Lockouts; why you should call a locksmith!

If you get locked out of your Evanston, IL home, car or business, what is the first thing you should do? 9 out of 10 people would say “call a locksmith” and while that makes sense, would they really do it? Many will panic and others will hesitate. There HAS to be another alternative! Sometimes people fear locksmith help; especially if they have never used one or had a bad experience with a technician in the past. While you don’t have to use Locksmith Pro Evanston, we do recommend that if you find yourself locked out, that you call a licensed, bonded and insured, full service, 24-hour lock and key shop.

Aren’t locksmiths expensive?

“Expensive” is a relative term. How expensive is your safety or your convenience? What is your time worth? How important is it to you to get the job done right and with no damage to your property? Cost is always something that you have to weigh. You do this with every purchase you make, be it food, shelter, entertainment, travel or education. If you get locked out, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of actually hiring a locksmith and if the pros win out, do it!

All lock professionals are not equal. That’s like comparing a 5 Star meal from a trained and experienced chef to a bowl of Cheerios! Sure, a local Evanston, IL handyman or repair person might charge less, but can they do the same job? – Probably not.

Shop around BEFORE you need a locksmith!

Be proactive and start your search for a good lock and key professional now, or at least before you actually need him. If you never find yourself locked out or needing rekey work; great! At least, you were ready. If you do find yourself on the wrong side of a locked door, trunk or vault, you have only to tap the number in your smart phone and your newly vetted lock professional will be on the way!

Start by asking your family members, co-workers, loved ones and neighbors. Who do they recommend or warn against? Keep in mind that people only seem to remember the good experiences or the bad ones and you can learn from both! Ask about service, cost, response time, demeanor, guarantees, quality of hardware and overall experience.

Go a step farther and actually call a few shops. How do they sound when they answer the phone? Were they helpful and polite or did they sound like they just didn’t want to bother? See if they really do provide 24-hour emergency help. Everyone claims to but make them commit to actual round the clock responsive service. Find out how they get calls after hours. Do they retrieve them from an answering machine or voice mail or do they have 24-hour live answer telephone dispatchers to ensure that your call went through? Do they give free price quotes? Do they use quality lock brands complete with warranty coverage?

Don’t smash your way back inside!

Now, use your good judgement here. If you have a child, pet or disabled person inside your car and it’s getting hot outside, do whatever you have to do to get them out! Period! Situations like that are the exceptions, not the rule! For more normal lockouts Locksmith Pro Evanston strongly urges you to stay calm and resist the urge to force your way back in. Don’t pry door frames, smash locks, break glass or start climbing up on the roof like Tarzan! Acting like this can get you injured, arrested and even shot by frightened, well-meaning roommates, neighbors, or police who may not recognize you or know what you are trying to do.

It’s ironic but the people doing the most property damage are usually the ones trying the hardest to save money and not call a locksmith. They don’t realize that it costs more to restore windows, doors and locks than it does to simply pay for a service call. All this doesn’t account for possible cuts, falls and other injuries that take place when innocent folks try to hastily get back inside.

Won’t the police let me back in?

No! Police departments will not respond to lockout situations unless a crime is taking place inside the home, car or building. If a crook locked you out and is still inside, then yes; they will respond. Bear in mind that their goal is not to let you back in but to catch the criminal! They may offer to call a locksmith for you but why get one that they send over and not one that you’ve already selected based on the criteria above?

Smartphone vs payphone

In the old days, people would try and find a payphone in order to call for help. Today, payphone booths are pretty much a thing of the past and the big yellow page books inside are, too. On the other hand, EVERYONE has a mobile device of some kind so why not enter at least one reliable locksmith shop into your contacts section and have it ready?

While you are waiting for your locksmith to come to your aid, it’s a good idea to stay on the phone with someone. This does two things. It calms you down and keeps your mind off of your troubles while you wait. It also provides a live witness in case you run into troubles of any kind.

Real locksmiths are professionals 

Think for a minute about the professionals in your life; your doctor, your lawyer, your realtor, your accountant, etc. What makes them professional? You already know the answer. They are licensed, well-trained, highly skilled, fully insured and they care deeply about their profession. You should view your locksmith the same way. Trust him or her to use their skill and expertise to safely and professionally let you back inside in a timely manner and with no damage to your locks or property in general. Lockouts will happen no matter how careful we are, but you don’t have to face them alone when there are great locksmiths available just for calling!

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY

Every homeowner wants the household to be a sanctuary, a place for everyone to relax in privacy. To enhance your security and guard your peace of mind, it’s essential to observe how all your locks are functioning, to keep an eye on your exterior doors, and to properly monitor the surrounding premises of your property. There are many relatively easy measures you can take to have the best security possible for your place of residence.

Have your family agree to always follow simple daily rules.

• Lock doors and windows every night before you turn in, and whenever you’re out.
• Answer the door only if you know the person. (It’s time to install a peephole if you don’t have one.)
• Always stow your valuables in uncommon places.

Be a good neighbor. Get acquainted with your neighbors, at least on each side of your house, as well as two or three neighbors across the street. Good neighbors watch out for each other. Communicate every so often. Establish trust. It’s not necessary to be friends; just be civil. A good neighbor will watch your home while you’re away. Some might pick up your mail, mow and water your lawn, or help in other ways to make it appear as if you’re home. Be sure to return the favor when given the opportunity.

DIY. If you don’t pay close attention to possible vulnerabilities in your security, your house will be more attractive to a thief. No one’s property is utterly impermeable, but there are many good ways to prevent criminal trespass. Let’s see what you could be overlooking.

Upgrade worn-out or weak locks. Any experienced locksmith will agree that deadbolts provide superior security. Get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe. Heavy-duty is always better. Digital or smart locks will add another layer of security. With some, you can synch your smart locks to your smart device, so you don’t have to use a key at all.

Reinforce your doors. Evaluate the quality of your exterior doors. A hollow door is susceptible, so replace it with a solid-core door made of wood or metal. Strengthen your doors’ locks by replacing the strike plate (that’s the stationary piece where the bolt enters), and mounting a solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. Replace any short mounting screws with longer screws, which reach the door’s studs, thus fortifying the doorframe.

Don’t “hide” a key outside. Do not leave an extra key over the door, under the flower pot, or under your welcome mat. That’s just where an intruder will look. Do you think a keyholder inside a fake rock will be safer? Perhaps, except that a crook will probably already know what it looks like. It’s really better to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend instead.

Secure all windows and any glass doors. Any open window is attractive to a robber. First-floor windows are more at risk, but upper-floor windows are attractive, too, if a prowler can enter by ladder, stairway, balcony, tree, or fence. Therefore, use a blocking device, such as a wooden dowel, on each window to stop someone on the outside from sliding it open. Be sure you can easily remove these window-blocking devices from the inside, though, so people can get out in case of fire.

For ground-level sliding-glass doors, and for horizontally-sliding aluminum windows, anti-lift devices are required. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel, so it can’t be lifted out in the closed position. You can also stick a decal on windows and any glass door, next to the latch mechanisms, indicating that you’re part of a Neighborhood Watch program.

Logically store your keys and garage-door remote. It’s a bad idea to routinely put your keys and remotes near a window or door, visible to anyone outside. Instead, hide them in a drawer or on hooks inside a cupboard door.

Secure your air-conditioner. Use an air-conditioner bracket, a sliding window lock, or corner braces, so a burglar can’t enter through the unsecured opening.

Put your ladder away. Don’t leave a ladder outdoors, because someone with criminal intentions can pretend to be a contractor or handyman, and take the ladder to get inside through a balcony or window.

Protect your garage. A knowledgeable thief can get into your home through the garage without being seen. Therefore, whenever you’re not home, keep your garage door shut and locked.

Keep your yard in order. Regularly trim your shrubs, hedges, plants, and trees. If they’re not properly spaced, ungainly, or too tall, trespassers will have places to hide.

Keep your lights functioning. Install lights near each door, with motion detectors to discourage trespassers. Some lights also respond to fluctuations in daylight, temperature, or sound. Some you can connect to your smart device, so that you’ll be alerted about any undesirable activity and you can respond instantly, even if you’re gone.

Install timers. You can put timers on your porch lights. Make it look like people are home when nobody’s there ~ using timers on your lights, TVs, and radios. If you’re on vacation, you can even get a smart light timer, synced to your smart device, so you can control everything remotely with a mobile app.

Get an alarm system. If it’s within your budget, install an alarm system. Teach everyone in the family to use it correctly and daily. If you don’t arm your alarm system, it’s worthless. Always keep the batteries charged, so your home will remain secure even if a power outage happens. Consider:

• adding a fire alarm;
• adding a carbon monoxide monitor;
• keeping your system on a timing schedule;
• installing a moisture monitor for your basement to detect the first sign of flooding; and
• using a smart device for remote access to your system, so you can monitor and adjust it anytime.

Hire a professional. If you observe weaknesses in your home’s security, to find out how best to remedy each issue, it may be time to hire a reputable local locksmith company. If you’re in Evanston, Illinois, you may want to request a free consultation from a residential locksmith specialist on staff at Locksmith Pro Evanston.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY

Every homeowner wants the household to be a sanctuary, a place for everyone to relax in privacy. To enhance your security and guard your peace of mind, it’s essential to observe how all your locks are functioning, to keep an eye on your exterior doors, and to properly monitor the surrounding premises of your property. There are many relatively easy measures you can take to have the best security possible for your place of residence.

Have your family agree to always follow simple daily rules.

• Lock doors and windows every night before you turn in, and whenever you’re out.
• Answer the door only if you know the person. (It’s time to install a peephole if you don’t have one.)
• Always stow your valuables in uncommon places.

Be a good neighbor. Get acquainted with your neighbors, at least on each side of your house, as well as two or three neighbors across the street. Good neighbors watch out for each other. Communicate every so often. Establish trust. It’s not necessary to be friends; just be civil. A good neighbor will watch your home while you’re away. Some might pick up your mail, mow and water your lawn, or help in other ways to make it appear as if you’re home. Be sure to return the favor when given the opportunity.

DIY. If you don’t pay close attention to possible vulnerabilities in your security, your house will be more attractive to a thief. No one’s property is utterly impermeable, but there are many good ways to prevent criminal trespass. Let’s see what you could be overlooking.

Upgrade worn-out or weak locks. Any experienced locksmith will agree that deadbolts provide superior security. Get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe. Heavy-duty is always better. Digital or smart locks will add another layer of security. With some, you can synch your smart locks to your smart device, so you don’t have to use a key at all.

Reinforce your doors. Evaluate the quality of your exterior doors. A hollow door is susceptible, so replace it with a solid-core door made of wood or metal. Strengthen your doors’ locks by replacing the strike plate (that’s the stationary piece where the bolt enters), and mounting a solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. Replace any short mounting screws with longer screws, which reach the door’s studs, thus fortifying the doorframe.

Don’t “hide” a key outside. Do not leave an extra key over the door, under the flower pot, or under your welcome mat. That’s just where an intruder will look. Do you think a keyholder inside a fake rock will be safer? Perhaps, except that a crook will probably already know what it looks like. It’s really better to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend instead.

Secure all windows and any glass doors. Any open window is attractive to a robber. First-floor windows are more at risk, but upper-floor windows are attractive, too, if a prowler can enter by ladder, stairway, balcony, tree, or fence. Therefore, use a blocking device, such as a wooden dowel, on each window to stop someone on the outside from sliding it open. Be sure you can easily remove these window-blocking devices from the inside, though, so people can get out in case of fire.

For ground-level sliding-glass doors, and for horizontally-sliding aluminum windows, anti-lift devices are required. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel, so it can’t be lifted out in the closed position. You can also stick a decal on windows and any glass door, next to the latch mechanisms, indicating that you’re part of a Neighborhood Watch program.

Logically store your keys and garage-door remote. It’s a bad idea to routinely put your keys and remotes near a window or door, visible to anyone outside. Instead, hide them in a drawer or on hooks inside a cupboard door.

Secure your air-conditioner. Use an air-conditioner bracket, a sliding window lock, or corner braces, so a burglar can’t enter through the unsecured opening.

Put your ladder away. Don’t leave a ladder outdoors, because someone with criminal intentions can pretend to be a contractor or handyman, and take the ladder to get inside through a balcony or window.

Protect your garage. A knowledgeable thief can get into your home through the garage without being seen. Therefore, whenever you’re not home, keep your garage door shut and locked.

Keep your yard in order. Regularly trim your shrubs, hedges, plants, and trees. If they’re not properly spaced, ungainly, or too tall, trespassers will have places to hide.

Keep your lights functioning. Install lights near each door, with motion detectors to discourage trespassers. Some lights also respond to fluctuations in daylight, temperature, or sound. Some you can connect to your smart device, so that you’ll be alerted about any undesirable activity and you can respond instantly, even if you’re gone.

Install timers. You can put timers on your porch lights. Make it look like people are home when nobody’s there ~ using timers on your lights, TVs, and radios. If you’re on vacation, you can even get a smart light timer, synced to your smart device, so you can control everything remotely with a mobile app.

Get an alarm system. If it’s within your budget, install an alarm system. Teach everyone in the family to use it correctly and daily. If you don’t arm your alarm system, it’s worthless. Always keep the batteries charged, so your home will remain secure even if a power outage happens. Consider:

• adding a fire alarm;
• adding a carbon monoxide monitor;
• keeping your system on a timing schedule;
• installing a moisture monitor for your basement to detect the first sign of flooding; and
• using a smart device for remote access to your system, so you can monitor and adjust it anytime.

Hire a professional. If you observe weaknesses in your home’s security, to find out how best to remedy each issue, it may be time to hire a reputable local locksmith company. If you’re in Evanston, Illinois, you may want to request a free consultation from a residential locksmith specialist on staff at Locksmith Pro Evanston.

Locksmith Pro Evanston: Why Homeowners Should Have Deadbolts

There are many great companies around that really care about the safety and well-being of the local people. Locksmith Pro Evanston is one such company. As a matter of fact, they have taken the time to really help out those in Evanston, Illinois, but the information that they have provided could help you, too, even if you aren’t located nearby. It is important that homeowners consider just how important it is to protect their property. In your small apartment, you might have items which are very meaningful to you, and maybe even a pet that you absolutely adore. You want your items to be safe, and you want to know that no one could get in to harm your cat or dog while you are at work. You want to know that you are safe. This idea also applies to those who own condos, single family homes and town houses. Whether you have thousands of dollars’ worth of televisions and electronics or just a vast array of beloved belongings which hold a great deal of meaning, you want to know that you have safety. You can’t put a price tag on true security.

So, what are you supposed to do to ensure you and your property are protected? In this day and age, when thefts take place on a daily basis, how are you supposed to ensure that you don’t have to worry? The lock on your front door just might not be enough. If someone really wanted to, they could break the lock, depending on what type you have, and walk right into your home. This sounds terrifying because it is. You need extra measures installed. You need to have features such as deadbolts. Here, the importance of deadbolts will be discussed, and hopefully you will find information that you never previously knew. A quick Google search will reveal some basic information regarding deadbolts, so if you want to know more, be sure to look online or get on the phone with your local locksmith, whether you happen to be in Illinois or anywhere else in the country.

Why You Need Deadbolts At Your Home

Deadbolts make it even more difficult for a stranger to get into your property. There are many different kinds available, too. Actually, many lock and security professionals will tell you that if you don’t have deadbolts, your property simply isn’t secure.

What Is A Deadbolt?

A deadbolt is a kind of lock that comes with a steel bolt which will extend into the door jamb and strike plate of a door frame. There are different types available, such as the single cylinder deadbolt. This works with a twist knob on the door’s interior and a key on the outside.

Did You Know…

There was more than $4 billion in property loss in the United States in 2013, according to the FBI. The majority of the burglaries were forced entry. It is incredibly important to remember to use the deadbolt, if you have one, for this very reason. A deadbolt is useless if you forget to use it and instead just quickly lock the door.

Kinds of Deadbolts

Have a look at just a few of the different kinds of deadbolts available for purchase.

Schlage Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt – This comes in chrome, nickel and more. It is, as the name suggests, a single cylinder deadbolt that offers maximum protection. It was designed for standard door prep and a locksmith should be able to install it for you. The cost? Less than $30, depending on exactly what you get in terms of material.

Kwikset Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt Featuring SmartKey, 980 Series – For approximately $30, you can own a deadbolt that looks attractive but is also strong and resilient. This single cylinder deadbolt can be unlocked or locked with the use of a key on the outside. A person can also utilize the turn button on the inside. Don’t forget about Smart Key Re-key Technology, which lets a person control who is able to enter their property.

Prime-Line Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Jimmy-Resistant Deadbolt – This item is available for less than $20. This particular deadbolt is one that locks your door to the jamb. It comes with a tamper proof shutter guard.

Baldwin Single Cylinder Venetian Bronze Arched Deadbolt With SmartKey – This typically comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty. It works by using a key on the outside and on the inside there is a turn button.

These are just some of the many different kinds of deadbolts which are available for purchase. They are meant to provide readers with an idea of some of the prices that are available, and some of the items which are available on the market for the best in home protection. Just remember the importance of keeping your home locked up. This is where your family sleeps at night. It is where all or at least the majority of your most valued possessions are stored. It is where you should feel the safest. One way to help make your home safer is to take advantage of a deadbolt. Of course, there are many other security solutions too, and one way to narrow down options is to search online or reach out to a professional.

With all of the different models of deadbolts available, it can be easiest to get on the phone with a local locksmith to ask any questions. Locksmith Pro Evanston is a great lock and security provider in Evanston, IL that has provided all of this helpful information and they are a great place to get in touch with if you are in the area and looking for better security solutions. Remember to make the time to take advantage of a free consultation with a lock and security professional so that all of the information you need can be obtained. The importance of deadbolts simply can’t be disputed.

 

Locksmith Pro Evanston: Why Homeowners Should Have Deadbolts

There are many great companies around that really care about the safety and well-being of the local people. Locksmith Pro Evanston is one such company. As a matter of fact, they have taken the time to really help out those in Evanston, Illinois, but the information that they have provided could help you, too, even if you aren’t located nearby. It is important that homeowners consider just how important it is to protect their property. In your small apartment, you might have items which are very meaningful to you, and maybe even a pet that you absolutely adore. You want your items to be safe, and you want to know that no one could get in to harm your cat or dog while you are at work. You want to know that you are safe. This idea also applies to those who own condos, single family homes and town houses. Whether you have thousands of dollars’ worth of televisions and electronics or just a vast array of beloved belongings which hold a great deal of meaning, you want to know that you have safety. You can’t put a price tag on true security.

So, what are you supposed to do to ensure you and your property are protected? In this day and age, when thefts take place on a daily basis, how are you supposed to ensure that you don’t have to worry? The lock on your front door just might not be enough. If someone really wanted to, they could break the lock, depending on what type you have, and walk right into your home. This sounds terrifying because it is. You need extra measures installed. You need to have features such as deadbolts. Here, the importance of deadbolts will be discussed, and hopefully you will find information that you never previously knew. A quick Google search will reveal some basic information regarding deadbolts, so if you want to know more, be sure to look online or get on the phone with your local locksmith, whether you happen to be in Illinois or anywhere else in the country.

Why You Need Deadbolts At Your Home

Deadbolts make it even more difficult for a stranger to get into your property. There are many different kinds available, too. Actually, many lock and security professionals will tell you that if you don’t have deadbolts, your property simply isn’t secure.

What Is A Deadbolt?

A deadbolt is a kind of lock that comes with a steel bolt which will extend into the door jamb and strike plate of a door frame. There are different types available, such as the single cylinder deadbolt. This works with a twist knob on the door’s interior and a key on the outside.

Did You Know…

There was more than $4 billion in property loss in the United States in 2013, according to the FBI. The majority of the burglaries were forced entry. It is incredibly important to remember to use the deadbolt, if you have one, for this very reason. A deadbolt is useless if you forget to use it and instead just quickly lock the door.

Kinds of Deadbolts

Have a look at just a few of the different kinds of deadbolts available for purchase.

Schlage Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt – This comes in chrome, nickel and more. It is, as the name suggests, a single cylinder deadbolt that offers maximum protection. It was designed for standard door prep and a locksmith should be able to install it for you. The cost? Less than $30, depending on exactly what you get in terms of material.

Kwikset Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt Featuring SmartKey, 980 Series – For approximately $30, you can own a deadbolt that looks attractive but is also strong and resilient. This single cylinder deadbolt can be unlocked or locked with the use of a key on the outside. A person can also utilize the turn button on the inside. Don’t forget about Smart Key Re-key Technology, which lets a person control who is able to enter their property.

Prime-Line Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Jimmy-Resistant Deadbolt – This item is available for less than $20. This particular deadbolt is one that locks your door to the jamb. It comes with a tamper proof shutter guard.

Baldwin Single Cylinder Venetian Bronze Arched Deadbolt With SmartKey – This typically comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty. It works by using a key on the outside and on the inside there is a turn button.

These are just some of the many different kinds of deadbolts which are available for purchase. They are meant to provide readers with an idea of some of the prices that are available, and some of the items which are available on the market for the best in home protection. Just remember the importance of keeping your home locked up. This is where your family sleeps at night. It is where all or at least the majority of your most valued possessions are stored. It is where you should feel the safest. One way to help make your home safer is to take advantage of a deadbolt. Of course, there are many other security solutions too, and one way to narrow down options is to search online or reach out to a professional.

With all of the different models of deadbolts available, it can be easiest to get on the phone with a local locksmith to ask any questions. Locksmith Pro Evanston is a great lock and security provider in Evanston, IL that has provided all of this helpful information and they are a great place to get in touch with if you are in the area and looking for better security solutions. Remember to make the time to take advantage of a free consultation with a lock and security professional so that all of the information you need can be obtained. The importance of deadbolts simply can’t be disputed.

 

Why Have Surveillance System Installed

You may think that the only place where a surveillance camera is necessary at a business. While it is certainly logical for a business owner to have a surveillance system installed, it is just as logical and beneficial to have them installed at your residence. The good news is that it is possible for the average homeowner to purchase a surveillance system. This is because of the demand of such equipment and the advances of technology that the prices have become so affordable. Having a surveillance camera is no longer just for the rich and famous. If you are concerned about your home security, getting a surveillance system installed by someone like Locksmith Pro Evanston in Evanston, Illinois would be a wise decision. If you are apprehensive about having a surveillance system installed, here are some reasons that my help to convince you that it is a smart investment to make.

Peace-of-Mind

Some would say that you just cannot put a price on peace-of-mind. If you’re constantly on edge because you do not feel as though your home is as secure as it needs to be, knowing who is in and around your home at all times may give you the peace-of-mind that you want and need. If you hear a slight noise in the middle of the night, you may not be able to go back to sleep for the rest of the night. Having a surveillance camera installed gives you peace-of-mind. You can contact the authorities if you notice someone on your property whom you do not know. Perhaps it is just a dog or cat walking around your home, no big deal. Regardless of what it might be, you can act accordingly. A surveillance camera can be installed on all of your entryways and windows. You are able to monitor them from the comfort of your bed. If you do not want to keep an eye on these areas of your home, you can hire a service to monitor your home for you. Be advised that there is usually a small fee associated with having a service provider monitor your home. However, you can’t really put a price on security.

 

Deterrent for Intruders

You may not want to deal with the headache of having an intruder caught and dragged into court because you’ll also have to appear. You objective should simply be to deter any potential intruders so that you don’t have to deal with the court system. This is just a waste of everyone’s time, including yours. Instead, having a surveillance system installed with cameras, will usually detract an intruder. When a camera is detected by a would-be intruder they will more than likely go somewhere where they will not be recognized. Some homeowners have fake cameras installed and some apartment complexes also use fake cameras as a way to discourage burglars from targeting their home or building. Although they are not in use, the idea that they may be is enough to make an intruder think twice before taking a chance. They wouldn’t have any way of knowing that the camera is inoperable because they are setup to mimic an actual camera.

 

 

 

Court Evidence

We are not always able to predict the future but we can definitely be prepared for it. Having a surveillance system will certainly come in handy in the event that you have to appear in court. Having a camera in your home gives evidence of who the intruder is. This footage can be used as evidence in court. Law enforcement is capable of tracking down the intruder via the video footage. The amount of video footage that captures the intruder can be set up to capture distances far away, which means that it can also capture their get-away car. Since the monitoring system is generally set in an inconspicuous location the actual intruder doesn’t usually detect it. This means they can’t destroy evidence.

 

Monitoring Home Service Professionals

When you have to have people in your house every day, such as a nanny, the chance that they could be up to no good is always a possibility, even with good references. Hiring an abusive nanny causes many parents anxiety. Having a monitoring system in the home is one way to set their mind at ease. They will se exactly what is going on in their home while they are not there. Remember the monitor can be installed anywhere you would like, including your children’s bedrooms. You can see when your child is being neglected or abused. This also works well when you have an aged parent that you have to leave in the hands of a caregiver. There are many reports of elderly abuse. This can ease your mind in knowing that you can immediately catch them in the act if there is any abuse going on in your home.

 

Being Alert

It isn’t always possible to be alert to all that is going on around you. This is why having a surveillance camera is essential. You may be in your home, working hard trying to get dinner on the table, clean the house, get the kids ready for school, bath the baby and finish up anything you weren’t able to accomplish throughout the rest of the day. If you think about it, you’re not really too concerned with what is going on outside your house. This can be dangerous to you and your neighbors. If someone is casing out your home or neighborhood, you’ll be able to notice this when you are able to monitor the situation. If you’re not capable of monitoring the situation, the monitoring service that you hire can.

 

All of the reasons mentioned above are compelling reasons to invest in a surveillance system. If you are serious about security and making sure you can protect your home and your loved ones, you should contact the services of a local locksmith who is familiar with the various types of surveillance systems that are offered

Oak Park Police On Recent Package Thefts, Pickpockets, Burglaries — And How to Avoid Them

In the wake of continued car burglaries and a recent string of package thefts, Oak Park Police are trying to raise awareness of these common crimes and how to avoid them so that residents can ring in the new year safely.

In a newsletter distributed by the Village of Oak Park, the police department provided the following tips for keeping your family crime-free this season:

Package theft

Many residents across the western suburbs have been reporting to police that their UPS packages, which were left on their doorstep, were swiped by thieves. Sometimes people won’t even realize their items have been stolen until it’s been awhile and they check their package tracking, which will tell them their packages were delivered days ago. To avoid this problem, Oak Park police encourage people to make arrangements for friends, family members or neighbors to be home if you can’t be to accept packages that would otherwise be left outside your home.

Pickpockets

It’s not hard to lose track of your stuff during the holiday shopping rush, and pickpockets know that, Oak Park police say. While out shopping or eating out, keep careful watch over your purses, bags and wallets. “Thieves like bags and purses hanging on chair backs, left in shopping cars, sitting unattended or simply set down while the owner answers a telephone or is otherwise distracted,” the cops said.

Auto burglaries

Packages and valuables left visible in cars are bait for thieves, police warn. Even if your car is locked, being able to see your valuables is an “invitation to thieves who may be willing to damage your vehicle to get at them.” And — be careful if you have to make multiple trips to and from your car while unloading groceries or other items.

Car theft

There is a rise in car theft in the colder months, police said, because more cars tend to be left unattended while owners wait for them to warm up, unlocked and running with the keys in the ignition. Oak Park cops say this can happen on the street, in a garage or even when making a super quick stop at a store. They also remind residents that it’s not only dangerous, but illegal to leave a running car unattended.

Be updated with the useful blogs at Oak Park Police On Recent Package Thefts, Pickpockets, Burglaries — And How to Avoid Them.