301.519.9237 exdirector@nesaus.org

Public Safety Updates

  • AZ: City of Mesa apologizes for sending out bogus ‘false alarm’ bills to …
    11.16.17 – AZFamily – Alice Nelson just got a letter from the City of Mesa saying she owed $210 in fines for having false alarms on her home security system. Mesa, like many Valley … More Info
  • CA: Music Store Owner Says City Billed Him After Burglary Attempt
    11.16.17 – CBS Sacramento – “They got in far enough to set the alarm off,” Janis said. “We have alarms placed strategically at those locations so any movement in that area would set off the … More Info
  • CA: Time to make alarm companies pull their weight in City of Manteca
    11.18.17 – Manteca Bulletin – The uproar this past week over a city coding error that sent Janis Music a $700 bill for false alarms that turned out to actually have been alarms set off by criminal … More Info
  • GA: Some businesses question false alarm monitoring company in …
    11.16.17 – 13WMAZ – Warner Robins Police are asking businesses to register as soon as possible with the Cry Wolf company to monitor and try to cut down on false alarm calls. More Info
  • GA: Warner Robins (Ga.) Adopts CryWolf False Alarm System After Year …
    11.15.17 – Security Sales & Integration – Police delayed the implementation of the monitoring software in 2016 due to public confusion and other issues surrounding the city’s false alarm ordinance. More Info
  • OR: Repeated false alarms will bring $250 fine
    11.19.17 – Mail Tribune – A false alarm from an electronic security system could bring a $250 fine as Jackson County looks to combat a rising number of unnecessary alerts for law … More Info
  • TX: Plenty of topics at meet-and-greet with Killeen’s top cop
    11.14.17 – The Killeen Daily Herald – Every false alarm that a home security system generates requires the attention of two police officers and takes about 21 minutes to tend to, Kimble said. If there …More Info
  • WI: Madison, Wisconsin, may require security cameras at all convenience stores
    11.1.17 – SIW – Proposed ordinance would require stores to install high-resolution cameras, store video for 30 days… More Info

Industry News

  • How Comcast’s Xfinity Home Is Disrupting Residential Security
    11.13.17 – Security Sales & Integration – … television or satellite television companies branching into the residential alarm business was roundly scoffed at by the electronic security industry community. More Info
  • Judge prohibits Ring from selling its Z1 security system
    11.13.17 – SIW – Lawsuit brought by ADT alleges solution uses software built by Zonoff founder and his team before they joined Ring… More Info
  • T-Mobile enters connected home security market with Nest security pack offering
    11.8.17 – SIW – Wireless carrier also named the exclusive cellular backup provider for Nest Secure… More Info
  • Bell Canada pushes into smart home security market via AlarmForce acquisition
    11.8.17 – SIW – BCE Inc. to acquire more than 100,000 Canadian security customers … More Info
  • Centralized vs. distributed Smart Home Systems — What is the right choice?
    11.14.17 – CEPro – Box or not a box – That’s the question… More Info
  • ADT Acquires Datashield; Forms ADT Cybersecurity
    11.14.17 – CEPro – ADT Cybersecurity will target commercial clients with ‘rapid response’ network security in addition to physical security systems. More Info
  • SmokeCloak device aims to deter crime
    11.15.17 – KOB 4 – The machine is called the SmokeCloak, and it hooks into an alarm system. Within seconds, it can fill an entire business or home with vapor similar to a fog … More Info
  • TMA releases new monitoring center operator training course
    11.16.17 – SecurityInfoWatch – Vienna, VA – Monitoring center operators are the critical link between alarm notifications and first responder dispatch. Their performance … More Info
  • COPS Monitoring Obtains SOC 2 Type Audit to Demonstrate ‘Trust Services Principles’
    11.13.17 – SSI – The independent audit verifies that internal controls and processes at COPS Monitoring adhere to the highest standards. More Info
  • NAPCO Announces New, Expanded Connected Home & Smart Business Dealer Program
    11.7.17 – SDM – NAPCO Security Technologies announced the launch of their new, expanded Connected Home and Smart Business Authorized Dealer Program. Designed to provide traditional security dealers with everything needed to become Connected Home and Business Marketing and Technical Experts, this program was created to help dealers take advantage of the rapidly growing, RMR-building, multibillion-dollar IoT connected home and business market. More Info
  • Alarm.com opens Demo House
    11.17.17 – SecurityInfoWatch – Open to Alarm.com’s partners, the media and consumers, Alarm.com created the Demo House as a new way to demonstrate the benefits of its smart home … More Info
  • Alarm company workers tell boss: Don’t let the bedbugs bite
    11.17.17 – The Boston Globe – Bed bugs are typically associated with seedy motels and stuffy college dorms, not downtown office buildings. But an infestation of the biting pests at a Boston … More Info
  • Report: Major challenges on the horizon for security manufacturers
    11.17.17 – SecurityInfoWatch – Of the three, still largely independent business segments (video surveillance, access control and intrusion alarms), access control has maintained its average … More Info
  • Years after regulatory crackdown, some security cameras still open to hackers
    11.15.17 – Washington Post – TrendNet security cameras are vulnerable to hackers. (ReFirm Labs) Several widely available security cameras. More Info

State & National News

  • Why Does The Alarm Keep Going Off At Night At Folsom Lowe’s?
    11.14.17 – CBS Sacramento – Folsom (CBS13) – Neighbors in Folsom are frustrated by an alarm going off week after week, and they say it’s coming from the Lowe’s store. More Info
  • Burglars share their favorite ways to get into your home
    11.14.17 – FOX5 Las Vegas – “Ya, ya, because that means nobody is home if the alarm is going off,” Houghton said. “And you know it’s going to take the security place five minutes to call the … More Info
  • Smart Home Communities – Smart Bet or All Hype?
    11.13.17 – CEPro – Smart home community trend is taking off. What can manufacturers, installers and dealers do to catch the tailwind? More Info
  • Trump Signs PASS Act Exempting Security Systems from DoE …
    11.15.17 – CEPro – President Trump signed the Power and Security Systems (PASS) Act that exempts security systems from having to abide by DoE’s ‘no-load’ energy restrictions.  … More Info
  • Alarm designed by Andover man prevents bathroom overdoses
    11.16.17 – Andover Townsman – The health care clinic hasn’t had a bathroom overdose in months since the electrician’s restroom alarm system was installed. Telecommunications and electrical … More Info
  • Rajant Uses Drones to Reduce Response Time for Triggered Home Alarm System
    10.26.17 – SDM – Rajant, a provider of private wireless networks, successfully conducted tests that show the national average time for authorities to respond to a verified home alarm — seven minutes — can be drastically lowered if alarm companies use unmanned aerial systems (UAS, or drones), to supplement their current infrastructure. More Info
  • Should you install a home security system?
    11.17.17 – Fredericksburg.com – Experts say an alarm system plays more of a role in scaring burglars away from a home than it does in prompting a quick response from law enforcement. More Info
  • DIY Entrant Konnected Converts Existing Alarm Panels Into Smart …
    11.18.17 – Security Sales & Integration – The startup Konnected Alarm Panel is billed as the first-of-its kind solution to convert a wired alarm system for app-based smart home controls. November 17 … More Info
  • Local gun store owners working to protect their merchandise
    11.18.17 – Fox17 – “We’ve got a state of the art alarm system that would give Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible a hard time to get into,” said Haddad. “Motion sensors everywhere.”. More Info
  • Baltimore County Public Elementary Schools Being Upgraded With …
    11.18.17 – CBS Baltimore / WJZ – “Officers on the midnight shift, they can get a simple burglar alarm – they can log on, see if there’s somebody inside.” Since 2012, the County has invested $13.6 … More Info
  • Citing safety, councilman wants cameras in every classroom
    11.17.17 – Washington Post – Island politician says Providence schools need security cameras in every classroom, cafeteria and auditorium… More Info

Business Tips

  • Why Fire Inspection Opportunities Are Heating Up for Alarm Dealers
    11.15.17 – Security Sales & Integration – Of the many services offered by alarm monitoring companies, one that is exceeding expectations with promising opportunities for growth is fire inspection. More Info
  • Hacking 101: Why Video Surveillance Should be Left to the Pros
    When selling video surveillance systems to would-be DIYs, remind customers it’s not just physical security to consider, but also data security, given all the cybersecurity hacks out there, especially through IP cameras. More Info
  • How Security Pros Can Incorporate DIY Systems
    11.18.17 – Security Sales & Integration – More and more, I talk to alarm dealers who tell me that they’re considering adding DIY (do-it-yourself ) alarm systems to their services. The motivation factors … More Info

Fire & EMS News

  • AB: Carbon monoxide forces 50 to flee northwest Calgary residential …
    11.16.17 – CBC.ca – The fire department says all Calgarians should have working alarms on every level of their homes to detect carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, … More Info
  • FL: Dog dies in house fire, family spared
    11.17.17 – WPTV.com – Lake Worth, Fla. – A house fire in unincorporated Lake Worth killed a dog, but the family says it could have a been a lot worse. “The fire alarm really saved me, … More Info
  • FL: Nothing To See Here: Whispering Pines Fire Alarm Malfunction …
    11.18.17 – BocaNewsNow.com – A planned fire drill was followed by a malfunctioning fire alarm which automatically summoned police and fire to the campus. Both the fire drill and alarm … More Info
  • ND: Sprinkler Prevents Fire From Spreading Overnight at Macy’s
    11.13.17 – KVRR – Firefighters responded to West Acres Mall around 2:42 a.m. after a fire alarm went off in Macy’s. It was determined that the fire started due to an overheated … More Info
  • NY: Fire truck involved in 2-vehicle crash in Buffalo
    11.14.17 – wivb.com – Buffalo police say the fire truck was responding to an alarm when it collided with a Ford Escape. The fire truck and the Escape … More Info
  • UT: Vivint Smart Home Warns of Increased Carbon Monoxide Poisoning …
    11.15.17 – Business Wire – “We returned home at 10 p.m. and armed our system, but suddenly the alarm started going off,” said Jason Bennett. “By the time I got downstairs, somebody was … More Info

Crime News

  • AK: Police and Fire reports
    11.17.17 – Valdez Star – Burglar Alarm – An alarm company called to report that a burglar alarm at a local business had been set off. The key holder met officers at the scene. Everything … More Info
  • AK: Priest Foils Burglary Attempt
    11.14.17 – webcenter11 – He saw the alarm had been activated, and then witnessed Frank walking up from the basement holding a box full of items, including cross necklaces and … More Info
  • AZ: Bullhead police seeking man wanted for questioning in Kohl’s burglary
    11.15.17 – Kdminer – Police were called to a commercial alarm at the store at 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Police observed the glass front entrance was smashed when they arrived, and the … More Info
  • CA: Man Burglarizes Home, Sets Fire to Kitchen, Steals Car: Police
    11.13.17 – NBC Southern California – The homeowner, a 49-year-old woman, was awoken by her home alarm system and discovered that the suspect had burglarized the home and set fire to the … More Info
  • CO: Woman arrested after attempted robbery at Wells Fargo in Colorado …
    11.14.17 – Colorado Springs Gazette – Officers responded to an alarm at the Wells Fargo. Police say 38-year-old Andrea Ashley Chenie showed employees a note saying she … More Info
  • FL: Vandals target Osceola County historic village
    11.18.17 – WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando – Dampier said the alarm went off around 4:30 a.m. Osceola County sheriff’s deputies checked it out, but Dampier said they didn’t realize how much damage was … More Info
  • IL: FBI: Man robs same Schaumburg bank for the 2nd time – 7 years later
    11.17.17 – WLS-TV – … the Jewel-Osco approached the TCF Bank teller and presented a demand note that said “No alarm I’m listing [sic.] … More Info
  • IL: Police make 2 arrests following car theft, pursuit
    11.18.17 – Journal Gazette and Times-Courier – … 3:18 a.m. Thursday when Mattoon police officers were dispatched to Ideal Auto Sales regarding a business alarm. More Info
  • IN: Burglars cut hole through wall of vacant Indy business to steal shoes
    11.14.17 – Fox 59 – Do you have an alarm system on the property?'” said IMPD Officer Jim Gillespie. “Do things to strengthen your own business, such as video surveillance, having … More Info
  • IN: Thief breaks in and steals from Fiesta Cancun
    11.14.17 – WNDU-TV – Fiesta Cancun has an alarm and a surveillance system, two of their cameras captured the thief. The thief showed up around 4:30 a.m. Sunday. Owners say he … More Info
  • KS: Police question one person after burglary early Monday at Family …
    11.13.17 – Topeka Capital Journal – Police said they were notified of the break-in by the store’s burglar alarm. Officers arriving on the scene found a door had been opened at the store. One person … More Info
  • LA: Burglar hits council member’s community aid program
    11.18.17 – Monroe News Star – The alarm didn’t sound. Wilson said cameras got a good shot of the burglar’s face, so he thinks people will be able to recognize him. The loss didn’t shut P.E.E.P. … More Info
  • MA: Don’t Fall For The ‘Found Purse’ Scam: Newton Police Logs
    11.14.17 – Patch.com – Break in: Police responded to a burglar alarm for a Burg Alarm. They found an open window with light damage to the windowsill, multiple … More Info
  • MA: Marblehead Police Logs: Juvenile Suspect Picked Up At Home
    11.15.17 – Patch.com – There were two calls for a false alarm to businesses, which were both checked out by police. A Kenneth Road resident … More Info
  • MA: Police/Fire: Traffic stop leads to heroin charges for pair
    11.18.17 – Gloucester Daily Times – 12:21 a.m.: A burglar alarm sounded from the Riverdale satellite post office next to … 5:16 p.m.: Police and firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the Central … More Info
  • MI: Man in gasoline bank robbery told teller to smile in list of demands
    11.18.17 – Fox 2 Detroit – Police in Warren have released stunning video of a man who wrapped his face in medical gauze when he robbed a bank by dousing an employee with gasoline … More Info
  • MI: Van drives through Michigan gas station window, suspects steal ATM
    11.15.17 – Toledo Blade – The store manager, Abe Harrouk, received a call from his alarm company regarding the incident at approximately 2:50 a.m. Wednesday. Mr. Harrouk said the … More Info
  • MS: 3 break into convenience Toomsuba store, steal cigarettes
    11.18.17 – Meridian Star – Someone noticed or the three activated a silent alarm because law enforcement received a call at the second location, Calhoun said. While searching the area, … More Info
  • MT: Police respond to alarm at Missoula school
    11.13.17 – NBC Montana – Missoula, Mont. – Missoula Police officers responded to a burglary alarm at C.S. Porter Middle School Sunday afternoon. Officers called in the canine unit at … More Info
  • NH: Robbery reported at Savings Bank of Walpole branch in Keene
    11.14.17 – The Keene Sentinel – Keene police were alerted to the robbery at roughly 3:20 p.m. via a “holdup alarm” activated at the bank, according to Tenney, who said the bank then followed … More Info
  • NM: Armed suspects vandalize, rob, elementary school, police say
    11.15.17 – Albuquerque Journal – Police responded to a break-in alarm at the elementary school around 1 a.m., according to the complaint. Officers found the … More Info
  • NV: Sparks police ask for help locating burglary suspect
    11.13.17 – KRNV My News 4 – The homeowner reported that an unknown subject entered the house shortly after the homeowner left the residence, but was scared away by a home alarm … More Info
  • NY: Geneseo Police activity report
    11.18.17 – The Livingston County News – Assisted with a burglar alarm at the Genesee Valley Plaza. Received a complaint of harassment occurring at Country Lane Apartments. Responded to Meadow … More Info
  • NY: Woman Mails Pricey Photos Stolen From MoMA PS1 Back To …
    11.13.17 – CBS New York – Meanwhile, sources confirm the museum security alarm was set that night, but it never went off. Sources said it is possible somebody was hiding inside waiting … More Info
  • OH: No dough for juveniles in Pizza Hut break-in
    11.13.17 – Dayton Daily News – Officers responded around 1 a.m. to a business alarm at the pizza restaurant. No one was inside when police … More Info
  • OK: Two teens accused of sexual battery of custodian at Edison
    11.17.17 – KOKI FOX 23 – Tulsa police responded to the school around 11:30 p.m. after a burglary alarm was tripped. Police said the teens were in the school. The victim had already filed … More Info
  • PA: California man found sleeping in vehicle charged with receiving …
    11.15.17 – Meadville Tribune – At about 2 a.m. Friday, state police responded to a report of a burglar alarm sounding at Applebee’s restaurant, according to a state police … More Info
  • PA: Exeter man jailed in music store burglary
    11.14.17 – Reading Eagle – After several alarms at an Exeter Township music store, a township police officer spotted a man riding a bicycle from the back of the business in the middle of the … More Info
  • PA: Man accused of stealing metal from cell towers headed to court
    11.14.17 – PennLive.com – They said he set off an alarm at a tower on Aug. 5. McGarvey was arrested in September, and waived his case to Cumberland … More Info
  • PA: Whitpain police request public assistance in identifying burglars
    11.17.17 – Montgomery Newspapers – Whitpain Police Department A suspect in Blue Bell Garden burglaries caught on video surveillance. A suspect in Blue Bell Garden burglaries caught on … More Info
  • TN: 2 men wanted for breaking into Sea Isle home
    11.15.17 – WMC Action News 5 – His alarm company notified police. “The first time, they went in through the back window. I ended up getting bars on the windows, extra cameras, glass break. More Info
  • TN: Smyrna police chief responds to recent gun store burglaries
    11.18.17 – WSMV Nashville – “This owner had a very good alarm system, a very excellent camera system. … Arnold said officers arrived 90 seconds after the alarm company called 911. More Info
  • TN: Surveillance footage leads police to identify break-in suspect
    11.18.17 – Bristol Herald Courier – 5, Washington County central dispatch received a call about an alarm activating at the Valero gas station. Sheriff’s Office deputies and … More Info
  • TX: Burglar breaks through three walls to steal from San Antonio …
    11.13.17 – WOAI – The alarm probably scared off the crook, Jensen said. The crime happened late Wednesday or early Thursday. Drywall repairman Ben Faucett was patching up … More Info
  • TX: Groves police calls, arrests Nov. 1 – Nov. 7
    11.18.17 – The Port Arthur News – Burglar alarm was reported. … More Info
  • TX: HPD: Suspects use pickaxe in attempted convenience store burglary …
    11.19.17 – CW39 – Officers with the Houston Police Department responded to an alarm call around 4:30 a.m. at Groceries Sav Beverages  … More Info
  • TX: Man accused of breaking into Leander bank by crashing through …
    11.18.17 – Austin American-Statesman – 3 after responding to a burglary alarm at the South Star Bank, the affidavit said. A surveillance video showed a man crashing … More Info
  • TX: Texas Rangers Arrest Four in Connection With Love Triangle …
    11.19.17 – The Epoch Times – Neighbors reported an alarm going off at the home twice on Sept. 16. One witness said there were two men in the home at the time. The investigators first spoke … More Info
  • TX: Video captures ghost at Sansom Park grocery store … or did it?
    11.17.17 – Fort Worth Star Telegram – He said on his drive home to Arlington he got an alert from the alarm system a few minutes after midnight. “I came back and left, then after one hour I had to come … More Info
  • TX: VIDEO: Odessa Police searching for suspects who burglarized Hop …
    11.14.17 – CBS7 News – On Saturday, November 11 police again responded to Hop Scotch Vinery for an alarm. There they found that three suspects had broken into the store and stole … More Info
  • VA: Bristol man charged with breaking and entering of convenience store
    11.18.17 – WCYB – Sheriff Newman said that deputies were called to an alarm at the Valero/Fas Mart during the early morning of November … More Info
  • VA: Burglar swipes brandy from liquor store
    11.13.17 – The Winchester Star – At 12:10 a.m. Sunday, the burglar alarm went off at the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) store, according to Lt. Amanda Behan with … More Info
  • WA: Bellingham business near Roosevelt Park burglarized
    11.14.17 – The Bellingham Herald – Shortly before 4:30 a.m., a security employee and Bellingham police responded to the report of a glass-break alarm at a business … More Info
  • WI: Cash thrown into the air: 1 of 2 charged in bank robbery that …
    11.17.17 – fox6now.com – According to a criminal complaint, shortly after 11:00 a.m. on November 4th, police were called out to the bank after a hold up alarm was activated. Fox Point … 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