24 Apr Security Systems to the Rescue: Twelve Times Security Systems Saved the Day
No one can predict when disaster will strike, but you can be certain that when trouble does come, you’ll regret not having a security system in place to protect you. From burglaries and break-ins to fires and fraud, here are twelve times security systems have saved the day in homes, schools, and businesses like yours–sometimes in the same week or even the same day those systems were installed.
1. Los Angeles, CA: Cameras Stopped Crime Before It Starts
Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli’s home security system deterred two would-be burglars. After her neighborhood (including her next-door neighbor’s house) had been hit by a string of robberies, Valerie noticed two strange men wearing hats and carrying backpacks snooping around her home. Footage showed that when they noticed the security camera however, they left. Grateful for the way her camera deterred the burglars, Valerie said she planned to “[install] more motion detector lights” to further improve her home security system.
2. Oklahoma City, OK: Serial Burglar Stopped Mid-Crime
In Oklahoma City, homeowner Kevin Henry said he’d had a security system “for years and years and never had a problem.” But when his neighborhood was hit with dozens of burglaries, it was his security system that saved the day. A burglar tried to enter Henry’s home through an unlocked door, but the alarm was triggered, prompting the suspect to flee. The surveillance footage later assisted in identifying and arresting the burglar who was allegedly responsible for 23 previous burglaries.
3. Windham, NH: Sleeping Family Saved from Fire
On a Tuesday night in December of 2021, homeowner James was working late at his office in Danvers, MA while his family was asleep almost an hour away in their Windham, NH home that they had moved into less than a month prior. James received multiple notifications on his phone that their security camera had detected motion. Using mobile surveillance, James saw that the motion detected was not an intruder but a fire. He called his wife, but she didn’t answer. The smoke detectors in their new home weren’t working, so she was sound asleep. James called 911, and thanks to his security system detecting the fire so early on, James’s wife and children were safely evacuated, and the fire was stopped before it had spread beyond a single wall.
4. Baltimore, MD: Murder Investigation Aided by Neighborhood Security Cameras
In Baltimore, Maryland, the murder of 25-year-old Timothy Moriconi was solved with the help of neighborhood security cameras. Footage from these cameras identified a vehicle and license plate, leading to arrests and the resolution of the case.
5. Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Security Footage Proves Workers Comp Claim Fraud
Sheyla Veronica White reported an on-the-job injury when a sprinkler head fell from the ceiling, ricocheted off her desk, and struck her in the head. Her employer promptly filed a workers comp claim, but security footage revealed that while a sprinkler head did in fact fall and hit her desk, she picked it up and struck herself with it in order to claim the injury. The employer was able to use the video as evidence in court to not only prevent themselves from having to pay for the claim, but to bring charges of fraud against her as well.
6. Kyle, TX: Remote Surveillance Leads to Arrest
An intruder with multiple burglary charges and warrants for felonies knew just when one homeowner in Kyle, Texas would be out of the house, and chose that time to break into her home. Thankfully, she had a security system with remote surveillance and was able to see the intruder while she was away. She notified authorities who were able to safely apprehend the suspect.
7. Winder, GA: School Panic Alarm System Prevents Mass Casualty
Less than a week after installing a new panic alarm system, Apalachee High School in Georgia tragically found itself in an active shooter situation. However, thanks to the wearable panic security devices staff members had recently been given (and trained on how to use), a staff member was able to trigger a campus-wide alert, instantly notifying 911, activating audio and visual warnings, and providing precise location details. Some staff reported being notified and able to take precautions before they even heard gunshots. While two teachers and two students were killed in the horrible experience, authorities said that the system prevented a much larger tragedy by allowing rapid response and clear communication during the crisis.
8. Indianapolis, IN: Robbery Foiled by Doorbell Camera
In Indianapolis, a Ring doorbell camera captured a group of armed individuals attempting a home invasion. The footage revealed that one of the suspects was the homeowner’s stepson, leading to his arrest and proving that danger can come from the people you least expect.
9. Memphis, TN: Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed Not a Moment Too Soon
When Zina and Eldridge Henry of Memphis, TN got their home security system installed, it started beeping shortly after the technician had left. Zina assumed the system was malfunctioning–a noisy nuisance she really didn’t need, especially since had already been suffering with chronic headaches. But when Zina called the security company, the technician told her the system had detected high levels of carbon monoxide and ordered them to evacuate. Turns out, the Henrys headaches were the result of a carbon monoxide leak in their furnace that had been poisoning them for days with levels of gas that would soon have proven fatal.
10. Denver, CO: Affordable Housing Unit Saved $11,000 in Water Bills
Mercy Housing is an affordable housing organization in Denver, CO. As part of their security systems, they installed toilet sensor and flood detectors to find water leaks before they became bigger problems. After installing the sensors, Mercy Housing reported a 32% reduction in monthly water consumption with an annual savings of $11,000 on their water bill.
11. Lake Orion, MI: Hungry Dog Saved After Starting House Fire
Within minutes of Richard Venya leaving his Lake Orion home to take his children to school, the family dog–a golden retriever named Finn–tried to get to a cotton candy machine that had been stored atop the stove overnight. Finn accidentally started the gas stove, setting fire to the kitchen without any humans there to see or help. Thankfully, Richard had a home security system that detected the fire and dispatched firefighters in time to save the Finn, three other pets, and the home itself.
12. Peachtree City, GA: Serial Burglar Wanted in Three States Defeated By An Inexpesive Security System and an App
Cardale Jones was a patient and methodical burglar, casing out homes in expensive neighborhoods and waiting until the owners left on vacation to make his move. Wanted by police departments in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, Cardale had hit over a dozen homes in two years without being caught. That is, until he made the mistake of trying to rob a homeowner who had wisely installed a simple home security camera system that sent a notification to his app saying something was wrong. The out-of-town homeowner alerted authorities, who caught the serial burglar in the act and apprehended him, putting an end to his days of burglarizing.
Security systems have the power to prevent crime, protect against accidents, and help prosecute criminals. But even if you’re never in the position of needing your security system to rescue you in those ways (and we hope you never are!), you’ll still enjoy one of the biggest benefits a security system provides–peace of mind. Knowing that you, your loved ones, and the things you value are safe, gives you one less issue to worry about as you go through life with all its unexpected dangers. And providing that peace of mind is just another way security systems save the day, every day.
If you would like a free consultation on how to improve the security system at your home, school, or business, contact us today.
No Comments