Prevention of home burglaries is primary thrust of PPD

A burglary occurs every 14 seconds somewhere in the United States. In Pinecrest, home and vehicle burglaries are a crime of opportunity. Criminals many times target affluent communities where residents possessions are more desirable than in other less affluent areas.

Home burglary prevention has been the Pinecrest Police Departments main focus this year and explains the increase in our neighborhood crime watch areas. Updated policing strategies and tactics support our ongoing programs to inform residents how to reduce chances of victimization. It is projected that non-violent crimes in 2014 will remain low, as in 2013, which had significantly fewer crimes compared to 2012.

Being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity is essential to deterring crime. Advances in wireless technology now make it very affordable to remotely monitor homes and receive alerts when strangers approach or enter a home. More importantly, these systems deter criminals, help reduce financial losses by hastening the burglars departure when they do make entry and assist detectives in solving cases because images captured by the security system often lead to identification of the suspect.

Home security systems of today are much different and much more effective than those of just a few years earlier. Major alarm companies, as well as big name communications and internet providers, offer advanced systems that combine security with home automation.

When shopping around for a home security system make sure that it includes the following features:

Cellular communication as the primary connection Modern systems now use 3G and 4G cellular interfaces exclusively and are completely self-contained. All communication is accomplished via the internet through the cellular module, so cutting electricity or physical phone lines will not disable the system from communicating with the monitoring station. Motion Detectors/Contact Sensors Contact sensors on windows and doors are an essential part of a system. But if the window or door is not opened, the contact sensor will not trip the alarm. Windows can be broken without opening them, allowing an intruder to enter a residence without setting off the alarm.

Motion detectors, strategically placed throughout the residence, will ensure that the alarm sounds if an intruder is able to make entry through a broken window without breaking the contact. Strategic placement of these sensors is paramount. Make sure there are enough sensors throughout the residence and if an intruder is able to break the perimeter, they dont get more than a few feet into the house without crossing a motion detector. Have a small pet that roams free in your house? No worries, there are detectors that allow for pets under a certain weight limit.

Video cameras The main goal of a home burglar is to get into a residence quickly, take valuables and get out without being seen. Video cameras are the eyes of a residence when no one is at home. In the event of an intrusion, well placed video cameras can gather the evidence needed to give police investigators a good lead to catch the culprit. Visible perimeter cameras also act as a deterrent.

Remote Arming/Remote Alerts/Remote Control Current advanced security systems offer accompanying smart phone apps and web interfaces that allow you to take complete control of your home security. Arming, disarming, locking and unlocking doors, viewing cameras and receiving video alerts are just some of the features that these systems allow you to control from your smart phone, tablet or PC.

Gone are the days where one would have to leave a key under the mat for a visitor without setting the alarm. Remote arming and disarming coupled with video cameras allow one to remotely disarm an alarm and unlock a door.

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Prevention of home burglaries is primary thrust of PPD