Car-theft. It's bigger than we think.

Do you know anyone that's had their car stolen? Have you
had yours stolen?

Here are some interesting facts....... . The top 10 cities
to get your car stolen in 2006 were:

1. Las Vegas/Paradise, NV 22,415

2. Stockton, CA 7,046

3. Visalia-Porterville , CA 4,238

4. Phoenix/Mesa/ Scottsdale, AZ 39,535

5. Modesto, CA 5,081

6. Seattle/Tacoma/ Bellevue, WA 31,231

7. Sacramento/Arden/ Arcade/Roseville ,CA 19,558

8. Fresno, CA 8,363

9. Yakima, WA 2,155 10. Tucson, AZ 8,508

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

5 of the top 10 are in California ..... interesting eh ? As
these numbers increase so do our insurance rates,
especially if you live in California I'm sure.

Want to know the most stolen vehicles of 2006?

1. 1995 Honda Civic

2. 1991 Honda Accord

3. 1989 Toyota Camry

4. 1997 Ford F150 Series

5. 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup

6. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup

7. 1994 Nissan Sentra

8. 1994 Dodge Caravan

9. 1994 Saturn SL

10. 1990 Acura Integra

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau.

As you can see imports fair much worse over domestics. Look
at the model years, in 2006, 8 of those top 10 were 10 or
more years old. These cars have been consistent top sellers
for many years and some of their parts are interchangeable.
Thieves dismantle them for their components.

So driving an older car, especially an import, doesn't seem
to make you less of a target, contrarily it seems to make
you more of a target.

What are manufacturers doing about any of this ?
Legislation back in 1984 started requiring manufacturers to
stamp identifying numbers on major car components, making
it easier to trace parts taken from vehicles stolen for
dismantling. The Act also required that vehicles be made
available for inspection prior to export and expanded U.S.
Customs officials' powers of inspection and arrest in
response to the growing international nature of motor
vehicle theft.

In 1985, the Department of Transport started requiring that
for post 1986 models, 14 major parts of these vehicles be
inscribed with a 17-digit vehicle identification number
(VIN). Unfortunately they had to relax the rules for
imports.

New Technology: Insurers and organizations such as the NICB
plainly state that manufacturers and consumers need to keep
ahead of increasingly sophisticated auto thieves. Even
though stamping VIN's is a legislative requirement, some
manufacturers go a step further by spraying microdots,
which are impossible to remove, onto auto parts. These
microdots contain unique identifiers which can link parts
back to their original vehicles. Nifty eh ?

Lojack, boasts a 90% recovery rate. Lojack employs a
tracking device which can be activated upon vehicle theft.
The device can lead law-enforcement not only to the car
but, in some cases, to chop shops.

All these things outlined above are nice but have one major
flaw, they don't stop your car being stolen. The best way
to combat car theft is to not have your car stolen in the
first place......right ?

Car alarms. devices, gadgets aren't doing the job. Thieves
can get around these devices with alarming ease.

One device however is head and shoulders above the rest,
Biometric fingerprint devices. The only way a biometrically
secure car will start is by the input of an enrolled user's
fingerprint. Not just an image of that print but a living,
breathing human being's fingerprint.

This is the most effective technology today for securing
your vehicle. Biometrics on the doors and the ignition
system make your vehicle impossible to steal.

More to come ..

Installing an alarm system in your home or business is a surprisingly simple process that many people avoid because they are unsure about the process. While installing an alarm system kit does require a few tools and a bit of research, these are both easily obtainable and well worth the investment. As with all do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, planning is your best tool for saving time and money.

 

Weighing Your Options

 

You can purchase an alarm system that is hardwired, wireless, or a combination of both. Some of the simplest and least expensive alarm systems are motion detectors that you attach to doors and windows, alerting you to intruders. If you prefer something more, you can invest in an alarm system that includes any number of options, even so far as to include temperature monitors and those that will turn lights on and off with a timer.

 

Do the Research

 

DIY alarm system options are plentiful online -- but be sure to do your research first before purchasing the first one you find or the cheapest one available. The first way to save time and money when installing an alarm system is to read reviews of the choices you're considering and research different alarm companies. Look for reviews that are unbiased -- such as on forums or on sites that allow for candid customer feedback.

 

Plan Out Placement Ahead Of Time

 

Just as comparison shopping will save you time and money, so will careful planning. You must decide what type of system you need and where each component is best placed. It will do you no good to secure the entire house and then forget to protect the door to your attached garage. By carefully planning, you will be able to approach an alarm company with a better idea of what you need to buy and what would be a waste of your hard earned money.

 

Many alarm companies will provide you with free planning guides and informative, online training videos. Take advantage of these resources to save yourself time and money as you install your alarm system. The more you know ahead of time, the faster, easier and less expensive your project will be.

 

There are many benefits to installing your own alarm system kit -- so long as you're armed with expert information. As an added benefit, you may even save money on your insurance bill. Did you know that many insurance companies will cut your homeowner or rental insurance by 10-20% if you have an alarm system? Protect your home, your property, your family, and your budget with diligent research and careful planning for your alarm system kit.  Of course, if a DIY project is not possible, due to time or lack of patience, don’t hesitate to find an alarm company and call in a professional alarm company.

Everyone enjoys a summer filled with swimming, sunning and visiting with friends, but pools require some basic maintenance and pool safety features are required to ensure that everyone has a good time. Water filtration and polishing, automatic pool cleaners and pool alarms can take the work and risk out of pool ownership, providing you and your family with more free time to enjoy the summer weather and your time poolside.

 

Whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, basic maintenance and pool safety tools can keep your pool experience at its very best. As anyone who frequented pools during the 1960's and 70's knows, over-chlorination often turned light colored hair green and eyes were often burnt red by the chemicals and lives were frequently lost due to unfenced and unsecured pools. Thankfully, those days are over. Simple, convenient and inexpensive, online shopping for your pool safety and cleaning supplies can ensure an enjoyable, safe and healthful summer at your pool.

 

Prevent The Unthinkable With A Pool Alarm

 

No one wants to consider the possibility of a drowning in their pool but ignoring the possibility will not eliminate the risk. Most states require fences around pools, but these requirements vary by location and type of pool. The truth is, all it takes is 3-inches of water for a youngster to drown which means pool safety requires thought and prevention. Drowning is the 4th leading cause of accidental death in the United States, claiming approximately 4,000 lives each year.

 

In spite of fences, signs and adult supervision, over one-third of these drowning deaths are of children 14 years of age and younger. There is no way to measure the heartache and regret tied to these avoidable tragedies. A pool alarm provides you with the critical minutes necessary to save the life of a young child.

 

Modern Technology Makes Your Pool Alarm Simple And Reliable

 

Pool alarms are a sound investment in safety and peace of mind. They come in a variety of styles and applications for both in ground and above ground pools. Most pool alarms are portable and provide you with a remote wireless receiver that allows you to hear the alarm while in your home. If someone enters your pool, whether on purpose or by accident, the motion of the water will trigger the alarm, resulting in a loud siren being emitted both poolside and in the house.

 

Pool alarms are easy to install and they utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure pool safety as these motion detectors prevent tragedy within your pool. Gate alarms are also available for very little money and they will notify you if someone enters the area surrounding your pool, providing yet another level of pool safety.

 

Pools are easier than ever to maintain and they are far less expensive than you might expect. The use of automatic pool cleaners and Pool Frog systems make maintaining your pool effortless and your pool alarm will ensure everyone's safety.

Violent crimes and private property violations are rising across the country. This trend is likely to continue as the economy struggles to regain momentum. The current social and economic environment had made it more important than ever to install a home security system within your residence.

 

Ideally, you'll have the time to do the job yourself and customize the installation with the features you prefer. That said, many people are busier today than ever and some are understandably reluctant to spend their limited free time to install an alarm system. This article will provide several useful tips that you can use to find an alarm company that you can rely upon to handle the installation.

 

Ask For References

 

While many security alarm companies offer high-quality equipment, professional technicians, and dependable service, some do not. For example, a company might install an inferior device. Or, they might use first-rate equipment, but perform a poor installation. Both circumstances can potentially place you and your family at risk.

 

The only reliable way to determine whether a company will perform the installation properly, use high-grade equipment, and respond quickly (should someone trip the system) is to ask for references. If other customers have had a positive experience, there is a higher likelihood you will.

 

Be Willing To Pay For Quality And Professionalism

 

Aside from budget constraints, this is not an area in which to be overly frugal. Quality of service, flexibility of features, and reliable equipment come at a premium. Businesses that specialize in installing top-grade security systems will charge higher prices than many of their competitors. Don't be dissuaded by these higher prices. In many cases, the services and equipment offered by these professional alarm companies represent a better long-term investment.

 

If price were the only consideration, you could easily find an alarm company that would gladly install a free system. There are security businesses that will agree to do so in exchange for your signing a long-term service contract. Be wary. Though free, these systems - and the service that accompanies them - are often substandard.

 

Ask About Their Technicians

 

Some alarm companies neglect to conduct background checks on the employees they hire to perform residential installations. Remember, these technicians will have full access to your home. It is critical that they are trustworthy. To find an alarm company you can trust, ask whether they check the backgrounds of their installers. For an additional level of comfort, inquire about their employees' licenses and relevant certifications.

 

Understand Your Contractual Rights

 

Nearly all reputable security alarm companies will require that you sign a contract. This contract might specify the installation, ownership of the alarm system and related components, and a service level agreement. It might also contain response costs and details regarding how the security codes are handled in the event you allow the contract to expire. Read it thoroughly. Ask questions if you don't understand a specific clause. Too often, homeowners sign contracts without fully appreciating what they are agreeing to.

 

Protecting Your Family And Property

 

Installing a home security system protects you and your family from harm posed by others. It also protects your property from being stolen or damaged. Sadly, many people who are unwilling to install a system on their own spend too little time interviewing alarm companies who offer to do the job for them. That exposes your family and property to unnecessary risk. Ask for references, avoid the temptation to recoil from high prices, and inquire about each company's technicians. And of course, read the contract carefully. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, the time you spend upfront can never be too important.

In order to protect their home, many homeowners opt to locate an alarm company and have a burglar alarm installed in their home. Others who wish to have the added protection of an alarm system but don't want to pay for installation will typically opt for the do-it-yourself method of installation. Installing a basic alarm system by yourself could save you time and money.  However, after you locate an alarm company, but before you install, there are configuration considerations to take into account before you install. This article explores a few of them.

 

Be Conservative In Your Installation

 

Some consider it to be common knowledge: the more sensors, the more bells, the more whistles -- the better. This manner of thinking is actually quite misinformed and the most significant result yielded by its implementation is a higher priced security system with negligible benefit.

 

In reality, most home intrusions and burglaries take place through the major entrances to homes. When installing a home security system, place your sensors around the more high traffic areas of the home such as the front door, backdoor, and side doors. Larger windows that facilitate entry into the home, should also be protected.

 

Place Your Alarm Where It Can Be Heard

 

You can locate the best alarm company, buy the best alarm system, install it perfectly, but your home still might not be fully protected if you can't hear the alert. One of the most important aspects of a security configuration is the placement of the alarm. Obviously you won't want to hide your alarm away in a rarely used corner of your home. However, what many people do not take into consideration when planning their security configuration is the proximity of their room to the alarm.

 

Many intrusions take place in the dead of the night or while the house is vacant. For the latter, the placement of the alarm itself is not the issue. However the former poses an interesting question: how close should you sleep from your alarm? The best place to position the alarm is in a location that is close enough and loud enough to wake you when you're asleep. If you sleep more soundly, you may need the alarm closer than someone who does not. To ensure that the alarm system will wake you, test the alarm in a room of your home. Now listen for it from your room. If it is loud enough to wake you from your slumber, then it can be placed in that area. If you can't hear it, move it closer. 

 

No matter how you set it up, you will still want to purchase a quality home security system from one of many reputable alarm companies. If you need help along your quest to locate an alarm company, there are many unbiased resources on the internet available to assist you along the way.

 

Our homes are not only where we keep our belongings, raise our children, and lay our heads: a safe and happy home can also do wonders for our peace of mind and allow us to enrich our lives without the worry of intruders and burglars.