January 11, 2016

Door to Door Sales

• Six consumer scams to watch out for
  1.7.16 – Daily Herald – Alarm company security “upgrades.” A technician rings the doorbell claiming to be from the alarm system company and needs to “upgrade” equipment right … More Info
• Beware of some alarm installers
  1.10.16 – Cyprus Mail – This same alarm company also claims that they have never had a break in at any of … So, warning to all- if your intruder alarm company cannot show you their … More Info

Public Safety Updates

• IN: Lafayette (Ind.) Using Software Vendor to Collect False Alarm Fines
  1.8.16 – Security Sales & Integration – Lafayette (Ind.) Using Software Vendor to Collect False Alarm Fines. The police department has implemented the CryWolf software platform to administer false … More Info
• TX: City of Allen reminds residents to register security alarm with city
  1.6.16 – Star Local Media –  If your home or business has a security alarm, you must apply for a permit annually. Operating a security alarm without a permit can lead to hundreds of dollars … More Info
• WI: Pewaukee trustees discuss reducing false alarm fire fees from $8204
  1.6.16 – Lake Country Now – Village of Pewaukee — Trustees continued to wrangle with the fee structure for false fire alarm charges this week, even considering a credit for proper fire alarm … More Info

CES 2016

• Kidde Showcases Line of Smart Home Technologies at CES 2016
  1.5.16 – CNNMoney – With alarms in more than 70 percent of American homes, Kidde provides trusted solutions to consumers and has done so for nearly 100 years. The RemoteLync … More Info
• CES 2016: News Roundup I
  1.5.16 – Multichannel News – -Alarm.com, a smart home and security company that counts Suddenlink Communications among its partners, said it has extended voice- support for lighting … More Info
• Vivint Smart Home Integrates With Amazon Echo
  1.5.16 – Ubergizmo – For example, voice commands can set the alarm to “away” mode upon a command. It’s also possible to ask the Amazon Echo if a particular door is open, and if it … More Info
• This router is also a security alarm
  1.6.16 – The Verge – Now, it’s taking that work a step further with a new Almond router that is itself also a smart home device: a big alarm that can sound in the event of an intruder. More Info
• Smart Home Innovator Roost(R) Partners With Home Security …
  1.6.16 – CNNMoney – In addition to receiving direct alert notifications when your smoke alarm triggers, Roost and ADT will offer the ability to have your Roost-enabled smoke and CO .. More Info
• CES brings the first big crop of AllJoyn IoT products
  1.6.16 – Itworld – As an example of how AllJoyn products could work together, Icontrol said the Piper could notify other devices of alarm events like a door opening or motion … More Info
• First Alert debuts HomeKit-enabled Onelink products including IP …
  1.7.16 – Apple Insider – Along with an internal alarm, the device sends out push notifications and integrates with other HomeKit hardware. First Alert expects the unit to go on sale this … More Info
• Alarm.com to Provide Smart Home Control Through Amazon Echo
  1.7.16 – Security Sales & Integration – Las Vegas – Alarm.com announced plans for smart home voice control for lighting and smart thermostats through Amazon Echo. Alarm.com users will be able … More Info
• These CES gadgets promise to protect your home
  1.7.16 – News3LV – It creates a 9V battery that will make your existing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms “smart.” If you’re not home and it goes off, you’ll get an alert on your mobile … More Info
• CES showcases deterrents to burglaries, home invasions
  1.8.16 – Las Vegas Review-Journal – Some of the pricier systems have cameras and audible alarms. FBI statistics say burglars in 85 percent of break-ins will leave the scene immediately if an alarm … More Info
• Smart home security soars at Consumer Electronics Show
  1.8.16 – FOX 13 News, Tampa Bay – It makes sense; everyone wants to make sure their house is safe, but the technology presented this year goes beyond home alarms that contact law enforcement … More Info
• Your smart-home network will be a mess
  1.8.16 – CNET – Crucially, it consumes so little power that a Net-connected smoke alarm could use it for years on one battery, said Kevin Robinson, vice president of marketing … More Info
• ADT Canopy API Brings Pro Security Monitoring to Mass Market Devices Like Ring, Wink, LG
  At CES 2016, ADT unveils two open APIs: One for ADT Pulse security… More Info

Industry News

• Lowe’s enter home security business
  1.4.16 – Chain Store Age – The new service offers the ability to monitor and control the home, including notifications and calls to family and friends in the event of an alarm. Also included… More Info
• Lowe’s goes with UCC for professional monitoring
  1.6.16 – Security Systems News – “The traditional alarm company wasn’t going to sell an alarm to [a DIY customer] anyway. … All it does is expand the entire market as far as prospective … More Info
• Coldwell Banker Real Estate Survey Finds Nearly Half of Americans ...
  1.4.16 – PR Newswire – When asked about what needs to be in a home for it to be considered “smart,” the top choices were security (e.g., locks and alarm systems – 63 percent), … More Info
• Convergint buys Dakota Security
  1.5.16 – SSN – Schaumburg, Ill. – Convergint is now a $500 million company with the acquisition, announced today of Dakota Security, one of the fastest growing and most well respected systems integrators in the country. More Info
• Security Flaw In Comcast’s Xfinity Home Alarm System Leaves …
  1.5.16 – International Business Times – That fancy new home alarm system might not be keeping you so safe after all. Vulnerabilities in Comcast’s Xfinity Home Security system could make it possible … More Info
• Lone Star Communications Acquires Halco Life Safety Systems
  1.6.16 – CI – Deal allows security and critical communications company to joins forces with Houston life safety leader in healthcare. More Info
• Interlogix Releases UltraSync Smart Home Management Mobile …
  1.6.16 – Security Sales & Integration – Users can select multiple “stay” modes for entry delay, instant alarm or night operation. Other hub features include: Event filtering — Users can filter between … More Info
• Nortek Security & Control Unveils Next Gen 2GIG GC3 Panel at CES …
  1.6.16 – Security Sales & Integration – “2GIG changed the alarm industry model by making it dramatically easier to add home automation and control features to security systems,” said Duane Paulson … More Info
• Major Landline Phone Change Coming To Walnut Hill, Bratt, Molino
  1.6.16 – NorthEscambia.com – Examples include life-safety systems or medical devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems/gates, speed dialers, mobile … More Info
• Dynamark sets sights on Southwest
  1.6.16 – SSN – Hagerstown, Md.—Dynamark, an established East Coast monitoring center, is in acquisition mode and plans to go west in 2016. More Info
• EMERgency24 offers ‘filtered monitoring’
  1.6.16 – SSN – Des Plaines, Ill.—Offering “filtered monitoring” has helped third party central EMERgency24 expand its video options for dealers. More Info
• Security plays a prominent role in the growing market for smart home tech
  1.8.16 – SIW – Survey reveals consumer attitudes towards security and safety in today’s connected home space… More Info
• Plight of an Invisible Industry: Battle to Recruit Students Who Don’t Know AV
  1.7.16 – CI – AV integration has ‘a serious industry problem’ in that appealing, tech-educated students have no idea it exists. The search is on for the next generation of industry talent. More Info
• Growing Security Threats, Concerns Have Security Pros Expecting Opportunities for Growth in 2016
  1.6.16 – SSI – Most agree that video surveillance technology will continue to improve in 2016 while access control applications could experience a major shift. Check out all the predictions for the new year. More Info
• Between Us Pros: 12 Security Trends That Matter Most
  1.7.16 – SSI – SSI Editor-In-Chief Scott Goldfine counts down the key trends that… More Info

State & National News

• 2016’s top legislative issues to watch
  1.1.16 – Governing – The 2015 legislative year was marked in most states by fiscal partisanship, unpredictable revenues and continued pressure to lower taxes. The new year is unlikely to be any different. More Info
• How states’ dependence on corporate taxes has declined
  1.6.16 – Governing – Corporate income taxes account for a small slice of a state’s total budget, ranging from just over 5 percent of total revenues in Illinois and New Hampshire to nothing in states that don’t collect any. On average, states’ reliance on such taxes has gradually dwindled over the past few decades. More Info
• DC Council Approves Incentives for City Residents to Install Security Cameras
  1.7.16 – SIA – The D.C. Council unanimously established rebates for local residents, business-owners and organizations who buy and install security cameras on their properties. Read more
• U.S. economy added 292,000 jobs in December; unemployment at 5%
  1.8.16 – The New York Times – The nation’s labor market capped off a year of steady growth with an impressive sprint as employers added 292,000 workers to their payrolls in December, the government said on Friday. NCSL’s national unemployment monthly update. More Info
• Where are Americans moving?
  1.8.16 – Stateline – Americans are heading South and West again in search of jobs and more affordable housing, as the nation’s economic health continues to improve. More Info

Business Tips

• Only 8 percent of leaders are good at both strategy and execution
  12.30.15 – CEO.com – In a 2013 survey of nearly 700 executives across a variety of industries, our firm asked respondents to rate the effectiveness of the top leaders of their companies. More Info
• How Many Star Wars Characters Does It Take to Hold a Meeting?
  1.5.16 – CI – Star Wars themed infographic takes aim at the ‘light’ and ‘dark’ sides of video conferencing. More Info
• 12 Tax Tips for Your Small Business
  1.5.16 – FedEx – Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the small‑business tax deductions with these 12 tips. More Info
• Why Are Millennials Crying Out for Unified Communications?
  12.30.15 – CI – The younger generation now represents a majority of the U.S. workforce and is rendering unified communications and collaboration absolutely essential to modern businesses. More Info

Fire

• CA: Authorities suspect butane honey oil lab caused fire at Grass Valley …
  1.8.16 – Sacramento Bee – … and a battalion chief with the Nevada County Consolidated Fire Department were dispatched about 2:30 a.m. to an alarm activation. More Info
• CT: Smoke detectors disconnected in fire that killed toddler
  1.4.16 – WTNH Connecticut News – The American Red Cross states that having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half. And not only do you have to make … More Info
• NC: Fire alarm installed by inspector saves family from house fire
  1.6.16 – WSOC Charlotte – Fire officials walked Channel 9 through a Hickory home on Wednesday morning after a fire ripped through it. The family’s smoke alarm woke them up with … More Info
• PA: Chief: Smoke alarm likely saved kids
  1.6.16 – York Dispatch – It was fire alarms that saved them, waking up their parents, who came in and scooped up the kids “just in the knick of time,” Tracey said.”They were sound asleep … More Info

Crime News

• AK: UPDATE: Three Anchorage businesses targeted by robbers Saturday
  1.10.16 – KTUU.com – The first robbery took place around 4:41 a.m. when police were dispatched to an alarm at a Holiday gas station. More Info
• AL: 2 suspects caught burglarizing Jefferson County home
  1.7.16 – AL.com – It was reported that the homeowner had received notification that the residential burglary alarm had been activated. Deputies checked the surveillance cameras … More Info
• AL: Local pharmacies burglarized
  1.10.16 – Andalusia Star-News – Andalusia Police Chief Paul Hudson said that around 4:30 Saturday morning, alarm monitoring companies called in alarms at both businesses at nearly the … More Info
• CA: Danville Police Warn Residents of ‘Door-Kicking’ Burglars
  1.5.16 – Patch.com – In the failed attempt, a homeowner’s alarm system foiled the break-in. More from Danville Patch. 10 Amazon Deals On Accessories For Your New Smartphone … More Info
• CA: Two businesses hit by burglaries over weekend
  1.6.16 – Appeal-Democrat – Police responded to an alarm at Picket Fence Antiques at about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, said Police Chief Josh Fitch. An officer was nearby … More Info
• CO: Englewood police follow footprints in snow to smash-and-grab suspect
  1.8.16 – The Denver Post – Shortly afterward, another alarm was triggered at a store, Sage said. This time officers were able to track the footprints in … More Info
• FL: 4 convenience stores burglarized early Tuesday in SLC, MC
  1.6.16 – TCPalm – Dispatchers in St. Lucie County got alarm calls around 3 a.m. Tuesday within about 4 minutes at a Mobil and at a Town … More Info
• GA: Cops: Gwinnett gas station robbed of several thousand dollars
  1.5.16 – Atlanta Journal Constitution – Officers responding to a burglar alarm at the Chevron station at 2640 Duluth Highway found the store had been broken into, according to an incident report. More Info
• GA: Gwinnett police search for attempted robbery suspects
  1.5.16 – WSB Atlanta – 9 to a burglar alarm at the Chevron station. Officers found that someone had broken into the station. According to police, the … More Info
• GA: Woman wanted for Sevierville jewelry store robbery arrested in …
  1.10.16 – WATE 6 On Your Side – Two burglars break into off campus University at Buffalo apartments and its all caught on this surveillance camera. It sets off an alarm, an… More Info
• IA: Do you recognize this man?
  1.6.16 – KCCI Des Moines – The owner was alerted by his alarm company to a break-in and found the back door open. A robber had entered the building and attempted to break into a … More Info
• IL: Edwardsville police looking for jewelry store robbers
  1.7.16 – KSDK – Edwardsville Police say they arrived within two minutes of the alarm going off at around 6:15 a.m., the men were … More Info
• IN: Lake Station man charged with burglary after getting stuck in garage
  1.5.16 – nwitimes.com – Police responded to the property about 1 a.m. for an alarm and found an overhead door and walk-in door locked, Lake Criminal Court records state. An officer … More Info
• IN: Suspects disabled alarm, stole cash and goods from stores in …
  1.5.16 – Fox 59 – The thieves were so good, they even disabled the alarm system by taking the batteries out before breaking in. “It didn’t take them very long at all to get in and get … More Info
• LA: Armed convicted felon arrested after breaking into local business …
  1.6.16 – KPLC-TV – Sheriff’s deputies went to check on an activated alarm at the business about 6 p.m. and found Phillips in the parking lot, covered in mud and holding a large rock. More Info
• MI: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office: Deputies investigate criminal sexual …
  1.9.16 – MLive.com – 3:26 p.m., Deputy Taylor responded for an alarm. More Info
• MI: Man caught burglarizing cell phone store on New Year’s Day, and …
  1.8.16 – Dearborn Press and Guide – Just before 4 a.m., Dearborn Heights police responded to a burglary alarm at the store. When police arrived, they noticed the back door knob to the businesses … More Info
• MI: Police investigating bank break-in on Detroit’s west side
  1.6.16 – WXYZ – When the men heard the alarm, they took off, according to police. Earlier this week, at the same location, a 16-year-old was arrested for handing a note to the … More Info
• MO: Man arrested for Springfield church burglary suspect in Branson …
  1.8.16 – KY3 – On Thursday morning at approximately 10:35 a.m., Greene County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an alarm call at Evergreen Church  … More Info
• MO: Thieves use Ram to ram in
  1.6.16 – Bolivar Herald-Free Press – According to a statement released by Lt. Roger Barron, officers responded to an activated alarm early Jan. 4, at a business … More Info
• NC: A man robbed the State Employees’ Credit Union in Chapel Hill on …
  1.7.16 – WTVD-TV – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office received a distress alarm notification from the credit union, and a SECU employee managed to call 9-1-1 to report a robbery … More Info
• NC: Fayetteville break-in suspect charged in 2 other crimes
  1.5.16 – WTVD-TV – Police responded to a business alarm going off early Tuesday morning at the Family Dollar store. When they searched the area, about … More Info
• NC: Fayetteville man wanted in July armed robberies arrested
  1.5.16 – WNCN – At approximately 2:33 a.m., officers responded to the Family Dollar store in reference to a business alarm. Officers searched the … More Info
• NC: Police: Thieves break into GNC to gain access to AT&T store
  1.5.16 – Salisbury Post – The person cut wiring in the ceiling, which alerted the alarm company for GNC. The owner was told by the security company there was a low battery reported. More Info
• NC: Two teens arrested as police answer break-in alarm at Courtice …
  1.8.16 – durhamregion.com – Durham officers responding to an alarm at Courtice Secondary around 3 a.m. Jan. 8 discovered a broken window and set up a perimeter. Several classrooms … More Info
• NJ: 2 arrested in string of Bergen County burglaries
  1.6.16 – NJ.com – They broke into a home on Yerger Road, but fled after activating the alarm, Grewal said. They went on to Maywood. There they broke into a home … More Info
• NJ: Millburn Police Respond To Home Alarm; Rear Door Forced Open
  1.5.16 – TAPinto.net – On January 4, 2016 Millburn Police Officer Lipke responded to an alarm on Exeter Road. The rear door of the residence was found to have been forced open, … More Info
• NJ: Resident charged after burglary at liquor store in Elmwood Park
  1.7.16 – NorthJersey.com – … 5:30 a.m., Elmwood Park Police Department officers responded to Birchwood Liquors in response to an activated burglar alarm. According … More Info
• NJ: Two Arrested for Burglary of Convenience Store
  1.8.16 – Cape May County Herald- Dias Creek – Middle Township Police Department received a commercial burglar alarm from a convenience store. More Info
• NY: New York burglary caught on camera
  1.9.16 – WATE 6 On Your Side – These suspects stole a backpack and a charger, but ran out after an alarm sounded in the the house. “Thank goodness this particular resident had this little … More Info
• OH: 17 handguns stolen from local business
  1.8.16 – Xenia Gazette – The police report stated that officers received a call from a neighbor of the business at 3:40 a.m. in regards to the sounding alarm. Dispatch received a call from … More Info
• OH: Crew of Columbus, Ohio, burglars indicted for string of Western Pa …
  1.5.16 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – … striking between 3:30 and 5 a.m., with one member cutting the alarm lines and two others wearing masks and gloves entering to disable any audible alarms. More Info
• OH: Ohio Police Dog Shot During Burglary Alarm Investigation
  1.9.16 – ABC News – The shooting happened early Saturday as police investigated an alarm at a grocery store. Police say officers confronted a burglary suspect who opened fire … More Info
• OH: Police investigate attempted break-in at Dayton drive-thru
  1.9.16 – WDTN – Officers were dispatched to the C & D Cruise Thru & Mini Mart around 4:45 a.m. Friday after an alarm sounded. Officials said the … More Info
• OH: Suspects hit liquor store, steal cigarettes
  1.9.16 – WDTN-7 – Officials were called to Bob’s Beer & Wine around 4:30 a.m. Friday after an alarm sounded. When officers arrived, they found … More Info
• OH: Two churches broken into New Year’s Day: Highland Heights Police …
  1.7.16 – cleveland.com – Officers responded to a burglar alarm at Abundant Life Church at 10:46 p.m. Jan. 1 and discovered a window on a door had been smashed. It appeared the holy … More Info
• OK: Burglar cuts power, shatters door of midtown business
  1.8.16 – KOKI FOX 23 – Overnight, officers responded to an alarm at the AutoZone. When they got there, the store was completely dark; they learned someone cut … More Info
• OK: Suspects demand money and cigarettes in Circle K Robbery
  1.7.16 – KOKH FOX25 – Don’t hit the alarm and drop the money out of the safe,” the suspect said. Police say that the suspect also demanded 5 packs of Newport Cigarettes. The suspect … More Info
• OK: Tulsa police investigating early Friday morning auto parts store …
  1.8.16 – Tulsa World – Cpl. Matt Rose said in a release that officers received a report of an alarm going off at Auto Zone just after 2:20 a.m. The store’s alarm company … More Info
• PA: 4 Columbus men charged with burglarizing Pittsburgh-area …
  1.6.16 – ABC6OnYourSide.com – Drug Enforcement Administration agents say the men typically broke in between 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. and cut alarm wires and disabled other security systems … More Info
• PA: Man arrested after robbery at restaurant
  1.6.16 – New Castle News – According to Neshannock police, McDevitt entered the Subway restaurant around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday and a clerk hit the panic alarm. More Info
• PA: Mt. Juliet police find most of missing guns; search for suspects …
  1.6.16 – Lebanon Democrat – Officers responded to a burglary alarm at the gun store at around 2:45 a.m. and found the shop had been burglarized. An investigation revealed four suspects … More Info
• SC: Dry Cleaner break-ins hit Lake Wylie, Fort Mill
  1.8.16 – The Herald – A worker from a neighboring business didn’t see the suspects, but called authorities when he heard the alarm sound and noticed broken glass around 8 a.m.. More Info
• SC: TV stolen from Burnt Branch Road home
  1.10.16 – Manning Live – According to reports, deputies with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office responded to an activated burglar alarm at the home, and discovered a cinder block … More Info
• TN: Search for burglary suspects moves near Mt. Juliet home
  1.6.16 – The Tennessean – Officers responded around 2:45 a.m. to a burglary alarm at nRange. Police think four suspects used a Volvo stolen out of Nashville to … More Info
• WI: Chicago murder suspect arrested in Marshfield
  1.9.16 – Marshfield News-Herald – Police had arrested Thorne after responding to a panic alarm. When an officer got near the address, he saw Thorne … More Info
• WV: Voice of the people
  1.5.16 – Huntington Herald Dispatch – A 2:15 a.m. Sunday morning alarm in the sanctuary made contact with National Central Alarm, which in turn contacted the Huntington Police Department… More Info

The National Monitor is a service of the National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA). Member states are free to reproduce the information contained herein in print or electronic media as they see fit. Contact NESA for more information at 301.519.9237 or bradshipp@4yoursolution.com

NESA is a federation of state associations established to serve and promote the electronic systems industry at the direction of, and through its affiliated state associations. Five state associations are part of NESA – Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA), Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (MDBFAA), Kansas Electronic Security Association (KESA), Arkansas Security Alarm Association (ASAA) and Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (OKBFAA). For more info visit www.nesaus.org.

NESA Board of Directors

• President – Jordon Brown
• Vice President & Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Chris Russell
• Secretary- Kathleen Schraufnagel
• Treasurer and Arkansas Security Alarm Assn. Director – Rick Howell
• Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Craig Bober
• Past President –Rex Adams
• Kansas Electronic Security Alliance Director – Vacant
• Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Rick Spring
• Associate Director- Dean Coburn
• Executive Director- Brad Shipp
• Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Brian Shrake
• Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Danna Fowble
• Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Kelly Ryan