Surveillance Cameras and Peace of Mind for Spring Break and Summer Travel

May 15, 2018 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Surveillance Camera Installation

As you’re making plans for spring break travel or summer trips, you might take a breather from itinerary planning to consider home security. Protecting your home is an investment you make in your property. Surveillance camera installation can provide peace of mind while you’re away enjoying family time.

We field frequent questions about crime and security for both residential and business properties. Here are answers to the top five we’re often asked:

camera-surveillance-installation-houston

Study shows that installing camera surveillance does actually deter burglars.

Is there a real security concern here in the Houston area?

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, a resounding yes. Property crime rates in the Houston area are nearly double the national median, and safety is a real concern for many businesses and homeowners. Furthermore, in 2016, the FBI released new data on crime in America’s metropolitan areas. Houston has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, and some of its suburbs also see some high crime rates. Surveillance camera installation can help solve and deter crimes committed on your properties.

Do alarm systems really deter would-be burglars?

Simply put—yes. Most criminals or would-be burglars are seeking an easy target. Alarm systems, access control systems, CCTV, as well as other surveillance technology deters them from breaking in. A study conducted at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte found that 60% of burglars—nearly 2/3 overall—cased their targets for on-site security before deciding whether to break in or not.

What are surveillance cameras?

Surveillance cameras record what is going on at your residential or commercial property whether or not you are on site. They’re either mounted or stand-alone.

What is CCTV?

Surveillance-Camera-Installation-Houston

Have peace of mind anywhere you go with access to home surveillance from your smart device.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are surveillance systems for commercial and residential properties. They incorporate surveillance cameras and a closed (non-monitored) TV channel to give you visual access to your property 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. While our CCTV systems aren’t monitored by outside security experts, they do provide peace of mind. You’re able to view what’s going on at your property from your smartphone anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet or data connection.

And, if you notice something, you have the warning you might need to call in security or the authorities. Even if you don’t catch a situation in time, CCTV systems can give you valuable video evidence you might need later.

What else can I do to protect my property?

Surveillance cameras and CCTV systems are excellent for protecting your property. The most comprehensive security measures, however, include ample lighting (motion-activated, and especially at night), secure locks, and an alarm system. We offer a variety of options to fit your need and budget. As fully licensed, bonded, and insured alarm technicians in the state of Texas, we’re prepared to both recommend and install a system for you.

We also suggest that you make your security and surveillance measures very obvious to everyone on your property, authorized or not. You can post a notice that your property is monitored by CCTV or protected by an alarm system. If you’re using surveillance cameras and a CCTV system, put your hanging or mounted cameras up very high, so they’re out of reach of tampering, yet visually obvious to any intruders.

Grand Slam A/V and Security is your expert partner for home automation, security and comfort. Through connected systems and creative solutions, we give you on-demand access to music and media, simplify your home and business systems, and help you protect what matters most. With over 20 years’ experience and a staff of technicians at the top of their game, we bring expertise, collaboration, and service to every engagement. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our services and expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

Does CCTV Really Prevent Crime in Houston?

January 15, 2018 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Does CCTV Really Prevent Crime?

Every day, our staff at Grand Slam A/V and Security fields calls from homeowners and business owners wondering how to best keep their properties safe and secure. Property crime rates in the Houston area are nearly double the national median, and safety is top-of-mind for many people. When looking for CCTV Houston, let us help you deter crime.

We install CCTV (closed-circuit television) surveillance systems for both commercial and residential properties throughout Houston.

At Grand Slam A/V and Security, we offer an array of solutions to fit needs and budgets. In addition to alarm and access control systems, we install CCTV (closed-circuit television) surveillance systems for both commercial and residential properties throughout Houston. Here’s our primer on CCTV and why it can provide peace of mind.

What is CCTV?

Closed-circuit TV systems include both mounted and stand-alone surveillance cameras on your property and the closed—non-monitored—TV channel for your viewing. Our CCTV systems are not monitored by outside security experts, but they do allow you to see what is going on at your property whether you’re home or not. What’s more, you can view your property from your smartphone, anywhere in the world where you have internet.

Why it works

Most people targeting homes or businesses for burglary are looking for an easy target. The presence of an alarm system, access control system, CCTV, or other surveillance technology acts as a deterrent. Not only have you added a layer of security beyond door and window locks, you’ve also added technology to your level of property protection.

Making it obvious

To reap the most benefit from CCTV, we recommend that our clients make some elements of the system obvious. Posting a notice that your property is monitored by CCTV acts as a deterrent. It also keeps you on the straight and narrow: while it’s your right to monitor your property, it’s also a good idea to let anyone visiting your property know he or she is being recorded.

Outsmart potential criminals

While you do want to make elements of your surveillance system obvious, you also want to keep your equipment out of reach. Hanging cameras should be high enough to prevent tampering. Consider locations high on building walls or in tall trees.

Visual access

Our CCTV systems give you visual access to what’s going on at your property, whether you’re there or not. If you’re away, and you check in on your property and see something amiss—an unauthorized person there, or a problem inside your home—you have the ability to address the situation without actually being there. That can bring peace of mind or a swift resolution when there’s a problem.

Recorded footage

Recorded CCTV footage can also provide valuable evidence. Haven’t you ever seen a TV news story that included CCTV clips? If something does happen on your property, and the local authorities become involved, having available footage can increase the chances that the perpetrator is caught.

Part of a complete security system

The best property security measures are comprehensive. Ample lighting, secure locks, surveillance, and alarm systems all work together to deter criminals and provide you peace of mind.

As a businessperson or homeowner, you’ve worked hard—and you should protect your property. Grand Slam A/V and Security is your expert partner for home automation, security and comfort. Through connected systems and creative solutions, we give you on-demand access to music and media, simplify your home and business systems, and help you protect what matters most. With over 20 years’ experience and a staff of technicians at the top of their game, we bring expertise, collaboration, and service to every engagement. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our services and expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

Do Burglar Alarm Systems Really Work?

October 18, 2017 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Are Burglar Alarm Systems Necessary in Houston?

Commercial burglar alarm systems have been used to secure offices, work sites, and retail locations for years. Now these systems are increasingly popular for private home use. In Houston, property crime rates are nearly double the national median, and many residents strongly consider adding extra security to their homes.

You might be wondering if you should, too. But you find yourself asking: do burglar alarms really work?

Survey says ‘yes’

Are Burglar Alarm Systems Necessary in Houston?

Keep an eye on the things that matter most, 24/7 from your smartphone.

The short answer is yes, they do. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte surveyed convicted burglars. The study found that 60% of burglars assessed on-property security measures before deciding whether to break into a home or not. Half of those survey respondents would never break into a home that had active burglar alarm systems in place.

Additional research out of the United Kingdom confirms the results of the UNC study. In the UK study, 2/3 of burgled homes had no security measures in place whatsoever at the time of the crime. The takeaway is that the best security systems have many layers, from deadbolt locks to securing windows and garage doors and implementing an alarm system that works to protect your home.

Many alarm systems are configured as a simple circuit, and when someone enters your home, the circuit is broken. If that person doesn’t have a code to disarm the system, the system then notifies you and the authorities. Other alarm systems are based on motion detection at your home’s entry points. When motion is detected, you and the authorities are notified. In either case, the biggest deterrent for potential burglars is the immediate notification to police. A burglar will likely choose an easier target for the crime.

Many options for Burglar Alarm Systems

At Grand Slam A/V and Security, we work with many commercial and residential clients who are interested in ensuring property safety. We help clients determine which option is the right fit.

We offer an array of options, from full initial installation to noninvasive solutions. We also often replace an existing vendor for clients. We’re licensed alarm technicians in the state of Texas and are able to offer comprehensive service for less. In many cases, our services are lower than current vendors.

All of our alarm systems are fully interactive, so that you can access and check your system’s status from your smartphone—anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a connection. Talk about peace of mind.

Additional Security Measures

Your garage door is your home’s largest entryway. With garage door control, you can see the status of your door and—if necessary—close it by pressing one button, even if you’re already far away.

Stop Worrying, Check Facebook, Check Your Fantasy Stats, and Check the Safety of Your Home.

You might also consider wireless locks. You can create specific keycodes for entry for a babysitter, a housekeeper, a pet-sitter, and individual family members, further controlling entry to your home.

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our services and expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

You’ve Earned It. Now Make Sure It’s Safe.

June 23, 2017 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Security in Houston

“Education is not solely about earning a great living. It means living a great life.”

–Brad Henry, Politician

“There are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning, and yearning.”

–Christopher Morley, Writer

“Rest and be thankful.”

–William Wadsworth, Actor

When you’ve worked hard and achieved success in life, you deserve a chance to enjoy it. That means being able to enjoy the gadgets and comforts of home after a long day at the office or long week on the road. After all, being able to relax at home kicking back with a great flick or making dinner against the backdrop of your favorite tunes lets you unwind and reconnect with family and friends.

Enjoying it, though, also means protecting what you’ve worked so hard to earn. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to ensure your property and livelihood are secure or you’re seeking to boost protection for your home, we’ve got solutions that can fit your needs and your budget.

Secure Your Things

Securing your business or residential property is a real concern for many Houston residents. With a property crime rate nearly double the national median, area residents think carefully about implementing protection for businesses and homes. If you’re considering boosting your security, you might think about:

Learn more about our Houston Security Services, reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

Closed-circuit TV (CCTV) to monitor your home or office. Our systems, though not monitored by outside security experts, can give you visual access to your property from your smartphone whether you are there or not. It’s about peace of mind.
An alarm system to protect your home or office. We often implement entry or burglar alarm systems, and we have both experience and an array of options for you to consider, from full initial installation to noninvasive solutions. All of our alarm systems are fully interactive, so that you’ll be able to access and check status from your smartphone—anytime, anywhere.
Commercial access control systems to control entry to buildings, elevators, or office spaces. These keycard-based access systems are fully customizable and allow you to determine what employees or guests have access to your space.
Garage door control for remote access and status. With this system, you’ll always be able to see the status of your garage door—which is, of course, the biggest entrance to your home—whether you’re on property or off. You’ll also be able to close it with the press of one button.
Video doorbell and wireless locks. By setting these up, we’ll be able to give you access anytime, anywhere to who’s ringing your doorbell as well as give those who regularly come into your home (think children, babysitter, housekeeper, and petsitter) individual entry codes.

When you’ve worked hard for your property and assets, it’s critical to protect them. We can set your systems so that you’ll always be able to see status, no matter where you are, as long as you have a connection via your smartphone. Let’s talk about how we can keep your business and family secure.

Your Partner for Home Automation, Security, and Comfort

Grand Slam A/V and Security is your expert partner for home automation, security and comfort. Through connected systems and creative solutions, we give you on-demand access to music and media, simplify your home and business systems, and help you protect what matters most. With over 20 years’ experience and a staff of technicians at the top of their game, we bring expertise, collaboration, and service to every engagement. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our Security Services and Surveillance expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

PHONE: (866)99-GSAVS

Surveillance Cameras and Peace of Mind for Spring Break and Summer Travel

Surveillance Camera Installation

Is there a real security concern here in the Houston area?