Author Archives: centraladmin

  1. 6 Security Tips to Keep Criminals at Bay

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    Tip 1: Make it look like someone is home

    Studies are pretty clear that criminals burglarize homes based solely on their opportunity to do so. If a home is more trouble than it’s worth, they will move on. Solutions like motion lights, exterior flood lights, automatic interior lights and utilizing features such as smarthome lighting are all excellent ways to make your home an uneasy target for would-be thieves.

    Tip 2: Put valuables in a safe

    Sometimes even with the best laid plans, you may be a victim of burglary. It’s a pretty good idea to protect your most vital possessions and identity information, such as passports and birth certificates, in a safe. This can also help protect them against fire if the safe is correctly fire-rated. We always recommend adding the extra layer of security of a home safe just in case.

    Tip 3: Invest in Cameras

    Today it is easier than ever to add security cameras to your home. This might simply be adding a doorbell camera to your front door. Exterior cameras can also now be wireless depending on the type of camera and features you are after. Cameras can both deter burglars and help you identify burglars if you do experience a home burglary. Doorbell cameras have also become very effective to deter porch thieves that are after delivery boxes.

    These devices also give you the added benefit of mobile app functionality. This allows you to view your home and interact with people that are dropping off packages when your at work or even on vacation.

    Tip 4: Don’t Overshare on Social Media

    The temptation to always talk about when we’re leaving town or new large purchases can make you more vulnerable than you might think. You can also accidentally post sensitive information like your address if your not careful. Be mindful while online because you never know who will see your posts – it may simply be a friend of a friend that now has access to information such as where you live and how long you will be out of town. Nearly every burglar that will break into a home is utilizing Facebook and Twitter on a regular basis.

    Tip 5: Keep Spare Keys Secure

    One of the startling statistics most homeowners don’t know is that over 60% of burglaries occur by someone walking right into the front door, either by using a key or it was unlocked. Many people try and hide keys around their property. We can absolutely guarantee this does not work. If you think of a clever place to put a key, so can a criminal. In fact, most people seem to come up with the same ideas on where best to hide keys, making it rather easy for most experienced criminals to find them.

    Tip 6: Secure Sheds & Garages

    Don’t let sheds and garages be an afterthought. Just because we don’t live in them, they usually end up being out of sight and out of mind. But most people keep valuable possessions in their garages and sheds including cars, atv’s, lawnmowers, expensive tools and other valuables. Don’t assume your house is the only part of your property at risk of being burglarized. Protect your possessions by keeping your garage and shed doors closed and securing them with extra locks when needed.

    As always, we want to make sure you know that we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your security. We even offer free Home or Business security assessments just so that we can showcase why we’ve been successful in Tucson for nearly a century! Call or Email us today to learn more.

  2. 4 Must Have Home Security Features

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    Here are 4 “must have” solutions for homeowners to help protect their homes right here in Tucson. Central Alarm has been keeping you safe for over 80 years. We’re dedicated to your safety with the very best security solutions in Tucson.

    1. Install Motion Lighting

    Burglars are continually on the lookout for opportunities to get into an empty home and get out without anyone noticing them. Motion lights are a cheap and effective way to do just that. Initially, it puts doubt in the mind about whether or not someone is actually home. Certainly they are now visible instead of in darkness. Motion lights around access points of your home can cost as little as $15, and can help you alert neighbors to suspicious activity and also have the added benefit of security while you are not at home.

    2. Add a Deadbolt Protector

    Many burglars may know how to pick a lock regardless of what the packaging indicates. There are even YouTube channels dedicated to how quickly “pick-proof locks” can be bypassed. A tool that you can implement is actually going to physical hinder someone’s ability to open the door if it’s been picked or not, which is a deadbolt protector. This slides over your deadbolt that physical stops the deadbolt from being turned. You can find these in almost any hardware store or online for only a few dollars.

    3. Reinforce Sliding Doors and Windows

    Sliding doors and windows are probably the single easiest entry point in most homes. The locks are incredibly basic and are easy to bypass without specialized tools. If you don’t want to fit all your entries with more expensive and complex locking mechanisms, you can simply use a lockbar across each entry to make opening it impossible from the outside without breaking the glass.

    4. Get a Security System

    While this sounds like an obvious “must have” from an alarm company, there is no getting around the stats. Based on nearly every study ever done in criminology with real burglars reveals that they are continually looking for alarm systems in order to avoid them. The fact is there are plenty of homes that do not have security systems, which means those that do are just more trouble than it’s worth.

    Do yourself a favor and look into adding a security system to your home. While you might not want to incur the additional cost, just like insurance it’s expensive until it prevents a catastrophe. Alarm systems are more affordable than ever, with all the bells and whistles you can imagine, including 24 hour monitoring provided locally right here in Tucson. Give us a call and you’ll be surprised with how easy and affordable it can be!

    Click Here to Get Started Today!

  3. Upgrade Your Security System Today!

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    Have you had the same old security system in place for as long as you can remember? Maybe you even moved into the home and the previous owner had a security system in place that you are not even paying for any longer. Or maybe it’s supposedly working but you haven’t ever tested it.

    Out of Sight Out of Mind

    Home security is a lot like insurance. It’s something we set up, try to get the best price on, and then move on. And like insurance, it might be 5 or even 10 years before you even review it again. This represents the majority of homeowners that have aging security systems that in some cases may not even work right. You might also have set up a security system from a large national alarm chain years ago and are overpaying for basic service, and these companies are more than happy to keep taking your money each month. What we encourage you to do is simply take a moment to look at your security profile today and see what you actually have and what you are paying for.

    Get an Upgrade Today!

    It’s time for an upgrade. Our alarm professionals can visit you today and provide a complete overview including modern features to help keep your home or business safe. We offer free security reviews so that you can see what we recommend before committing to anything.

    Central Alarm offers the very latest in alarm technology that includes camera solutions, doorbell cameras, and online access through a mobile app all with 24/7 monitoring that is affordable enough to even save you money from a larger alarm company.

  4. A Case for Cameras

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    Cameras are becoming a popular addition to the security solutions available to Tucson homeowners today. They are becoming increasingly inexpensive and are now tying into “Smarthome” solutions that bring many features together into a mobile app. Central Alarm utilizes the very latest technology to augment all of our security solutions to give our customers the best products available today. If you think the national security providers have a technological “leg up”, we’d encourage you to see how Central Alarm can bring the latest technology to your home for the same cost or less.

    Do Security Cameras Stop Crime?

    While you can’t simply say they stop crime, or that they directly reduce it, the evidence points to that they are a major deterrent for criminals looking to successfully burglarize a home. Many studies where criminals were surveyed show that they moved on to other homes in most cases if there were visible cameras at a home they were looking to break into.

    A recent Municipal Technical Advisory Survey took a comprehensive look at camera usage and found that yes, CCTV cameras are effective in deterring crime. However, they’re more effective when paired with other elements like lighting. So they can’t simply claim to stop crime as a stand-alone solution.

    If you’d like to see how affordably we can add cameras to your security profile either in your home or business, please give us a call today and you can get any questions answered and even schedule a free security review from one of our professional technicians.

  5. Are Doorbell Cameras Effective to Reduce Crime?

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    If you don’t have a doorbell camera, chances are you’ve certainly seen one. This is one of the newest additions that many homeowners have been adding because it’s economical and it adds a real layer of security to your home that is practical.

    A doorbell camera is installed in place of a regular doorbell, using the exact same wiring in most cases. This enables you to utilize an online app to view, record and even communicate with people that approach your door – whether you are at home or not. Do these solutions actually reduce crime though? The answer appears to be a resounding YES.

    Surveying 422 burglars across North Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky, the University of North Carolina’s Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology found that most burglars considered outdoor cameras and other surveillance signs and equipment when choosing which homes to burgle. 60 percent of burglars said that if they found an alarm, they’d choose another target, and half said they’ leave immediately if they found an alarm during the burglary.

    View Source Here

    Central Alarm has been providing exceptional security solutions in Tucson Arizona for more than 80 years. Part of our responsibility to our customers is to use the latest technology to keep them safe. That’s why we utilize doorbell cameras in our security solutions. Contact one of our security professionals today to get a home assessment. Part of our proposed solution will include a doorbell camera as a standard feature our systems provide. See why we’ve kept the great reputation of keeping you safe here at home for nearly a century!

  6. Security Solutions for Businesses

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    Business owners face a number of challenges every day, one of which is keeping their property protected. With a number of risks, including theft, vandalism, and even violent crimes, it is important for businesses to take the necessary steps to protect their assets, employees, and customers. One of the most effective ways to do this is by hiring an alarm company for business security.

    As a business, you probably don’t want to try and use a less expensive “self created” security solution. These types of solutions in general are built more for the consumer home market. Business needs require a separate set of skills and knowledge because the rules and requirements differ for businesses and corporations.

    Alarm companies provide businesses with a range of security services that are designed to keep their property safe. These services include everything from video surveillance and access control to burglar alarms and fire detection. By investing in these services, businesses can benefit in a number of ways.

    Strong Deterrent

    The first and most obvious benefit of hiring an alarm company is that it provides a strong deterrent against criminal activity. Simply having visible security cameras, alarm systems, and other security measures in place can discourage potential criminals from targeting your business. In the event that a criminal does attempt to break into your property, an alarm system will sound, alerting the authorities and increasing the chances of catching the culprit.

    Another benefit of using an alarm company for business security is that it provides peace of mind. Business owners can rest easy knowing that their property is being monitored around the clock by trained security professionals. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing business owners to focus on running their business instead of worrying about security concerns.

    Alarm companies can also help businesses save money in the long run. While there is a cost associated with hiring a security company, it is often much less than the cost of replacing stolen or damaged property. Additionally, businesses that have experienced theft or other security breaches may see their insurance premiums increase, which can be costly in the long run. By investing in an alarm company, businesses can potentially avoid these additional costs.

    Invest in Your Business Through Your Security

    Investing in an alarm company for business security is a smart decision for any business owner. By providing a strong deterrent against criminal activity, offering peace of mind, potentially saving money, and providing valuable data and insights, alarm companies offer a range of benefits that can help businesses stay safe and secure. With so many risks facing businesses today, it is important to take every possible step to protect your property and assets.

    Want to Learn More? Visit our business security solutions hub to find out how we can help you!

  7. Insurance Discounts

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    Yes, there are several advantages to using a professional alarm company for your home security needs. Here are some of the main benefits:

    1. Expertise and Experience Professional alarm companies have extensive expertise and experience in home security systems. They have trained professionals who can recommend the best security solutions for your home, and who can install and maintain your system to ensure that it is functioning properly.
    2. 24/7 Monitoring Most professional alarm companies provide 24/7 monitoring services, which means that your home is being monitored even when you’re not there. If your alarm is triggered, the monitoring center will immediately alert the authorities, which can help to prevent theft or damage to your property.
    3. Remote Access and Control Many professional alarm companies offer remote access and control of your security system, which allows you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can arm or disarm your system, view live video feeds, and receive alerts if there is any unusual activity in your home.
    4. Increased Peace of Mind Knowing that your home is being monitored and protected by a professional alarm company can provide you with increased peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your home and your family are safe and secure, even when you’re not there.
    5. Insurance Discounts Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have a professional alarm system installed in their homes. This can help to offset the cost of the system, making it a more affordable option for many homeowners.

    While there is a cost associated with using a professional alarm company, the benefits can far outweigh the expense. Ultimately, the decision to use a professional alarm company for your home security needs will depend on your budget, your security concerns, and your personal preferences.

  8. The Advantages of a Professional Alarm Provider

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    In a world of increasingly numerous options in the market for self-installed alarm systems, we get many questions about the advantages of using a professional Tucson alarm provider for your security needs.

    Expertise and Experience are the primary reason why hiring an alarm company is the best option for most homeowners in Tucson.  Professional alarm companies have extensive expertise and experience in home security systems. They have trained professionals who can recommend the best security solutions for your home, and who can install and maintain your system to ensure that it is functioning correctly.

    24/7 Monitoring means that your home is being monitored even when you’re not there. If your alarm is triggered, the monitoring center will immediately alert the authorities, which can help to prevent theft or damage to your property.  Additionally, DIY solutions do come with monitoring options.  However, once these services are added on and you have upgraded to utilize all the features, you’re spending about the same amount.

    Remote Access and Control means that professional alarm companies offer remote access and control of your security system, which allows you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can arm or disarm your system, view live video feeds, and receive alerts if there is any unusual activity in your home.

    Increased Peace of Mind is knowing that your home is being monitored and protected by a professional alarm company can provide you with increased peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your home and your family are safe and secure, even when you’re not there.

    Call Central Alarm today to see how we can help YOU enjoy the peace of mind working with a local company right here in Tucson can give you. Call (520) 600-6548 today, or you can Contact Us via email or submit a request.

  9. Vacation Tips to Keep Your Home Safe from Burglary

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    Going on vacation can be a great way to relax and recharge, but it’s important to take steps to keep your home safe while you’re away. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe from robbery while you’re on vacation:

    Stop Mail and Newspaper Delivery
    Depending on the duration of your trip, a pile of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox is a telltale sign that no one is home. Make sure to stop mail and newspaper delivery while you’re away or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up for you.  If this isn’t a great option for you, having a neighbor pick up your mail and packages is a great way to prevent this from being an obvious sign you are not home.

    Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
    Set timers for lights and electronics to create the impression that someone is home. This can help to deter burglars who may be watching your home. Consider setting timers for TVs, radios, and even a fake TV simulator to simulate the flicker of a television.

    Have a Trusted Neighbor Keep an Eye on Your Home
    Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. They can check for any suspicious activity and notify you or the authorities if necessary. Make sure to give them a spare key and contact information in case of an emergency.

    Secure Doors and Windows
    Make sure all doors and windows are properly secured with high-quality locks. Consider installing window bars or reinforced glass for added protection. Don’t forget to lock the door leading from your garage to your home, and consider installing a deadbolt if you don’t already have one.

    Use a Security System
    If you have a security system, make sure it is armed before you leave. Consider upgrading to a smart security system that can be controlled remotely and that sends alerts to your phone if it detects any unusual activity.  Using modern tools like what you receive from Central Alarm will enable you to have live monitoring from our local security professionals, but also instant access to your home security feeds and status through your phone.

    Don’t Publicize Your Vacation Plans on Social Media
    While it may be tempting to post about your vacation plans on social media, this can be a security risk. Burglars may be able to see your posts and know when you’re away from home. Wait until you’re back home to share your vacation photos and stories.

    Have a Trusted Friend or Family Member House-Sit
    If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, consider having a trusted friend or family member house-sit. This can provide an added layer of security and ensure that your home is being looked after while you’re away.

    By taking these steps, you can help to keep your home safe from robbery while you’re on vacation. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to home security, so don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.

  10. Pinetop-Lakeside Security Provider

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    Has it been a while since you have seriously looked at your home security profile? We encourage our local homeowners and business owners to regularly assess their security systems and capabilities because this is something we tend to keep out of sight and out of mind. Before you know it, a decade has passed and we’re not even completely sure the alarm system that is installed even works.

    Here are just some of the reasons to use a security system professional like Central Alarm for your local Tucson or Pinetop-Lakeside home:

    Expertise

    Professional alarm companies have years of experience and expertise in home security. They can help you identify vulnerabilities in your home and provide solutions to address them. They also stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and can recommend the best security systems for your needs.

    24/7 Monitoring

    One of the biggest advantages of using a professional alarm company is 24/7 monitoring. This means that if an alarm is triggered, the monitoring center will immediately be alerted and can contact you and the authorities if necessary. This provides an extra layer of protection and ensures that your home is being monitored even when you’re not there.

    Faster Response Time

    Professional alarm companies have direct connections to local law enforcement and emergency services. This means that if there is an emergency at your home, the authorities can be contacted immediately, which can result in a faster response time than if you were to call them yourself.

    Support

    Professional alarm companies offer ongoing support for your security system. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact their customer support team for assistance.

    Get the very best today and enjoy increased Peace of Mind Knowing that your home is being monitored and protected by a professional alarm company can provide you with increased peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your home and your family are safe and secure, even when you’re not there. Call Central Alarm Today!