Illegal Activity Caught On Camera in Colorado

The Police Department in Trinidad, Colorado is putting city security cameras to good use. Recently, they caught four young people on video, participating in illegal behavior at the city skate park. Last week, the kids were caught smoking marijuana in the park on Sunday night. The incident was caught by a dispatcher who just happened to be monitoring the camera. An officer was sent to the scene and citations were issued.

Trinidad Police Chief Charles Glorioso had high praise for the surveillance technology. He told the Trinidad Times, "That’s the whole reason we put (the camera) there, trying to keep the park clean and safe. But, apparently the kids - maybe they don’t believe the technology is as good as it is. We can really zoom in and see faces and identify people with them.”

Not only is the park's camera in plain sight, but it has a sign underneath it which lets people know the park is under surveillance. Even so, the drug-related incident was just the most recent in a line of issues that have plagued the city and were caught on camera. In may, a young person was caught on camera vandalizing the park with graffiti and was charged a fine, given six months of probation, and made to serve 48 hours of community service. In June, 23-, 18-, 17-, and 14- year olds were caught in 36 various graffiti incidents. The vandals will be assisting the city's Graffiti Removal Task Force with cleaning up the town's vandalized property.

Glorioso said people should be more aware of the cameras, which are often monitored by dispatchers, "That whole park is monitored, and I want to let them know what dispatch has the capability of accessing that camera and zooming in...a lot of dispatchers use the cameras on their downtime. It’s like having extra officers out there patrolling."

Cameras are located at the intersection of Main Street and Nevada Avenue, Cimino Park, Miners Memorial Park, and Central Park are also minored by the Trinidad Police Department, in addition to the one at the skate park.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Shopping Malls Need Security Cameras

Shopping mall security cameras are almost common sense. Think about it. Malls attract some of the largest crowds of any other establishment. You have so many people in such a varied space and so much money being exchanged on a daily basis. It's the ideal location for criminals. Malls often have multiple levels, stores, restaurants, movie theaters and more. Buildings are large and in between them are open plazas, both outside and in. You also have areas where merchandise is stored and delivered. Not only are malls practically a "welcome" sign for criminals, they can present a challenge for anyone looking to help beef up security. One way to do that is with security cameras and monitoring systems. Below you'll find some tips on where, why, and how you should place your mall's cameras.

Where should you place your small security cameras?

Malls usually contain a variety of types of stores and even unique building shape. Because of this, deciding where to place your cameras can be a tough decision to make. Here are some things to think about.

1. Does your mall already have security personnel? Cameras should always first be places in areas they are not always monitored or easily accessed by human eyes. If you have a security team, consider placing your cameras where they can't be on the lookout 24/7.
2. Who is allowed where in your mall? Do you have areas that can only be accessed by employees? Do you have areas where truck drivers from all over the country are making deliveries? Are there parts of your mall, such as lounging areas or stairwells, where customers can easily hide to commit a crime?
3. Do you have a parking lot of deck? Because of the size of your mall, you probably have a lot of places for people to park. Parking lots are not often monitored and are ideal places for a criminal to steal cars, rob and even assault your customers or employees.
4. Are there any areas of your mall that are prone to theft or criminal activity? Maybe several people have been robbed in one of your stairwells or on a certain side of your parking lot. Maybe one particular store sees a lot of theft. Maybe your courtyard is often vandalized. Keep this in mind when deciding where to put your cameras.
5. Does your mall connect to any other types of public buildings, such a subway tunnel? Public transportation housing is a particularly busy area where just anyone can and will walk in, with the intent to cause harm to your mall.

Why do malls need security cameras?
With so many different types of buildings all in one location, malls are very attractive to would-be thieves. From huge parking lots full of cars to large retail shops full of goods, a security camera can help those in charge of a mall's security monitor for illegal activity, as well as aid in the investigation in the event of a crime. Cameras can also help deter such crimes. If a would-be thief sees a camera watching their every move, they may think twice about taking something. Also, the presence of a camera can prevent a petty crime from escalating into something major.

Customers feel safer when they are being monitored by quality security cameras and safe customers are happy customers. Also, you can prevent major lawsuits by catching incidents involving customers on video. Monitoring employees is another advantage to having security cameras in your malls. In 2004, employee theft alone cost businesses in the United States over 40 billion dollars. Don't let your mall become part of this statistic.

How to place your mall security cameras.
So You've taken the plunge and purchased your cameras, but now you're not sure how to go about installing them? Here are some great tips that will help you get your security cameras up and working in no time!

1. Place cameras at all entrances and exits so that you can see who is coming and going at all times and capture all faces on cameras.
2. Place cameras in areas that are always full of people, such as food courts, courtyards, and lobbies.
3. Make sure you've taken precautions against weather or vandalism, especially with cameras placed outside.
4. Make sure you've got cameras in your storage areas so you can see what employees are up to at all times. The same goes for delivery or loading areas.
5. Call Camera Security Now at 877-422-1907 for more help and tips on putting security cameras in your mall!

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Dallas Security Cameras

Located in North Texas and covering over 385 square miles, Dallas is the third largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in the United States. Its 12-county metropolitan area, known as Dallas-Ft. Worth-Arlington, is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country and the number-one fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. Not only is the area home to over six million people, but it's home to thousands of businesses including 25 Fortune 500 companies, such as AT&T, Exxon Mobile, Southwest Airlines, and Blockbuster Inc. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of the largest and busiest in the world and Dallas is the third most popular business travel destination in the country!

With so many people in and of the city, it's important to take all measures of precaution when it comes to security. That's why Dallas CCTV Security Camera Systems are popular products when it comes to protecting your business. Whether your company is part of the oil, telecommunications, banking and commerce, or transportation businesses or any part of Dallas's diverse economy, we can help you find the right surveillance system that's right for your company and your budget.

CCTV systems serve so many purposes. Protect your business, monitor your employees, deter crime, or in the event your company is subject to a criminal incident, provide law enforcement agencies with footage of the suspect. To learn more about how CCTV can help you and your business, or to get a fast quote, call 877-422-190 or visit www.camerasecuritynow.com today.

Montana Law Enforcement Praises High-Quality CCTV

Butte-Silver Bow Police Captain Doug Conway says security cameras make his job a lot easier. "Video is a great source of evidence to investigators," he told the Montana Standard.

Recently, a burglar broke through a glass door and left RD's Party Shop, in Butte, Montana, with as much beer and as many cigarettes as he could fit in his hands. The man had no idea that a security camera was pointed at him. Police were able to release images of the suspect to the media and the man was quickly apprehended. That's the forth break-in the store has been subject to in four months.

But just because a store has a security camera, doesn't mean there will be an arrest. Often times, stores purchase poor, cheap equipment and then once it's installed, poor placement and bad lighting can leave law enforcement scratching their heads. "Business owners should think about spending the extra money to get a better system," Conway told the paper. High quality images can lead to better identification of facial features and other details, and often times can help identify even license plate numbers on a get-away car.

Some blame the recession for recent increases in crime; as more people lose their jobs and life savings, they're more willing to turn to theft to feed their families and their habits. As crime becomes more and more of an issue, business-owners in Montana are becoming more and more concerned about protecting their property and their employees at all costs.

But buying a quality surveillance system is just the first step. As Conway suggested, cameras need proper placement. For example, a camera placed too high will only get you pictures of the top of the thief's head. Considering most criminals wear masks and hoods, that's not going to help officials identify the person. It's also a good idea to keep your system updated and to keep up with the latest technology. Roy Morris, the owner of RD's Party Shop in Butte, said he likes to upgrade his system every three to four years.

Convenience Store Security Cameras

It's no secret that convenience stores are often subject to robbery, shoplifting and other violent crimes. As a matter of fact, according to Crime Magazine, convenience store workers are second only to police officers in being victims of homicide and it has been one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States for many years. In some cities, such as Dallas, Texas, law enforcement agencies have been forced to create special task forces and store owners have been forced to closed their doors for this reason.

There are any number of reasons for high crimes at convenience stores including the small number of staff on duty at any given time, late-night hours when there are most likely to be less witnesses, smaller stores make for easier navigation, and the fact that most purchases are made with cash. From federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to private groups such as National Association of Convenience Stores, many studies have taken place on what can be done to prevent or lessen the number of crimes committed at convenience stores. One finding that each study seems to have in common is implementing better security measures including an increase and update to store Security Cameras.

If you watch your local news stations, chances are you've seen some sort of surveillance camera footage from a local convenience store or gas station. In most cases, the camera has caught the suspect on video and law enforcement is asking for the public's help in identifying the person who committed the crime. A security camera system that is able to capture quality images can lead to the capture of the most violent criminals and make other would-be criminals think twice about committing a crime at the same location. Video and images from cameras are also often used in court to prosecute those who committed the crime.

Most convenience stores are also gas stations and it's hard for a single clerk to monitor both the store and the gas pumps at all time. With the rising prices of gas in the United States, many people are turning to theft to keep their tanks full. Gas station owners all over the country will tell you they've seen an increase in the number of customers who drive off without paying for that full tank of gas and many times, unless you are lucky enough that an employee or another customer witnessed the incident, these crimes will go unpunished. A carefully placed security camera can help clerks, owners, and law enforcement officials get a description of the customer, their car, and the car's tag number, making it easier to track down the thief.

Another great reason to have security cameras installed in your store is to monitor your own employees. In smaller stores and at night, most stores are attended by one single person. Chances are, that person is trustworthy and doing the job they were hired to do but every once in a while, someone with poor judgment comes along and takes advantage of the situation. Studies show that employees who are aware they are being monitored are less likely to steal cash or items from their place of employment, particularly convenience stores.

If you are a convenience store owner, not having security cameras or having out-of-date cameras is a risk you can't afford to take. CameraSecurityNow.com can help you choose and install the right cameras for your convenience store. For more information or to get a Convenience Store Security Quote, visit our website at or call 877-422-1907.

Security Cameras Protect Your Business

Just last week, in the Washington D.C. area, gunfire was heard in the parking lot of a strip mall, near a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. Police arrived on the scene to find a woman with a gunshot wound to the leg; a second victim had already been taken to the hospital by a friend. Video from security cameras located around other businesses near the restaurant allowed detectives to identify the parties involved and piece together a timeline of events. The suspects have been caught and charged thanks to quality security cameras.

This weekend, in Beaverton, Oregon, a man was caught on camera, stealing a laptop from an Internet cafe. A female accomplice distracted employees, while a man cut the cords to a laptop and stuffed it in his pants. It took employees over half an hour to notice that a theft had occurred and the suspects had already left the cafe with the laptop. Fortunately, the entire incident was caught on the cafe's newly-installed security cameras and police were able to feed the footage to local media, asking for help in identifying the suspects.

In Wiscasset, Maine, a man was arrested in connection with the burglaries of six different businesses, after local police released images taken from a restaurant security camera to local media. An acquaintance of the suspect saw the footage and contacted the police, helping them identify the man. According to the police department, several others phoned in to identify the suspect after the photos were shown on local news programs.

These are just a few examples of the hundreds of crimes caught on camera throughout the country, each day. Because the owners of these businesses took the time to install surveillance systems, suspects were easily identified and arrested, property was recovered, employees and customers were protected, future incidents were prevented and lives were possibly saved. At Camera Security Now, we know quality security cameras are part of the foundation of success for your business. That's why we offer a full line of products, quality service, competitive pricing, and even provide a local, professional technician to install your security system.

To get a fast quote on CCTV and DVR Security Cameras, visit our website at www.CameraSecurityNow.com or call 877-422-1907 today!

GeoVision v8.3 New Features

The GeoVision Surveillance and Video Management Platform is the core system platform that provides video monitoring and different advanced video analytic s/control features to support many of enterprise's management functions. It is also a scalable, extensible platform that you can customize as well as integrate it with other security system applications like POS/ATM/EAS for loss prevention, access control for building automation, license plate recognition system for law enforcement, entrance control and revenue collection, megapixel IP devices for critical area and mobile object monitoring and central monitoring stations for high profile security areas in commercial, industrial and residential markets.

But the 8.3 version of GeoVision has added some key new features to its service. These new features include:

Support for 32 channels in GV-System and CMS applications

Support for two GV Video Capture Cards in GV-System

New features to Main System which include:
Digital Matrix
Lost Signal Alarm
Crowd Detection
Single Camera Tracking
etc...

New Features to ViewLog which includes:
Support for Daylight Savings Time (DST)
Playback for GPS tracks from GV-Compact DVR and GV-Video Server
Colorful mode to enhance video color for playback

New Features to WebCam
Multicast
Audio Broadcast
POS/Wiegand Live View option added to Single View
New GUI for Remote Playback (RPB)
Support for BlackBerry phones

New features to SMS Server
Unlimited log retention time
Support for new alert events including crowd detection and advanced scene change detection
Support for Wavecom GPRS Modem

New Features to Center V2
Remote control of I/O devices from GV IP devices
Unlimited log retention time
Colorful mode to enhance video color
Assigned a DVR client to another Center V2

New features to VSM
Remote control of I/O devices from GV IP devices
Unlimited log retention time
Automatic insertion of ID and name to SMS messages
Support of new alert events like crowd detection and advanced scene change detection

New features to Dispatch Server
Unlimited log retention time
Colorful mode to enhance video color

New features to control center
Colorful mode to enhance video color
GV-Keyboard support in Matrix
Remote control of I/O devices from GV IP devices
etc...

New Applications
GV-GIS (Geographic Information System)
Multicast
Audio Broadcast

New Devices
GV-I/O Box 4 Ports
GV-I/O Box 8 Ports
GV-I/O Box 16 Ports

GeoVision is an easy to use high quality security system. With the new features in GeoVision v8.3 you can count on having a high quality system that isn't overly complicated to use. For all the details on GeoVision v8.3 check out the link above or feel free to send in a request for more Geovision 8.3 information.