Monitor your child’s activities remotely
You’re probably more familiar with a nanny cam that uses a recording device.  While quite useful, it is only limited to showing you activities that occurred in the past.  You might appreciate that there are models of nanny cams that may be connected to a device or a third party service provider that will allow you to receive live feed.

This can be very useful for parents or guardians who are frequently away from their loved ones for long periods of time.  With a wireless nanny cam, they can still view and monitor the activities at home even from a remote location such as the office.

Catch perpetrators in the act
A wireless nanny cam is essentially a hidden camera.  Small, easy to hide and rather effortless to install, it can be used to help record evidence of a crime or a potential violation.  Where to use?  The possibilities are endless: the warehouse or supplies office to monitor any pilferage, the entrance hallway to observe who goes in and out of a building, the kitchen to find out if anybody is playing with the pie ingredients, the backyard to find out who or what rummages through the trash at night, or as in the case of a Franklin woman who lost money to theft several times, catch an unlikely suspect in the act of stealing.

Observe and record elusive wildlife
If you have a wireless nanny cam, don’t just limit it to activities in the house.  It can also be used to observe animals from a distance in the absence of more appropriate equipment.  The only drawback is that wireless nanny cams are not exactly designed for outdoors use, so a few modifications may be required.  But given the specs that come in a regular nanny cam, though, it should suffice for this type of function.

And yes, your basic nanny cam will work nicely to find out what your pets are up to behind your back.

Monitor employee behavior or activities
The use of surveillance equipment at the office has been known to lower employee motivation but it works to the benefit of the employer or business establishment.  Wireless nanny cams can be utilized in certain locations at the office, plant or warehouse to check on people’s activities and record their productivity.

For small shops or home-based businesses, the wireless nanny cam can also be a cheaper alternative to fully-equipped security equipment.  They are also easy to install and generally do not require a significant amount of maintenance.

Provide a means to record and monitor activities covertly
One of the best reasons why people use a hidden camera with a DVR is that it is a way to observe activities surreptitiously.  Although this may be sneaky by nature, using a hidden camera allows you to observe people behaving naturally, something that is near impossible to do if they are aware that a camera is observing them.

Easy to conceal
Hidden cameras, unlike their more traditional cousins the video cameras, are built for stealth.  They are generally smaller which makes them easy to hide behind virtually anything and can even be built into an ordinary object.  This is how you could have a hidden camera within stuffed toys, alarm clocks, air fresheners, humidifiers, books, picture frames, even small items like fake pens and beepers.

The benefit of hidden cameras of this type is that they can be placed anywhere without anybody suspecting that there’s more to them than what they appear.  They can be placed readily in the target area without raising any suspicions.  Depending on the model, these hidden cameras usually record images remotely to a DVR, so their design do not actually interfere with their function.

Easy to use viewing features
The main challenge with older analog video cameras or those that used tapes to record images was that they produced blurry pictures.  What made reviewing the tapes more difficult was that the images were mostly in black and white.  If they came in color, the recording device simply wasn’t sophisticated enough to preserve the true colors of these images.

There is also the question about the quality of the tape itself.  Images tended to deteriorate with older tapes, making them difficult to store for future playback.  Tapes also tended to produce lesser quality images through repeated viewings, rewinds and fast forwards.

With the newer hidden camera DVR, images are stored digitally, so they are reproduced in greater detail, with better clarity and color.  Digitally recorded images using hidden cameras are also easy to view since they can be set up to record only when motion or activity is detected.  Otherwise, the recording function is turned off.  What this means is that there’s no need to waste several hours of tape or memory on a blank screen.  Viewing is also easier because only images showing activities on them will be recorded.

What made Bombien suspicious was that an old friend, former school board president of Franklin Roseann Lewandowski, was always with her each time money disappeared.  To make sure she wasn’t just placing her suspicions on an innocent person, Bombien began using a nanny cam.

The nanny cam provided Bombien the evidence she needed.  When Lewandowski came to visit, the cam recorded the woman leafing through Bombien’s purse.

However, it was not until the nanny cam caught Lewandowski stealing the funds supposed to be used for the local Little League that Bombien decided enough was enough.  Lewandowski made off with $880 from Bombien’s purse and again, she was caught on the nanny cam doing it.  Bombien asked for assistance from the police, who promptly arrested Lewandowski.

The nanny cam knows
It has been said that cameras are unforgiving — they will show what we sometimes do not wish or expect to see.  This is probably the best move that one person did to finally stop the sneaky ways of a former school board president, catching her performing the act without placing any doubts as to the authenticity of the evidence.

As the Franklin case shows, the correct placement and use of the nanny cam was instrumental in helping a woman to finally find out the truth about her missing money.  Bombien was smart enough to consider the circumstances that proved to be the common denominator each time she lost money — that is, the location and the person she suspected was involved.  By placing her nanny cam in the kitchen, she finally proved her suspicions right.

Using the nanny cam
Something that works as an all-seeing eye such as the nanny cam is most effective if its advantages are optimized and its limitations minimized.  Nanny cams or any hidden camera used legally for reasonable surveillance rely on unobstructed vision in order to monitor and record any activity that may be of interest or prove to be illegal.

A good first move when using nanny cams would be to start with areas that are most likely to be where an activity could occur.  In Bombien’s case, it was the kitchen, the same area where she frequently left her purse and entertained guests, one of whom happened to be the guilty party.

Since there are legal restrictions to the use of hidden surveillance devices such as the nanny cam, take note that proper placement also requires that they are only installed at publicly accessible places, such as the living room, family den, dining area and kitchen.  Nanny cams are not allowed in private areas such as the bedroom or the bathroom.

The view from the nanny cam should also be clear of any obstacles such as plants, walls, dividers or curtains.  The angle of viewing should also be carefully considered.  While most nanny cams are positioned at a slightly higher angle to overlook an area, setting a camera at eye level or even slightly below might also be effective, depending on what the user needs to monitor and on the availability of space.

Legal use of nanny cams
In general, hidden cameras such as nanny cams are deemed legal if they are installed in places considered for general public access.  In the home, these include the living room, family den, backyard, frontyard, kitchen and even the ward’s bedroom.  Since these are areas of the house frequented by most of the occupants (including the nanny or caregiver), there is no danger that the camera may be recording private behavior.

Nanny cams are considered illegal when used to monitor areas where the nanny or caregiver may require some privacy.  These areas include the bathroom, toilet, dressing room, closet, locker room, hotel room or the nanny’s own bedroom in case of live-in arrangements.  As to using a nanny cam to record audio, there are also laws governing this type of activity that you have to be aware about.

Why audio may not be allowed with nanny cams
The top reason why nanny cams cannot have audio is that every individual is protected by certain state and federal laws about eavesdropping and wiretapping.  Check local resources for the Electronic Communications Privacy Act that covers wiretapping.  Although each state will have a different statute regarding the act of recording conversations, you will find that most areas will require you to have the express consent of at least one party.

If your state allows the consent of just one party, you could provide consent on behalf of your child who is a minor and record audio.  However, make sure that the area where the audio is being recorded is not a private location.

There are also states (12 as of last count) that require the consent of all parties concerned, including California, Florida, Maryland, Washington, New Hampshire and Montana, among others.  To be on the safe side, always consult your local authorities regarding this matter, particularly if you’re planning on recording audio with your nanny cam.  This will ensure that you respect the rights of your nanny or caregiver and that you avoid any circumstance that could lead to legal action against you.

Legal implications of hidden cam abuse
Before deciding to use hidden cameras, there are certain restrictions you have to keep in mind.  Hidden cameras are considered legal provided they are:

- used to monitor and record activities that may be detrimental to general health and safety of persons concerned
- used with permission from a legal authority
- used to monitor and record activities performed in publicly accessible areas, if the hidden cam is to be used in a home or establishment

If used to monitor the nanny, cleaning lady or the mailman, for example, the hidden cam may only be installed in an area where no privacy issues may be raised.  They cannot be used in areas such as the bathroom, locker room, toilet, hotel room or even the bedroom of the concerned party.  These rooms are areas of the house where people will require personal privacy, so unless express consent is given, no hidden cam should be placed there.  Without the other party’s permission, installing a hidden cam where it could violate privacy rights will be considered abuse.

There are also laws that require the consent of at least one party to use the hidden camera, something that most states require.  There are also states that require consent of all parties, so you might have to inform people that cameras are in place.  You may not choose to inform them where these gadgets are located.

Need audio?  Check if it’s legal
There is also the concern of using hidden cams that record audio.  There are laws at the state and federal levels that protect against illegal wiretapping and eavesdropping.  Should you decide to include an audio function with your hidden camera, make sure you do not violate anyone else’s rights.

The bottomline: hidden cams are supposed to be used to deter, prevent or at least provide evidence of illegal activity in order to protect.  They should not be used as an abusive form of surveillance, such as when they become instruments of malicious spying or blackmail.

The second robbery incident that took place was nothing out of the ordinary, although this does not make the crime less harrowing in any way for the victims. Suntrust Bank, located at North Glebe Road in Arlington, was targeted by robbers. Everyone, however, came out unscathed although investigators still hadn’t revealed the extent, if any, of the loss resulting from the robbery.

The first robbery, on the other hand, and which only took place minutes earlier, continued to puzzle authorities. At approximately 10:45 in the morning, a masked man entered the Suntrust Bank along Kenmore Avenue.
The man carried a shotgun with him and ordered everyone to the ground. He took five purses from bank customers before leaving on foot. The bank hadn’t lost even a single penny in the incident.

The crime did not fail in arousing the people’s anger. One bank customer, Marcia Fox, said, “I know we’re having tough times, but that doesn’t excuse going and robbing people.”

Evidence obtained for the investigation was limited, with customers submitting to fingerprint analyses and surveillance photos taken within the area. The Alexandria Police also used their canine unit in hopes of quickly establishing leads for the case.

Know Who You’re Up Against with Video Surveillance
As proven earlier, having video surveillance equipment installed in your home or office is simply not enough to properly identify a would-be assailant or thief. Here are a number of tips to help you enjoy maximum protection from video surveillance.

Look for an ideal location
The best angle will give you a bird’s eye view of what’s happening in a given area. Video surveillance cameras are best mounted on the wall or ceiling, preferably in a corner.

Use an infrared-capable video surveillance camera
It will allow you to capture sharp and accurate video footage and photos even at night.

Don’t rely on video surveillance alone
While it may serve to deter and help capturing criminals, they are not capable of preventing a crime from taking place. For that, you’ll need extra safety precautions, like an automated alarm system. You may also install sensors to detect and hinder any unnecessary movement.

According to the victim’s father, the girl had been abducted at from the back of their home, about 135 kilometers north of Calgary at approximately nine-thirty in the evening last Thursday. Their daughter had left to drive to a nearby store at the gas station to purchase treats.

Later on, the father found his daughter’s truck twenty minutes later, parked behind their home, the headlights still on, and with keys on the passenger seat. Items purchased from the said store as well as her purse was also found in the truck, but her mobile phone and wallet were missing. This prompted the family to report the girl missing.

Using the last signal picked up from the girl’s mobile phone the night before, search and rescue crews together with the RCMP mounted a massive search in a wooded area in Red Deer while volunteers numbering in the hundreds handed out flyers containing the girl’s picture door-to-door in the city.

Finally, almost two days after the girl had been reported missing, the family received a call at approximately 8:30 in the evening. The victim had managed to escape from her abductors and used a pay phone in a mall to contact her father for help. According to the dad, the girl had sounded “very, very scared” and that “she had to beg for her life”.

The victim was taken to the hospital following an interview with the Red Deer RCMP. Video surveillance from the gas station contributed considerable help to the investigation, leading to the arrest of a hereto unnamed suspect.

Stay Recorded, Stay Protected: Safety Tips with the Help of Video Surveillance
If you are travelling alone, it’s best to frequent establishments that you are aware of being equipped with video surveillance equipment.  Do your best to stay within its focus. If anything were to happen to you, authorities could use resulting footage in identifying and capturing your assailant.

Not all video surveillance equipment, however, are installed for the public to see. Some operate covertly so you’ll have to know where and how to look for them. On the other hand, some stores simply use dummy video cameras to deter wrongdoers for causing mischief.

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Based on the investigation made by the Delaware State Police as well as the reviews of video surveillance taken from the scene of the crime, a patrol trooper was able to successfully detain and arrest 44-year-old Robert E. Dixon III. He was convicted for robbery and other related offenses.

At approximately 9:45 in the evening, a 911 call reported a robbery and troopers immediately responded. Their investigation revealed how a black male suspect went inside the Super Lodge, a West Avenue establishment, and proceeded to the back. He used an open door to access the desk area and immediately punched the clerk at work a number of times. Afterwards, he took $170 from the cash drawer and told the clerk not to call the police before departing.

The victim was driven to Christiana Hospital, diagnosed of sustaining significant injuries, and received treatment for multiple facial fractures. Besides the account provided by the victim, police were also able to obtain accounting of the incident from another employee.

The investigation further revealed the frequency in which the suspect was seen in the area. At approximately eleven thirty in the evening, a patrol trooper spotted a subject similar to the description provided in the Bowlerama parking lot. Dixon was successfully detained and whose identity as robber was subsequently confirmed.

Criminal mischief, theft, first-degree assault and robbery were filed against the suspect. He is currently detained at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institute with bail set on $106,000 secured bond.

How to Prevent Vandals and Assailants from Damaging Your Video Surveillance Camera
One reason why the aforementioned case resulted to the successful arrest of the suspect was due no doubt to the footage produced by the video surveillance equipment used. The results, however, won’t be the same if the suspect was aware of being under surveillance and tried to tamper with the equipment.

Choose an elevated and preferably unreachable location for your video surveillance camera
This way, even if the suspect were aware of being under surveillance, he would not be able to cause damage to your equipment.

Choose the appropriate model
Look for something durable, weatherproof, tamper-resistant, battery-powered, and capable of recording high-resolution images or videos.

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Be Prepared with Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras are not exclusive for use in the workplace. They, too, can be installed in your own home. They are effective in producing substantial evidence if and when an illegal or criminal activity has taken place in your property.

Video and Audio Recording
The best surveillance cameras are capable of recording video and audio footage of excellent quality. In adequate light settings, they may be able to footage in full color. At night, with infrared capabilities, they could produce sharp monochrome images or footage.

Undetectable
If you wish to hide the presence of your surveillance cameras, there are wireless models you can buy and often small enough to remain indistinguishable even in plain sight.  Advanced models are even capable of working without emitting any waves that bug detectors could pick up.  Best of all, they come with built-in recording and storing capabilities, making it unnecessary for you to use other devices to have a copy of the footage.

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Choice of home security surveillance systems
If you aren’t careful about your choice of a home security surveillance system, you could end up spending more for gadgets you don’t really need. Before you buy, make sure you understand two things:

- how the gadgets work
- your security needs

Once you have an idea of what you truly require and what’s available, you’ll know exactly which home surveillance system will work for you.

Mind the zone
Find out the number of zones that a system has. In most cases, you’ll find that a single system is capable of covering multiple zones. These are areas in your home that you want to monitor and thus will require the installation of a camera or alarm. Make sure you get this information first before buying a home security surveillance system.

Sometimes, it’s all about the camera
Without a good camera, your home security surveillance system will just be an expensive piece of junk. The system relies on the camera to pick up and capture images. If the camera is of poor quality, the system may not offer you the kind of protection and security you need.

A good camera, on the other hand, will capture all the necessary details you will need later on to view a person or an incident in detail. When buying or choosing a home security surveillance system, keep this in mind.

24-hour monitoring?
You could choose a service offering to monitor your premises 24/7 or you could opt to have a service that lets your system call an authorized number only if the alarm is tripped. Consider the number and size of occupants in the house as well. Wandering pets, little children and even guests who like to go downstairs for a little snack could set off your alarm if you aren’t careful.

DIY or professionally installed?
That will really depend on how well you know the system, how it’s designed and how skilled you are. Although there are security surveillance systems that have been created to allow homeowners to perform the installations without professional help, you might consider asking a pro in case you have very little understanding of electronics. This will ensure that your system is installed correctly and safely and that it will truly work to protect you.

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