Protect Your Home on Vacation

You are finally taking a well deserved vacation. While it seems like common sense with the busyness of life and a rapidly approaching departure date it is easy to forget something. Put together a checklist to be completed before you leave. All it takes is a few hours to secure your home, ensuring it is in the same condition on your return as when you left. By making your home appear lived in and using a home security system you can greatly decrease the chances burglars will target your house.

Although it would seem obvious many people forget to lock all doors and windows. Check every door and window twice, or have a spouse or your travel companion do a separate check. Place a metal or wooden bar to prevent windows from being jimmied and slid open. Unplug or turnoff your garage door opener. If there is a hidden spare key on the property put it away. Put inside lights on timers and outside lights on motion sensors. You may also consider putting the television on a timer.

A great way to deter thieves is to create the illusion that someone still lives there. Have a trusted friend of family member check on the house regularly. You can hire a house sitter for between $50 and $100 dollars per night. This is great if you have plants that need to be watered and pets that require feeding. Having this person collect your mail and newspaper is better than a calling for a stop mail/paper order, since burglars sometimes have access to this information. If you will be gone for several weeks or months it is a good idea to hire someone to mow the lawn.

A monitored home security system is a good deterrent and may even reduce your insurance rates. Wireless security cameras can be easily installed since there are no wires to run. All it takes is mounting the camera and plugging them into a transmitter. Data can be recorded at home using a digital video recorder (DVR), or you can view footage over the internet using a surveillance camera video server. This device has everything you need to access images over the internet from any web browser anywhere in the world. Simply plug the cameras into it and your ready to go. Visual verification is the best way for police to follow up on suspicious activity or a break in on your property.

One final note of importance, SHUT OFF THE WATER! This is especially important during winter months. If a water pipe springs a leak or toilet bowl cracks thousands of dollars of damage will be done to your home potentially making it unlivable. Following these simple steps will give you some piece of mind while you are away. Relax and have a great trip!


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras and digital video recorders. For more information, please visit The Protection Depot.

What To Do If You Think Your Being Bugged

Surveillance technology has evolved by leaps and bounds over the last several years. Audio and video bugging devices have gotten smaller and are more readily available than ever. Concealable high resolution color cameras and audio recording devices that can store hundreds of hours of audio can be purchased by anyone for less than one hundred dollars in a local “spy” store or on the internet. Mini security cameras are allowed in public places and to help protect private property, but it is not uncommon for them to be placed in hotel rooms, showers, cars, phone lines, While laws prohibit such infringement of privacy not everyone abides by them. Whether you are involved in high profile business deals, developing new technology, going through a divorce or other legal proceedings, or shower at the local gym you may be at risk from prying eyes and ears.

Bug detectors are a small device that can pick up transmitted signals from video or audio bugging devices. Most bugs rely on wireless technology and send radio frequency (RF) signals, similar to those used by cell phones, back to receiving and recording equipment. We’ve all seen movies where the cops are hiding out in a “carpet cleaning” van filled with computers and headsets parked just outside a villain’s home, but these new devices are capable of sending signals as far as five miles away. Others have data storage built in, such as an SD style card commonly used by digital cameras. These devices are planted and picked up at a later date. Detection equipment is equally compact and sophisticated which allows you to protect yourself where ever you may go. Some kits carried on your key chain can help you locate hidden camera lenses and RF signals from video/audio bugs. They are easy to use and with the touch of a button you can secure your location enabling you to discuss your business or try on those clothes in the fitting rooms with piece of mind that you aren’t being monitored. If a bug is present they will silently alert you with vibrations.

If you are concerned you are being targeted for surveillance never discuss your business in public places where anyone can be listening. To check an area use both a bug detector and conduct a physical inspection of as well, since some devices may operate at extremely low power levels. Avoid using a cordless or cell phone to make calls as these can be easily picked up. Landlines can be secured using a special device that checks for wiretaps. If bugs are bugging you consider turning to a professional electronics countermeasure (ECM) security company to conduct a full sweep of your house or office.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of mini security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.