I am often surprised that there are those that believe that a good noise maker, or a sticker on the door, is a security system. Each year there is a company or two that wants to save a few dollars at the expense of thousands and yesterday was no different.
In December 2008, we installed a VoIP Business Class telephone system, network associated hardware and a security system for a growing company in a new structure. The business structure was on a well-lit street in a well-traveled area. When we had completed the installation, the owner decided not to monitor with us and chose another reputable security company for that need. When we asked why, he stated that he did not want to upset his neighbor any further since he was not awarded the installation contract and that the neighbor was one of the owners of that company. He stated that they would do the monitoring and I might add here, for a higher price! Things you do for neighbor’s right? Now two months pass.
Then the call came in for a CCTV camera system came in. Sure enough, when talking to the customer, they stated that they had been broken into the previous night and the thieves stole thousands of dollars of equipment and inventory. When asked how did it happen they stated that the service for monitoring was not implemented because of cost! Unbelievable! So, here are some simple things to remember about your security system.
1. Burglars will not stop to read signs nor do they stop long enough to read the window or yard sign. Do not assume that they even care if there is a sign in the window. Often, they will pop a door or window open and see what happens one night only to return the next week to complete the robbery. In this situation, they tore off the speaker so that the noise would stop. Although the noisemaker was functioning (until the speaker was destroyed), no one was notified.
2. Test the system once a month to make sure that the system is functioning properly. You should do this each time you receive an invoice for the service. Don’t assume things are working test the system often.
3. Make sure the call list is current. When your security system is installed, your installer should have given you a copy. Check that list from time to time to insure that all the users are listed, telephone numbers have not changed and that it is up to date.
Remember, signs and speakers are inanimate objects, they will not tell anyone the story.
