay, the more time a criminal has to find your control panel and try to destroy the communication lines. Thirty seconds can be the difference between an alarm and an undetected burglary.