Monday, January 07, 2008

Video Captures Home Invasion Attempt

In an earlier post I mentioned a video intercom as an upgrade to your home security. With a video intercom, you would know exactly who and what is on the other side of your door.

A further upgrade would be a video surveillance system. The cost of these systems has decreased significantly over the past few years and many are affordable for most folks.

Last night a local woman put her system to good use.

From the Dallas Morning News:

By Monika Diaz



An attempted break-in early Sunday morning led to a terrifying and unexpected wake up call for a woman in Glenn Heights.

While four men failed to break into Carrie Shannon's home on Brentwood Street, their attempt was captured on surveillance video.

Shannon was home alone when the men tried to kick in her door around 4:35 a.m.

"I immediately jumped up," she said of when she heard the loud kicking.

After hearing the men, Shannon said she got out of bed and called police on her cell phone.
Step 1 - Dial 911

"I grabbed my handgun and I proceeded right to the back, because as soon as I saw a shadow, I was going to go ahead and start shooting," she said.
Step 2 - Arm yourself. I personally would have grabbed the handgun then dialed 911.

This homeowner had a very good security plan in effect. Video surveillance, an alarm system, a couple very secure doors and a firearm if all else fails. Note that she did not end up a victim.

Shannon's home security camera didn't miss a beat either. It even caught one of the men cutting the phone line. The video was turned over to police.
The video surveillance system caught very good images of the goblins and should be helpful to the police. Note that the goblins cut the phone line prior to attempting to kick in the door. If they had gotten in, her alarm system would have been worthless, her only protection would have been her firearm.

A good portion of the video along with an interview with the homeowner is on WFAA News 8. You can find is here. Go ahead and have a look. Her latest upgrade to her security system should put a smile on your face.

6 comments:

Hyunchback said...

Unless these guys turn themselves in you can bet they won't be prosecuted. They aren't even likely to be sought by cops.

Now, MAYBE if the video goes on "America's Most Wanted" some neighbor/relative will turn them in and the cops will be given a useful tip.

Rob said...

I do like her new security measure. :)

JT said...

Note that the goblins cut the phone line prior to attempting to kick in the door. If they had gotten in, her alarm system would have been worthless
.
That's one reason my alarm system is on a cellular modem rather than a landline telco - no wire to cut, everything is internal to the house. Even using a VOIP service like Vonage would go through your cable, which obviously can still be cut where it exits your house just like the phone line.

And yeah, I also would have filled my right hand with metal before filling my left hand with plastic.

JT said...

The video finally loaded and I saw the new addition. Whoa! Never thought I'd see the day when the mainstream media showed a Scary Black Rifle on TeeVee with a good vibe (citizen protecting herself from goblins)!

John R said...

After watching that vid, the cellular option will be the next upgrade to my own home security system.

Ryan said...

that goes to show the effectiveness of a well rounded home security system.