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NationalMonitor

February 9, 2015

Association Events

  • STAA Monthly Meeting – Tuesday Feb 10
    11:30 AM to 1:30 PM CST- El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, 2838 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232 http://elchaparral.com/locations-san-antonio
  • NTAA Monthly Meeting – February 19th, 2015
    Thursday February 19, 2015 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM CST- Mitch Reitman with S.I.C. Consulting, Inc. – Annual Tax Update – The Victoria Restaurant, 13435 Bee Street, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 View more information

Door to Door Sales

  • 7 On Your Side: Competing alarm company gets woman to switch …
    2.4.15 – abc7news.com – The man at the door said he was from “The Alarm Company” — the woman figured it was her own. It wasn’t until weeks later she realized she was under contract … More Info
  • Protect your home from residential burglaries
    2.4.15 – Orange County Breeze – Burglars pose as employees of an alarm company. They knock on your door and say they need to check your alarm system. If you have displayed an alarm sign … More Info
  • The Alarm Guys Accused of Duping Vivint Customer to Switch Security Service
    2.5.15 – SSI – A representative for The Alarm Guys allegedly told a California woman that his firm had taken over Vivint, prompting the customer to sign a five-year-contract with his alarm company. More Info

Public Safety Updates

  • AB: False alarm bylaw may soon be coming
    2.3.15 – Innisfail Province – Calls to the Innisfail Fire Department for service nearly doubled last year over 2013 and there is now talk at town hall at considering a new false alarm bylaw. More Info
  • GA: New fees, policies coming for home alarm systems
    2.6.15 – WXIA-TV – If you have a security alarm system installed at your home, brace yourself. … To keep up with the increase in security systems and the false alarm calls that come … More Info
  • IN: Lafayette police could start fining for false alarms
    2.3.15 – WRTV Indianapolis – Lafayette, Ind. (AP) – Lafayette police could soon dust off the city’s false-alarm ordinance and start fining repeat offenders. Police Lt. Brian Gossard says 99.5 … More Info

Industry News

  • What Smart Security Sensors Does Your Home Need?
    2.2.15 – EH Daily – In the February 2015 issue of Electronic House, you can read about all the different kinds of sensors available to smart home and security systems, so you can decide what devices you need to protect your family. More Info
  • Door Phone Market Worth Estimated $2.3B in 2014
    1.29.15 – SSI – The world market for audio and video door phones was estimated to be worth $2.3 billion in 2014, an increase of $100 million from 2013, according to a new report from IHS.  More Info
  • Gesture technology to change how people interact with access control systems
    1.28.15 – Security Info Watch – Users can now open doors and gates from a distance by simply rotating their smartphone… More Info
  • Z-Wave Chairman on SmartThings, HomeKit, Thread, 6LoWPAN, ISE 2015
    2.5.15 – CEPro – Z-Wave Alliance Chief Mark Walters chats about SmartThings joining Z-Wave Alliance Board, and how Z-Wave stacks up to other home automation initiatives like Apple HomeKit, Thread, AllSeen and OIC. More Info
  • U.S. Cellular gets into security
    1.26.15 – SSN – Chicago – U.S. Cellular, the newest telecom player to enter the security space, has launched OnLook Digital System, a self-installed security and home automation system. More Info
  • Allure’s Patent Case Against Honeywell Lyric Thermostats: Broad Implications for Home Automation?
    2.4.15 – CEPro – Allure Energy patent-infringement lawsuit targets Honeywell’s Lyric thermostat, but patents seem to apply broadly to other learning and geo-fencing applications, including lighting control, security and home automation. More Info
  • Mandatory 10-digit dialing is here
    2.2.15 – Macon county times – Some examples are life safety systems or medical devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, … More Info
  • Mandatory 10-digit dialing starts this week
    2.4.15 – Princeton Daily Clarion – Examples include life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call … More Info
  • On Your Side Alert: Deactivated cell towers may put security systems …
    2.4.15 – WWBT NBC12 News – If you have a home alarm system, security experts say your system could soon be at risk and it all has to do with cell phone service. Experts say your safety could … More Info
  • ‘Internet of Things’ to reshape the security industry
    2.5.15 – Security Info Watch – New report from Memoori finds that shift to all IP-based systems will redefine current industry business models. More Info
  • 10 Digit Dialing Coming to the 812 Area Code
    2.7.15 – Tristatehomepage.com – It’s the dedicated work of alarm companies that has Jesse Fuller not concerned about his security system. He says with his system, they don’t have to do … More Info
  • TurboTax Resumes State Filings As Taxpayers Try To Make Sense …
    2.7.15 – Forbes – Remember that home alarm commercial that made the rounds a few years back? The one where the crooks saw the security company sign in the window and … More Info
  • 10 Trusty Tools to Make Life Easier for Security Systems Integrators
    2.6.15 – SSI – Take a look at 10 tools to boost security technicians’ efficiencies. More Info
  • Fluent Home Opens New Sales Office in Utah, Aims for Nationwide Reach
    2.4.15 – SSI – The summer sales model company was previously branded as Titan Alarm in Canada and Stryke Alarm in the U.S. SSI Staff · February 04, 2015The summer sales model company was previously branded as Titan Alarm in Canada and Stryke Alarm in the U.S. More Info
  • Telecom players embrace home security services
    2.7.15 – Indianapolis Business Journal – said Louis Fiore, CEO and executive vice president at the Central Station Alarm Association International, a Virginia-based trade group. “Now they can do a … More Info

State & National News

  • There’s an app for a whole lot of things in state governments
    2.2.15 – Stateline – States typically lag behind the private sector, the federal government and many cities in adopting new technology. But as many Americans abandon snail mail and even desktops in favor of smartphones and tablets, many states are redoubling their efforts to make government more accessible and responsive to citizens on-the-go. More Info
  • Most-Cited OSHA Standards and Their Cost to Businesses
    1.26.15 – OHS – The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in the year 2013, 4,405 fatal injuries happened at workplaces in the United States. The figure may seem large when considered by itself, but comparatively, it represents a reduction of almost 25 percent in fatal injuries since 2003. Nowadays, businesses are prioritizing safety and have made progress in improving the working environment for their workers by partnering with organizations that offer training and certifications on safety. More Info
  • The FCC is going to make a proposal that will change the internet for the better
    2.2.15 – Business Insider – FCC chairman Tom Wheeler will propose broadband internet be classified under something called Title II, which is the same distinction given to phone lines. More Info
  • New York enacts new CO detection legislation
    1.26.15 – Security Info Watch – All restaurants, retailers required to have CO detectors in place by June… More Info
  • Cable Companies Oppose FCC Vote to Adopt Advanced Broadband
    2.2.15 – Eweek – News Analysis: The FCC wants to implement broadband capable of 25M bps for downloads and 3M bps for uploads, a number that is easy technically but hard politically. More Info
  • Survey: Young People Ready to Replace Passwords with Biometrics
    1.21.15 – Biometric Update – A new survey commissioned by Visa Europe reveals that 76 percent of 16- to 24-year-olds are ready to replace passwords with biometric authentication methods such as facial recognition, fingerprint and retina scanning. More Info
  • President’s 2016 Budget Released
    1.21.15 – SIA – Earlier this week, President Obama released his FY 2016 budget which outlines a number of proposals that could impact small businesses on topics including tax reforms, SBA lending, immigration reform, cybersecurity and sequestration. More Info
  • U.S. added 257,000 jobs in Jan.; jobless rate changed little at 5.7%
    2.6.15 – Washington Post – U.S. employers added 257,000 jobs in January, but the jobless rate changed little at 5.7 percent.  More Info

Business Tips

  • Super Bowl Players You’d Want on Your Office Team
    1.30.15 – Baseline – A sports team wins games largely because of the work ethic, leadership and talent of its members and coaches. Read how the traits of Super Bowl XLIX stars could add value to your work team. More Info
  • Innovation Isn’t Just a Buzzword
    2.3.15 – Baseline – Consumers want–even demand–sophisticated solutions that make things easier and better. They’ll judge your company based on what you deliver … or fail to deliver. More Info
  • 5 Ways Company Culture Can Improve Your Customer …
    2.2.15 – Forbes – To improve the customer experience start with the employee experience. Most companies today operate in a top down “waterfall” environment. More Info
  • 6 Things Wise Leaders Do To Engage Their Employees …
    2.2.15 -Forbes – It’s also an indicator that leaders are having trouble finding ways to stimulate engagement with today’s employees – a workforce that is much … More Info
  • A Mini-Guide to Minimizing Back and Shoulder Injuries
    2.2.15 – OHS – Lifting and moving objects safely at work is something many people have to deal with — especially if they work in a factory or warehouse. Yet not everyone knows how to safely lift objects from the floor, and not everyone has the strength to lift. So, before you throw your back out, here’s what you need to know to minimize back and shoulder injuries. More Info

Fire News

  • CA: 1 dead in Santa Rosa house fire
    2.5.15 – Santa Rosa Press Democrat – A police dog team helped deputies find the two men barricaded in a tool shed after a security alarm sounded at 3:24 a.m., Focha said. They had burglary tools … More Info
  • CA: Smoke alarms cause brief evacuation at the Register
    2.7.15 – OCRegister – Fire officials were called out to the Santa Ana office of the Orange County Register on Friday afternoon after smoke alarms in the building were set off. More Info
  • CO: Police identify homicide victim found in burning Fountain home
    2.5.15 – KOAA.com Colorado Springs and Pueblo News – … around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday after dispatch got a call from an alarm company saying smoke detectors had been activated at the home. More Info
  • IL: Fire damages Golf Maine Park District building
    2.6.15 – Chicago Tribune – An alarm notified the North Maine Fire Department of the blaze, which occurred around 6:10 p.m., Jan. 2, inside the metal and cinder block garage at Dee Park, … More Info
  • NC: Firefighters say smoke alarms alerted family of 5 to house fire
    2.2.15 – WSOC Charlotte – Investigators told Channel 9 that everyone was able to get out unharmed after the family heard the smoke alarm going off. Fire officials said the fire appeared to … More Info
  • NC: Fries Catch Fire, 8 People At A Winston-Salem Apartment Displaced
    2.8.15 – WFMY News 2 – “My grandson said if it wasn’t for the smoke alarm they might not have gotten out in time,” Murphy said. “The smoke alarm alerted them that there was a fire in … More Info
  • OK: Young Oklahoma boy credited with saving grandmother’s life in ea
    2.4.15 – KOKH FOX25 – Assistant Chief Wadley said smoke alarms the fire department had previously installed started to sound and 6 year old Josh woke up when he heard them. More Info
  • PA: Toilet spuds spark false alarm charge in Upper Darby
    2.3.15 – Delaware County Daily Times – At first blush, a tweet by Upper Darby police Sunday might have appeared half-baked: Male summons (apartment) maintenance by pulling fire alarm when they wouldn’t respond to requests to unclog his toilet that was loaded with potatoes. More Info
  • TX: Firefighters Answering Fire Alarm Discover SNAKES!
    2.6.15 – WOAI.com – It wasn’t the house fire that spooked firefighters when they answered an alarm at a northeast side home this morning—it was what was inside the house… More Info
  • TX: Smoke Alarm and 6-Year Old Save Grandmother From Guymon …
    2.4.15 – MyHighPlains – Guymon – Guymon Firefighters credit a smoke alarm and a 6-year-old for saving a … Smoke alarms, that the Fire Department had installed in the home in the … More Info
  • WI: Police log: Man arrested after chasing woman
    2.4.15 – Wisconsin Rapids Tribune – •At 6:24 p.m. Tuesday, an alarm company reported a smoke detector going off. It was caused by a burned pizza. … More Info

Crime News

  • AL: Trussville homeowner foils burglary
    2.7.15 – Trussville Tribune – Jeff Bridges said a homeowner heard his alarm around 12:30 p.m. or 12:40 p.m. and retrieved his handgun. Police TPD. More Info
  • CA: Attorney: Stockton police negligent in bank robbery response
    2.4.15 – KCRA Sacramento – Singh family attorney Greg Bentley said Stockton police officers violated standard police protocols and were negligent in their response to a silent alarm at the … More Info
  • CA: Crime Report: Deputies respond to burglary in progress on Alta …
    2.7.15 – Valley Sun- By phone, the victim told deputies her father, who was on vacation, called her after being alerted by their alarm company. She said she’d left the house secured … More Info
  • CA: Duo suspected of trying to steal copper from PG&E substation
    2.4.15 – Santa Rosa Press Democrat – A police dog team helped deputies find the two men barricaded in a tool shed after a security alarm sounded at 3:24 a.m., Focha said. They had burglary tools … More Info
  • CA: Four arrested in burglary of Paso Robles business
    2.6.15 – The San Luis Obispo Tribune – At about 11:55 p.m. Monday, officers responded to a burglary alarm at the business. When they arrived, they found a front glass … More Info
  • CA: Fresno burglary suspect tosses safe through funeral home window …
    2.4.15 – Fresno Bee – Lt. Joe Gomez said a silent alarm alerted police and officers were sent to the Chapel of the Light Funeral Home … More Info
  • CA: Smash-and-Grabs Plague One Store, Couple Spit On
    2.6.15 – Mission Local – The alarm went off and surveillance video shows the incident. Although the thieves took some merchandise, it hasn’t been anything of great value, said Hawes. More Info
  • FL: Two Suspects Arrested For Burglary Of Molino Tax Collector’s Office
    2.3.15 – NorthEscambia.com – During the break-in, Purifoy, Armour and a third suspect not yet arrested, attempted to disable the alarm system and used long pry bars to break open the doors … More Info
  • FL: VIDEO: Police Responding To Burglar Alarm Held Down 11-Year …
    2.3.15 – Mintpress News – Police in Groveland, Florida were responding to a burglary alarm that was accidentally tripped upon Jean Guirand’s return home with his family. But police … More Info
  • ID: Boise house fire investigated as arson
    2.5.15 – KTVB – … was reported at about 5:50 p.m. A woman and her four children were able to escape the house when the smoke alarm went off. More Info
  • IL: Beverly Burglar Out of Prison A Week When He Broke Into Home …
    2.6.15 – DNAinfo – Police were tipped off by a home security alarm and later found the back door had been kicked in. Williams also had a screwdriver, believed to be used in the … More Info
  • KS: Concerned residents hold meeting in Andover
    2.4.15 – KWCH – “I can tell you of the 10 burglaries we’ve had, none of them have had alarm systems,” he said. “As a police officer we like silent alarms. It gives us an opportunity … More Info
  • MA: Barnstable police connect heroin, cocaine and loaded gun to …
    2.7.15 – Cape Cod Today- According to a Barnstable police release, officers responded to a burglar alarm on December 26. While officers were … More Info
  • MA: Police logs (2/2 – 2/5/15): Mediating neighbor disputes and return of …
    2.7.15 – mysouthborough – 0740 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a business. 0941 hrs- Officers assisted a disabled motorist. 1233 hrs- Officers … More Info
  • MA: Wilmington police release photos of liquor store break-in suspects
    2.3.15 – Lowell Sun – Two male suspects parked a car behind the building, cut the wires to the alarm system and walked around to the front of the building, where they pried the door … More Info
  • MD: Annapolis burglar flees after tripping security alarm
    2.6.15 – CapitalGazette.com – Someone broke into an Annapolis home Thursday night, but apparently didn’t take anything after tripping a security alarm and fleeing before police arrived. More Info
  • MD: Police: 2 men break into Crofton school
    2.6.15 – WBAL Baltimore – Officers and K-9 personnel were called to Crofton Meadows Elementary for report of an audible alarm around 10:45 p.m. … More Info
  • MI: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office: Deputies investigate domestic …
    2.3.15 – MLive.com – At 8:14 a.m. Deputy Barnett was dispatched for a residential alarm. At 8:22 a.m. Deputy Truchan was dispatched for a larceny … More Info
  • MI: On blustery, snowy night, Alma police dog gets his man
    2.2.15 – The Morning Sun – All police needed early Monday morning was an alarm and a dog to catch Steven Carl Turner 23, of Alma, who allegedly broke into the Sun Up Food Mart. More Info
  • MI: Thieves take motorcycle and tires from Waterford bike shop
    2.8.15 – WXYZ – By the time the alarm company alerted Bowman and Waterford police arrived, the suspects had just left. “I’m sure it was somebody that knew us and planned out … More Info
  • MN: Charges: Duluth bank robbery suspect left trail of cash
    2.7.15 – Duluth News Tribune – The man left on foot through the grocery store, but the teller was able to activate a silent alarm. As officers arrived on the scene, they were met with loose cash … More Info
  • MN: Man faces burglary, property damage charges for breaking into …
    2.6.15 – West Central Tribune – The criminal complaint states that officers responded to a burglar alarm at Hansen Advertising and arrived to find a man, later identified as Balderson, inside the … More Info
  • MN: Robbery Suspect: Going to Use the Money to Bail Someone Out of Jail
    2.7.15 – WDIO-TV – The teller was able to activate the silent alarm. Multiple police and law enforcement squads rushed to the scene. They were able to track Lamin using a trail of … More Info
  • MO: Republic Police Department reports, Jan. 16-25
    2.3.15 -The Republic Monitor – Alarm, 12:04 p.m., Empire Bank. Officer responded to an alarm trip. It was determined that the alarm was tripped by accident by an … More Info
  • NC: Employee of Wake Forest gas station stabbed; suspect sought
    2.7.15 – WRAL.com – Officers responded to a panic alarm at Cruizers at about 4:30 a.m. The clerk was awake and alert when crews responded, but no … More Info
  • ND: Library sleeper triggers burglary alarm and hides in wheelie cart
    2.5.15 – Grand Forks Herald – The activated alarm was for the library’s lower level. … Hours later, after setting off a motion-detector alarm inside, he hid in the Community Room cart. Johnson … More Info
  • NH: Concord man jailed in burglary charged in doughnut shop robbery try
    2.5.15 – The Union Leader – 7 about 10:40 p.m., a burglar alarm sounded at the CitySide Grille. Officers encountered a man, identified by police as Snyder, coming out of … More Info
  • NJ: Drugs, cash stolen in Holland pharmacy break-in
    2.3.15 – NJ.com – An alarm sounded and State Police initially responded. Township police are asking anyone who … More Info
  • NJ: Jersey City man nabbed for Christmas Eve bank robbery in Bayonne …
    2.6.15 – NJ.com – But when Lewis was locking the front door, an employee was able to trip a silent alarm, while another employee slipped out of the building through a side door, … More Info
  • NV: Burglary suspect caught on home surveillance camera
    2.6.15 – MyNews3 Las Vegas KSNV – He jumps through a window when an alarm goes off. “I have kids so I don’t know what I would do if something happened like that coming in my home,” says … More Info
  • NV: Gunman caught on video breaking into NLV home
    2.5.15 – Las Vegas Review-Journal – The home had an alarm system and video surveillance, police said. Video showed the gunman entering the home, walking around and fleeing after he triggered … More Info
  • NV: MPD investigating multiple burglaries in Mesquite
    2.6.15 – St. George Daily Spectrum – “If possible, an alarm system and/or video surveillance will assist in keeping your home from being burglarized.” MPD also encourages citizens to notify trusted … More Info
  • NY: 4 charged in attempted robbery of Mann’s Jewelers
    2.7.15 – Rochester Democrat and Chronicle – The victim reports that he left for work and was contacted by his alarm company. The victim returned home to check on the alarm and when he arrived home, … More Info
  • OH: Gloved robber took cash from Subway in Moraine
    2.3.15 – WHIO – Police were dispatched to the store in response to a panic alarm, he said. Anyone with information about the robber or the robbery is asked to call Moraine … More Info
  • OH: Police briefs
    2.7.15 – Hometownlife.com – 30 after a motion alarm was triggered. When officers arrived they found a window above a bay door had been broken. The front door on the south side of the … More Info
  • OH: Silent alarm sends police into action
    2.2.15 – WDTN – An employee triggered a silent alarm alerting police. Police say the suspect was armed. They say he fled behind the store. A police dog tracked the suspect, but … More Info
  • PA: Lower Merion Police: Pickpocketing reported in Wynnewood
    2.2.15 – Main Line – Police say officers responded to a security alarm after the alarm company got a report that a window had been broken. Upon arrival, police found the front door … More Info
  • PA: WB man faces charges for allegedly leading string of scrap metal …
    2.6.15 – Citizens Voice – On July 11, 2012 Plains Township Police Department responded to a burglar alarm at the site of the former nursing home. During a check of the building, police … More Info
  • PA: Woman charged for false alarm
    2.5.15 – Towanda Daily Review – On Feb. 3, state police responded to a residential alarm at the residence of Elaine Ephlin, 66, in Standing Stone Township. Upon arrival, police discovered that it … More Info
  • SC: Spartanburg Police: Man broke into liquor store, stole register in 5 …
    2.8.15 – WHNS Greenville – Police said they responded to a burglary alarm at Saint John Street Liquor & Party just after 4:30 a.m. and found the front door of the business open. More Info
  • TN: Dalton police seek help in nabbing knife thief
    2.4.15 – Chattanooga Times Free Press – A store employee checked the basket and found that the knives weren’t in it as the suspect walked out of the front of the store. The security alarm went off and the … More Info
  • TX: Burglar steals box of coins from Prosperity Bank branch
    2.6.15 – KZTV Action 10 News – An alarm call at the Prosperity Bank in downtown Corpus Christi led officers to review surveillance video of a man who broke into the bank early Friday morning. More Info
  • TX: Confirmed: 14 Dead in Cartel War Raging at Texas Border
    2.4.15 – Breitbart News – According to the information that the Tamaulipas government provided to Breitbart Texas, the police officers had responded to an ATM alarm that had been set … More Info
  • TX: HPD: Suspects leave loot behind after smashing into W. Houston …
    2.4.15 – KHOU – At that time, police responded to an alarm at the station and found the front glass door smashed in. Police say the suspects weren’t after money, but cigarettes. More Info
  • TX: Officers respond to alarm call, arrest man on burglary charge
    2.5.15 – Brownwood Bulletin – A 12:35 a.m. alarm call Thursday from an Early business brought a quick response from Early and Brownwood police, leading to the arrest of a man on a … More Info
  • TX: Spring woman scares off would-be robbers
    2.8.15 – KPRC Houston – In a panic, she immediately set off her alarm, grabbed her gun, then stuffed her three-year-old in a utility closet. And I was … More Info
  • TX: Thieves break in while homeowners asleep
    2.2.15 – KPRC Houston – “If you don’t have the alarm system, you don’t have all those safeguards in there,” says Rupple, “you can have all the guns and all the bravery that you think you … More Info
  • TX: Thieves leave trail of cigarettes after break-in at Valero gas station
    2.4.15 – KPRC Houston – Police responded to an alarm call at a Valero around 2 a.m. and found the front glass door of the business … More Info
  • TX: Workers comp firm responds to Fort Worth outrage
    2.5.15 – WFAA – Officer Shane Drake was shot by a suspect while responding to a panic alarm at a residence near Hulen Mall on January 29. As Drake was being treated at … More Info
  • VA: Homeowner ‘Glad’ Nothing Stolen After Police say Woman on …
    2.6.15 – WSET – “He got a call from ADT and they said, ‘your alarm is going off.’ He turned around and came back and he found out that someone had tried to break into our … More Info
  • VA: Police Investigating Break-In at Brown’s Convenience Store
    2.2.15 – The Charlottesville Newsplex – “We got a call from the alarm company around 4:10 a.m. – something in that area, that the motion had gone off inside of the store,” Brown explained. Sitting in his … 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