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12-22-14 NESA Monitor

NationalMonitor

December 22, 2014

Association Events

Door to Door Sales

  • Better Business Bureau warns of ADT scam: Your Stories
    12.18.14WSYR- Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – The Better Business Bureau is warning people a scam in which door-to-door salespeople claim to represent an alarm company, ADT. More Info
  • Police warn homeowners about phone scam
    WLNE-TV (ABC6) – … Police advise that homeowners simply hang up when called, as it seems that the scammers are trying to see if the homes are equipped with an alarm system. More Info

Public Safety Updates

  • Use NFPA 3 for new, existing buildings
    12.17.14 – Consulting-Specifying Engineer- Other NFPA standards provide information on how to functionally test specific fire protection and life safety systems, such as NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and … More Info
  • CA: Alarm system owners will pay $100 per false alarm
    12.19.14 – Palo Verde Valley Times – Blythe, Calif. – Blythe City Council voted unanimously Dec. 9 to enforce a $100 penalty fee for residents and businesses who have more than one false alarm … More Info
  • NJ: County’s new 911 system is up and running
    12.17.14 – New Jersey Herald- Residences and businesses with alarm systems need to alert their alarm company of the change-over since there are new telephone numbers for the alarm … More Info
  • UT: Layton fed up with false fire alarms
    12.20.14 – Standard-Examiner – City council members voted Thursday to raise the fee for commercial false alarms from $50 to $250 if there are three false alarms in a quarter and another $100 … More Info

Industry News

  • Alarm.com goes after commercial business with acquisition
    12.15.14 -SSI – Vienna, VA – Alarm.com, known for its connected home platform, is pursuing the “next frontier, connected business.” It took a big step in that direction with a purchase announced today. Security Systems News spoke to Alarm.com and the acquired company about the deal. More Info
  • Are you a receptionist, security guard or retail clerk? You could soon …
    12.17.14 – Catholic Online- These robots can ring the alarm if there is an emergency. Recently, Silicon Valley deployed several patrol robots with alarms, heat detectors, odor and pollution … More Info
  • When is a ‘Standard’ Really a ‘Standard’?
    All the recent talk about Thread Group, Z-Wave, ZigBee, HDBaseT and other smart-home protocols has Derek Flickinger dying to set us straight on the subject of “standards.” More Info
  • Military Families Share Home Alarm Troubles After ABC News …
    12.18.14 – ABC News – Several military families have come forward to say they, too, were victims of door-to-door shenanigans from salesmen from the home alarm company Vivint, … More Info
  • ESL, Interlogix Hard-Wired Smoke Alarms Recalled: Failure to Alert …
    12.20.14 – US Recall News – About 141,000 ESL and Interlogix brand 400/500 series smoke detectors are being recalled in the united states (also 13,000 in Canada) because the radio … More Info
  • Tennessee gets a new area code overlay
    12.20.14 – Macon county times – … the new dialing procedure (life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact … More Info

State & National News

  • Texas battle over immigration seems likely
    12.14.14 – Austin American Statesman – Members of tea party groups, business leaders and elected officials agree that the upcoming legislative session, scheduled to begin on Jan. 13, likely will feature heated debates and emotional fights over immigration-related legislation — possibly within the same party. More Info

Business Tips

  • Why Employees Use Company Tech for Personal Tasks
    12.11.14 – CIOInsight – A number of employees admit that they’ve caused network downtime at work by visiting questionable sites. Learn how CIOs must address this growing problem. More Info
  • 9 Factors to Surviving Corporate Adolescence
    12.17.14 – Commercial Integrator – Keep track of these nine things to make it through the intermediate stage of your company’s growth and maturity. More Info
  • The Failures Behind 10 Great Success Stories
    12.11.14 – Baseline – You could point to almost any success story in business, technology, sports and American culture and find setbacks leading up to winning moments. These 10 icons are perfect examples. More Info

Fire News

  • AZ: Family alerted by alarm, escapes fire
    12.15.14 – KGUN 9 – Tucson – A northwest side family escaped a burning apartment Sunday night, thanks to alerts from a fire alarm. Northwest Fire crews responded … More Info
  • CA: Smoke from party in City Council office triggers City Hall evacuation
    12.17.14 – Los Angeles Times- Workers at Los Angeles City Hall were briefly evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a party in City Councilwoman Nury Martinez’s office set off a smoke alarm. More Info
  • MA: Police: Assault and Battery, Rollover Accident With Injuries and …
    12.15.14 – Patch.com – At 11:31 a.m., fire alarm at Spring Hill Suites. Second-floor engineer’s office smoke alarm. Fire Department notified. At 11:43 a.m., counterfeit $20 used at H&M. More Info
  • ME: Rockport Police/Fire: Penzance fire alarm proves false
    12.19.14 – Gloucester Daily Times – Responding firefighters, however, found that it was a false activation, and there was no fire. More Info
  • NJ: Berkeley Township Police Officer Treated for Inhalation After …
    12.18.14 – The Ocean Signal – On December 3rd 2014 at 2:30PM Pt. John Sperber observed an audible fire alarm while on patrol. Ptl .Sperber located he apartment where the … More Info
  • NJ: Fire-damaged business keeps lights on and doors open
    12.18.14 – Cherry Hill Courier Post – The fire was reported by Slomin’s Shield, an alarm company that installed smoke detectors and a burglar alarm for South Jersey Mowers. The blaze remains … More Info
  • NY: Bath residents overcome by carbon monoxide
    12.18.14 – Elmira Star-Gazette – The Bath Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 9:36 a.m. for a carbon monoxide alarm going off and reports of occupants having trouble … More Info
  • PA: GantDaily.com Police Blotter
    12.16.14 -Gant Daily – Police received a report about an automatic fire alarm at the Clearfield County Courthouse. Upon arrival police met with the Sheriff’s Office and found it was a … More Info
  • VT: Alarm leads to marijuana plants
    12.18.14 -Stowe Today – 9, the Stowe Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm. When firefighters arrived, they found an indoor garden of … More Info

Crime News

  • AL: Police: Suspects stole $200K in jewelry from Mt. Juliet pawn shop
    12.16.14 -FOX6 WBRC – MyFoxAL.com – “These were professionals that obviously knew more than most of the alarm companies themselves,” Hendricks said. “They had to disable the radio and the … More Info
  • AR: Taco Bell robbed at gunpoint; customer calls police when service …
    12.15.14 – THV 11 – Officers stated that not only was a silent alarm tripped, but a concerned customer called emergency services when one of the store’s employees refused them … More Info
  • CA: Paintings in $10-million Encino heist recovered
    12.18.14 – Los Angeles Times – The home was equipped with a security system, but the couple’s children told investigators that the alarm wasn’t functioning. Every entryway was locked except … More Info
  • CA: Two Atherton homes burglarized by accomplice of fake plumber
    12.17.14 – San Jose Mercury News – In a press release, police advised residents to use alarm systems, prohibit unknown people from entering their homes and keep windows and doors locked … More Info
  • CA: Would-be Burglars Slam into Gun Store, Leave Empty-Handed
    12.15.14 – FOX40 – Deaser thinks they took off without taking anything after seeing some of the security features he has installed, including surveillance cameras, two alarm systems … More Info
  • CT: North Haven Police investigating 2 burglaries at local homes
    12.17.14 – New Haven Register – Officers responded at about 9:40 a.m. to a home on Middletown Avenue for a report of a burglar alarm sounding. The officers found the front door to the home … More Info
  • GA: Surveillance camera records men breaking into home while owner …
    12.17.14 – WSB Atlanta – “When they noticed the alarm was armed, they grabbed whatever they could grab, which was actually my briefcase and some personal effects,” the homeowner … More Info
  • IL: 4 North Side cell phone store burglaries may be linked, police say
    12.18.14 – WLS-TV – After attempting to disable the alarm and nearly electrocuting themselves they head for the phones, stealing about $4,000 worth of equipment plus $100 in cash. More Info
  • IL: ‘Crash-and-grab’ burglaries alarm Chicago retailers
    12.16.14 – The Register-Guard – Chicago – All the burglars use the same audacious tactics: A vehicle crashes through a storefront in the wee hours and up to six people in dark clothing and … More Info
  • IL: Four similar commercial burglaries hit Irving Park, Mayfair
    12.18.14 -Chicago Tribune – Police encourage business owners to equip their establishments with a working video surveillance system and a burglar alarm. … More Info
  • IL: Two men rob a US Cellular store Thursday in East Peoria
    12.18.14 -Peoria Journal Star – After an hour-long search by East Peoria police and the Tazewell County Sherriff’s office in the commercial district, came a report of an alarm … More Info
  • IN: Armed robbery at Sports and Spirits Bar
    12.15.14 – News Sentinel – Once the gunmen began to flee the bar. An employee attempted to hit the silent alarm. One of the gunmen turned around and yelled at him, asking what he was … More Info
  • LA: Arrests made in elementary school burglary
    12.20.14 – KPLC-TV – Sunday, police responded to a burglary alarm at the school and saw numerous electronic devices had been stolen. Police said the suspects broke a window to … More Info
  • LA: In Garyville home invasion, alarm system doesn’t scare off intruder
    12.15.14 – NOLA.com – Minutes after a Garyville woman set the alarm system at her home, it went off. She turned to find a stranger dressed entirely in black and standing at the back … More Info
  • LA: NOPD searching for man wanted in Poydras P.J.’s Coffee burglary
    12.18.14 -NOLA.com – Around 3:00 a.m., officers responded to a burglar alarm at the coffeehouse,… More Info
  • MA: Towns’ Police/Fire: Essex police sound warnings on phone scams
    12.16.14 -Gloucester Daily Times – Police responded to a commercial burglar alarm at 8:59 a.m. Friday on Main Street. Officers found that everything was secure, however, and the owner was … More Info
  • ME: Electrical problem sets off alarm at Maine Mall
    12.20.14 – WCSH-TV – South Portland, Maine – A problem with a light ballast in a wall outside Macy’s at the Maine Mall set off an alarm Saturday morning. More Info
  • MI: Flint police seek two people for questioning in burglary
    12.15.14 -MLive.com – 8, Flint police got a call regarding a home alarm system, according to Lt. Devon Bernritter with the Flint Police … More Info
  • MI: Police search for 3 suspects in AT&T store break-in
    12.22.14 – MLive.com – Police responded to the scene of a break-in alarm about 1:40 a.m. Dec. 21. Pittsfield Township police determined that two … More Info
  • MI: Police: Man tried to steal marijuana from caregiver
    12.15.14 – The Detroit News – He told deputies he was at home about 11:30 p.m. when he saw someone on his security camera breaking into the building, setting off a building alarm. More Info
  • MI: Taylor salon owners seeking person who robbed their business
    12.19.14 – Southgate News Herald – During the early morning hours at about 1:30 a.m., the owner said she received a call from the alarm company notifying her that the backdoor had been opened. More Info
  • MN: Burglary suspect returns to scene of the crime
    12.19.14 – The Sun Current – A security officer responding to the alarm found the suspect inside the building. … 6 alarm, the suspect said items in the building were his property, but a check … More Info
  • MN: Meeker County Sheriff’s Office report
    12.16.14 -Crow River Media – On the 16th at 12:06 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office responded to an alarm at Duininck Brothers Plant 5. Upon arrival of the deputy … More Info
  • MN: Suspect arrested Hope bank robbery
    12.20.14 – Albert Lea Tribune – Thiele said that the tellers pushed the alarm button immediately after the man left the bank, and law enforcement responded immediately. No one was injured in … More Info
  • NE: Recent Rash of Burglaries in Northwest Kearney
    12.18.14 -knopnews2 – Captain Kirkwood said, “Keep their eyes on their neighbors up there, keep their doors locked, if you have an alarm that it’s set. Even if you think you hear … More Info
  • NJ: Burglar alarm leads to arrest
    12.16.14 -Edison Sentinel- Burglar alarm leads to arrest. Edison Township police arrested an Irvington man in connection with the burglary of a home on Dec. 6. Terrance … More Info
  • NJ: Montclair Crime: Arrests, Rocks Thrown Through Car Windows …
    12.17.14 – Baristanet – On 12/10/2014 at 0217Hrs, dispatch received a call from the alarm company notifying them of a panic alarm at “Cars Restaurant”. An employee … More Info
  • NJ: Police: Ridgewood Home Forced Open, Burglarized
    12.16.14 -Patch.com – 15 after the home’s alarm was activated and “found the rear door had been forced open and the house had been burglarized,” according to a press release from …More Info
  • NV: Burglar breaks into home of security company owners — VIDEO
    12.19.14 – Las Vegas Review-Journal – But, she said, she didn’t do one thing her company always recommends: turn on the alarm. “I was just going to be gone for a short time,” she said Thursday. More Info
  • OK: Police: Homeowner shoots, kills alleged burglary suspect in …
    12.20.14 – kfor.com – Police say the homeowner shot the suspect at around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. “We received a call of alarm in the area, officers got … More Info
  • PA: Anatomy of a bank robbery mix-up: Dauphin County provides …
    12.17.14 – PennLive.com – Two minutes later, the bank’s alarm company reported the robbery to police. One minute after that, Harrisburg police were sent to the bank. Officers arrived at … More Info
  • PA: Burglars Caught in Act at Northeast Philly Target
    12.17.14 – NBC 10 Philadelphia – Target’s security spotted the robbers on surveillance video cameras shortly after the suspects tripped a silent alarm and notified police. Officers surrounded the … More Info
  • PA: Cheltenham Township police reports: Week of Dec. 21
    12.21.14 – Montgomery Newspapers- An alarm went off and a bedroom window screen was found pulled up, but no entry was made, police said. … More Info
  • PA: Phila. police shootings that kill, wound suspects decline in last five …
    12.15.14 – Philly.com – 1, police responding to a burglary alarm were greeted by a man who placed a gun against an officer’s head. The officer, an Asian man, smacked the gun away … More Info
  • PA: Trapped burglary suspects caught at Northeast Philadelphia Target …
    12.17.14 – abc7news.com – Police were called by Target security at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday after a silent alarm went off, and security personnel found a back door sawed open and insulation … More Info
  • PA: Two arrested for series of break-ins at Tobacco World
    12.17.14 – Towanda Daily Review – … officers were again dispatched to the Tobacco World store for a reported burglar alarm. Upon arrival, officers discovered a broken window at the front of the … More Info
  • PA: Two Men Arrested During Door Busting Target Robber in Northeast …
    12.17.14 – MyFox Philadelphia – The suspects turned off surveillance cameras, and then hit the alarm. Police showed up shortly after. Officers sent all units and saw the burglars running through … More Info
  • TN: Crime Briefs: Thief hits Columbia gun store
    12.18.14 -Columbia Daily Herald – Officers responded to a call about 2 a.m. Thursday that the alarm at the store on Bear Creek Pike was sounding. A dispatcher said a man on the scene failed to … More Info
  • TN: Jewelry heist nets more than $200000 (with video)
    12.16.14 -Lebanon Democrat – To enter and exit the business, the thieves disabled the alarm system and used a saw to cut a hole in the roof. Two unidentified suspects with faces covered by … More Info
  • TN: Police bust suspected rooftop burglars in Hermitage
    12.18.14 – WSMV Nashville – Officers responded to the alarm and got there just in time. They climbed a ladder to take the suspects into custody on the roof. Police arrested 43-year-old David … More Info
  • TN: Police: Suspects stole $200K in jewelry from Mt. Juliet pawn shop
    12.15.14 – WSMV Nashville – “These were professionals that obviously knew more than most of the alarm companies themselves,” Hendricks said. “They had to disable the radio and the … More Info
  • TN: Thieves use saw, steal $200K in jewelry in Mt. Juliet
    12.15.14 – The Tennessean – Investigators believe the break-in was around 3 a.m. Sunday, as thieves probably disabled the alarm system and used a saw to cut a hole in the roof, police said. More Info
  • TX: CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Woman wanted for robbery
    12.18.14 – FOX 29 – The cashier activated a ‘hold-up’ alarm, and the woman took off before officers arrived. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information which leads to … More Info
  • WA: Thieves crash stolen truck into Vancouver store, try to steal ATM
    12.19.14 – KATU – Need to put one way spike strips in front of the door that deploy when the alarm goes off. Or maybe a line of those popup post to high center the pickup. 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