I am not the type of person who lives in fear, but I believe that we need to take simple, sensible precautions with our safety, and that of our families. Having been robbed twice in one week almost three years ago, (and once while we were living off campus during our college days), has made us more aware that life happens, and that 
we need to protect our stuff. (We earned it and want to protect it from those who want to have it without earning it). What was frustrating in our case is that we knew who robbed us all three times but did not have the evidence to legally do anything about it.
We are currently looking to change security systems, so we have been researching different home security options. I have discovered that the choices have greatly increased and have become simpler over the past couple years. I have also found that more security systems are based on facial and body recognition, which increases protection because it is now much easier to identify those who commit the crime. There are even systems that hide in plain sight.
According to the 2012 FBI crime report, one in every 36 homes in the United States will be burglarized this year, resulting in an average loss of $2,230 per incident, (totaling $4.7 billion in property losses). In addition to the theft of personal property, the victim of a burglary can also feel violated and the experience can cause them to wonder if it will happen again – maybe while the family is home. So protecting ones property with the best possible security device or system is incredibly important.
Finding a good system for an apartment was always a challenge for us because we didn’t want to install wiring in the walls, partly because it was more permanent than we desired for property that we did not own, and because in most cases the landlord did not want us to do it. So we had to find a wireless option that was economical but secure. Now that we are in the wireless age the options have increased and the prices have come down, making a home security system easier than ever to obtain.
There are numerous options for home security. There are cameras, some of which are wireless and provide HD-quality images and also have night vision. Some cameras can even load feeds to connected compatible devices. There are monitored systems, such as what is offered by companies like ADT. Traditional cable providers, such as Comcast and Cox, now offer electronic security monitoring and there are also other private firms that offer property protection services. Many of these companies provide monitoring as well as control via in-house units and connected compatible devices. Although these services are very useful and offer many benefits, my desire is to find innovative products that may not yet be as popular or well-known to the average consumer. My search has led me to a couple different options.
The first option is a product that is available for purchase from numerous outlets and there are many brands. This is the light bulb camera, which is exactly what it sounds like — advanced cameras, (generally LED, multi-angle cameras with night vision that often have motion-sensor capabilities), that are disguised as common light bulbs.
One advantage of camera light bulbs, (aside from having a camera that is hidden in plain sight), is that they run off regular electricity and do not require a separate power source. Many of these cameras have battery back-up so that they operate even when the power is out. Like any other product, there are various styles and some look more “hidden” than others. The products that I have priced run between $30 and $200 per bulb, so they are not the most cost efficient and would more-likely be used as a primary camera. Camera light bulbs allow the user to have a camera in their home that will go undetected by intruders and that will record everything that is happening in the area – even at night and when the power goes out. That is awesome! Some of these bulbs also allow monitoring via connected, compatible devices.
Another option that this writer will present is Cambridge-based home security company SimpliSafe, which was founded in 2006 by then Harvard Business School student Chad Laurans to fill the need for a simple, affordable, no-contract, home security system that is totally portable. A couple of things that are unique about SimpliSafe are that the equipment is all self-install “plug and protect” and that monitoring is provided via dedicated cellular communication technology. A third unique aspect of the company, which is not common in the home security industry, is that all their plans are contract-free, which allows their customer to leave at any time. In my opinion, no-contract companies tend to have better products and service as that is what keeps customers.
There are of course other companies that fall into the DIY category, including Frontpoint, LiveWatch Security, and Link Interactive. There is a newcomer to the home security arena called Scout, which was founded in 2013. Like SimpliSafe, Scout does not require customers to sign a term contract.
Home security is important, and like with any other product, research is necessary in order to find the one that is right for you. I do not personally endorse any of these companies individually but rather the idea that everyone should have some form of home security. Please research companies before deciding whether or not to use them. Many reviews are available online and information about the companies may also be available from the Better Business Bureau. And if you have used any of these products – or others – please share your findings!
Brian Chicoine was born in Nashua and raised in Manchester, graduating from West High School. After earning his undergraduate degree from Rhode Island College in Providence, Brian and his wife Jackie lived in Manchester for about five years. Brian has merged his passion for entrepreneurship and innovation with his love of new and bold ideas to bring fresh perspectives on the way things are done. Brian, his wife and their two boys live in Rhode Island, but their hearts are in New Hampshire.
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