Home Security Blog

Door Knocker in Trouble Again, This Time in Kansas, Plus Canada BBB Issues Warning

Peter M. Rogers — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:50:31 +0000

Spring comes later in Canada – snows are still melting in some spots – but the door knockers are already out in force north of the border. And they are up to their usual tricks: pushing alarm systems on unwary homeowners. The companies that employ these high-pressure hucksters are routinely in trouble, as you can...

Comcast for Home Security? Check the Reviews…

Cassandra Dobkins — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:05:51 +0000

Recently the cable companies introduced a bundled home security offer. In Peter Rogers’ blog last September, he describes how Comcast’s Xfinity HOME offer bundles home security and home automation with other services – specifically Comcast’s cable internet. In a Forbes interview summarized in this article, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said it was necessary to expand...

Homeowners Temporarily Off the Hook for Alarm System Registration Fees and Stiff False Alarm Penalties in Cleveland, Ohio

Peter M. Rogers — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:33:05 +0000

As increasing numbers of cities, town and counties across continue to implement alarm registration and false alarm fines, the wise and enlightened homeowner with a monitored alarm system – hopefully that means you! – need to make sure your system is registered if that is required. You also need to make sure that you are...

Funeral Burglars Prey on Grieving Friends and Relatives

Peter M. Rogers — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:42:48 +0000

Some burglars pick your home at random because it’s an inviting target – especially if you are one of the 80% or so of US homes that don’t have a monitored alarm system. But other burglars target homes at very specific times, such as when they know you’ll be away for vacation – or even...

Police Report Residential Crime Five Times Higher in Deerfield, Illinois

Peter M. Rogers — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:05:32 +0000

Chicago suburbs are the nation’s hot spot for “ruse” burglaries, where bad guys working in pairs pose as home contractors, and one burglarizes your home while the other distracts you. But in at least one community north of downtown Chicago, plain old vanilla burglaries have been on the rise – reaching a peak at five...

What to Look for in a Home Security System

Cassandra Dobkins — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:58:34 +0000

In today’s consumer-centric market, you have lots of options in home security systems. Here’s a guide to understanding those options, and narrowing down your search to the features and the technology that work best for you. Basic Elements of a Home Security System Security systems consist of three basic elements: Sensors Controls Monitoring Some of...

Burglar Steals Guns from Home, Caught on Camera in Germantown, Kentucky

Peter M. Rogers — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:14:15 +0000

We’ve known for some time that burglars steal guns – and that firearms have been added to the list of things burglars target most, which also includes cash, jewelry, electronics, and prescription drugs. In fact, I posted on this topic well over two years ago, recommending that people use guns safes – and that they...

Security System Reviews – Who’s the Best Home Alarm Company?

Cassandra Dobkins — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:56:45 +0000

Searching for the best home security system? Here are some tips for using feedback from actual customers to zero in on the best type of alarm system for you, as well as the best deal. What to Look for in a Security System Review Reviews not only point you to the best-liked products, but also...

AT&T Officially Announces Release of Digital Life, their Home Security and Home Automation Services

Peter M. Rogers — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:51:12 +0000

Big news for the alarm industry has just been released, and it comes from AT&T – arguably the “mother of all new entrants” to the alarm industry. Just after it seemed AT&T was having trouble figuring out its long-awaited offer of monitoring and home automation capability, now we have some hard facts on the Digital...

Door Knockers in Trouble Again, This Time in Washington State

Peter M. Rogers — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:06:12 +0000

Welcome to spring… when snows melt, flowers bloom, and door knockers pushing alarm systems on unwary homeowners hit the streets in droves all across the US. The companies that employ these high-pressure hucksters are routinely in trouble, as you can tell from checking their poor reviews, complaints, and the fines, lawsuits, and other government actions...