8D — May 10 - 23, 2019 — Multifamily — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marejournal.com
Multifamily By Doug Haines, Haines Security Solutions, LLC My neighbor was robbed – Four tips to follow so it doesn’t happen again
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documents. Thank goodness they didn’t bother her. I’m pretty sure they could hear that she was in the shower. Once out of the shower and noticing her TV was miss- ing, she called the cops. They responded, looked for signs of forced entry, interviewed her and canvassed the neigh- borhood looking for anyone having a surveillance system. Fortunately several of us on our street were able to provide this footage to the cops. Based on her description of a window cleaning crew that had cleaned her windows the week before and the surveillance videos we
have a pretty good idea who was behind the robbery. Yeah – lights, camera, ac- tion, jail! She now wants to buy a home alarm system. “Kind of like closing the door after the horse got out”, I’m think- ing, but nonetheless probably warranted – better late than never, as they say. First rule, security must be in place before the event hap- pens. Sounds like a “no brain- er” right? I can’t tell you how many people have told me well I’ll get an alarm systemwhen I need one. That said, I’m not so sure a standard system would
have prevented the robbery from happening in the first place. Think about it, most security systems are designed to provide protection when you are not at home. They are not designed to protect you while the premises are occupied. The standard surveillance system is made up of sensors (usually motion sensors, such as, balance magnetic switches or passive infrared sensors that detect movement) and some type of closed circuit television cameras (CCTV). This combination is neces- sary. A sensor can fail for a variety of reasons just like a
camera can but the likelihood of both cameras and sensors failing at the same time is almost non-existent. Most alarm companies will sell you a bundled system; i.e., surveil- lance, intrusion detection and monitoring. A couple of things to remember, ask the sales- man, where and for how long the data is stored, how can you retrieve it and what happens when the power supply fails. Also ask about the parameters for response; when they will respond, who they are and what can you expect when they do show up. Many new systems allow you to monitor your system directly from your Iphone. But beware they also have their limitations. I laugh when I see the commercial where the lady tells the perps to get off her lawn. Remem- ber a dedicated threat is not deterred they will go around to the side or rear of the house to break in. So second rule, make sure your plan is holistic and com- prehensive. I saw an ad yesterday evening that said the alarm company would dispatch the police. I’m skeptical, police departments usually only respond if they can verify the perpetrator is still on site and someone is be- ing threaten; otherwise, they’ll come to collect evidence or may even require you to report to the station to file a complaint. Third rule, design your miti- gation strategy for the threat at hand. In her case, protection while in the home. She could have installed a system that included motion sensors on the windows and doors that would have allowed her “to set” the sensors on the windows and doors – the perimeter, and still allowed freedom of movement from room to room within the interior. Since she is also hear- ing impaired she would need a strobe light or some other visual feature that would warn her that the perimeter had been breached. And finally rule four, not all threats can be mitigated. It re- ally is about riskmanagement. The question to ask is, “Have I reduced my risks down to a level I’m comfortable with?” If the answer is, “yes”, then good. If the answer is, “No”, then keep trying until no turns into a yes. Doug Haines is owner/ CEO of Haines Security Solutions, LLC in Ventura,
y neighbor is awidow. Her husband passed away a few years
ago and now her son, who works during the day, lives with her. A c o u p l e o f weeks ago, in the middle of the day, wh i l e s h e
Doug Haines
was in the shower someone opened her front door and robbed her house. They took the flat screen from the living room, her purse with all her credits cards and personal
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