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NationalMonitor

January 5, 2015

Door to Door Sales

  • Letter: Alarm company’s alarming practices
    12.30.14 – Salt Lake Tribune- We’ve all experienced buyer’s regret. Mine came two years after purchasing a home security system, and then tried canceling it after selling the home. More Info
  • Aggressive Salesman Arrested at Off-duty Cop’s Home
    1.4.15 – SCVNEWS.com – The suspect was attempting to sell the victim, an off duty law enforcement officer, a home-alarm system, officials said. Segura allegedly became aggressive and …More Info

Public Safety Updates

  • NC: False Alarm Calls Drop in Chapel Hill
    12.29.14 – TWC News – The town now requires homes and businesses to register their alarms. It’s aimed to track and reduce the number of false alarms, which town leaders say have … More Info
  • WA: Avoid Fines and Get Your Alarm System License Renewed
    12.29.14 – KULR-TV – Kennewick Police said 99.7% of alarms are false and making sure they are licensed, helps stop that. If you have two or more false alarms in six months, you get … More Info
  • WA: ‘911, What’s Your Emergency?’: A Night With Dispatch
    1.3.15 – The Chronicle – They also help with non-emergency calls involving towing companies, public works and alarm companies. Then there’s pranksters, misdials and pocket dials … More Info

Industry News

  • Top 10 Security Stories of 2014
    12.3.14 – CEPro – Hot topics that drew in readers included items on industry lawsuits, deceptive sales practices, acquisitions and recalls. More Info
  • 2015 CI: State of the Industry Report
    12.26.14 – Commercial Integrator – Over 80% say the business climate is favorable for integration firms, but positive numbers belie daunting industry challenges. More Info
  • Is Nest planning to get into the home security business?
    1.1.15 – Digital Trends – Wi-Fi-enabled devices could be vulnerable to hacks, which is the last thing anyone wants from an alarm system. Still, for those who want smart home devices, …More Info
  • CE Pro’s Top 5 Home Tech Trends & Opportunities for 2015
    12.31.14 – CEPro- Production home building, immersive home entertainment, more engaging home automation, the aware home and cloud-based networking top CE Pro’s list of technology trends and opportunities for 2015. More Info

State & National News

  • New Smoke Alarm Rule to Start
    12.29.14 – The Ledger – Lakeland | A statewide regulation that goes into effect in the new year intends to minimize the nuisances of smoke alarms while highlighting their life-saving … More Info
  • New Year, New Rules: A Look At Laws Going Into Effect In 2015
    1.1.15 – ABC News – Banning leaf blowers? Redefining “milk?” Making living conditions better for hens? In 2015, a number of new state and local laws will go into … More Info
  • New Texas laws take effect Thursday
    1.1.15 – Fort Worth Star Telegram- … The final pieces of the new laws will take effect with little fanfare Thursday, touching on judicial issues, the … House Bill 62 bars a Texas judge from having a significant interest in a business that might own, operate … More Info
  • New Maryland laws for 2015
    1.1.15 -Baltimore Sun – New Maryland laws for 2015. These new laws … More Info
  • FCC plans to vote on Net neutrality in February
    1.3.15 – CNET – FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler plans to introduce proposed Net neutrality … Arguments in favor of Net neutrality include the concern that the … More Info
  • At CES 2015, gadget makers to test promise of a do-it-all wearable
    1.2.15 – CNET – Selling consumers a multipurpose wearable device is clashing with the idea of cheaper, single-serving products. At CES 2015, companies are … More Info

Business Tips

  • Can You Terminate Service Agreements with Difficult Clients? Not So Fast!
    12.29.14 – CEPro – Sorry, but integrators cannot decide ‘at will’ to just terminate a service or alarm monitoring contract with an unruly client. But there are other options you can take for ‘pain-in-the-butt’ customers under a service contract. More Info
  • Attention Millennials: How to Excel at the Dying Art of Phone Conversations (Infographic)
    1.1.15 – Entrepreneur – Yes, people still talk on the phone. Here’s a handy reminder of how to influence people when you do. More Info
  • Top 4 tech habits you need to break right now
    1.1.15 – CNet – Get some peace of mind by breaking some bad habits and developing some good ones along the way. More Info

Fire News

  • CA: Alarm alerts neighbors to fire
    1.2.15 – U-T San Diego – Crews from El Cajon and Santee arrived at the home around 6:21 p.m. after neighbors who heard a smoke alarm … More Info
  • CA: Antelope School Fire Destroys Classroom; Rebuild Expected To …
    12.29.14 -CBS Local – Sac Metro firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the campus, where the flames engulfed a classroom. An arson investigator found someone had entered the … More Info
  • CA: Carmichael home without fire alarm catches fire
    1.1.15 – KCRA Sacramento – Carmichael, Calif. (KCRA) – A fire broke out inside a Carmichael home that was without a working fire alarm early Thursday morning, fire officials said. More Info
  • FL: Cigarette causes house fire; couple escapes
    12.31.14 – WJXT Jacksonville – That saved me. I woke up and I felt my leg burnig and that’s what woke me up and the smoke alarm went off. My house is totaled. I’ve got nothing,” said McPhee. More Info
  • KS: Officials: No Foul Play Suspected In Downtown Topeka Business Fire
    1.3.15 – WIBW – Topeka Fire Department officials say an automatic alarm went off just after 2 am Friday from a neighboring business. Crews arrived to find the heavy smoke was … More Info
  • MD: 6 UMd. Students Displaced, Firefighter Injured After House Fire
    1.3.15 – CBS Local – The students were awoken by their smoke alarm and were able to escape the fire and were not injured, officials say. The County Citizen Services Unit and the … More Info
  • MN: Fire calls from the Jan. 3 edition
    1.3.15 – SW News Media – At 12:25 a.m., firefighters were called for a carbon monoxide alarm going off in a home. A crew monitored the home but … More Info
  • NY: Chili church damaged following late night fire
    1.2.15 – News 10NBC – Crews were called to the scene of St. Pius X on Chili Avenue at 11:45 p.m. after a fire alarm at the building went off. When firefighters arrived, they say the fire … More Info
  • PA: Pellet stove caused fire that destroyed home in Lehigh County …
    12.30.14 – WFMZ Allentown – A smoke alarm woke up the family, who got out safely. More Info
  • TX: False alarms preceded deadly Texas high-rise fire
    1.4.15 – Fort Worth Star Telegram – Survivors of a fire at senior-living complex near San Antonio that killed five people say false alarms were routine at the 11-story building. Residents of the … More Info
  • TX: Smoke detectors save two families from lightning strike fires
    1.4.15 – KVUE – The couple was saved when their smoke alarm went off. All are thankful for their lives, with little time so far to reflect on what’s happened. “I don’t even think … More Info
  • TX: Waco: Theater Complex Temporarily Evacuated
    1.2.15 – KWTX – WACO – A fire alarm that apparently was triggered when a heater came on prompted the temporary evacuation of a Waco theater complex … More Info
  • WA: Finley pipe break not expected to delay school
    1.2.15 – Mid Columbia Tri City Herald – Firefighters with Benton Fire District 1 were called to the school about 4 p.m. Thursday after the security company monitoring the building received an alarm. More Info
  • WA: Power strip failure causes small fire at Battle Ground middle school
    12.30.14 – The Columbian – The sprinkler activation triggered an alarm to summon firefighters, who finished extinguishing the flames. Chavez said that crews started cleaning up Monday … More Info

Crime News

  • CA: Burglars Lead Deputies on High Speed Chase Down I-80
    12.30.14 – FOX40 – Three suspects attempted to rob the store, but ran when the alarm went off. When deputies arrived to the scene, a pursuit down Madison Avenue ensued. More Info
  • CA: DNA evidence leads to arrest of Santa Rosa man in break-in
    1.1.15 – Santa Rosa Press Democrat – In the most recent case, deputies found blood on a broken window at the Computer Recycling Center when they responded to an alarm … More Info
  • CA: Pizza Hut employee accidentally activates robbery alarm, can’t hear …
    12.29.14 -Victorville Daily Press – Victorville – Authorities said deputies responding to a ringing robbery alarm at the Pizza Hut Monday … More Info
  • CA: Sacramento deputies involved in early Tuesday morning chase
    12.30.14 – News10.net – The chase initially began in Rancho Cordova after the suspects were spotted in a white sedan after a burglar alarm went off at a Walgreens … More Info
  • CA: San Bernardino police arrest man believed responsible for 4 …
    12.29.14 – San Bernardino County Sun – An officer saw Ledaniel Russell, a 21-year-old resident of San Bernardino, exiting Good Spirit Liquor. after a burglary alarm rang at … More Info
  • CT: Wallingford police investigating burglary
    12.31.14 – Meriden Record-Journal – Lt. Cheryl Bradley said the alarm at A & D Package Store went off at 4:38 a.m.. When police arrived at the scene they saw the window of the front doorway was … More Info
  • FL: Police say man stole gaming system, may be suspect in armed …
    12.29.14 -Gainesville Sun – At around 3:13 p.m. Saturday, GPD responded to a silent alarm at Gigi’s Cupcakes in Butler Plaza where an employee told them a man had asked her what he … More Info
  • FL: Windows shot out in synagogue in Ocala, Fla.
    1.1.15 – Jewish Journal – The building’s security alarm sounded, calling police to the site. “I think it’s a hate crime,” Robert Levenson, the temple’s president, told the Ocala Star Banner on … More Info
  • GA: Arrest follows burglary
    1.2.15 – Valdosta Daily Times – At 12:27 a.m. Friday, officers responded to an alarm, according to the Valdosta Police Department. “The first officer on … More Info
  • GA: South Forsyth burglary suspect arrested in stolen clothes
    12.29.14 -Forsyth County News Online – South Forsyth – Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies dispatched to a business alarm detained the suspect while en route there … More Info
  • GA: Teen arrested in Gordon Street burglary
    1.2.15 – WFXL FOX 31 – Friday just after midnight, the Valdosta Police Department responded to an alarm … More Info
  • GA: Valdosta Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Burglary Suspects
    1.2.15 – WCTV – Police say they responded to an alarm activation around 12:30 a.m. Friday. The first officer on scene observed an African American … More Info
  • IN: Chase Through Numerous Counties Ends With Arrest
    12.31.14 – WBIW.com – According to Washington County Chief Deputy Sheriff Roger Newlon, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department responded to a burglar alarm at a pharmacy in … More Info
  • LA: August burglar sentenced to 10 years
    1.2.15 – Journal and Courier – An alarm system log showed someone entered the residence and deactivated the alarm after residents went to work. Flowers was identified as a suspect … More Info
  • LA: Lafayette Police, Fire News: Teen shot in burglary booked Thursday
    1.3.15 – The Advocate – After business owner George Fournet, 45, reported the first burglary to police, the pair returned close to midnight and again triggered the alarm, Stansbury said. More Info
  • LA: Sheriff’s Office undecided on charges in store shooting
    12.31.14 – The Daily Advertiser – Several hours later, the business alarm went off again, and the owner responded, police said. When the owner arrived at the business, he told police he was … More Info
  • LA: UPDATE: Teens shot by business owner after allegedly burglarizing …
    12.29.14 -KATC Lafayette News – The business alarm went off again several hours later and the owner, who lives nearby, drove to the store to see what set the alarm off, Stansbury said. When he … More Info
  • MA: Chatham Police identify officer who ran over college student
    1.2.15 – WHDH-TV – “A police officer responding to an emergency alarm. While proceeding down Crowell Road, had unfortunately run over what turned out to be a human body laying … More Info
  • MA: Mansfield woman arrested in Norton break-ins
    1.2.15 – Wicked Local Norton – Norton police responded to a burglar alarm at 3:15 a.m. Jan. 1 at North Easton Savings Bank. Upon arrival, officers discovered a rear … More Info
  • MI: 4 arrested after break-ins in Calhoun Co.
    12.30.14 – WWMT-TV – Shortly after that officers were called to the area of Trappers Ridge, near Beadle Lake, for a residential alarm. With help from Battle Creek police, four suspects … More Info
  • MI: Clerk attempts to follow knife-wielding gas station robber
    1.2.15 – MLive.com – Wyoming Police officers were dispatched to a hold-up alarm at the Admiral station at 7:20 a.m. on Jan. 2. A man wearing dark clothing and a … More Info
  • MI: Suspects attempt to rob gas station and other Allen Park police briefs
    1.3.15 – Southgate News Herald – 29 for a burglary alarm. Upon arrival, police found the front door of the building open, though no suspects were found inside the gas station. Officers observed … More Info
  • MI: Whitehall chief: Woman sets off business alarm, leads police to …
    12.30.14 – MLive.com – What they found was much more than a sounding alarm, said Whitehall Police Chief Roger D. Squiers. “The officers went there and the alarm was going off. More Info
  • MO: KCPD K-9 officer help catch copper thieves
    1.2.15 – fox4kc.com – The suspects set off an automatic AT&T alarm. AT&T reported thieves got away with some cable. Police called out the helicopter … More Info
  • MS: Columbus man faces burglary charge
    12.31.14 – WTVA – Columbus police say they responded to an alarm activation at A To Z Mart on December 16th. At the scene, they found the business had been burglarized and … More Info
  • MS: DG burglary suspect arrested
    12.31.14 – Meridian Star – “After he broke the glass out, the alarm activated and spooked him, so he left. “Investigators were able to get find the suspect by working with surveillance … More Info
  • NC: Caught on camera: Teens break-in, rob Fayetteville store
    12.31.14 – WTVD-TV – Hill and Stevens have invested in a huge safe, a louder alarm alerting them when a customer enters the store, as well as additional cameras. Stevens said new … More Info
  • NC: Homeless Hickory Man Accused of Breaking Into Iron Thunder …
    1.2.15 – WHKY – Events leading to arrest unfolded when Police responded to an alarm at the Iron Thunder Saloon & Grill. There, they found a broken … More Info
  • NC: Police: Man caught breaking into PNC Bank before biting arresting …
    12.29.14 -WWAY NewsChannel 3 – Officers say the alarm at PNC Bank began to sound, and they could hear the suspect screaming inside. That’s when police spotted John Stanton, 45, tearing up … More Info
  • ND: Bismarck man arrested in pharmacy burglary
    1.1.15 – Grand Forks Herald – According to the complaint, police responded to an alarm at 1:26 p.m. Dec. 25. Numerous prescription drugs, including controlled substances clonazepam and … More Info
  • ND: Photo Released of Suspect in Drug Store Robbery
    12.29.14 -KFYR-TV – The Grant County Sheriff’s Department responded to an alarm that went off on Friday morning. The drug store released a photo of the man who they believe … More Info
  • NE: Wahoo Police Blotter
    1.1.15 – Wahoo Newspaper – 7:05 a.m. Officer responded to a bank alarm i. … 7:40 p.m. Officer responded to an activated home alarm … More Info
  • NJ: Bank robbed in Elmwood Park New Year’s Eve
    1.1.15 – NJ.com – The suspect also repeatedly warned the teller not to activate the panic alarm, Foligno said. The teller handed the suspect about $500 in cash before fleeing on … More Info
  • NJ: Jewelry store thief clears out store in Township of Washington
    1.1.15 – NorthJersey.com – The burglar cut a hole through the roof of Amir Jewelers, located in the Washington Town Center, and disabled the store’s alarm system … More Info
  • OH: “Crash and Grab” robberies reported by residents
    1.1.15 – WKRC TV Cincinnati – Two more calls came in; one from the alarm company and another from a neighbor. In the subsequent days after the robbery thieves used the same methods to … More Info
  • OH: Christmas morning burglary results in $24000 worth of stole phones …
    12.31.14 – cleveland.com – Officers responded to a burglar alarm around 5 a.m. Dec. 25 at Verizon Wireless. Surveillance video showed two suspects dressed in black in the store minutes … More Info
  • OH: Columbus man faces burglary charge
    1.1.15 – WTVA – Columbus police say they responded to an alarm activation at A To Z Mart on December 16th. At the scene, they found the business had been burglarized and … More Info
  • OH: Crash and Grab” robberies reported by residents
    12.31.14 – WKRC TV Cincinnati – Two more calls came in; one from the alarm company and another from a neighbor. In the subsequent days after the robbery thieves used the same methods to … More Info
  • OH: CRIME ALERT: Violent Home Assault Puts Community in Gallia Co …
    1.2.15 – WSAZ-TV – Jane Ann Miller said an alarm at her mother’s home startled a man who busted his way inside early Friday. “I brought her home last night from assisted living to … More Info
  • OH: Man robs Cleveland Road gas station at gunpoint
    1.2.15 – Sandusky Register – A panic alarm was activated and police soon arrived, finding the store locked with its lights off and the two employees inside. Investigators later reviewed … More Info
  • OH: Police investigate breaking and entering at Montessori School
    12.31.14 – WHIO – 22 for a burglary alarm. Officers arrived and found that an unknown suspect climbed onto the roof and dropped a rock through a skylight window, according to a … More Info
  • OH: Thief gets away with $1 million in jewelry
    1.3.15 – WDTN – Officers were called to Salem Jewelers Thursday before 4:45 a.m. after an alarm sounded. When police arrived, they found an iron … More Info
  • OH: Thieves get away with TVs from Dayton hair salon
    1.4.15 – WDTN – Officers also met with the owner of the downstairs barber shop who told them that nine employees work at the salons and all of them know the code for the alarm. More Info
  • OH: West Side Business Owner Says Thief Broke In, Then Came Back 2 …
    1.1.15 – NBC4i.com – For this small business owner, he is glad he had an alarm system, and that thieves didn’t get away with more. “It is like you are taking food away from my children … More Info
  • OR: Burglar hits Brownsville Post Office
    12.30.14 – Albany Democrat Herald – There’s not a lot of information yet,” Wilson said, on Tuesday afternoon. The burglary was reported when an alarm went off at about 3 a.m., according to 911 logs. More Info
  • PA: Police investigating alarm find burglary suspect in bed
    12.29.14 -Centre Daily Times – State police responded to an alarm at the home about 4:15 a.m. and found a broken window, police said. Troopers found 27-year-old Nicole Lynn Daugherty in … More Info
  • PA: Police, Fire from Jan. 3, 2015
    1.2.15 – Sharonherald – Burger King at 9:22 a.m. Tuesday was cited for permitting too many false alarms within a 12-month period after an alarm earlier in the … More Info
  • PA: Police: Burglary suspect found sleeping in bed
    12.30.14 – WANE – The Centre Daily Times reports state police responded to an alarm about 4:15 a.m. Sunday in Liberty Township, Centre County. More Info
  • PA: Police: Toilet paper links man to heist attempt
    12.30.14 – WTAE Pittsburgh – A suspicious clerk saw the note and hit the secret alarm at the counter. Frey told officers he was forced to commit the robbery by a large, bearded man with a gun … More Info
  • PA: Toilet Paper Blunder: 5 Craziest Crimes of the Week
    1.2.15 – KCEN-TV – Police responding to a home alarm around 4:15am in Liberty Township, Pa., searched the residence after spotting a broken window, and found Daugherty in a … More Info
  • SC: Four teens charged with Friday’s armed robberies
    1.3.15 – Myhorrynews – … Small said Conway police responded to the second robbery at the Scotchman at about 1:40 a.m. in response to a panic alarm. More Info
  • SC: Horry County Police explain why convenience stores are robbery …
    1.3.15 – WBTW – Myrtle Beach and Florence SC – If you have a silent alarm and can reach it without being noticed, use it. Otherwise, wait until the robber leaves. • Be careful, most robbers are just as nervous as … More Info
  • SC: Horry County Police say friend shot friend over money and property
    1.4.15 – WBTW – Myrtle Beach and Florence SC – … officers of the Conway Police Department responded to the Scotchman in reference to a panic alarm. Upon arrival officers were … More Info
  • SC: SC highway deaths rise in 2014, slightly down for Pee Dee counties
    1.3.15 – WBTW – Myrtle Beach and Florence SC – … officers of the Conway Police Department responded to the Scotchman in reference to a panic alarm. Upon arrival officers were … More Info
  • TN: Speedwell woman arrested, accused of stealing bank ATM
    12.31.14 – WATE-TV – Claiborne County officers responded to Commercial Bank in Speedwell around 7:25 p.m. for a call that the burglar alarm was going onff. Officers found windows … More Info
  • TX: Burglars target SE Houston beauty supply store
    12.29.14 -KPRC Houston – She explained to Local 2, the burglars are hanging from the ceiling and grabbing the hair without stepping foot in the store, that way they don’t set off the alarm … More Info
  • TX: Grimes County Deputy Catches Burglar At His Brazos County Home
    1.2.15 – WTAW – A burglary alarm going off on his smartphone sent a Grimes County deputy sheriff to his home south of College Station, where he confronts his godson. Brazos … More Info
  • TX: Grimes County deputy’s godson arrested on charges of burglary and …
    1.1.15 – The Eagle – Security cameras caught Musser carrying the rifle inside the home and “violently striking” the alarm control panel with the rifle, which accidentally discharged, … More Info
  • TX: Jury indicts N.C. woman for theft
    1.1.15 – Waxahachie Daily Light – During the course of the offense, Robinson allegedly caused a fire alarm to be activated. Robinson has also been charged with theft $50-$500 from the Irving … More Info
  • TX: Police say suspected burglar took several consoles from GameStop …
    1.3.15 – KHOU – At that time police responded to the scene after a burglary alarm was triggered. When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect was nowhere to be found and … More Info
  • TX: Suspect at large in Beaumont armed robbery
    1.2.15 – Beaumont Enterprise – Officers responded to a panic alarm at about 10:20 p.m. at the Stop & Shop Store. The clerk told them a slim man about 20 to 25 years old and wearing a gray … More Info
  • TX: Suspect nabbed during theft at tractor business
    12.30.14 – KTRK-TV – Authorities responded to a burglary alarm and caught a man attempting to cut through a pipe fence with a battery operated saw at Hlavinka Tractor in Rosenberg … More Info
  • UT: Bank robbery suspect caught within 15 minutes of holdup, police say
    12.30.14 – fox13now.com – Employees were able to immediately trigger a hold-up alarm. The suspect, identified as Tyrone Tillman, fled the bank in a vehicle. A West Valley City police … More Info
  • UT: Man arrested for credit union robbery within 15 minutes, police say
    12.31.14 – KSL.com – West Valley City – A man who allegedly robbed a credit union Tuesday was in custody less than 15 minutes after employees set off a hold-up alarm, police … More Info
  • WA: Police arrest employee for $50000+ Christmas bank heist
    12.31.14 – KIRO Seattle – Police said there were a number of signs that pointed to an inside job, including the fact that the suspect was able to quickly disable the bank’s alarm system and … More Info
  • WY: 17 juveniles cited for MIP on otherwise quiet New Year’s holiday
    1.3.15 – The Sheridan Press – In response to an alarm at 8:28 p.m. Wednesday, police found a broken window and the owner said it appeared items had been removed, … 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.

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