Should You Use an IP CCTV Camera?

Today’s newer technologies that have been incorporated into surveillance systems have given us tremendous amounts of control, capabilities and flexibility.

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With an IP CCTV camera, the last statement can never be any truer.

What is an IP CCTV camera?
An IP CCTV camera is largely used for surveillance, and works pretty much the same as an analogue CCTV camera in many respects. However, an IP CCTV camera is far more superior in terms of quality.

The images and sounds transmitted by an IP CCTV camera are digital. They can be remotely configured. Even the sensors of the camera can also be configured remotely. An IP CCTV camera can be incorporated with built-in web servers to allow for live surveillance, configuration and recording of images and sound across a network of computers. In other words, you can use or operate an IP CCTV camera through the Internet, which brings us to some of its incredible advantages.

The advantages of an IP CCTV camera
Flexibility and incredible amount of control sum up the advantages of an IP CCTV camera. The following is the breakdown of what it has to offer:

♦ An existing and working network can be used without the help of long distance cables.
♦ IP surveillance cameras are extremely portable.
♦ It can be conveniently installed anywhere, anytime.
♦ A single IP security camera can be controlled simultaneously from multiple locations.
♦ Any PC or server can be used to control and record data from the IP CCTV camera.
♦ Any amount of recordings can be done per camera simultaneously from multiple locations.
♦ Each camera’s bandwidth can be adjusted differently.
♦ Data recorded by the IP security camera can be shared in different hard drive spaces across multiple networks.
♦ An IP CCTV can be accessorised with alarm systems which can be monitored from remote locations.

How does an IP CCTV surveillance system work?
The digital images and sound captured by an IP CCTV camera are sent over a local area network, or LAN. They are then sent to a computer server. The images and sounds are converted to MPEG-4 or H.264 digital video format which is transmitted over the network infrastructure.

With most IP CCTV systems, the digital images and sounds can be recorded or viewed from any location in the world.

To know more about CCTV systems, just click here.

For more information on IP-based CCTV surveillance cameras, call Newhams Security on 1300 133 343.

Five Home Security Flaws in Many Sydney Homes

“No thieves allowed” isn’t something you can just put out to keep intruders away, and they certainly don’t need any welcome banners to allow them into your home. They can simply help their way in, thanks to some security flaws in the property.

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If you are unaware of the flaws in your home security system or any security measures that you may have set up on your own, the following will walk you through those flaws with recommendations on how to remedy them.

Hiding your home’s keys in the same places over and over again. Most commonly, we hide the keys under the flower pot, under the door mat or under one of the rocks that lie around on the ground.

The thing is, those are likely the places where thieves will look for the keys first. If you’re still hiding the keys in the same place for more than 10 years, maybe it’s time to consider hiding them somewhere else. Or, better yet, why don’t you bring along those keys?

Broken or old locks on windows and doors. There’s a good reason why locks are set up on doors and windows. They’re there to discourage break-ins. If they’re broken, you make it extremely effortless for intruders to help their way into your home. Old locks, on the other hand, are just as bad as broken locks. That’s because intruders are extremely skilled in unlocking locks. Be sure to fix broken locks or upgrade them if needed.

Keeping a vulnerable landscape. A backyard that has thick bushes, large trees and other large objects is a vulnerable place. That’s because there’s just plenty of places where an intruder can hide and wait for the right moment to strike. That’s why make a point of regularly trimming those bushes and leaves from trees. Keep your backyard clear of any large objects that could serve as hiding places for burglars.

Lack of lighting is another vulnerability that should be eliminated from your home. Darkness is a thief’s ally. That’s why keep hidden areas in and around your home well-lit during the night time and keep the lights on in those areas. You can also use motion-triggered lighting systems. They are automatically turned on when sensors pick up movements on designated places. That should send intruders running faster than they can say “lights.”

Reluctance to set up a good home security system. You don’t need fancy security systems. All you need is one that works well in deterring intruders. You can opt for an alarm security system or a CCTV camera system, whichever suits your security needs. Statistically speaking, a home that is armed with a good security system is a much safer home.

You don’t have to wait for thieves to break-in to your home to test how well your own security measures hold. If any of the security flaws we’ve discussed above is present in your home, you need to do something about it right away.

To know more about home security systems, click here for a graphical information you might just need.

For more information on setting up a home security system, visit Newhams Security or call 1300 133 343 today.

How CCTV Security Systems Help Find Criminal Leads

Sandee Blackburn’s unfortunate plight is still all over the news. Her mother, Vicki Blackburn, is still searching for answers to her murder. But Ms. Blackburn’s quest for answers may soon be over as CCTV security systems could provide some valuable leads for the crime.

Click here for more details about the news.

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Sandee was captured on different CCTV cameras as she walked along Juliet St and Boddington St on her way home.

It was after nearly three months that Ms. Blackburn had to come face to face with the gruesome reality that her daughter had been murdered just a bit off from home as she was on her way from work.

Neighbors who witnessed the crime tried to save Shandee, but she had sustained multiple stab wounds that almost left her dead instantly. She was 23 years old.

Ms. Blackburn was thankful to those who tried to help her daughter, stating that Shandee was not left alone when she died.

The hunt is still on for Shandee’s killer. However, the authorities are looking into evidences that have been produced by the CCTV cameras around the crime scene.

Is there hope? With valuable clues left by the CCTV camera footage and other information, there certainly is. This makes for a strong case as to why it’s important to have a good CCTV and security system in place.

The CCTV camera and security system advantage
There is no doubt to the indispensability of CCTV cameras and other forms of security systems. They offer tremendous advantages including:

Crime deterrence – While the CCTV cameras around the place where Shandee was murdered did nothing to stop the crime, CCTV cameras have proven to be effective crime deterrent in many places around the globe. Criminals have been stopped at their tracks upon seeing CCTV cameras and security systems set in place where they intended to carry out their heinous plan.

Peace of mind – Having a CCTV system installed certainly does a lot to make people feel more secure. Homeowners feel safer knowing that they have a set of virtual eyeballs keeping an eye out on their properties for them. Business owners feel secure knowing that they can monitor their employees and business even when they’re away.

For prosecution – CCTV footages can be used as evidences when prosecuting criminals.

For more information on CCTV cameras and other security systems such as alarm systems, click here or call 1300 133 343 today.

Another Serious Case of High Profile Security Lapse

You simply can’t leave things to chance. It’s hard to imagine people allowing the things they hold dear such as their loved ones, their properties or their business vulnerable to risk. That’s why you and I should make a point of safeguarding the things that are important to us any way we can.

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And some of the ways we can protect the things that matter to us is by way of setting up security measures including some of today’s sophisticated security systems.

Securing your property or your business goes beyond conventional door locks. These days, as burglars grow more sophisticated in their cunning ways, there’s a growing need for more sophisticated equipment to thwart intrusion.

Without a good security system, you leave your property or business vulnerable. Such is the case with the recent high profile theft that happened in a place where security is supposed to be riddled with everything high-tech and secure.

Very recently, huge storage areas of drugs, guns and other illegal stuff that were seized by Australias Customs Service have been burglarised. The incident has been attributed to weak security measures. This comes as quite a shock as you would image the Customs Service to secure such an area rigorously.

The vast stores in question included 12,792 items seized by the agency between 2011 and 2012. About 90 percent of those items were drugs, tobacco and firearms as recorded by the Custom’s Detained Goods Management System. Each one of the items has been classified and processed.

In 2012, the Custom stores have been reported by the Australian National Audit Office as having serious security weakness. The weakness has been observed in the agency’s facilities across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and the ACT.

As a case in point, the audit reportedly found an armoury that has been left open each working day, allowing staff to come and go effortlessly. It was a negligence on the part of the Customs that is against the internal gun safety rules.

Among other things, the Customs has also been found to have slack management of computer cataloguing systems, as well as gaps in CCTV surveillance.

What happened at the Customs was utterly unacceptable. If security lapse has been found in one of the government’s agencies where security is supposed to be tight, isn’t it likely to be found elsewhere?

To know more about CCTV cameras, it’s advantages & disadvantages, click here.

To find out more about properly securing your property or business with advanced security systems in Sydney, call Newhams Security at 1300 133 343 or visit us today.

Tips On How To Prevent Home Theft Infogrpahic

Looking for a solution that will give us some piece of mind knowing our homes are theft-proof. Unfortunately there isn’t a single solution for this however if you follow this info-graphic is shows some of the practical things you can do to effectively deter intruders.

As you can see there are a number of preventative measures you can enforce at your home or business to deter thieves. If you want to know more about security systems, click here.

For more information, visit us today or call 1300 133 343.

Alarm Monitoring and Other Ways to Protect Your Home

Your home deserves every bit of protection that you can afford, for inside it live the most precious people – your family. The kinds of protection you give your home varies. There’s protection needed against the harsh elements of the environment and protection against fire. But nothing is more important than protecting the home against intrusion.

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Monitored alarm systems indeed provide the type of protection that every family needs against intruders. However, there are other things needed to be set in place beyond the high tech systems to equip every family with ample amounts of protection against intruders. Family members should also be equipped with the information that they need to know should the home be invaded.

The following are some things that every household should implement for a safer home.

Develop a safety plan
Computers are commonly protected with several layers of security against hackers and viruses that could compromise important data. The same should also be done with home security. That’s why each home should have develop a strong safety plan to increase the level of home’s security and the likelihood of survival in the event that the home is invaded.

When coming up with a safety plan, consider the following:

Be sure to write down the plan and have the entire family review it constantly
Write down emergency phone numbers and place them in conspicuous areas inside the home
Plan an escape route that every family member can easily use
Run an rehearsal to make sure that every family member knows the plan by heart

Install monitored alarm systems
Determined intruders are cunning, and nothing stops them from invading a home. However, a monitored alarm system that is capable of detecting home security breach and that gives off loud alarms, should be able to buy you time to act. And with a monitored alarm system that has a backup dialer, you wouldn’t have to worry even if the intruder has cut your phone line. The police will still be alerted about your situation.

Remember to always set your monitored alarm system if you have one installed.

Also, it’s a good idea to post signs on prominent areas in the home that say your home is protected with security systems. This way, burglars will have to think many times before deciding on whether to carry out their dark plans and risk their own safety.

Calling emergency numbers
Having a monitored alarm system in place should be sufficient to alert the authorities should your home be invaded. When there’s a breach, the police station is automatically and immediately alerted to send help your way fast.

However, it’s also recommended to dial 000 just to be sure. Also, calling an emergency number provides the authorities a confirmation that you are indeed in distress.

To make dialing emergency numbers faster, ensure that every phone in your home is equipped with an auto-dialer or equipped with a one-click call feature. Assign a number or button for emergency numbers that every family member should easily remember.

Also, make sure to teach your children how to call emergency numbers. Above all, should your home be invaded, keep calm and level headed so you would remember to do everything you have planned.

To know more about security systems and alarm systems, click here.

For more information on implementing monitored alarm systems in your Sydney home, visit us today or call 1300 133 343.

Simple Tips to Monitoring and Protecting Children

The world is a dangerous place. Nothing can guarantee our children’s safety, but with effective monitoring strategies, we can have some peace of mind.

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Improving safety measures at home is especially helpful when we need to be away, leaving our children alone or with a nanny. What follows are some practical tips for making our home, possibly other places, safer for our kids.

A checklist of things you should do when going away
There will be instances when you need to go away and leave the children alone by themselves or with an accompanying adult. These days you simply can’t trust anyone, so you need to take extra steps to make sure the kids are safe.

Keep in touch. Make a point of always calling the kids on the phone to see how they’re doing. If the kids need to step out of the house, instruct them to call you as soon as they leave and when they’re back.
Leave important information. Leave important phone numbers by the phone or post them on the fridge. Phone numbers should include those for the fire department, relatives, doctors and neighbors who can provide immediate help when kids are in distress.
Teach the kids what to do in times of emergency. Teach them who to call and what to say when they are hurt, when a fire broke out or when an intruder is trying to get into the house.
Set proper expectations and rules. Set very clear instructions for your kids when they are home alone such as whether they can use the Internet or they can invite friends over.

Kids mature in different ways, and there’s no exact age when kids are ready to be left alone at home. It all boils down to proper training. Also, keep in mind that there could be certain state laws that don’t allow children to be left home alone at a certain age, so be sure to be informed about such laws.

If you feel that the kids are matured and ready enough to be left alone and you are comfortable about it, talk to them about it. You could do some training with the kids on things to do when they are alone before finally leaving them on their own.

Setting up monitored alarm system at home
These days, there are lots of devices that can help us monitor our precious belongings, our home and our kids even when we are very far away from them. The past few years have seen the explosion and improvement of monitored alarm systems. We’ve also seen the growth of their importance from just being a necessity to utility for most families.

And with the alarming reports about intrusion at home, it’s even more important these days to install monitored alarms, especially if there are certain times when kids are needed to be left home alone.

Installing monitored alarms provide lots of benefits including:

Peace of mind for when you’re away and the kids are alone
A central monitoring system is alerted when the alarm goes off so the authorities can respond right away
24/7 protection so that no matter how long you need to be away, you can rest assured that the kids are out of harm’s way.

Kids should always be accompanied by their parents at home, but for times when you need to be away, keep these tips in mind.

For more information on alarm monitoring in Sydney, visit Newhams Security or call 1300 133 343 today. You can also visit some of our blog posts in relation to security systems that you can rely on.

A Friendly Reminder Infographic

Newhams Security shows you some of the ways on how to prevent theft but, without knowing how, when, where to start and what benefits we can get from it, we won’t be able to maximize the level of security for your home. This photo will answer all the questions. Check out the image below and see the benefits it can bring you:

For more information about home security systems, you can visit our home security systems page. You can also visit our other info-graphics here.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CCTV Cameras

One of the benefits of the advances in technology is the enhancement of security. Today, we don’t only depend on security personnel but also on electronic devices that are state-of-the-art and effective. Closed circuit television cameras or CCTV cameras are used in many situations in order to provide video surveillance. Universities, businesses and even government institutions use CCTV systems to monitor the students, employees and other people. It’s also used to prevent crimes. But, the use of CCTV monitoring is not without a debate.

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Advantages

 
• Deter Crime
CCTV systems help in preventing all kinds of crime from an employee stealing from the office supply room to a theft from a jewelry store. If the employees know that there are cameras then they are much less likely to try and steal from the office. If a criminal see that the store has cameras then they would be more likely to just move on to an easier target.

 
• Maintain documentation and evidence

The latest CCTV systems have not only video capabilities, but audio as well. This allows the cameras to be more effective than ever at offering a record of how things happen. In legal cases, eyewitnesses can forget some information or keep in mind the order of the events as they happened. However with CCTV, the authorities or the court can see the real series of activities as they occurred.

• Save a lot of money
Some companies are investing less money on security employees. These companies are able to successfully pass those benefits along to their clients with reduced costs. Certain CCTV cameras may also allow organizations to do away with costly time keeping techniques, again enabling organizations to reduce expenses.
Disadvantages

• CCTV not always reliable
Unfortunately, CCTV isn’t usually able to show every part of a building. Even if the cameras are placed properly, there is no assurance that the cameras will capture any criminal activity or undesirable actions. The fact is, these cameras can be covered with sticking something over the lenses like gum or spray painting. As such, all actions will not be recorded. If however you have a high quality state of the art alarm system installed on your premises you are more likely to be able to cover yourself if the CCTV cameras are vandalized in any way.

• Invasion of privacy and distrust
Some critics of CCTV systems argue that these are tools that invade the privacy of the students and employees. It also assumes that the students and employees will do something wrong which is why there is a need to monitor and record all their moves.
Like any other device, CCTV cameras have advantages and disadvantages. The company can decide better when it knows the advantages and disadvantages of CCTV systems and the priorities of the company.

Key Benefits of Back to Base Security Monitoring

Back-to-base security monitoring is fast becoming the only real way to keep your home, office or other vital infrastructure safe, and is making life extremely difficult for would-be thieves, intruders, vandals and other criminal threats. The following is a brief guide to just some of the main benefits of back-to-base security monitoring.

24/7 monitoring

One of the biggest advantages of back-to-base monitored alarms is that you will have someone keeping watch on your place day and night, every day of the year, meaning there is no chance of any threat to your home or business property being able to arrive undetected. Whether it is in the middle of the day on a work day or at midnight on New Year’s Eve, with back-to-base security monitoring you will always have your security company keeping an eye out for you and aware the second something starts to happen.

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