Do You Really Need a Security System?

We are still living in a world where crime is an issue many homeowners deal with yearly. To know that your home is safe no matter the situation, it is important to have security solutions that will keep the property and you safe. Arkansas Security provides solutions you need to deter some of the most common crimes. Trespassing Trespassing on most occasions is a nuisance, but in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to higher-level crimes. Our wireless home security cameras or CCTV cameras allow you to see who is around your property and give you the time to narrow down the best course of action. Also, by having a camera, you are likely to deter trespassing from occurring. Break-ins Break-ins are one of the most common crimes. Not only will you lose your valuable possessions or suffer property damage during a break-in, but you will also lose the peace of mind that you are safe. Our security solutions can help keep this peace of mind intact by stopping break-ins from occurring. Vandalism Vandalism can be expensive and annoying. It is often difficult to narrow down who committed the crime. Our security systems and cameras allow you to capture every moment, and if vandalism occurs, you will have the criminal right on camera! Theft In and Out of The House Package thieves have been on the rise. It is an unsettling feeling knowing that something you paid for can easily be snatched from right outside your home. With our security systems, you can rest assured that nothing will be stolen again. Arkansas Security has the security systems you need to deter a wide variety of crimes from occurring on your property.

A security system can offer your home or business the protection it needs. But there is more to it than the devices and control panel.

Whether you’re shopping in person or online this holiday season, you’re bound to see many "off the shelf" DIY home security systems. Most of these promise a "plug and play" experience, which means you can install them with little-to-no technical expertise. It’s easy to be enticed by this promise – but the fact is, these systems are lacking in some of home security’s most important features. Here’s what they’re likely to be missing. ADEQUATE SECURITY COVERAGE Easy installation sounds appealing – but if something is too simple to install, that should be an instant red flag. A quality home security system has mechanisms that require expert placement; otherwise, there will be gaps in the security it provides. This leaves your family and property at risk. COST SAVINGS Believe it or not, DIY home security systems are not always the most cost-effective choice. Most DIY options are "bare bones" systems, with only a couple of sensors and no other motion detection devices. The manufacturer’s expectation is that you’ll need plenty of add-ons in order to make this system robust. Those are costs that add up quickly. COMPATIBILITY A plug and play system is unlikely to be adaptable to advancements in home security technology – and there are always advancements. With a system installed by a professional home security integrator, it will be easy to update your system over time whenever needed. As the user, the responsibility will be on us, rather than you, to keep your system working for years to come. CONNECTION TO SERVICES You should be able to think of your home security system as a lifeline, with an instant connection to police, fire departments and other emergency services. A DIY system without monitoring service does not have that connection. If that’s the case, why have a system at all? With a professionally installed and monitored system, you can have the lifeline you and your family deserve.

Knowing when most burglaries occur is powerful information. The most common times for break-ins occur between 10 a.m. - 3 p. m. Most burglars choose the daytime to attempt a break-in, targeting homes when they believe no one will be present. Preventing Break-Ins With Home Security Systems If you are hoping to prevent break-ins, a home security system goes a long way. If you truly want to practice burglary deterrence, you need to take steps before a burglary takes place. Educating yourself on common patterns, such as the most common time for break-ins, what burglars look for, why burglars may single you out, and how to tell if a burglar is watching your house, can help you prevent a break-in from occurring. Check out these commonly asked questions about burglaries and get to know more about the typical burglar and how you can best prevent them from breaking and entering your home. When Do Most Burglaries Take Place? Understanding the behavior, motivations and patterns behind burglaries can help you understand how to easily prevent break-ins from occurring. Let’s take a look at some patterns and home break-in statistics: Most Home Burglaries Take Place During The Day. While the darkness tends to cause apprehensive feelings, most burglars actually prefer to break in during the day. FBI.org tells us that home break-ins are more common in daylight hours. Why? Most adults are at work and kids are in school. Most Home Burglaries Occur Between 10 Am And 3 Pm. According to jsu.edu, most home burglaries occur between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. However, an investigative report out of Portland for KGW News found that some burglars preferred the specific window of 12:30 to 2:30 pm because they wouldn’t be interrupted by someone coming home for lunch and school would still be in session. Who Is A Typical Home Invader? In addition to knowing when burglaries tend to take place, it’s a good idea to know who is a likely offender or would-be burglar. Most Intruders Live Within Two Miles Of The Victim Burglars are often opportunistic. Intruders are not evil geniuses, capable of masterminding a crafty plan. They just happen to be observant and in the right place at the right time. Intruders usually choose a home because they live close enough to notice vulnerabilities and patterns of the inhabitants. Frequently, home invasions are the result of impulsive behavior coupled with ideal circumstances, not a carefully formulated plan. How To Tell If A Burglar Is Watching Your House? Contrary to what you see in movies and on TV, most burglars aren’t obvious and don’t skulk around wearing all black in the dark of night. Rather, many burglars are on the prowl during daylight hours and try to appear as inconspicuous as possible. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and be aware of the people in your neighborhood and any strangers just walking around. If you see vehicles or people you don’t recognize showing up around the same area on a semi-regular basis, take note. Be especially wary if you see any strangers taking photos outside your home. It’s an odd behavior that may indicate a burglar is casing your home. “Casing a house” means a burglar is sizing up your home and evaluating the how easy or difficult it is to break in, taking note of your comings, goings, and daily habits. It also involves them trying to find out if you have any valuables that may make it worth their while to try to rob your home. Also be aware of people who may try to pose as a door-to-door salesperson or claim to be with a utility company in order to gain entry to your home. This is a common scam that is an easy way for a burglar to use a homeowner’s trusting nature to stage a successful home invasion. If you see any of these individuals that may fit that description, keep an eye out for them and alert neighbors or your local authorities. Having a home alarm system and surveillance cameras in place can also help alert you to any unwanted visitors on your property or wandering around your neighborhood -- even when you’re not home to see what’s going on. What Items Do Intruders Target? The FBI tells us that the average home burglary only takes between eight to 10 minutes, with some taking as little as 90 seconds. Burglars only have the chance to grab a few of your valuable possessions with such a small window of opportunity. What kind of items do intruders typically target? Cash Electronics: Blu-ray players, laptops, tablets, phones Prescription or illegal drugs Guns Jewelry The average loss after a home break-in is approximately $2,000. Burglars will target any items that are valuable, easy to carry and are not easily traced. You can help prevent break-ins by removing these items from plain view. According to the International Association of Home Inspectors, there are quite a few clever places to hide your valuables from potential burglars. such as in a heavy wall or floor safe with a combination code, in boxes deliberately mislabeled as “kids toys” or “baby clothes.” You can also buy (or make, if you’re crafty) false-front books or VHS tapes where you can hide some of your valued items. (Very few burglars will care about rifling through tapes of “Suzie’s First Dance Recital” or “Johnny’s Little League Game” to find your jewelry or heirlooms.) Where Do Burglaries Typically Take Place? Being creatures of opportunity, intruders frequently seek out homes that are easy targets. You can prevent a burglary by taking measures to keep your home from appearing to be an easy target. What makes a home an easy target? Homes without home security systems are three times as likely to be broken into. Low visibility from the street is an ideal situation for an intruder. High grass or shrubs, fences and trees offer cover for a would-be burglar, making it easy for them to observe your patterns or hide out until you leave. When it appears as though someone is home, burglars often avoid attempting a break-in. Good lighting is a burglar deterrent. Cameras and alarms keep intruders away and make a home a less desirable target. Homes in the middle of a street are more likely to be burglarized than homes on corner lots. Old or broken locks make a house appear vulnerable. Prevent break-ins by keeping your house well-lit, your lawn maintained, and removing obstacles that block visibility from the street. Arming yourself with the right knowledge can make all the difference when preventing a break-in.

How do you plan to protect your doorstep deliveries? One in four US homeowners has experienced package theft, according to Alarm.com research. Many of us now have packages delivered elsewhere for safety, while others stay home to receive valuable deliveries. However, there's an easier solution. With a modern home security system that includes a doorbell camera and smart lock, you can secure any package delivery in seconds, from wherever you are. Here's how you can prevent package theft in three quick steps. Step #1: Verify Your Visitor You'll know your package is here when the delivery driver rings your doorbell camera, triggering an alert on your smartphone. Open your alarm app through Arkansas Security for a live video view of the driver, then tap the microphone button to say hello. Step #2: Direct Your Delivery Once you've spoken to the driver to verify them, ask them to leave the package inside and close the door afterwards. Now, unlock your door from the same screen in your security app. This action can disarm your security system too. Step #3: Secure Your Door Once the delivery driver closes your door with your package safely inside, use your security app to lock up again. As a final touch, re-arm your security system to ensure that your home is professionally protected for the rest of the day. Preventing package theft is easy with Arkansas Security's alarm technology. If you have smart home security already, talk to your service provider about adding a doorbell camera and smart lock in time for the holidays. Don't have smart home security yet? Contact us today!

Are you feeling the call of the great indoors lately? The weather is cold, the nights are long; it's the time of year to retreat indoors and enjoy the holidays where it's warm and cozy. Whether you prefer to enjoy the season quietly with a crackling fire and a good book, or to fill your home with friends and loved ones, smart home security with Arkansas Security will help you stay cozier through the holidays and all the way into spring. A Bright Homecoming Every Evening When the sun sets early, it's welcoming and reassuring to come home to a well-lit house. It feels safer too. Smart lighting ensures a bright welcome without the energy waste of leaving your home lit up during the day. You can have Arkansas Security turn your lights on at a given time, at sunset, or whenever you're on your way home. For extra energy efficiency, you can even automate your holiday lights. A More Relaxing Fireside Scene Nothing stokes cozy contentment like the crackle from a wood-burning fire or stove – and it feels even better to know that you're also equipped with the best in fire safety technology. With connected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors powered by Arkansas Security, you're proactively protected from fireside dangers, with 24-7 professional monitoring and automated safeguards for emergencies—so put another log on the fire and relax. Warm Welcomes That Stay in the Warm The holidays are a time to welcome guests, but you don't have to do it with warm air billowing out of your front door. Instead, use your security app through Arkansas Security to unlock your front door when guests arrive, having first verified who they are via your doorbell camera. Tell them to come on in and close the door, then take your time with the season's greetings in the hallway—not on the doorstep. No Heating the Neighborhood With the kids out of school and visitors coming and going, it's easy to invite the cold air inside by leaving doors ajar. Arkansas Security-connected contact sensors have your back. Any door with a sensor can generate a smartphone alert when left open, enabling you to quickly fix any drafts. You can even set your smart thermostat to dial back automatically to reduce energy waste caused by open doors. Sources provided by Alarm.com

Property Crime is higher than you think. Learning about how you can protect your home or business is the first step. That's where we like to help.

As a manager or business owner, the last thing you want to think about after 5 p.m. is the possibility of someone breaking into your office or business. Yeah, deadbolts are nice, but in reality people need a system that is reliable and trustworthy. It may just be security cameras or it may just be motion sensor lights. Regardless, more and more business owners are turning toward some type of security system to protect their livelihood. Because of this, we at Arkansas Security work to provide the best service to residential and commercial clients using the highest quality equipment. But we’re not doing all this by ourselves. In providing top-of-the-line service we partner with a handful of vendors. ● Alarm.com ● Brinks Home Security ● Honeywell Commercial Security That being said, If you are looking to improve your commercial or residential security systems, be sure to look at our vendors and see what quality of work we partner with. And of course we’re always happy to help if you have any questions.

Warmer weather is finally here! Here are a few security pointers before you embark on on at trip: Let your neighbors know you will be gone - Do you have a favorite neighbor? If so, let them know you will be out of town so they can keep an eye on your house and for any suspicious activity. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery- When the mail and papers pile up it’s an invitation to burglars that no one is home. Don’t leave your trash can at the curb - When your trash receptacle is the only one at the street that’s a good indication you’re not home. If trash is picked up while you’re away, ask a neighbor to set it out and bring the trash can back in. Leave A Light On - Better still, if you have an app to control your lights- this is the perfect time to utilize it. A light turning on and off will make it appear as if someone is home. Install A Motion Activated Light Outside - Motion censored lights deter burglars and suspicious activity. Don’t Post Your Trip On Social Media - You never know who may be watching your social media accounts! A home security system is the best way to protect your home while you’re gone. And these steps can also help keep your home secure when you’re traveling. .