One of the uniquely inconspicuous ways to use covert hidden cameras is by utilizing the book camera. It is a wireless system that contains a high quality CCD camera and it fits in virtually anywhere you want to put it. Stick it up on the shelf with all of your other books or put it in a stack of books on your desk or credenza. No one will be the wiser.
Let us say that you like to have music playing in the background where you work. It doesn’t matter if you like to listen to the radio or a CD player; there are boom boxes that contain covert hidden cameras that play both. With a line of site of up to seven hundred feet, this entertaining boom box can secretly keep an eye on what is happening and with four different channels available, you can run up to four units simultaneously. Whether you use it in the home or in the office, you will be sure keep your surveillance a secret.
Another clever way that covert hidden cameras are being used is in a special coffee mug. This item is ideal for interrogation rooms of law enforcement agencies, as well. The mug contains a tiny camera and video transmitter that automatically switches from color to black and white in low light situations. You can use up to four units at once and they are good for a range of up to one thousand feet depending upon the terrain and RF interference.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Plain Sight Covert Hidden Cameras
Personal Protection and Your Vehicle
Labels: car keyless entry, car thefts, carjacking, keyless entry programs, Personal protection and your vehicle, radar detectors and laser scrambler system, remote starters for vehicles, vehicle alarm systemsStatistics show that the number of carjackings and car thefts have never been greater. As the criminal element of our society increases in number as well as desperation, thieves have become more brazen than ever before. Rarely can you read a newspaper or watch the daily news that you don’t hear about someone being victimized from car theft or worse, their car being taken from them as they are leaving home, the shopping mail, or even stopping at a red light. What can you do to protect yourself and your vehicle?
Fortunately, technology has provided some ways to help protect us avoid or eliminate such catastrophic incidents. One of the latest innovations available to you is vehicle alarm systems with keyless entry programs. This equipment affords you protection at relatively low costs plus ease of installation. Anything that can get us into the safety of our vehicles quicker provides faster safety. These devices are available with a 500 alarm system and a dual zone shock keyless entry.
In addition to the vehicular alarm system with keyless entry programs, you can have remote starter systems which allows not only quicker entry into your vehicle but immediate departure capability. If you need to leave in a hurry this will allow that. Again, this equipment is affordable and easy to install. No more fumbling around for your keys, using keys to gain entry into your vehicle, inserting the key and turning the engine on, all you have to do is open the door, get in, put the vehicle in gear and press the gas peddle. Talk about safety and protection!
Even with all the new devices and protection equipment technology has provided us, we still need to be prudent in our awareness and behavior. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people near your vehicle. Try to park in well lighted areas, keep your vehicle locked at all times whether you are inside of it or not. Never leave windows open, regardless of how hot it is outside! Don’t make your self a target for opportunistic thieves.
One finally tip for your vehicle protection, especially if you have a heavy foot traveling done the interstate or highway. Not only has technology advanced with new hi-tech radar detectors, they are now available with fully integrated laser scrambler systems, that jam and scrambler the signals for those who would give you a costly speeding ticket.
Happy and safe motoring!
Penned Up Listening Devices
Labels: 007 spy factory, security, surveillance productsUnlike an overzealous reporter, who shoves his microphone into your face in his efforts to get your take on the latest, breaking news story, there is a multitude of reasons why you might just want to keep your listening devices a secret. One of the many ways in which you can do that is by using listening devices that look like a pen.
These clever little devices are actually very sensitive pen microphones, and when worn in a pocket on your shirt or jacket, are easily mistaken for the real thing. One such listening device is permanently stowed inside the clicker part of a Bic pen and it will work with virtually any recorder that contains an external microphone input with power. Plus it is ultra high sensitive. But you don’t have to just use these great pen mikes just for covert purposes. Granted, if you are standing near someone and need to secretly listen to their conversation, these pen mikes are great.
But there are lots of other reasons to use these sensational listening devices as well. Let us say that you are attending a lecture and you want to record it so that you can carefully go over it later at home when it is time to study. By wearing this hands free device you can do so easily. Or what if you are planning to attend a live music concert and you want to make a recording, you can be sure that by using these particular listening devices, you will get an excellent recording with clear, crisp sound, and deep bass.
Putting Together a Home Earthquake Kit
Labels: LED Flashlight, LED Lantern, multi-purpose toolIf you live in an area prone to seismic activity, it’s vitally important that you have an earthquake kit in your house or in your car so that you’ll have emergency supplies if you need them. Even if you don’t live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, you might want to create a basic disaster survival kit to be used in case of tornados or other types of natural disasters.
Ideally, your earthquake kit should contain enough supplies for you and your family to survive for a period of up to three days. Beyond the basic considerations of food and water that are physically necessary for survival, you will also need a few additional items to help you make it through the aftermath of an earthquake.
One of the first things that you’ll need is some sort of light source in case the electricity has been knocked out in your area. Since you’re going to want to make sure that your light will work when needed, your best bet is to choose an LED flashlight or lantern since they have a drastically reduced energy usage and will keep a charge longer in storage than most standard flashlights. Test any LED flashlight that you have every few months to make sure that it still works, and if you’re using an LED lantern that has multiple lighting modes then you should take the time to test every one of its modes.
Another essential piece of equipment is a multi-purpose tool that has knife blades, pliers, screwdrivers, and even saw blades and can openers in it. Be sure to store your multi-purpose tool with your LED lantern or LED flashlights so that you can find it quickly once you’ve located your light source. You’d be amazed at how useful a multi-purpose tool can be after an earthquake, and you may even find uses for it that you’ve never considered.
Also in your earthquake kit should be a fully-stocked first aid kit so that you can treat any injuries that might have occurred during the earthquake. Make sure that you have common items such as blankets, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer with your first aid kit so that you can cover basic needs and provide warmth and sanitation for anyone who is suffering from shock as well.
Other useful things to include in your earthquake kit include enough money or traveler's checks to be able to meet any monetary needs that you might have in case the banks are closed due to the earthquake. You should also have a safe with copies of any important documents that you don’t want to be lost or damaged in an earthquake, as well as clean clothes for both warm and cold weather so that you and your family won’t be forced to wear the same clothes for several days in a row.
Make sure that you check the expiration dates on any food or medicine that you keep in your earthquake kit, and change out any stored water that you have every few months. This will prevent you or your family members from getting sick due to expired food or stale water.
Preparing an earthquake kit is an important activity that should be done as a family to ensure that everyone knows how to use the items inside and where to find it if an earthquake occurs. Being prepared for a disaster may very well save a person’s life.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Peace of Mind Using Bug Detectors
Labels: 007 spy factory, security, surveillance productsHave you ever wondered if your home or business is as secure as it should be? Have you ever been plagued with the suspicion that someone was listening into sensitive conversations, business meetings, or just outright spying on you? With the various types of bug detectors available on the market today, you can not only find out if your suspicions are true, but give yourself the peace of mind you require that comes from insuring that your environment is bug free.
For example, there are bug detectors that can warn you if your local telephone has been tapped. Whether it was done legally or illegally, it can detect a tap regardless of where it has been placed even if it is at the telephone company’s central exchange. You no longer have to wonder whether or not someone is listening in, even if it’s “Big Brother”.
Other types of bug detectors, like a CM Pro Sweep kit, are the perfect way for a person to do a basic countermeasure check, thus insuring the security of their home or business. They can also use these bug detectors to start their own business providing security sweeps to customers on a regular basis. Other types of bug detectors are so versatile that they can detect and pinpoint the location of virtually any type of electronic surveillance equipment, regardless if it is hidden on a person’s body, in a room, or on a telephone, and that includes hidden tape recorders and video transmitters. What better way to insure your own peace of mind that you are bug free?
Security System Sales On the Rise
Labels: hidden cameras, security dvrs, time lapse vcrs, video surveillance systemsSales of home and business surveillance/security systems have exploded in recent years. Even before September 11th, sales of surveillance systems had been on the rise. But following the terrorist attacks, sales of home and business security systems rose as much as 20% over the course of three months.
The reasons for this increased interest in property and personal security are varied. However, whether you own a home or business, topping the list are the three most common reasons for installing surveillance cameras; protecting your property, family members and employees.
The rise in the sales of security cameras has been more than justified by the results stated by police departments of major cities across the country, which report that the chances of a break-in or robbery are nearly cut in half by the presence of an obvious security camera on the premises. Business owners have reported that theft by both customers and employees is nearly eliminated when they install the right security camera system. And who hasn’t seen the TV footage taken by home security cameras that have led to the conviction of child abusers, ‘peeping toms’ and home burglars?
How Security Cameras Safeguard Businesses
The most obvious commercial use for surveillance systems is the prevention of loss of merchandise through shoplifting. Other applications are:
• Logging transactions at the cash register or ATM
• Monitoring remote areas of the premises for safety precautions
• Observing how employees are servicing/treating customers
• Providing evidence in sexual harassment suits/burglary trials/homicide trials
• Monitoring premises after hours
• Watching work progress at construction sites
But video taped surveillance doesn’t just provide negative evidence; it can also be used to exonerate. In one case, security video tapes of a parking lot were used to prove that the car of an accused “hit and run” driver could not have been used in the accident that took place several blocks away.
Home security
According to police in major cities, the presence of a home security camera can reduce the probability that a home will be burglarized by as much as 80%! Home applications include:
• Video baby monitors can watch over an infant
• Video door phones can identify callers at the door
• Nanny cams, with time lapse VCR’s or DVR’s, can provide the peace of mind that your child is being taken care of adequately
• Home surveillance systems can provide a view into what may be occuring in your home when you’re away at work or vacation.
• Combined with a remote alarm system, a video surveillance system can not only alert police to a break in at your home, but also provide evidence to assist in the capturing and conviction of the intruder.
A consultation with a professional security installation company can help you choose the best surveillance system to meet your needs.
Self Defense-Pepper Spray or Stun Gun-a Comparison
Labels: crime prevention, OC pepper spray, pepper spray, Self defense, self defense item, self defense weapon, stun gun, women's' self defenseTo be or not to be?
In New Mexico, the question is red or green? (referring to the chile)
In Chicago it's the Cubs or White Sox?
Okay so maybe it doesn't rank up there with those lofty questions, but people ask me all the time which is better a stun gun or pepper spray. Here is a comparison of stun guns and pepper spray using criteria that most people would consider before making a purchase.
COST—Pepper Sprays are less expensive but require refills or replacement. Stun Guns need new batteries occasionally. Pepper Sprays can run from$12.95 - $29.95. Stun Guns from $22.00-$79.95.
EASE OF USE---Both are equally easy to use.
AIMING ---Pepper Spray requires some skill and can be effected by wind and rain. With Stun Guns aim is not an issue.
CLOSENESS TO TARGET---Pepper Spray 6-18 feet; Stun Guns have to be right on the target.
LEGAL LIMITATIONS---Pepper Spray is legal in all states but some cities and states have restrictions. Stun Guns are illegal in some states. Check your local police or sheriff's department for specifics.
LASTING DAMAGE---Neither Pepper Spray nor Stun Guns have lasting damage to the assailant.
SIZE---Lipstick size and larger for Pepper Spray. Stun Guns can be as small as a handheld blackberry and bigger. Both can be concealed in a purse.
STOPPING POWER---Pepper Spray if on target-excellent. Stun Gun-very good.
PERIOD OF IMMOBILIZATION---Pepper Spray will put someone out of action for 15-30 minutes. A Stun Gun will immobilize someone for 3-10 minutes. Both are long enough to get away and/or get help.
INTIMIDATION FACTOR---Pepper Spray will not likely intimidate anyone. However a fully charging Stun Master creates quite a sight and sound-enough to scare some assailants away.
DISGUISABILITY---Both Stun Guns and Pepper Sprays can be disguised as different objects easily.
On the face of it, trying to be objective, I would lean to the pepper spray all things being equal. The problem is all things are not equal. If the attacker is more than 6-10 feet away one or two things can go wrong that could cost you. And remember we are talking about the lives of you, your children, your spouse-you don't want to leave this to chance.
If the wind is blowing at more than 10-15 miles per hour, which really isn't much, it can cause the spray, mist or stream, to either go off target or worse blow back in your face. I am not sure which is worse. In any event it will not get you the desired result. You must have a hit right in the face preferably the eyes on the first or second shot. Can you hit that small a target from 10 feet away in the wind, in rain, under stress?
Practice might be one way to instill some confidence in your ability. Hook a string to a paper plate and hang it from a tree branch and fire away. This will instill some confidence in your ability to effectively use pepper spray.
There is so much at stake, potentially your life or those of your loved ones, why not have both? They are both very easy to carry and conceal. Both are effective. Start with the pepper spray and end with the stun gun.
If you think crime can only happen to the other guy you are wrong. The "other guy" is thinking the same thing and YOU are that "other guy". There is a reason why they call it self defense. You have to protect yourself, your family, your home and business!!
Security In Your Home
Labels: Home securityPhysical security is very important to a home owner. Your home is one of your most important possessions since this is where you and your loved ones reside.
Once you know that your home is safe from intruders, you can rest assured that your material and personal possessions as well as your loved ones, are secured.
There are several parts of your home that you need to secure by using electronic devices:
- The perimeter of your house to prevent burglars from intruding on your home.
- Enclosed areas within the house should be secured as well, in case of fire.
- Your garage should also have an intruder alarm to protect your vehicles, aside from the anti-theft device on the car itself.
It does not matter what style of life you lead. Home security should be and essential part of your budget to give you peace of mind. In addition to providing physical security in the home, your home security system should also help you find help should an emergency ensue.
Here are some tips when planning for the security of your home:
1. Make an initial survey of your house and from there, develop a home security plan.
Check all of the rooms and the area outside of your house. Determine if the neighbors have a clear view of what is going on within your house.
Having a very open area that can be easily observed by anyone from the outside may be a threat to your security.
2. When placing burglar alarms or intruder sensors, place them in strategic areas in and out of your house.
Home security need not be expensive. You do not need to put in alarms and sensors on each and every part of the house.
As long as they are installed on the proper places, then your house will be secured enough.
3. Review your way of living and the size of your family.
Do you often have visitors who may roam around freely? Do you have a member of the family who may come inside the house in the middle of the night?
These factors will help you decide on the “level” of security system that you will install on your home.
4. You can place sensors within your house. These sensors can be installed on windows to alarm you of intruders.
In addition, you may install sensors within the house, specifically in hallways, to warn you of intruders within the house.
5. Place fire alarms in areas around the house which is most likely to gather heat or smoke.
An unusual level of smoke, fire or heat can easily be detected to warn you of impending fire threats.
6. There are mechanical locks and sensors that you can install on doors for good measure.
7. For households with babies, you may purchase a baby monitor or a video surveillance.
A video security system in your house will give you peace of mind. You may also “automate” your home, and watch your children from your TV screen so that you can keep track of what they are doing.
Whether you choose to install it yourself or get the services of a company which specializes in building security systems, home security should not be taken for granted.
You should put in extra time and effort in order to ensure that you and your family have a happy and physically secure environment.
Securing The Safety of Your Home With The Ancient Art of Feng Shui
Labels: alarm systems, feng shui, mirror, protection, secure your home, security alarm systems, ward of bad "chi", ward off evilI was elated to discover this detached house with a big garden that was available for rental in a quiet suburb when I was first transferred to another town to work as an engineer.
It was located at a cul de sac, the house being the last house in the row. I thought it was perfect..quiet, newly constructed and with a good neighbor who was a banker.
Without reservation, I rented the house and my family shifted in a week later.
3 months later, I almost lost my life. I was travelling as a passenger in a friend's car when someone lost control of his car, and crashed into the Honda car I was travelling in, killing the front seating passenger. I was at the back and had a smashed face, and was warded in the hospital and had to stay another month for medical treatment.
But how is this related to the house I was staying in then?
In fact, I was never a fan of feng shui, the ancient chinese art of geomancy.
When I was warded in the hospital, my neighbor who was a banker and also a chinese scholar, visited me and began to spill the beans.
The house where I was staying was facing bad "chi" or an aura of bad atmosphere was emancing from the house that was facing directly opposite my house. The occupant of that house was a monk who works as a "chanter" who performs the chanting ceremony over the dead. This is a chinese practise for those who have died, the chanting being akin to prayer to make the way easier for the dead spirits to depart.
According to my neigbor, every day when this monk returns home, he brings along the bad "chi" from the dead, and which then emants out towards the direction of my house.
A shiver went down my spine when I heard this news.
In my imagination, I could almost see evil spirits following this monk and congregating at his home before fanning out in the direction of my house.
But what about my neighbor? How did he protect himself against this bad influence of "chi'?
"I hang out a mirror," this chinese scholar said. This mirror when hung outside reflects and deflects the bad chi and mystically protects the inhibitants from ill effects and ward off evil. This is the ancient art of feng shui at work", he added.
Three months after the accident I recovered to leave the hospital, I was not ready to remain a day longer in that rented house. I did not hang out a mirror. I had enough and the solution was to just shifted house. We moved out!
I met my banker neighbor friend 5 years down the road. I asked how he was. " I have never been better," he replied, " and my mirror has always done its job".
Yes, we can protect our house, ourselves and belongings with the most sophisticated security alarm systems. But apart from this, where we choose to believe in the anciet art of feng shui, we need a simple mirror to be hung outside our house to ward off bad "chi" and evil.Are you a believer of the ancient chinese art of feng shui?
Secure Your Home without a Security System
Labels: burglar, Home security, secure your homeThe best way to secure your home is with a home security system, the only problem is they can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to thousands for all of the options that are now offered. The funny thing about home invasions is that they have not changed at all over the years. Criminals still use the same methods to break into your home now, as they always have. Statistics tell us that 63% of burglaries involve forcible entry, which means if you focus on protecting your home from forced entry, your odds of being burglarized drop dramatically.
People that make a living burglarizing people, have three main enemies, time, light and noise. When you purchase a home security system, you create much larger enemies for burglars. If your system is monitored, the burglar knows that his time in your home has to be very fast, because the police are dispatched and on their way. The noise that the alarm makes is enough to get them out of your house all by itself.
Believe it or not most burglaries happen during the day, so the light factor does not mean what you think. Light really means exposure. If your criminal is exposed to your neighbors and or people walking by, chances are he will pick another target.
What you need to do is address each one of a burgular's enemies:
1 Purchase dead bolt locks for all entrances to your home. A good deadbolt will most certainly slow down a burglar, along with generating alot of noise from him trying to force the door open.
2 Replace the doors in the back of your house that have windows . This is probably the easiest way into your home. All a burglar has to do is break a small pane of glass and reach in and open the door.
3. Never leave a ladder in your back yard. Criminals know that second floor windows a rarely locked.
4 Trim the shrubs and bushes that guard first floor windows. If a burglar can be seen by the neighbors climbing in a window, chances are he will think twice.
5. Purchase motion sensor lights for any area outside the house that is in total darkness.
6 Always lock your doors, especially if you are home. Burglars always check to see if a door is locked before deciding on forced entry. The last thing you want is an unwelcome guest in your home just because you didn't lock the door. (It happens more than you think).
Secure Your Home
