What You Should Know About Dome Cameras

In case you couldn't tell from the name, a dome camera is a security camera housed in, yep, you guessed it, a dome casing. There are a bunch of different models of dome cameras ranging from infrared to varifocal to fixed lenses or even monochrome and color cameras. Some dome cameras are even resistant to tampering, having a high resistance polycarbonate casing.

In the world of dome cameras there are two main types, fixed cameras that are static and remain in one position and PTZ cameras which have the ability to pan (P), tilt (T) and zoom (Z). Most of the dome cameras on the market are covered with a dark dome. This is to make it more challenging to see in which direction the camera is focused. Most dome cameras also have varifocal lenses that make it possible for the camera to observe a 360 degree area.

Your dome camera can also have an infrared lens as well as some other day and night features like changing from color to monochrome in low light conditions. One key factor of the dome camera is that it is almost completely resistant to vandals. Dome cameras are also ideal for use outside as many dome cameras are weatherproof and can easily withstand the harsh fury of mother nature.

One thing many people are worried about with security cameras is the installation process. However, dome cameras are quite easy to install. Most dome camera systems usually come with all the necessary mounting brackets and other equipment. Dome cameras can also be mounted in nearly any location and on nearly any surface.

If you are looking to purchase a dome camera, then you should look for one that has good protection from both nature and vandals. You should also look for one that has good white balance as well as an auto gain feature. Also important is a low lux rating if you are looking to get the best possible images during the night or in situations of low light.

Picking the right security camera is vital and with this information you can hopefully pick the right type of camera, whether it be a dome, bullet, box or PTZ camera.

Source: Security World News

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ATM Security Camera Catches Robbers

You'd think that with all the high profile crime dramas on t.v. and in movies that this generation of criminals would be smarter. The saying "Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat" seems to come to mind here as a group of robbers in Minneapolis completely forgot that ATM machines had security cameras on them and proceeded to rob somebody directly in front of one.

Two women and a man kidnapped a woman at gunpoint on December 15, 2010 on West Broadway in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They then forced her to hand over her ATM card as well as her secret password as they helped themselves to all of her money. However, and this is where stupid comes into play, two of the criminals either A) didn't notice the camera. B) forgot about the camera, or C) have clearly missed out on every episode of C.S.I.

Because of this flub, the criminals' faces were recorded for all the world to see and laugh at. The driver of the car, according to the cameras as well as the witness, was described as a black female, about 20 years old, of light build with a light brown complexion and long black hair and was dressed in a black hooded coat.

The suspect seen at the ATM itself is described as being a black female, 18 to 20 years old, approximately 5'4" to 5'7" with a light build and medium complexion, black hair and a lip piercing. She was described as wearing a blue hooded jacket with pink and white pajama pants. I still don't see how people think pajama pants are acceptable outside apparel. The male was, unfortunately, not seen on the ATM security camera.

According to Minneapolis police, the woman was kidnapped as she was walking out of the Broadway Winner a little before 10 p.m. that night. The kidnappers apparently abducted her, drove her to a nearby ATM, stole all of her money and then released her about a block away. The woman was unharmed, however, the robbers were not caught.

At least with the footage from the ATM police have a clear visual image of two of the three robbers which they have released to the public. Police are asking anybody with any information about the two women in the security footage to notify Officer Patricia Nelson at 612-673-3013 or the Robbery/Assault Unit at 612-673-2941.

Source: City Pages

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Need Some Extra Security?

Everybody wants to keep their home and family safe, especially during the holidays when a break-in threat is at its highest. That is why surveillance systems are so popular. People recognize the threat out there and are doing their best in order to make sure they do not become another victim. The most efficient means of protecting your home and family is a comprehensive surveillance system.

A comprehensive surveillance system has two main purposes, to keep intruders out or to scare them off. But in the unfortunate event that neither of those happens, a comprehensive surveillance system can at least offer visual recordings of what happened and who did it.

Properties equipped with surveillance systems are usually passed up by criminals. When there is no alarm to go off and no footage of what is happening, the risk of getting caught diminishes drastically. That is why it is always a good idea to to install your surveillance cameras in an easy to see area just in case someone thinks of breaking in.

Alarm systems that you may get through Brinks or some other company are good. They send alerts to you or the security company who can then notify authorities. The only bad thing is that by the time that happens, it may already be too late. Surveillance cameras can provide physical evidence of both the crime and the intruder which can help police in capturing the thief or at least get some of your belongings back.

Surveillance systems have been considered a luxury in the past because they used to be very expensive. However, due to technological advances, full surveillance systems are affordable to nearly anybody who needs one. Just keep in mind the size of your property when getting a system. How big or how small your property is can greatly affect the type and price of your surveillance system.

Motion sensors are also a good idea. Many burglars are creative and can find holes in your system. That is why you should pay close attention to where you place your cameras and how you should angle them. Motion sensors will trigger your system whenever any motion is detected, eliminating the deficit of camera holes.

One good feature is the ability of your cameras to be integrated into your existing system. If you have an alarm system monitored by an alarm company, then you can also have them monitor your camera feeds as well. If you want another option, then you can always go with having your camera feed live footage directly to your home computer, mobile device or laptop.

Whichever way you roll the dice, you cannot go wrong with a comprehensive surveillance system. With one you can potentially deter criminals from breaking into your house for good or at least catch them in the act and have physical proof to give to your local authorities.

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Parking Lot Security Cameras

Crime is prevalent when it comes to parking lots. The majority of all crimes that happen at retail stores and office buildings happen in the parking lot or parking garage. This is due to the number of hiding places, the vast size, and the fact that most people are coming and going, so there aren't a lot of witnesses around.

One way to help protect your parking lot is to install security cameras. When a would-be criminal sees a well-placed security camera in a parking lot, he or she will think twice about committing the crime, meaning you'll possibly see a reduction in vandalism and theft of store property. Also, the footage captured by these cameras can help aid law enforcement agencies in the event a crime is committed. Customers will see cameras as an important boost to your image. Cameras mean their shopping experience will be safe and secure and it means you care about them. That's a plus for any business. Of course, there's always the occasional parking lot accident and the potential for a liability case; that's another way a parking lot security camera could prove to come in handy.

Below, you'll find a few tips about installing security cameras in your parking lot:

1. Do you already have security in place? Maybe you have a security guard who patrols the parking lot, or some sort of alarm system. You'll want to place cameras in areas where the security options you already have in place are the weakest.

2. Are there certain areas in your parking lot that are particularly vulnerable to crime or accidents, maybe a hidden corner in a parking garage or a blind turn? These areas are ideal for placing security cameras.

3. Is your parking lot very busy at night? If so, you may want to consider a "night vision" or infrared security camera, which can basically see in the dark!

4. Do you have a parking garage or any other type of structure? These areas are often used as hiding places for those looking to commit crimes.

5. Make sure your cameras are placed at all exits and entrances so that you can see every car or person who leaves or enters your parking lot. This can really come in handy when law enforcement agencies are using footage to look for a suspect.

6. Make sure your cameras cover your parking lot from all angles. Cameras that are strategically placed amongst one another can maximize visibility.

Connecticut Schools to Get Security Cameras

Soon, in Madison, Connecticut, security cameras will be installed outside of the city's schools. The cameras are part of an effort to improve safety in the school system. The new safety plan has been a year-long effort from the school's safety team, which is made up of members of the local police department, fire department, directors of facilities, health and school administrators, and the town's engineer.

If everything goes as planned, the cameras will be up and running by fall. In an interview with the New Haven Register, Director of Administrative Services Arthur Sickle said, "The cameras are just another security measure. They weren't put there because of a specific issue. We are certainly hopeful that they'll be a deterrent. Not that there is a specific problem, but there is always an occasional incident."

The security cameras will be aimed at entrances and exits into school buildings, and in outdoor areas such as parking lots. None will be located inside the buildings. While all the cameras will be recording, not all of them will be monitored all of the time.

In addition to the cameras, the schools are putting a number of other safety measures in place. These include upgrading traffic signs, installing new school zone warning signs near all schools and posting speed bumps near a middle school and high school. They will also be establishing a reduced speed zone and using police enforcement in that area.

Atlanta Security Cameras

With over 540,000 residents inside the city and over 5.5 million in its metro area, Atlanta, Georgia is one of the largest cities in the country. Over the last decade, the city has seen a growth in the number of residents moving to the area, the number of businesses opening and unfortunately, Atlanta has seen its fair share of crime. In Fulton County, Georgia, the county in which Atlanta is located, crime is specifically a problem. In 2008, in December alone, there were 18 murders, 14 rapes, 426 robberies, 374 assaults, 1,586 burglaries, 3,185 larcenies, and 822 vehicle thefts.

That's a lot of crime that could possibly have been prevented. But how? One way is through security cameras. When would-be criminals see a security camera monitoring their every move, they are more likely to think twice about committing a crime. Not only that, but security cameras can help police and other officials identify criminals who do follow through with their crimes and help get them off the streets, making your city a safe place to live and conduct business.

Whether you're looking to monitor your bank or your bar, your day care center or your doctor's office, CameraSecurityNow.com can help. We have the best prices on Atlanta Security Cameras, Security Camera Rentals, and the rest of your surveillance needs. There's no reason your business should fall victim to crime of any type. For more information on how you can keep your business, your employees, your customers, and yourself safe, visit our website at http://www.securitycameranow.com/ or call 877-422-1907 today!

Security Cameras are a Must-Have for Daycare Centers

When a parent leaves their child in a daycare center, they expect the very best care they can get. And with today's economy, more households are relying on daycares, due to the fact that both parents are working. This means daycare centers must be competitive and ready to prove to parents and other prospective customers that they are dedicated to keeping their children safe and secure. One excellent way to do that is a quality security camera system.

Having security cameras in your center show parents you are doing what it takes to keep their children safe. But in addition to to attracting new customers, security cameras have a many of beneficial factors for your daycare center.

Security cameras allow you to monitor your staff and make sure they are doing what needs to be done. Turnover is often high in daycare centers due to low pay and the stress of working with children. Sure, you'd like to think you've hired the best, most qualified candidates for your center but sometimes bad seeds slip through the crack. You can't be everywhere at once and keeping an eye on what's going on in your classrooms is a must, for the safety of the children and the safety of your business. It's just good business sense. On top of that, when an employee know they're being watched, they're more than likely going to go above and beyond.

Cameras can also be used as evidence in the event something unfortunate does happen. That can involve an employee doing something unsavory or a parent falsely accusing an employee in your center of doing something to their child. If rooms are being monitored and recorded at all times, well, the old saying, "the camera doesn't lie" is definitely a good standard to live by. Not to mention, if someone who is not supposed to be in your center enters and does something that jeopardizes the safety of the children in your care, you will have their face on camera for police investigations and ultimately court.

These are just a few of the many ways that security cameras can help make your daycare center safe and secure. For more information or to receive a fast quote on Daycare Center Security Cameras, visit our website at www.CameraSecurityNow.com or call 1-877-422-1907 today!