301.519.9237 exdirector@nesaus.org

3-26-18 – NESA Monitor

Public Safety Updates

  • FL: Security Alarm Systems in Clearwater, Fla., Must Now Be Registered With Police
    3.21.18 – Amendments to the city’s security alarm system ordinance reflect the adoption of a new digital accounting system, along with modification to a fee payment schedule. More Info
  • MN: Waseca City Council approves street light, fire call fees
    3.22.18 – Southernminn.com – The city currently charges for excessive false alarm calls, said city Finance Director Shelly Kolling. The council voted unanimously in favor of adding $500 charges for building or structure fire, vehicle fire and motor vehicle accident calls within Waseca city limits, effective April 1. Conrath pointed out that area residents will not … More Info
  • UT: Council hears report on crime, criticizes proposed solutions
    3.21.18 – Standard-Examiner – Adopt an alarm ordinance intended to reduce the number of false alarms and save officers’ time. Increase awareness of online reporting of crimes. This would include making online reporting mandatory for some minor crimes and creating a civilian position to process online reports. Increase the number of positions in the … More Info

Industry News

  • 3 Main Ingredients For Video Storage Success
    3.19.18 – SDM – From longstanding VCR tapes to network-connected solutions to the cloud, storage always has been a primary component of any video surveillance deployments. As technologies continue to change, so too do the approaches security integrators use when working within this space. More Info
  • 30% of false burglar alarms triggered by insects inside the home
    3.20.18 – Which? – While burglar alarms are a valuable way of deterring potential thieves from targeting your home, it seems they can get a little confused about what counts as a break-in, with more than a quarter of you reporting that an insect had triggered an alarm. In September 2017, we surveyed 3,412 burglar alarm owners. 74% had … More Info
  • Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms Due to Risk of Failure to …
    3.21.18 – PR Newswire – Consumers should remove the alarm from the wall/ceiling and visually inspect it through the opening on the side of the alarm for the presence of a yellow cap. Consumers should not attempt to take apart the alarm, open the casing, or otherwise remove the yellow cap themselves. If a yellow cap is present, the consumer … More Info
  • UTC Fire & Security, Honeywell Beat Telemarketing Class Action Suit
    3.23.18 – Security Sales & Integration – UTC Fire & Security Americas and Honeywell have defeated class action litigation involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that sought to hold both companies vicariously liable for telemarketing calls made by security dealers that attempted to sell alarm systems made by UTC and Honeywell. On Dec. More Info
  • How UL, New Tech Is Targeting Nuisance Smoke Alarms
    3.22.18 – SSI – Check out the new testing standard being cooked up by UL to help combat kitchen-related nuisance alarms, as well as the latest in detector technology. More Info
  • Surveillance Footage Helps Crack Austin Bomber Case
    3.21.18 – SDM – News sources reported the Austin bomber, Mark Anthony Conditt, is confirmed to be dead after authorities were able to use surveillance video of Conditt to track and corner him before he detonated an explosion that took his own life. More Info

State & National News

  • Video retention bill could be a game-changer for law enforcement agencies in Idaho
    3.14.18 – SIW – Legislation would shorten the amount of time police are required to keep media recordings… More Info
  • Shooting prompts removal of OHS fire alarm pull stations
    3.20.18 – Ottumwacourier – “A lot of kids pull the fire alarm for fun,” Ottumwa Fire Chief Tony Miller said Monday. But it was the Florida school shooting that prompted the fire department to suggest removal of pull stations at Ottumwa High School. “The [Iowa] Code does allow that since the building is fully sprinkled,” said Fire Marshal Cory Benge “The … More Info
  • Surveillance video shows Las Vegas gunman days before massacre
    3.24.18 – KTVQ Billings News – Paddock can be seen coming and going from the hotel wheeling luggage to his room, sometimes by himself and other times with a bellhop through this service elevator. Over seven days, he brought in 23 guns in at least 22 pieces of luggage. “Should that have set off any alarm bells or red flags?” Evans asked. “Not really, I … More Info

Business Tips

  • Legal Watch: Are You Making Unlawful Communications?
    3.16.18 – SIW – Many security dealers are vulnerable to TCPA violations, which can result in crippling class-action lawsuits… More Info
  • New RMR Opportunity: Smart Thermostat Service?
    3.23.18 – CEPo – Parks Associates data shows half of U.S. households would pay $5/month for subsidized smart thermostat installation with ongoing service program. More Info
  • Lessons from Gibson’s Problems: Remember Customer Relations
    3.16.18 – CEPro – Fair or not, the legacy brand Gibson has made the news because of several financial missteps, including its investment into consumer electronics, and for not listening to its customers. Gibson will survive, but the company’s problems highlight some core business management tenants: Spend prudently and stay in touch with customers. More Info
  • Opinion: Alarm Companies Are in the Customer Service Business …
    3.24.18 – Security Sales & Integration – With the new collaborative IoT platforms, we don’t need to have the large-scale infrastructure that legacy companies like ADT must sustain to give our customers an equal or better level of service than ADT. Alarm companies that will succeed in the coming years must realize they are in the customer service business and not … More Info
  • Mythbusting: What Homebuilders Really Think About Home Automation
    3.23.18 – SSI – Tech expert Bob Dolph deconstructs the myths and misconceptions for builders who are skeptical of the smart home and home automation products. More Info
  • NMC’s Sharon Elder Shares How to Improve Subscriber Experience
    3.20.18 – SSI – Sharon Elder discusses key topics in the monitoring space such as customer service, how to profit off DIY, 5G as a disruptor and more. More Info
  • 4 Network Troubleshooting Lessons for Newbie Installers
    3.23.18 – CEPro – Technicians should connect/disconnect one device at a time, trust your instincts, use manufacturer tech support and hone your speed so your labor becomes a profit center for your… More Info

Fire & EMS News

  • IA: UPDATE: Reason For False Fire Alarm At St. Pat’s School A Mystery
    3.24.18 – KIWARadio.com – Sheldon, Iowa – Since the Sheldon Fire Company was called to St. Patrick’s School on Tuesday evening of this week, responding to what turned out to be a tripped pull station in the school’s alarm system, they have been called back to the school more than once. Sheldon Assistant Fire Chief Randy Harms says fire crews … More Info
  • IL: Siren Report
    3.19.18 – Journal Gazette and Times-Courier – Firefighters responded to a false alarm at Eastern Illinois University’s East Hall at 11:30 p.m. Friday. Mattoon fire. Burnt food activated at alarm at Brookstone Estates, at 5:25 p.m. Saturday. – – -. Firefighters conducted a smoke investigation … More Info
  • IN: Animals evacuated after fire at Arlington Heights Veterinary Hospital
    3.24.18 – Kokomo Perspective – Ellettsville and Northern Monroe Fire Territory firefighters were dispatched to the veterinary hospital’s north location at 5:02 a.m. An overnight employee called 911 after hearing the fire alarm and finding smoke in the back washroom, said Northern Monroe Fire Territory Sgt. Jason Allen. More Info
  • MA: Campus crime logs: 3/22
    3.22.18 – Daily Free Press – Carbon monoxide sets off fire alarm at Peter Fuller Building. BUPD received a carbon monoxide alert at 7:23 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13. The Brookline Fire Department and BU Facilities Management and Planning were notified and responded. Improperly ventilated cooking triggered the … More Info
  • MA: Firefighters respond to calls
    3.24.18 – Brainerd Dispatch – The Brainerd Fire Department responded to three calls Thursday, with the first call at 3:29 a.m. for a carbon monoxide alarm. Upon investigation, it was determined to be unfounded. At 9:37 a.m. firefighters investigated a possible gas smell. More Info
  • MA: Marion Police Log, March 11-17
    3.25.18 – Wicked Local – 11:22 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported at Cape Cod Bank … More Info
  • MA: Swampscott police log, March 12-18
    3.24.18 – Wicked Local – 4:33 a.m.: A fire alarm was reported. 7:31 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. 7:38 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. 9:22 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. … More Info
  • MN: Winter ends as one of the deadliest for house fires in Minnesota
    3.24.18 – Winona Daily News – Minneapolis – Smoke alarms beeped as flames engulfed the apartment building in Alexandria, Minn., in the dark of a winter morning. In the subzero January cold, Derrek Valicenti jumped 15 feet from the second-story bedroom window to safety, a fire official said. Valicenti then turned back and shouted to Shandiin Rose … More Info
  • MO: Out of the past: March 23
    3.24.18 – Southeast Missourian – The First Methodist Church here, a large, domed edifice, is destroyed by fire early in the morning in what is described as a $1,000,000 loss; city firemen answer the alarm at 2:48 a.m., and fight the blaze throughout the morning. The Cape Girardeau office of the Missouri Pacific Railroad will continue its present operations, … More Info
  • NJ: Kitchen fire damages Domenico’s Pizza Place in Rockaway Township
    3.24.18 – NorthJersey.com – It started off as a smoke alarm, then upgraded to a structure fire following a call from a witness, Heath said. “This building has been a landmark in White Meadow Lake for many years, Mary & John’s, Nilo’s, now Domenico’s, ever since I could remember something great has been there,” said Mayor Michael Dachisen of the … More Info
  • OR: Crews respond to house fire in Milwaukie, owner’s cat killed
    3.24.18 – KPTV.com – During the investigation, crews learned that the man was home and had heard the smoke alarm in another room. The man then told crews that he went to investigate and found the room on fire. He tried to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, which didn’t work, and then with water, but the fire had become too large. More Info
  • OR: Police: Winchester Bay man attacked, robbed while sleeping
    3.20.18 – KCBY.com 11 – Just after 5 a.m. Friday, Douglas County 911 received a medical alert alarm activated by a man at Fisherman’s Mobile Home Park. When the ambulance arrived, they learned the man had been assaulted leading Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies to investigate. Police say the man was assaulted while he was asleep. More Info
  • TX: Anchors React When Fire Alarm Goes Off During Live Show
    3.19.18 – TVSpy – You do what anyone would do. Stop and ask yourself if it’s just a test or real. And that’s what WFAA morning anchors Ron Corning and Kara Sewell did on Friday. “Does this mean we really have a problem? This is going to be really hard to talk over,” said Corning. The team did a quick intro to a story before they decided it … More Info
  • WV: Emergency room flooded, man arrested for starting sprinkler system
    3.22.18 – WSAZ-TV – … equipment, reaching up and pulling the fire sprinkler system from the ceiling. Timothy Baker, 30 of Big Ugly was arrested as a result. Baker was placed under arrest for tampering with a fire protection device, causing false alarm for fire, destruction of property, disorderly conduct, and falsely reporting an emergency incident. More Info
  • WV: Man arrested after flooding Logan Regional Medical Center ER
    3.24.18 – Becker’s Hospital Review – Regional Medical Center was flooded with two to three inches of water March 21 after an “irate” patient pulled a fire alarm, which triggered the hospital’s sprinkler system, according to a WSAZ report. The 30-year-old man, a patient in an ER exam room March 21, was captured on camera standing on hospital equipment, … More Info

Crime News

  • AL: Caught In The Act: Saraland Electronic Store Break-In
    3.21.18 – WBRC FOX6 News – Detective Little says she believes the alarm scared them off before they could take anything. Their exact ages are unknown, but it is believed they could be teenagers. Although they left empty-handed, investigators are hoping you can help identify these guys before they have a chance to do it again. “The business was in an … More Info
  • CA: Burglar squeezes through La Mesa home’s doggie door, raids jewels
    3.22.18 – 10News – San Diego (KGTV) – A burglar squeezed through a doggie door and past a security system at a La Mesa-area home, making off with thousands of dollars in sentimental jewelry. … More Info
  • CT: Wallingford police charge Waterbury man in gas station armed robbery
    3.24.18 – Meriden Record-Journal – Jeffrey Stokarski, 43, was charged by warrant Friday with first-degree robbery, third-degree larceny, and third-degree assault. On Jan. 6 around 11:25 p.m. police responded to the Food Land Gas and Convenience Store for an alarm. Police met the store clerk. The clerk said he … More Info
  • DE: Fire does heavy damage to Dollar Tree Store in the Beaverbrook …
    3.24.18 – WDEL 1150AM – A multi-alarm fire at the Dollar Tree in the Beaverbrook Plaza Shopping Center is still being investigated. The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal said the blaze at the shopping center was reported shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018. Article continues below advertisement. More Info
  • FL: Sanford man wanted in connection with church burglary
    3.24.18 – WESH Orlando – The same day Good Shepherd was hit, the alarm at Cornerstone Christian Church, which is down the street from Good Shepherd, went off. Deputies found shattered door glass and a broken window but nothing was missing. Serafin was serving prison time up until two years ago. He is convicted of crimes in both Volusia … More Info
  • GA: Cops: Thieves saw through Dollar Tree safe for $360
    3.20.18 – Brunswick News – The store’s camera system is a live feed only and no footage is saved.” The most obvious crime deterrent simply failed, police said. advertisement. “The store also has an alarm but it did not work properly during the burglary,” the report said. The manager told police the safe had contained $360. Police dusted the scene for … More Info
  • KS: Police
    3.22.18 – Marion County Record – March 12 – Officers picked up a dog at large, assisted with a neighbor property dispute, and responded to an alarm at Hometown Pharmacy. March 13 – Officers investigated a dog bite, issued a warning for obstructed driving and equipment violation, and responded to an alarm at Pizza Hut. March 14 – Officers took a … More Info
  • LA: Anna Gunn Wannabe Burglar Scared Away After Smashing Window
    3.19.18 – TMZ – Anna Gunn’s home alarm system came through in a big way by alerting her that a potential thief was lurking outside, and Anna was able to scare the perp off … TMZ has learned. The “Breaking Bad” actress was at her L.A. pad in the Valley Thursday night when somebody smashed one of her back windows and triggered her … More Info
  • LA: Mandeville man indicted in brutal murder of estranged wife
    3.24.18 – NOLA.com – 2 of a burglary at Eddie’s Grocery. Fifteen minutes later deputies were dispatched to an alarm at Dollar General. Minutes later deputies responded to yet another alarm, at Lishman’s and while they were there a passerby alerted them to a burglary … More Info
  • MA: Kingston police log for Feb. 25 through March 3
    3.22.18 – Wicked Local – 8:19 p.m.: A burglar alarm was reported at Equitable Bank. 9:11 p.m.: An unwanted guest was reported. Friday, March 2. 11:49 a.m.: A disturbance was reported at Stop and Shop. 4:15 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported. More Info
  • MA: Wenham police log, March 6-15
    3.24.18 – Wicked Local – 1:26 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. 1:40 a.m.: A utility issue was reported. 2:11 a.m.: A traffic hazard was reported. 2:21 a.m.: A traffic hazard was reported …More Info
  • MD: 5 homes burglarized in 11-hour span in North Bethesda
    3.24.18 – FOX 5 DC – “I put the alarm on every night just for that reason. Now especially, I will start hiding my wallet and my car keys.” Anyone with information about the suspects or the burglaries is asked to call police. A $10,000 reward is being offered in this … More Info
  • MI: Royal Oak crime: Door-to-door meat solicitor arrested; burglar steals …
    3.24.18 – The Daily Tribune – Hundreds of packs of cigarettes stolen in store burglary. Someone broke into a store early Wednesday and stole hundreds of packs of Newport cigarettes and cash. Royal Oak police discovered the break-in when they responded to a business alarm about 1:40 a.m. at Trent’s Market. Police said an … More Info
  • MO: Man charged with raping elderly woman after DNA evidence linked …
    3.21.18 – KSHB – The burglary and sexual assault happened on May 12, 2017. Court documents say deputies were sent to the residence when a safety service alarm was triggered. The security company tried to call the victim, and when no one answered, … More Info
  • MS: McComb police looking for 5 men who robbed Dollar General
    3.24.18 – Mississippi News Now – According to police, around 4:15 a.m. Friday morning, the alarm was activated at Dollar General and officers were dispatched. When officers arrived, they noticed the front door was damaged. Five black males wearing hoodies were seen on security video coming in the front door and taking cartons of cigarettes before … More Info
  • NV: Police Blotter, March 22
    3.22.18 – Bouldercityreview – Officers received a call about an alarm going off at a residence. Officers responded and found the rear sliding glass door unsecured. They attempted to enter, but there was a bar blocking the door. They talked to the caller to find out if there was a key for the house they could use, but the owner did not want them to check the … More Info
  • NY: Caught On Camera: Burger King Burglary In The Bronx
    3.25.18 – CBS New York – FDNY Firefighter Killed Battling 5-Alarm Fire At Movie Set In Harlem FDNY officials identified the firefighter as 37-year-old Michael R. Davidson, a 15-year department veteran. Police Release Dash Cam Video Of Deadly Arizona Crash Involving Self-Driving Uber SUV The video released Wednesday shows 49-year-old … More Info
  • NY: Police: Auburn Walmart open for business after apparently false …
    3.24.18 – Auburn Citizen – The Auburn Police Department and New York State Police were called to Walmart Friday afternoon after a customer reported seeing men with rifles in the store’s parking lot, but police said it appeared to be a false alarm. According to Cayuga County 911, at around 1:25 p.m., a Walmart employee called police after a … More Info
  • OH: Cincinnati Police looking for breaking and entering suspect
    3.19.18 – WXIX – Police say they responded to a call about an alarm drop. Police say they saw that someone had forced their way into the building. Surveillance footage showed a man looking into the glass front doors then forcing his way in through a bathroom window by prying out a screen and sliding the glass … More Info
  • OH: Kenton Man Arrested 3 1/2 Hours After Armed Robbery
    3.22.18 – WKTN Radio – According to the Kenton Police Department report, officers were dispatched to the Kenton Marathon after a panic alarm was activated. … The alarm came in just before 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, and around 6 o’clock that evening, the suspect was located at a residence … More Info
  • OH: Thief cuts hole in roof to rob Lima Dollar General
    3.21.18 – Lima Ohio – An in-store motion detector had sent an alarm to McGee at shortly before 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Antus said. McGee reportedly did a drive-by and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Antus said the intruder is clearly visible on the store’s surveillance video. “He wasn’t wearing a mask and his face was exposed” to the camera, she … More Info
  • PA: Police Blotter
    3.24.18 – SRU The Online Rocket – March 15- An alarm was triggered and received by police, originating from the ski lodge. Upon arrival, it was discovered that maintenance was closing it and the alarm was reset. March 15- Borough Police requested SRUPD assistance for a burglar alarm that was set off. No one was found inside the building … More Info
  • PA: Police log: Snow causes vehicle logjam on Broadway
    3.24.18 – The Evening Sun – 6:58 a.m. Checked on a commercial business alarm… More Info
  • RI: Conimicut Variety Burglar Takes $8500 From Safe
    3.22.18 – Warwick Post – Warwick, RI – Warwick detectives are investigating the March 3 burglary of Conimicut Variety after a thief apparently entered the store either by broken window or door, then gained access to a safe inside the store, stealing $8,500 in cash. Officer Thomas Boguz met with the owner of the store, … More Info
  • TX: Heist nets burglars $50000 in coins from 72-year-old SA man’s store
    3.24.18 – KENS5.com – Burglars made a hole in the roof of a Leon Valley coin shop in the middle of the night, climbed into the store, disabled the alarm system, and then used a power tool to break through a five-inch thick safe made of steel and concrete, all to get away with $50,000 worth of rare coins and currency. Larry Harmon, 72, owns the … More Info
  • TX: Police investigate store burglary
    3.20.18 – GTXainesville Daily Register – During the course of the suspect’s travels through the store, he tripped the alarm, police said. Otto said one of his officers and a deputy with the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office responded but the suspect had already fled the scene in a vehicle waiting for him that was parked. “He wasn’t in the building very long at … More Info
  • TX: Police search for 2 men involved in SE Houston burglary
    3.22.18 – KPRC Click2Houston – Video shows the two men struggling to open the safe while the alarm is sounding. When police arrived, the two had left. A reward of $5,000 is being offered to anyone with information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. … More Info
  • WA: Burglars steal cash and goods
    3.22.18 – Goldendale Sentinel – The thieves were able to break in after cutting the power to the building neutralizing the alarm system. The front-solid-metal-door was pried off the hinges that the owners say would have taken a lot of time and effort before the thieves could even enter the building. The thieves also disabled the video surveillance system, … 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