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    Category: home security

    DIY Home Improvement Tips

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    A new fad is sweeping the nation, from NYC to LA, homeowners are embracing the DIY lifestyle and wanting to be more hands on with the improvements and changes to their houses. The days of call contractors to help fix a fridge or do hardwood flooring are gone, now homeowners are embracing the challenge and diving head first into home improvement. DIY projects are a lot of fun if you’re someone who’s looking for a challenge, but unfortunately they can turn out disastrous and sometimes life threatening. That is why, if you’re going to be doing DIY projects, make sure you follow a list of safety guidelines to make your home improvement a success.

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    Use a Sturdy Ladder.

    When working on things that would be on your ceiling, like painting, replacing a light bulb or installing security cameras or motion detectors, make sure you don’t skimp out and use a solid, sturdy ladder. Most ladders seem sturdy but one false step, motion or adjustment can have you falling straight to the ground. In fact according to the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) about 2 million Americans need treatment from a medical professional every year from injuries caused by a ladder. Here’s a few pointers to get you off on the right foot:

    • As much as you can, avoid putting the ladder on a soft surface. If you absolutely have to use a ladder on a soft surface, put a piece of plywood underneath of it to reinforce the base.
    • Make sure to keep at least three points of contact when using an extension ladder.
    • Never when using a ladder go above the second from the top rung. If you have to get a little higher, you need a taller ladder.

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    Use the Correct Tools

    When it comes down to home improvement projects, tools can not only make sure that you’re doing the project the most efficiently, but also that you are properly installing or working on something. When most DIYers start a project they normally start with just a hammer and nails, although the larger tools may seem intimidating, you can rent them from your local hardware store, it’s smarter to use bigger tools and have the job done properly rather than using a hammer and nails when a project requires a drill and multiple screws.

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    Hire A Professional

    When you decide to take on installing a Home Security System, there’s only one right way to do it, and that’s calling Titan Alarm and having one of our trained professionals come out to your location and make a customized Home Security System that fits your house’s needs. Security is not something you want to have go wrong when you need it most, so having a professional install it let’s you rest easy knowing that it’s functioning the way it needs to. Give us a call today 602-680-4567, let Titan DIY this project for you.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Keep Your Playrooms Safe

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    A lot of parents out there believe that their home is one of the safest place for their children to be, and more often than not that’s true. Unfortunately, there are reports that at least 10,000 children are brought to the emergency room almost every day for common house hold items causing injuries. What is even more sad is that around 6 children die per day, caused by an accident that happened around the home.

    At Titan Alarm, our goal is to make sure you are educated and able to keep your family safe and protected. Children spend a lot of time in the playrooms we have set aside for them, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common things that cause injury to children that are normally found in the play rooms.

     

    1. Stuffed Animals

    They’re a child’s go to toy for cuddling and when they need to be comforted, but did you know that the stuffed animals that are kept in your child’s playroom can also be dangerous? To drop the rate and risk of suffocation that can be caused by these toys, make sure to try and keep them away from the main areas that your young child sleeps in or lays down around.

    Toddlers and younger children can often remove small pieces off of the stuffed animals, like eyes, buttons, and other little details sewn onto the stuffed animal, so if needed, reinforce or remove these pieces.

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    1. Magnets

    Did you know that children can be seriously and sometimes fatally harmed by consuming small magnets? The CPSC or Consumer Product Safety Commission actually recommends that any toys with magnets need to be kept away from children that are under the age of six. If you search your house’s playroom and find these toys, simply remove them until your child is at an age to play with these toys safely.

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    1. Foam Mats

    Remember those mats that they used in Gym Class and in almost every child care facility? If you have those in your house, make sure that chemically it’s safe. There are a lot of foam play mats on the market that unfortunately contain formaldehyde and quite a few other toxins that will present risks to your child’s health.

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    1. Trampolines

    Who didn’t love trampolines growing up? The little indoor trampolines seem like a bit less danger than the rather large ones set up in people’s backyards, but it actually still is rather unsafe. If your playroom is equipped with a trampoline consider replacing it with something a little safer, and with something that doesn’t have metal springs a child’s hand could get caught in.

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    1. Arts and Crafts

    This was some of the most fun as a child, play-doh, crayons, finger painting, the messy stuff, and most of the time these supplies are made to be nontoxic so that children can use them safely. However there are still quite a few out there that aren’t marked nontoxic and can cause an emergency room trip to have a child’s stomach pumped. Until your children are old enough, don’t let them use these products unsupervised.

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    1. Packaging and Bags

    The amount of packaging that children’s toys come in now a days is ridiculous, five different layers to get through just to get to a happy meal toy, but in all seriousness, these materials if left out around the house can cause choking hazards, keep these materials stored safely or quickly dispose of them after unwrapping a toy or gadget.

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    Titan Alarm wants to be the company you can call for any of your household safety needs, from tips and tricks to keep your kids safe, to how to automate your whole house, Titan Alarm is just a phone call away. 602-680-4567

    Learn More About Home Automation

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Best Cities to Live In Arizona

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    1-title

    Thinking about relocating to a new home base? You might be looking to meet new people, start a family or even launch your own business. If you haven’t considered Arizona, you might be surprised to know that it’s home to some of the best living areas in the country. Those that have had the opportunity, however, know that it’s home to breathtaking vistas and beautiful communities.

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    Arizona has remained one of the fastest-growing states in the nation for decades. In fact, its population has grown 750% since 1950, increasing from about 750,000 residents to an impressive 6 million!

    Take a look at this guide to the best cities for living in Arizona, and find out more about all the Grand Canyon State has to offer to those who need a new place to call home.

    Tucson

    Tucson is the second largest city by population in Arizona, and it is located 108 miles northwest of Phoenix —Arizona’s largest city. Tucson is famous for its hot — but not humid — weather, its breathtaking architecture and the University of Arizona.

    Things to Do in Tucson, AZ

    If you’re visiting Tucson, you’ll probably want to visit the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world. You might also enjoy the Fourth Avenue Street fair featuring various unique crafts, or if you are a literary type, the Tucson Festival of Books, held in March.

    Family-friendly activities in Tucson include:

    • The Old Tucson Studios, a movie studio and classic Western theme park
    • The Arizona-Sonora Desert interactive outdoor museum, zoo and garden
    • The International Wildlife Museum

    Places to Eat in Tucson, AZ

    Some of the best places to eat in Tucson include:

    • Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
    • The Flying V Bar & Grill
    • The Grill at Hacienda del Sol, which features fresh American cuisine, old-world style décor, classical guitar and a selection of over 700 wines

    Where to Live in Tucson, AZ

    Some of the best neighborhoods in Tucson are:

    • El Conquistador
    • Highland Vista Cinco Via
    • Sam Hughes
    • Poets Square, a 550-home neighborhood in midtown

    Tucson home values have gone up 8.7 percent over the past year, and the median price of a home in Tucson is $187,950.

    Crime Rates in Tucson

    Tucson has a crime rate that’s a bit higher than many other cities in Arizona, with 662 violent crimes for every 100,000 people annually.

    Gilbert

    We’re kicking off this list with one of the bigger cities in the state of Arizona. Gilbert has come a long way from its farming and agricultural roots, while still keeping pride in its hardworking past. The city, home to over 215,000 residents, features the historic Gilbert water tower in the center of town. Not far off are the grain silos that still stand proudly as homage to a traditional way of life.

    But even though Gilbert hasn’t forgotten its past, it’s certainly a city headed into the future. All the entertainment and amenities expected by families with children, as well as those with a business bent, can be found, and all within reach of the US 60 and Loop 202 freeways. You can relax at the SanTan Village shops, or unwind outside at the many walking trails, parks and golf courses.

    A truly unique Gilbert attraction is Top Golf. Despite the name, you don’t need any golf expertise to have the time of your life at this three-story, covered outdoor golf range. Scoring points is as easy as whacking balls into targets, making this a fantastic attraction for people of all ages and skill ranges!

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    If a family is your first priority, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better city than Gilbert to live in. The school system is a dream, with an overall high school graduation rate of 94%! And its excellent education is matched by a well-deserved reputation for safety. Despite having an incredibly high rate of population growth since 1980, Gilbert has managed to get named the second-safest city in the nation — not once, but twice — by Law Street Media.

    There’s no doubt that Gilbert is one of the best family-friendly cities. Great schools, an abundance of fun, and some of the safest neighborhoods in America should put Gilbert on the map the best cities to live in.

    Glendale

    When it comes to finding new stomping grounds, the housing market can be a central factor. If that’s the case for you, be sure to put Glendale on your list! The cost of living index in this city is 93 as opposed to the national average of 100, and the average rent here is an affordable $857 per month. That’s not bad for an area where you’ll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant community and culture!

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    One of this city’s most beloved annual events is the Glendale Glitters. During the month of December, the city decks out 16 blocks with over 1.5 million lights! Aside from the fantastic spectacle, the festival also features live music and the food and art of hundreds of local vendors. It’s a perfect place for kids to experience the wonder of the holiday season, and even a charming destination for date night.

    You’ll find no shortage of outdoor activities in Glendale. The city has five different parks within its boundaries, including the popular Thunderbird Conservation Park. At nearly 1,200 acres, this desert land is covered with more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. As its name suggests, it isn’t just an open space for play — it’s an opportunity to learn more about the unique animals and ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert!

    Paradise Valley

    Though its name might sound too good to be true, Paradise Valley actually does live up to its moniker. It all started in 1889, when three surveyors were sent to the area by the Rio Verde Canal Company. Struck by the natural beauty of the desert mountainsides, they nicknamed the place Paradise Valley — and it stuck. Today, the landscape is dotted with the homes of celebrities who gravitate to the unique character of this desert gem, but it’s also one of the best places to live for families.

    The median home value of $957,600 is certainly pretty steep, but it’s worth it. If education is high on your list of priorities, you’ll be very happy to hear that Paradise Valley has the highest high school graduation rate in the state, with 98% of students obtaining their diplomas. The city’s low population of just over 13,000 also means that crime is barely heard of.

    As for food and fun, there’s no shortage of it in this town. It’s home to many resorts and spas, making it a great place to put down roots if you’re set on a life of luxury.

    Prescott

    Looking for somewhere quiet to make your home? Look no further than Prescott, AZ. This secluded area has an elevation of over 5,000 feet, giving it greater climate variation than the rest of the state. That makes it an ideal destination for those who want to bike mountain trails, hike or enjoy kayaking in the area’s lakes. The city even has a Night Sky Ordinance, which puts limits on night lighting in order to protect the natural beauty of the night sky from light pollution.

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    Ask anyone who lives in Prescott, and they’ll tell you that one of the best parts about Prescott is the community feel. With a population of just under 40,000, the city has a small-town feel in the best of ways. The Courthouse Plaza always has an event going on, from art openings to live music. In 2008, it even won the honor of being one of the American Planning Association’s Ten Great Public Spaces! Whether you want to do some shopping at a small boutique, picnic in a grassy area, or just take a leisurely stroll, the Courthouse Plaza is the place to do it.

    If you need a break from the summer heat, you also have two gorgeous lakes to choose from. Lynx Lake is a popular destination for general boating, as well as offering good fishing and campgrounds. The more well-known Goldwater Lake is operated as a day park as well, so after your day of canoeing or kayaking, you can relax with volleyball courts, a large Ramada, and a playground for the kids.

    The abundance of outdoor activities makes Prescott a prime destination for retirees and those who can work from home, but it’s one of the best cities in Arizona and has something to offer to everyone.

    Fountain Hills

    Whereas a lot of cities seem to spring organically out of nowhere, Fountain Hills has the distinction of having been planned to perfection. It’s what’s known as a “master planned” community, designed in 1970 when the land was still a cattle ranch! This design was meant to prominently feature the beauty of the natural desert vistas, and it still does today.

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    In the center of the city is, of course, the fountain the area is named after. It’s one of the most impressive feats of fountain engineering, spraying water up to 560 feet high! Surrounding it is a 64-acre public park, featuring walking paths and playgrounds. Fountain Park is even home to a championship 18-hole disc golf course! And don’t forget to
    visit at night, when the fountain is gorgeously illuminated.

    Fountain Hills is also a great hub for culture and the arts! The city boasts an impressive art collection, made up of over 100 works publicly displayed throughout downtown and public buildings. If you’re a performance aficionado, you’ll be right at home as well. The city has a community chorus and band, and their community theater has been in operation for nearly 30 years!

    Communities that have it all are hard to come by, but by all accounts Fountain Hills is one. It has three excellent schools in its Fountain Hills Unified School District, and was even named 2009’s “Best Affordable Suburb” in Arizona by Business Week.

    Snowflake

    While most of the cities on this list can be considered metropolitan hubs of one size or another, Snowflake is one of our smallest entries. With a population of just over 5,500 residents, Snowflake is a great place for those that like knowing their neighbors. It’s also a prime destination for families with children, as four of its schools have ratings of 8 or above as measured by GreatSchools.com — and, 38% of families in the city have at least one child.

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    But it’s not just the most family-friendly city in Arizona, it’s also the most affordable city! Homes have a median value of $131,900 — substantially lower than the statewide median of $165,100. This makes it a great destination for first-time homebuyers or those who are just interested in getting more home for their money.

    Outdoorsy types will love Snowflake’s location in the Arizona White Mountains. Snowflake is the northernmost town in the region, benefitting from quite a different climate range than the rest of the state. Temperatures are pleasantly warm and dry during the summer, but you’ll also get snow sports in the winter!

    If you’re looking for a low-crime neighborhood and the most affordable city in Arizona, Snowflake is a good option for you.

    Surprise

    Surprise, Arizona, is a city that was never meant to be. It was founded in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler, and it was just a square mile of farmland at the time! The town’s name comes from the fact that old Flora Mae didn’t really have high hopes for it — she said it would be a “Surprise” if the city ever amounted to anything. Boy, would she be shocked to find out that today, Surprise is home to over 120,000 residents!

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    And those residents certainly love their arts and culture! Surprise’s public art collection is one of the best in the state, featuring works that are heavily influenced by native cultures and the scenic desert environment. The city is very kid-friendly in its range of public activities, as well. One of the premier community activities is Second Sundays in the Park, which provides free live music and other live entertainment during spring and fall.

    If your concerns are family first, you’ll be glad to know that Surprise is home to three schools ranked 8 or above by GreatSchools.com. The overall graduation rate for high schools in the city is also 10% higher than the state average. The crime rate for the city of Surprise is also a strong incentive to live or start a business there, at a full 50% lower than the rest of the state!

    Are you a sports fan? Then you should definitely add Surprise to your watchlist, since both the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers make the city their home for spring training. If you prefer to get your culture elsewhere, you can check out the Fiesta Grande. It’s a festival that takes place in the fall and celebrates Hispanic heritage — and it’s one of the most popular public events in the area.

    Surprise is a city that really does have it all if you’re looking for family-friendly fun and the safest neighborhood in Arizona.

    Litchfield Park

    If you’re after a small-town neighborhood feel with big-city amenities, make sure to check out Litchfield Park. This little city is only home to about 5,500 people — but still manages to have a strong dedication to community. The city has only been around since 1926, when Paul Weeks Litchfield decided to purchase the land for farming cotton. Nowadays, however, Litchfield Park is a destination for high-income individuals. The median income for this area is $73,996, which is an impressive 63% higher than the statewide median.

    On the other hand, that also means that home values are pretty steep, with a median of $336,100. But if you can swing it, Litchfield Park might just be the safest city in Arizona, keeping a crime rate that’s 81% lower than the rest of the state’s!

    It’s also a fantastic place to raise a family. The Litchfield Park Recreation Center houses all the sports and camps you could want for your kids, and even an “Arts in the Park” live concert series during more temperate parts of the year.

    Education is an attraction to Litchfield Park as well! The city’s high school graduation rate is an impressive 96%–which is 27% higher than the state average.

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    While the perks of Litchfield Park do come at something of a premium, it’s impossible to argue with the low crime rates and commitment to community and the arts. If you can swing it financially, it’s possibly the best place to live in Arizona.

    Oro Valley

    This relatively small city lies just north of Tucson, offering a great place to live for people who love the outdoors. It’s a pretty new city, and it’s still growing rapidly. It was incorporated in 1974, but didn’t really make its way onto the map until recent years. Thanks to an impressive tech boom, Oro Valley is now one of the best places to live in Arizona, especially if you’re looking to launch a business!

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    In 2008, the city made the top 50 of Fortune Small Business’ “best places to live and launch” list, and its popularity has only grown since then. Today, Oro Valley claims just over 41,000 residents. Most of these individuals are employed in the rapidly-expanding tech industry — after all, the city is home to more than 10 high-tech firms. This also means that the median income here is actually 50% higher than the rest of the country!

    Along with a high standard of living, Oro Valley is known for its extremely low crime rates. According to FBI statistics, Oro Valley was the #1 safest city in Arizona for rates of both violent and property crime during 2006, and it has remained near the top in the years since.

    The residents of Oro Valley also take their outdoor recreation very seriously. The city doesn’t let all their gorgeous desert vistas go to waste — they have hosted multiple prestigious sporting events in the past, including a Pac-10 Women’s Golf Championship and the Tour de Tucson.

    If you’re interested in an up-and-coming corner of Arizona where you can live, work and play surrounded by the gorgeous Sonoran Desert, keep your eye on Oro Valley!

    Scottsdale

    Scottsdale is one of the larger Phoenix outliers, with a population of more than 230,000. That’s pretty impressive when you consider that it only had 2,000 residents when it was incorporated in 1950! Today, Scottsdale has transformed into a hub of activity, with a reputation for excellent accommodations and recreation.

    The people who live there have a median income of $72,163, and median home prices approach $450,000. That’s a pretty high threshold, but there are several things that make the city worth it.

    For one, Scottsdale is a huge center for the arts, which may come as a surprise to some. It’s home to more than 125 studios and art galleries, and that’s a lot when you realize the city only spans a section of land that’s 31 miles long and 11.4 miles wide at its biggest point! The city’s annual arts festival even won the title of best art walk from American Style Magazine in 2005, and has only gotten better with age.

    Scottsdale’s location is also nearly ideal for those who want to feel closer to nature — but not too close! Horseback riding, hikes, and other adventures are just a few minutes away by car. One particularly excellent attraction for new visitors and long-term residents alike is the Desert Botanical Garden. Many people suffer from the misconception that there isn’t all that much plant life in the desert, but the Garden showcases more than 50,000 arid-land plants!

    Between the surroundings and culture, Scottsdale already has it good. But add in the fact that the city’s high schools boast a 94% graduation rate, and it comes pretty close to perfect!

    Protecting the Best Places in Arizona

    While it’s important to factor in things like neighborhood and city safety when you’re choosing a new place to move, it’s no substitute for taking action to protect the home you love. Even in the safest city in Arizona, you’ll want the kind of peace of mind that only comes from expert security.

    If you’re in the process of moving, or even just looking to do so in the near future, you should be thinking about how to protect your next home investment. Titan Alarm offers the maximum in home security, from fire and CO2 detectors to burglar alarms, surveillance and more. Call today to learn more about your options for securing your own little slice of the best city in Arizona.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Safest Cities in Arizona

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    Arizona has always been known for its natural beauty, its rich cowboy history and all of its timeless traditions. Arizona also has a low unemployment rate, making it one of the best places to live for millennials and anyone else looking to advance or change their career. The commercial world is constantly growing, and ample job opportunities are available primarily in the technology and bioscience industries.

    In recent years, Arizona has had significant changes in crime rates. The overall rate of crime has dropped 9 percent in the last year, and murders and burglaries individually decreased by 10 percent as well. Although these are huge milestones for Arizona as a whole, residents of the following top 20 safest cities experienced even less crime over the last year. According to the most recent FBI Crime Report, the chances of being a victim of crimes in one of the 20 cities was up to 40 percent less than national averages.

    Whether you want the small-town vibe of Pima or the big-city vibe that permeates Phoenix or Scottsdale, there’s a good chance you will be able to find a safe, secure place to call home.

    What Are The Safest Cities in Arizona?

    To find the top 20 safest cities in Arizona, we reviewed the most recent data from the FBI Crime Report from 2014 and combined it with population data from each city. We eliminated any city with less than 2,000 residents, as well as any city that did not provide a complete crime report to the FBI. We then narrowed the results to indicate only the number of violent and property crimes that were reported in each city. We calculated the results based on the likelihood of these crimes occurring per 1,000 people.

    Check the remaining cities below:

    1. Florence

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.28
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 5.98

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    At a rate of only 5.98 crimes per 1,000 residents, Florence can boast having the lowest property crime rate of any of the cities on our top 20 list. Florence is also considered one of the best cities to live in Arizona for people who prefer a small-town lifestyle, but with easy access to the big city. Located just 61 miles southeast of Phoenix, Florence has a relatively small population of 25,536 as of the 2010 census. Florence is also a growing city: The estimated 2014 population is 26, 912.

    Florence is rich in history. The city was founded in 1866 by a U.S. Indian agent named Levi Ruggles, who recognized the area for its abundant agricultural potential. The city was also the site of a large prison camp for German and Italian POWs during the World War II era.

    These days, the relaxed, friendly, safe environment makes Florence one of the best places to live in Arizona for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, or simply wants to enjoy the beautiful weather throughout the year.

    2. Clarkdale

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.45
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 10.17

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    With a population of approximately 4,100 citizens, Clarkdale is the epitome of small-town Arizona living at its finest. Originally founded as a copper mining town in the early 1900s, Clarkdale is one of the earliest known examples of a planned community in the United States. The town’s original design included telegraph lines and amenities such as telephone, electrical and sewer service.

    While the closing of the copper mine and copper smelting operation in the early 1950s initially resulted in significant hardship for Clarkdale and its citizens, the construction of the Phoenix Cement Co. facility in 1959 started the city on the road to economic recovery. The cement plant remains as Clarkdale’s primary employer to this day.

    The combination of beautiful weather, quiet lifestyle and low crime rate makes Clarkdale attractive to retirees. In fact, the city is primarily known as a retirement community. Clarkdale is also somewhat of a haven for artists – the city features a prominent annual art show and includes a popular community theater.

    3. Wellton

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.34
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 12.01

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    Wellton is located in southwestern Arizona, approximately 30 miles from Yuma. Incorporated in 1970, Wellton is a relatively new city with a small population of about 3,000 residents. However, the population typically doubles during the winter season, as residents of the colder Western states and portions of Canada flock there to seek temporary refuge from the bitter winter weather. Two challenging 18-hole golf courses, along with the warm climate, serve as the primary attractive for seasonal visitors. Despite being classified as a small town, Wellton offers all the modern amenities one would expect to find in a larger community.

    The low crime rate and ample recreational activities make Wellton one of the best cities in Arizona to live in as well as visit. Annual events include Pioneer Days, Tractor Rodeo, Fishing Derby and numerous Tri-Valley celebrations. Wellton also holds appeal for history buffs. Although it was not officially incorporated until 1970, Wellton was actually founded in 1878. While the stagecoach and later the rail industry thrived during Wellton’s early days, agriculture serves as the foundation for the city’s economy today.

    4. Sahuarita

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.33
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.44

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    According to FBI statistics, Sahuarita is the second-safest city in Arizona with regard to violent crime. Located in Pima County approximately 15 miles south of Tucson, Sahuarita features a population of about 27,500. In addition to its safety and proximity to the Tucson metro area, Sahuarita offers a beautiful high desert climate – the elevation is about 9,000 feet above sea level – a modern downtown area with a small historic district and much in the way of arts and culture. All of this has helped Sahuarita earn the reputation as being one of the best places to live for young adults, families and retirees in Arizona.

    Sahuarita’s history dates back to the year 200 A.D. when the Hohokam people, believed to be ancestors of the Tohono O’odham Native American tribe, first inhabited the area. The region was eventually incorporated into the United States in 1854 and became part of the Territory of New Mexico. The actual town of Sahuarita was founded in 1911, but it wasn’t incorporated as a city until 1994.

    5. Pima

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.80
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.48

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    Pima is a small, rural community located in the Gila Valley region in southeastern Arizona. Originally founded in 1879 by Mormon settlers who named the town Smithville, Pima encompasses a 2.5-square-mile area and features a population of approximately 2,500 residents. Pima is the site of the Gila Valley Arizona Temple, a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. The small population and rural lifestyle makes Pima among the best places to live with family members or as a single individual who is looking for a quiet, peaceful environment to enjoy some solitude.

    Education, health care and social assistance ranks as the top employment categories in the Pima area, followed by retail trade, agriculture, arts, construction and finance. Despite its small size, Pima is also regarded as a business-friendly community. This is in large part due to its convenient location and proximity to larger business markets – Pima is approximately 128 miles from Tucson and 152 miles from Phoenix – as well as its abundance of modern amenities.

    6. Gilbert

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.89
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.75

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    Located just 22 miles southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert has experienced tremendous growth in recent decades: The population of approximately 5,000 in the mid-1980s has mushroomed to well over 200,000 today. Despite this enormous growth, Gilbert features remarkably low violent and property crime rates. The combination of safe living, prime location in the Phoenix metro region and rapid transformation from an agricultural society to a thriving, economically diverse suburban center has made Gilbert among the best places to live for millennials and young families.

    Although Gilbert is now regarded as a booming, modern Arizona city, it actually traces its origins to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1902, William “Bobby” Gilbert sold a right-of-way through land he owned in the Mesa area to the Phoenix and Eastern Railroad Co., which subsequently constructed what became known as the Arizona Eastern Railway. A spur line was built on Gilbert’s property, which soon became the site of an agricultural community that was eventually named Gilbert. Safe to say, Gilbert has come a long way from its early days when it was known as the Hay Shipping Capital of the World.

    7. San Luis

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.56
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.25

    Sanluis7

    San Luis has earned the nickname Gateway to the Sea of Cortez due its proximity to the body of water that separates the Mexican mainland from the Baja California Peninsula. Located just 23 miles from Yuma, San Luis was the fastest-growing city in Arizona from 2000 to 2010. The city’s population continues to increase at a rapid rate, growing from 25,505 at the 2010 census to approximately 31,000 as of 2014. As a Mexican border town, San Luis consists of a large Hispanic population. Both sides of the border contain numerous light manufacturing and assembly plants.

    A primary reason for San Luis’s tremendous growth is the city’s annexation of about 16,000 acres of land bordering the eastern portion of the town. This has helped to fuel a tremendous amount of residential, commercial and industrial expansion in the area. Retail trade, manufacturing and agriculture compose the bulk of the San Luis economy. However, the primary employer in San Luis is the city’s school district. The Arizona State Prison complex in Yuma also offers a number of employment opportunities.

    8. Somerton

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.65
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.20

    somerton8

    Another of the best cities in Arizona in terms of safety and lifestyle is Somerton. Located about 12 miles from Yuma, Somerton traces its roots to 1898 and was incorporated as a city 20 years later. Somerton has a population of approximately 15,000 living in an area encompassing about 1.3 square miles. Somerton is known for its cultural diversity due its proximity to the Mexican border, as well as it being the home region of the Cocopah Native American tribe. The Cocopah Nation is also a major employer in the area, as it operates several entertainment and lodging facilities.

    A primary attraction in Somerton is the annual Tamale Festival, which draws about 30,000 visitors each year. The festival, which is organized by the El Diablo Arizona State University Alumni chapter to benefit area students planning to attend ASU, features a wide variety of tamale vendors who sell their delicious Mexican fare to attendees.

    While agriculture is the primary economic driver in the Somerton area, light industry is rapidly becoming an economic force, as well as a key source of employment throughout the region.

    9. Surprise

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.10
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 16.79

    surprise9

    Surprise derives its name from its founder, Flora Mae Statler, who reportedly claimed that she would be “surprised if the city ever amounted to much.” Despite this inauspicious beginning, Surprise is now considered one of the best places to live in Arizona, especially for seniors. Located in Maricopa County about 30 miles from Phoenix, Surprise has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. The 2000 census population of 30,848 has swelled to an estimated 126,275 as of 2014. This makes Surprise the second-fastest growing city in the Phoenix metro area, trailing only the city of Gilbert.

    Surprise’s growth is primarily attributed to the influx of retirees who are attracted by the abundant Arizona sunshine and numerous retirement communities. Sun City Grand, a prominent resort-like retirement village designed and built by the well-known Del E. Webb Construction Co., is located in the Surprise area. Surprise Stadium is the spring training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, making the city a popular destination for baseball fans from all over the United States during the spring.

    10. Eagar

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.02
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 17.08

    eagar10

    Eager is one of the best places to live in Arizona for those who do not prefer the hot desert climate that dominates so much of the state. Located at the base of the picturesque White Mountains in northeastern Arizona at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Eager appeals to people who like to experience the summer, spring, fall and winter seasons. The low crime rate, laidback lifestyle and abundance of outdoor recreational activities makes Eager ideally suited for families and anyone who is looking to escape the big city. With a population of 5,000 residents, Eager offers a small-town vibe that so many people are striving for these days.

    Eager derives its name from Thomas Eager, the homesteader who founded the town in the latter part of the 19th century. The name was changed to Union to symbolize the quest for unity among the numerous small settlements in the region. The name was then changed back to Eager when the city was incorporated in 1948. Eager and the neighboring town of Springerville are now referred to as Round Valley.

    11. Snowflake-Taylor

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 4.85
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.87

    snowflake11

    Snowflake and the neighboring town of Taylor are located in the beautiful White Mountains region of north central Arizona, about a two-hour drive from Flagstaff and a three-hour drive from the Phoenix metro area. The two towns feature a combined population of about 10,000 residents and have experienced steady growth in recent years. While one might think that Snowflake is named for its mountain location, it actually derives its name from its founders, Mormon pioneers Erastus Snow and Willian Jordon Flake. In fact, the Snowflake-Taylor region receives only about 15.2 inches of snow on average per year.

    The Snowflake-Taylor area offers much in the way of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing, making it an appealing place to live for those who prefer fresh air and a slower pace of life. Nearby attractions include the Petrified National Forest and the Painted Desert, both of which are located less than 50 miles to the north. The Navajo Indian Reservation is also within easy driving distance.

    12. Buckeye

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.50
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 19.63

    buckeye12

    Buckeye offers easy access to the big city along with all the benefits of living in a smaller town, including low property and violent crime rates. Located 30 miles from Phoenix, Buckeye is the westernmost suburb of the Phoenix metro area. Open desert and towering mountain ranges lie immediately to the west of Buckeye. The city’s estimated 2014 population was 59,470, a substantial increase from the 2010 census figure of 50,876. However, this pales in comparison to the humongous growth between 2000 and 2010. At the start of the 21st century, Buckeye’s population was a scant 6,537 and increased by a whopping 678 percent in just 10 years.

    Buckeye derives its name from its founder, Ohio native Malin M. Jackson. In the late 1880s, Jackson developed 10 miles of land around a waterway that he called the Buckeye Canal – with Ohio being known as The Buckeye State. He originally named the newly created town Sidney after his Ohio hometown, but soon changed it to Buckeye due to the importance of the canal to the town and surround area.

    13. Thatcher

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.20
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 20.99

    thatcher12

    If you are seeking to live in the safest city in Arizona in terms of the lack of violent crime, you will want to consider the small town of Thatcher. Located in Graham County in southeastern part of the state just a few miles to the north of Mt. Graham, Thatcher features an estimated population of just 5,000 residents. The surrounding area is largely rural, making Thatcher extremely appealing to those who prefer open spaces as opposed to big-city living.

    As with many of the towns in this part of Arizona, Thatcher has Mormon roots. The town was founded in the late 18th century by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The first official settler was a Mormon named John M. Moody, who arrived in Thatcher in 1881 with his family. Today, Thatcher is the home of Eastern Arizona College, primarily a two-year college that also features a nursing school. The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is also located in the Thatcher area.

    14. Peoria

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.48
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 20.03

    peoria14

    Peoria is a northern suburb of Phoenix. With an estimated 167,000 inhabitants, Peoria ranks as the ninth-largest city in Arizona in terms of population. Peoria also encompasses 178 square miles, making it the sixth-largest Arizona city in terms of land and water mass. While most of Peoria lies in the Salt River Valley, the northern portions extend into the surrounding mountains. In 2008, Peoria had the distinction of making Money magazine’s list of the Top 100 Places to Live in the United States.

    Peoria was named for the city of Peoria, Illinois. In the late 1800s, several of what would become Peoria’s original settlers were recruited from Illinois to help establish a community near the newly constructed Arizona Canal. The construction of a spur line of the Santa, Prescott and Phoenix Railroad in Peoria near the end of the 19th century helped to fuel the town’s growth. These days, Peoria is rapidly becoming known as a resort and leisure community that attracts retirees from the nearby northeast valley, as well as from the colder climates in the U.S.

    15. Lake Havasu City

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.66
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 20.97

    LHC15

    Lake Havasu City rests upon the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, a large reservoir on the Arizona-California border created by the construction of Parker Dam on the Colorado River. Unlike many Arizona cities that trace their roots to the Old West, Lake Havasu City offers a more recent history. The city started as an Army Air Corps rest camp during the World War II era. The subsequent acquisition of 13,000 acres of federal land surrounding Lake Havasu in the 1950s led to the further development of the city.

    Today, Lake Havasu City boasts an estimated population of approximately 53,000 residents. A prominent feature in the area is the old London Bridge that spans a portion of the Colorado River. The bridge was purchased from the city of London in 1968 when it was removed to enable the construction of a new bridge. Lake Havasu City is a popular destination for college students on spring break due its abundance of beachfront resorts and other activities geared toward the university crowd. The city’s youthful vibe also makes it one of the best places to live for young adults.

    16. Wickenburg

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 2.40
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 21.48

    Wickenburg16

    Wickenburg lies about 65 miles to the northwest of Phoenix. Billing itself as an authentic Western town, Wickenburg takes pride in its rich culture and history. With its relatively remote location and small population of approximately 6,600 residents, Wickenburg ranks as one of the best cities to live in Arizona for those who are for a laidback lifestyle, while still having easy access to a major metropolitan area. When you come to Wickenburg, you can expect to find plenty of horses, hats, history and hospitality.

    The Arizona gold rush of the mid-1860s provided the impetus for the founding of Wickenburg. A German prospector named Henry Wickenburg made the long journey from his homeland to Arizona in hopes of striking gold. Wickenburg’s efforts were successful: His Vulture Mine in the Vulture Mountains ultimately produced more than $30 million in gold. While the nearby town that sprung up during the gold rush bears Wickenburg’s name to this day, it wasn’t until the post-World War II era that the community was developed into a modern American town.

    17. Chandler

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.85
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 22.36

    Chandler17

    Although Chandler is technically a suburb of Phoenix, it is a large, thriving American city in its own right. Chandler’s estimated population of 254,276 makes it the fourth-largest city in Arizona and 78th largest in the United States. This represents a significant growth since the 2010 census, when the population was listed as 236,123. Thus, Chandler epitomizes the tremendous expansion that is prevalent throughout the Phoenix metro area.

    Chandler has much to offer in terms of economic opportunity, making it one of the best places to live for millennials, young professionals and anyone else seeking career growth. Many major companies have headquarters and satellite campuses in the Chandler area, including Intel, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Verizon Wireless, to name a few. Much of the job growth has occurred along the so-called South Arizona Avenue Corridor, an area of the city spanning between Arizona Avenue and Gilbert Road. Since 2003, nearly 3,000 jobs have been created in this area alone.

    18. Prescott Valley

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 2.20
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 23.18

    prescottAZ

    Prescott Valley is located in central Arizona about 90 miles due north of the Phoenix metro area. With an estimated population of about 42,000, Prescott Valley ranks as the 24th-largest city in Arizona. Prescott Valley’s elevation is approximately 5,100 feet above sea level, making it among the best cities in Arizona for those who prefer mountain living over the desert. Prescott National Forest, located just 10 minutes away, offers ample opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating and camping.

    The discovery of gold along Lynx Creek in 1863 caused many people to flood to the Prescott Valley area. The region, which was formerly known as Lonesome Valley, was eventually settled by ranchers during the 1880s, who supplied beef to the miners and other settlers in the area. The 1890s saw the development of the first hydraulic gold mining operation in Lynx Creek Canyon, which was followed by a gold dredging operation in the 1930s. The modern Prescott Valley economy consists of a mixed bag of manufacturing, industrial, service and retail businesses.

    19. Camp Verde

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 3.26
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 26.69

    camp verde

    Camp Verde is yet another rural, picturesque small town in Arizona that is also steeped in history and tradition. Located about 90 miles north of Phoenix near the historic Montezuma Castle National Monument and Fort Verde State Historic Park, Camp Verde is a favorite tourist destination. However, the small population of about 11,000 and beautiful mountain setting makes Camp Verde one of the best cities to live in Arizona for families and individuals who want to get away from it all.

    Camp Verde is known for its numerous festivals held throughout the year. The Camp Verde Cornfest has been a popular annual summer event since 1991 and offers much in the way of food, music and family entertainment. Other yearly events that draw plenty of visitors include October’s Fort Verde Days, the June Crawdad Festival and the February Pecan, Wine and Antiques Festival.

    20. Payson

    Violent Crimes per 1,000: 3.61
    Property Crimes per 1,000: 24.68

    Payson

    Payson is located in the virtual geographical center of the state, about 90 miles northeast of Phoenix. The drive from the Phoenix area to Payson along Route 87 is renowned for its scenic beauty. Payson is nestled between the Tonto National Forest and Mazatzal Wilderness area, making it the ideal spot for outdoorsmen. The Mogollon Rim, which forms the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau, is located just north of Payson and features many cold-water lakes that are popular fishing destinations.

    Payson’s estimated population is 15,245, which actually represents a slight decrease from the 2010 census figure. Payson is known for its rural Western culture. A popular event is the annual Arizona State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest, which attracts prominent fiddle players from across the United States. Payson also stages multiple rodeo events each year. Doin’s Rodeo, which takes place every August, is known as the world’s oldest continuous rodeo. The Tonto Apache Indian Reservation sponsors the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo each May.

    Here are the remaining Arizona cities:

    21. Nogales 22. St. Johns 23. El Mirage
    24. Mesa 25. Prescott 26. Chino Valley
    27. Eloy 28. Apache Junction 29. Quartzsite
    30. Pinetop-Lakeside 31. Casa Grande 32. Yuma
    33. Bullhead City 34. Phoenix 35. Williams
    36. Coolidge 37. Flagstaff 38. Tempe
    39. Kingman 40. Holbrook 41. Globe
    42. Page 43. Tolleson 44. South Tucson

    Is it Safe Where You Live?

    No matter where you live, feeling safe in your house and home will bring greater peace of mind for you and your family. Even if your city is on our list, Titan Alarm still recommends that you add extra security to your home with a monitored home security system from Titan Alarm. To learn more about home security services that we offer, give us a call 602-680-4567 or contact us today!

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Funny Moments Captured on Video Surveillance

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    1-Wild&FunnyMoments

    Wild and Funny Moments Captured on Video Surveillance

     

    Video surveillance technology has been keeping homes safe and office buildings secure for many years. In addition to deterring trespassers, surveillance cameras provide footage necessary for identifying suspects in shop thefts, bank robberies and other illegal activities. Surveillance footage has also been the source of numerous laughs via clips made public of unsuspecting people doing silly, outrageous, clumsy and downright crazy things at moments when it seemed no one was watching. The following clips are among the most unintentionally funny moments caught by surveillance cameras around the world.

     

    Oh, What a Relief It Is

     

    Only the lonely feel no shame — at least when they’re behind closed doors. But for one man caught on a CCTV surveillance camera in the dead of night along the sidewalk of an unspecified locale, there was no shame when nature called. Footage shows him walking up the street toward the overhead lens, only to turn and face the street — sideways to the camera — to drop his drawers and unleash some recent meals with all the aim of a pigeon. Fortunately, the late-noughties video clip is distant and pixelated enough to not be nearly as disgusting for us as it must have been for the nearby alley rats on that fateful night.

    2-Afraid

    I Ain’t ‘Fraid of No…

     

    “If there’s something strange / in your neighborhood / Who you gonna call?” Seriously, the townsfolk of Parma, Ohio, might just need a local Ghostbusters chapter, or at least they could have back in 2007, when a floating blue thing was caught by surveillance cameras at Marathon gas station on the corner of State and Pleasant Valley. Footage shows the apparition hover in front of a window outside the adjoined convenience store.

     

    Eventually, the blue presence floats downward to rest on the windshield of a parked, white vehicle before drifting upward and away. No one knows what the presence could have been, but locals flocked the station at the time to catch their own glimpses of this apparent ghost. One longtime local theorized it could have been a tribal spirit from an Indian reservation that once existed on the same grounds where the station now stands. Whatever it may have been, a reporter for the local news quipped it definitely wasn’t the ghost of cheap gas prices.

    Hold ‘Em Up, Comic Book Style

     

    In today’s world of cosplay, dressing like a ninja is unlikely to bat an eye no matter where you go. Back in 2007, however, a pair of sword–wielding ninjas weren’t playing when they walked into a Midwest Sunoco and overpowered the store clerk in an attempted heist. Though they managed to collect all the cash in the register, the two suspects — believed to be female — failed to open the big safe that contained most of the store’s cash supply. Nonetheless, they made off with a bag full of cigarette cartons and pre-scratched lottery tickets. Now that must have raised their odds. Police investigating the matter cared less about the pair’s choice in attire and more about their choice in weapons.

    Let Me Have That Toy, Little Boy

     

    When a robber pulls a weapon, the best thing to do is obey. When a robber chooses an odd, short-range utensil he apparently has no skill at using, the best thing to do is play along until he jinxes himself. In one incredibly clumsy 2014 attempted robbery, footage shows a teenaged would-be bandit trying to rob a station clerk in an unspecified, Asian-community establishment.

     

    Hoping to show the clerk he’s serious, the boy momentarily holds a small woman hostage with a meat cleaver, which he proceeds to swing up and down through thin air in an attempt to seem intimidating. The clerk appeases the boy, who quickly fills his duffel bag and heads for the exit, which turns out to be locked. As he struggles to break out, security guards approach him from behind. Backed into rows of chairs, the boy feebly swings his cleaver, but the guards have bigger weapons in hand: a push broom and a baton.

    3-LightEnoughHeavyEnough

    If He’s Light Enough for the Pillion, He Ain’t Heavy Enough for the Heist

     

    Balancing acts are usually planned with contingencies in mind. When a pair of burglars show up on one motorcycle, the plan is simple: One goes inside to get the loot, while the other stays at the bike for a fast getaway. The worst that can happen is the cops might arrive before the partner comes back out, in which case the rider might have to flee on his own.

     

    In footage captured across the street from a business named Mercadinho, however, things went as no one would have planned. The pair pulls up on a motorcycle, and the pillion rider runs inside to do the deed. Seconds pass by, but instead of emerging from the business triumphantly, the burglar is thrown bodily out the window. Before the now-shirtless burglar can remount the passenger seat, his partner zooms off without him.

    Come On, You Knuckleheads! We Gotta’ Get Them Knuckleheads!

     

    When it comes to catching bad guys, few busts could run smoother than when a pair of squad cars corners the getaway vehicle perpendicularly while the latter sits parked against a curb with the suspects huddled inside. Such was the case for a police team responding to one daylight robbery in an uptown neighborhood, where footage shows three suspicious men running outside and into their getaway car with large bags in hand.

     

    Hitting the gas, they barely drive a foot before two police cars pull up sideways in what appears to be a barricade. Jumping from their vehicles, police officers run towards the suspects’ car… and run right past it without stopping to storm the building the trio just exited! This gives the burglars all the time they need to weasel their way around the two cop cars to make a getaway. As soon as they disappear, the police team emerges from the building, looking up and down the street in exasperation. They got away!

    Splash Goes the Caviar Soirée

     

    To the connoisseur of fine wine, price is prestige. Some of the world’s most dedicated tasters will pay upwards of five figures for wines bottled decades ago in the vineyards of France and Italy. Even liquor departments in the U.S. Midwest are noted for carrying wines that boast three-figure prices. At one department in Sheboygan, Wisc., this gave way to a splash of cash in one crash when a wall-spanning shelf stocked with hundreds of bottles came loose at one end and instantly toppled over. At an average retail price of $149.00 per bottle, you could say it was more than just a case of sour grapes gone down the drain.

    4-MeetMeInThe

    Hi, Trish, I’m in the Street-Level Concourse. Meet Me in the…YIKES!

     

    For a lot of people, smartphones have become an extension of the human body. You can’t work without one, shop without one or dine without one. Chances are you can’t even sleep without one at your bedside. While laws have been passed against texting and driving, one woman made an unintended argument against texting and walking when doing so plunged her straight into a fountain at Berkshire Mall in Reading, Penn.

     

    Surveillance footage shows the woman — merchandise in her left hand, smartphone in her right — fixated on her device while proceeding through a concourse, oblivious to the fountain in her trajectory. With a step too far, she plunges straight over the knee-high fountain edge and plunges face-down into the water. At least she had nothing to be embarrassed about: Her only witness appears to have been the camera.

    5-Pizza

    Mushrooms, Olives, Sundried Tomatoes and…Mothballs?

     

    Everyone loves pizza. With so many toppings to choose from, it’s perhaps the favorite dish throughout America among meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Sometimes, however, not all of those toppings are what you might have had in mind, at least not for the unlucky party that happened to be served by one unscrupulous Domino’s Pizza delivery man. In a viral, aerial surveillance clip, we see him pull up in a driveway and exit a delivery car, place the hot bag onto the hood, pull out the pizza box and turn toward the door.

     

    Suddenly, the box slips through his hands and hits the concrete, alongside a smattering of loose toppings. He frantically picks the toppings up off the concrete and…places them back on top of the pizza. In seconds flat, he closes the box, puts it back inside the hot bag and turns toward the door, where the customer — unaware of the added goodies in store — pays him and takes the box. Not that it would be much more comforting, but one could only hope the driveway in question wasn’t too dirty. So what’s on your pizza tonight?

     

    I Only Work as a Guard Because t
    he Circus Isn’t Hiring Right Now

     

    One would think any business requiring security staff would ensure that its guards are adequately trained and adept to the corridors of an assigned premises. In one viral surveillance clip from the late-noughties, however, a guard at an unidentified grocery store proves less capable of running through the checkout gate than your average five-year-old. The jumpy video shows him walking briskly through the produce section and reaching the gate, where he suddenly does a 270° body flip over the low, metal bars.

     

    Despite the briskness of his head-down, back-landing flip, he got straight back up and proceeded with his duties, apparently unscathed. The flip could have actually been impressive…had it occurred under a big top. Perhaps he should consider a new career as a gymnast.

     

    Let’s Put Our Masks on Right Here Where No One Will See Us

     

    A disguise put on in front of others isn’t really a disguise. A pair of young Londoners understood this while embarking on their first robbery, but what they didn’t realize was that their faces were caught on alleyway surveillance as the two men slipped on masks before proceeding to their target. Needless to say, both suspects’ budding criminal careers were cut short — at least for the time being.

     6-Fertilize

    At Least It Will Fertilize the Soil

     

    They say when you gotta go, you gotta go. Sometimes, however, nature calls at the worst times and places. Such was the case for a man caught on surveillance inside Winnipeg Square on one reasonably busy day in the late noughties. The middle-aged, casually attired individual is seen from across the concourse, leaning against the mirrored wall and apparently waiting for a moment’s clearance of foot traffic. Inching towards a nearby planter, he turns his back to the tree, makes a slight bend and lowers his drawers while backing rear–-own into the planter.

     

    While nothing is seen actually exiting his body — thanks in part to the distance of the camera — the act appears to last all of ten seconds, after which he’s forced to sit tight for another ten seconds as more people pass through the area. Once the coast clears, his legs rise in tandem with his pants, but he fumbles for another 20 seconds before vacating what now must have been a stench-engulfed area. Though no arrest warrants went out for this unidentified public defecator, word has it the mall has since dispensed with planters.

     

    Bust a Move, White Boy

     

    Goofing around on the job is common. When you’re a tax-paid servant of the community, however, scandals can ensue if evidence of your hijinks are leaked to the public. At a convenience store in Utah, the booming sounds of Silento from over the PA inspired an impromptu two-step sequence from Officer Bryson Lystrup of the Pleasant Grove Police Department. What the shaky-hipped, wavy-handed cop didn’t realize is that his white boy moves were captured by overhead surveillance, footage of which was quickly leaked to social media. Lucky for Officer Lystrup, his colleagues seemed to agree with the public in that the viral star’s worst crime was bad dance moves. The police department issued a statement saying they intended to get the officer some help…because his timing was way off.

    7-BillsScreaming

    Those Bills Were Just Screaming for My Hands

     

    One would think that when the urge strikes, a robber would at least be conscious of his immediate surroundings. It’s unclear what the intentions might have been of one hooded individual as he approached the counter at a drugstore to make a small purchase, but when the clerk walked away from the still-open register, he just couldn’t resist. Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush that rendered him unmindful of the security guard that had just passed behind his back, but no sooner had his hands reached the bills than there was a Glock pointed to the back of his hooded head.

    Do I or Don’t I Wanna Rob This Store?

     

    Some crimes are confusing upon playback, such as the instance where one roly-poly, gaudily-attired individual threw a rock at the sliding-glass door of a Redding, Calif., convenience store in the dead of night. If he was hoping to break into the closed store to commit a robbery, why did he split in the other direction the moment the rock bounced from the window after merely causing a crack? Surely he was confident no one was watching him, or else he wouldn’t have been so bold as to mask himself only after peeking through the window to determine the store was empty.

     

    Of course, the surveillance camera from inside the store got a clear recording of his likeness. Given the unnamed rock-thrower’s distinct physical stature and penchant for wildly patterned clothing, one could only imagine the number of leads that the local police must have received once the story aired. If nothing else, he’s one helluva sprinter.

    8-Slam-Dunk

    Slam-Dunk Deals on Aisle 9

     

    Shopping can be a form of exercise. You push a cart from aisle to aisle, you lift and lower objects of varying weight — throw in some good target practice, and you could get a hefty workout. In one YouTube video compilation, shopping is shown to be a more efficient activity among those who’ve worked some basketball into their cart-target game. The act is simple: Leave your cart in one place, and when you find an item you want, toss it over and in.

     

    Some people have become quite expert at the sport, as the video shows one person taking aim from the second aisle down and another tossing items with the far hand without eyeing the target. One segment shows two people in neighboring aisles where each makes perfect aim — one with her back turned — to the opposite aisle. Judging by the lumpy-legged pants of the first cart-shooter, the trend appears to date back as far as the fashion-challenged late-90s/early-00s era. Just be sure not to ricochet a can off the back of the store guardsman.

    9-EatIt

    If I Keep It off the Ground Through This Whole Routine, I’ll Eat It

     

    Turns out basketball isn’t the only sport that’s been appropriated to the ritual of shopping. In one surveillance snippet from 2007, a woman picks a lettuce head from a produce aisle and proceeds to utilize some obvious soccer skills. After balancing the iceberg on her forehead, she juggles it between her knees and passes it between her right foot, forehead, chest and back to her knees.

     

    With cart situated afar, she knee-thumps the iceberg high into the air and head-thumps it straight into the cart. Though this fair-haired flare-wearer is virtually impossible to identify due to limitations in the footage quality, it would be a crime if she wasn’t part of a soccer team — or a circus act.

    10-Can'tInspect

    I Know a Place the Guards Can’t Inspect

     

    We’ve heard about the places where shoplifters hide the evidence: up the sleeve, in the jacket, down the shirt, in the pants. But up the skirt? An overhead surveillance clip from 2011 reveals a young woman who manages to slip a wrapped beverage crate up her long, white, loose-fitting maxi skirt. Browsing between aisles with two friends, the footage shows her turn towards the bulk-drink section, where she kneels down before the lowest stack and slides a 24-pack between her legs and up the fabric.

     

    Miraculously, she rises up and walks like normal as she and her friends proceed to their next destination. Say what you will about her leg-bracing skills, but store-owners everywhere now have all the more reason to hope high hemlines remain the fashion forever.

     

    Where Can I Get Video Surveillance for My Home or Business?

     

    When it comes to surveillance cameras and other security equipment, Titan Alarm Inc. offers products designed for today’s smart homes and buildings. Owned and operated in Phoenix, Ariz., our systems are easily installed for residents and business owners in the area without the involvement of a 1099 contractor.

     

    With our security system, you can control your alarms, cameras, thermostats and more via simple commands on your smartphone. With our equipment, you’ll always known who’s entering or leaving your property. You could capture or deter criminal activity…or maybe you’ll catch some of your own hilarious surveillance moments. For all of your home and business security needs, contact Titan Alarm Inc.: the best video surveillance installer in Arizona.

    Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    When To Replace Your Old Security System

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    When you’re in bed at night after a long day of work, how safe do you really feel? Can you peacefully go to sleep knowing your house is burglar-proofed?

    A home security system from Titan Alarm adds an extra strong deterrent for burglars to your home. A study conducted in 2013 by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has proved that a home security system really does help keep burglars away, the survey was done using convicted burglars. They found with the survey that 83% of them would try to find out if a home had an alarm system before attempting a break in. If there was an alarm, 50% of them said they would stop the burglary and another 11% said they would still attempt it.

    Although the survey was only done 3 years ago, the times have changed and many more burglars have become much more aggressive. Despite the rise in home security systems, burglary and home break ins increase every year. Which leads us to this question, can your old security cameras and home alarm systems cut it in this new technologically advanced world? Knowing when to update and get a new alarm system is just as important as having an alarm system. Here are the six best times to replace your security system.

     

    1. When Your Alarm System is Old and Outdated.
    Believe it or not, about 25% of convicted burglars said that they cut alarm, and power wires, before breaking into a house. Which means wired security systems are old and outdated. Titan Alarm’s security systems are all wireless, this way no burglar can cut the cables going into the alarm. Wireless security systems are also affordable, easy to install and extremely easy to operate, especially from your mobile phone or tablet!

    Another red flag to your current outdated alarm system, is when you keep receiving false alarms. With Titan Alarm’s security systems, you can adjust and set the sensitivity levels of your security system. There’s also notifications and monitoring to check if motion detected or video surveillance shows suspicious activities. You can avoid false alarms, by updating the technology you have in your house and the security system you are using currently. This will keep you stress free and worry free by having a functioning system and not causing panic to false alarms.

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    2. When burglars have new technology.
    Just because there is new technology releasing for security companies, don’t think that burglars aren’t acquiring new technology as well. Burglars are learning what they are going up against and they are learning new tips and tricks with all of the new technology that is being released.

    The Telegraph has recently stated that there are more and more burglars who are becoming technologically savvy, there have been many reports of burglars using metal detectors to target homes with expensive jewelry and expensive devices. There was also another report that stated that burglars are using drones to keep an eye out for and on police while they are in the middle of home invasions and burglaries. They have also started using social media like Facebook and Twitter to keep an eye on when people are going on vacation and will be out of town. Some burglars have even reported they use technologically advanced tools like Google Earth to target homes and yards to route out a burglary.

    Your burglar alarm monitoring system needs to always be one or two steps ahead of the game, that way a burglar will never beat your system because it’s old and outdated. With Titan Alarm your home security system will be able to be accessed remotely. You’ll also be able to change and update settings all from your smart phone, as well as receiving updates as to when something is happening in your house if you’re not there. Real-time alerts can be the difference of stopping a burglary in it’s track or having your prized possessions stolen.
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    3. When your security system has failed.

    If you had a security system that has failed in the past and your house has been burglarized, then your security system falls into the category of needing to be replaced and updated. After your home was broken into that’s the time when it is the most vulnerable to being burglarized, which is also one of the most important times to update and get a new security system. You also need to consider if the monitoring you are paying for is really worth what you are paying for or if your monitoring is outdated as well. Titan Alarm’s monitoring station is cutting edge and is always updating and advancing it’s techniques.

    An estimated 20% of households are broken into more than once, burglars tend to return to previously broken into houses. Burglars love to stick to places they know and are familiar with, and since they already know how your house is laid out, they know where your prized possessions are hidden as well. Making their invasion quick and easy for them to be in and out.

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    4. The crime rate is on the rise. 

    One of these mornings you will wake up to the inevitable news that one of your neighbors houses has been broken into, or even worse, yours. The crime rate is on the rise in almost every city in America and it’s on a rise across the state of Arizona. This means that now, more than ever, your home needs to be protected and on lock down to guard your family and your possessions. Call Titan Alarm and have one of our professionals come out to your house or business and have the professionals give you a customized assessment and run down of all of the spots a burglar can get into your house with, and solutions as to how to protect them.

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    5. Smartphone accessible security is the future.

    A smart home, is a secured home. The newest, most cutting edge security systems are all controlled with your smart phone or tablet. With such easy accessibility, it makes it a no brainer that if your current security system, isn’t a smart one, then it’s time for you to get smart and get a new smart home security system for yourself and your house. Updating your home security system, so that it constantly updates as the times change is a must. If you’re always on the go, a smart home will help you keep peace of mind. With remote access to video monitoring and instant notifications if anything is to happen in your home, then it will help you stay in the loop with your house while you are away.

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    6. More bang for your buck.

    Now a days, home security systems do a lot more than just arming and guarding your house. A Titan Alarm home security system can also incorporate building a smart home, with access to control your thermostat, lights, doors and so much more, they’re not just cost efficient, but you save money because home automation is incorporated into home security now. If you’re wanting to protect your house, and automate it, then the time is now to go ahead and switch and get a customized solution installed in your house by the professionals at Titan Alarm.

    The security industry as we know it, is constantly updating and evolving as burglars become more tricky, and as the times get more dangerous. It’s important to keep your home security system updated so that criminals cannot easily access them and manipulate them. Now that you can do even more with your home security system all from the palm of your hand with your smart phone, it just makes sense to update and get a new security system.

    To get a professional out to your location or to learn more about updating your home security system, call Titan Alarm at 602-680-4567 or text Titan at 623-523-4849.

     

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Home Security Monitoring

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    As we are approaching spring and summer, families and young adults are off to start making their life changing plans to go to new places and to create new memories, which in so many of these instances, the smaller things in life, like your home’s security, is often forgotten about and a burglary can occur. Luckily with advancement in technology, modern security is much more available to us, at our fingertips on our mobile smart phones. Titan Alarm’s security systems have many uses, including residential and commercial.

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    Home Video Monitoring

    With the advances in technology, IP cameras now come in waterproof and night vision models, making them perfect for both inside and outside installation. With Titan Alarm’s home security system, there is monitored video feeds 24/7 to central station and digital video recorders for use from home to business. The cameras that Titan Alarm installs with your customized solution also offer remote monitoring to an app installed on your smart phone! So no matter how far away from your house you are, you can still check in on your house and see what all is happening. Perfect for the pet owner who’s on the go, or the working parent who wants to make sure their kids are safe!

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    Instant Notifications

    Another awesome feature that comes with a home security system from Titan Alarm is instant notifications. Instant notifications, for those of you that don’t know, is when you see on your phone’s home screen that something has happened at your home, such as your system has been armed, or the front door was left unlocked. That way you can make sure you’re up to date with everything that’s happening in your house, even if you’re not there! This option is great for the parent on the go, who want’s to get notification of when their kids are coming and going from the house, and it makes it simple to know if there’s any activity happening at the house that shouldn’t be. You can also set this system to give you notifications as to when the front door has been locked, when the system has been armed, or when the motion detector senses motion in the house. The best thing is all of this is customizable for your own personal needs.

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    Digitally Controlling Home Functions

    Another awesome advantage to having a Titan Alarm Residential Security Alarm System is having the ability to really customize and monitor your home all from your tablet, smart phone or even your personal computer. There are even more advanced packages and solutions that we offer, that allow you the ability to adjust the lights, control the climate and even lock and unlock doors throughout your house!

    Titan Alarm thrives to provide the best home security in Arizona, we have some of the most experienced technicians in the industry and want to be able to give you a personalized, customized experience that will be perfect for you and your needs, to protect your family and prized possessions.

    If you have any questions about residential alarms or commercial alarms, call Titan Alarm today at 602-680-4567 or text us at 623-523-4849! 

    Learn More About Security Monitoring

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Residential Alarm Systems in Phoenix

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    Making sure that your home is secure, is almost as important as paying your bills and your mortgage. Having said that, there are so many options out there for security systems and residential alarms, a lot of people now are trying to install cheap DIY systems and unfortunately that won’t protect you and is a waste unless you have professionals do the install and monitor it. Having a set security system package installed in your house, that isn’t customized for what your house needs, can create a residential alarm system with quite a few flaws. A residential alarm and home security system from Titan Alarm will leave you as safe as can be. With our experienced specialists your home security system will be customized for your home needs and will be professionally installed and monitored. In a house having the security cameras placed properly allow the best monitoring that money can buy. There are so many options now with infinite combinations and remote access from a smartphone app.

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    Monitoring

    A very large amount of burglaries that occur in the US happen around the hidden spots of entrance into your home. Side access doors, garage doors, and basement doors are all very vulnerable spots for a burglar that is looking for a dark hidden spot to break into a house. The areas that are away from public view are the most attractive for any level of burglar. They’ll take the opportunity to pick locks, and break down doors without being seen, and then steal from your house. With that being said, a Titan Alarm residential alarm system has monitoring and cameras, where you will have the advantage over the burglars if you have a residential alarm system set up correctly and professionally.

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    Deterrent

    With the right lighting and security cameras positioned in the right places throughout your house and house’s entrances, they can be a deterrent to keep burglars away from your house. The stereotypical burglar is looking for a easy opportunity, and a quick in and out. If they even just see a video camera and a professionally handled and installed alarm systems make your house a hit they would rather avoid. If they still try to break in, your house is monitored and recording video, which will help with and prosecution and will assist with the local law enforcement agencies to catch the perpetrator.

     

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    Options For Installation

    Titan Alarm uses the most cutting edge technology for all of your home security and automation needs, as well as Commercial Security and Automation too. Our customers have many different options to work with us, from a single camera to multi-room house full of cameras. Depending on your size and budget, we can make a custom fit security system solution for you.

    If you have any questions about residential or commercial security systems, call Titan Alarm today! 602-680-4567 or text us: 623-523-4849.

    Learn More About Burglar Alarm Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.
     

    What You Need To Know About 2G Sunset

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    If your current alarm system is using 2G cellular technology, there’s a very unfortunate possibility that your security system will no longer communicate effectively with a monitoring station. Here’s what all of Titan Alarm’s customers need to know about this extremely important update:

    This is out of our control. An extremely large number of home and commercial wireless security systems use AT&T’s 2G cellular network to communicate with the co-inciding monitoring stations. Unfortunately AT&T has announced that by the end of 2016, they will be shutting down their 2G network and change all of their cell towers over to 4G cellular. AT&T is calling this transition the 2G Sunset and that is why your system is going to need to be updated. To put it in basic layman’s terms, 2G and 4G do not communicate the same language.

    Update NOW. AT&T is starting to shut off many cell towers throughout the different markets and regions throughout 2016, that’s why it is so important to do the update immediately. Titan Alarm wants to keep your security system always on the cutting edge of technology. If AT&T turns off the 2G network in your area before your security system has been updated then your security system will stop communicating with the monitoring company without any notice to you. We want to keep you safe and keep your security system working, so make sure you contact Titan Alarm today to make sure that your security system gets the required update.

    It’s not just Titan Alarm’s customers. Believe it or not, not just Titan Alarm and our customers are being effected by this fade out. Every security provider that uses wireless security systems is facing the same issue. We’re trying to be extremely proactive because nothing is more important to Titan Alarm than our customer’s safety.

    What is 2G, anyway? It’s just a fancy way of saying “second-generation.” So it’s not hard to guess what 3G and 4G stand for. It’s all part of the same technology your smartphone uses.

    Smartphone not affected. If you control your keypad or home automation from your smartphone, that’ll still work once your keypad is updated. You won’t need to do anything to your phone.

     

    If you’re a Titan Alarm customer and you’re unsure if you have a 2G system, please call 602.680.4567 and we can assist you and help you figure out what you need to know about your Titan Alarm Home Security System.

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    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Smart Home Interaction

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    Four Ways to Interact With your Titan Alarm Smart Home

    If you’re always on the lookout for the newest and most innovative ways to increase your technology in your home, then here are four amazing ways to get it even more integrated into your life, by connecting the following devices to your Titan Alarm Smart Home.
    Smartphone and Tablet: 
    The application for Alarm.com on iOS and Android can turn your mobile phone or tablet into a central command station for your home, using portability and convenience to make the application extremely useful.

    With everything from instant security notifications and one touch commands, to setting custom rules and commands that can access multiple smart home devices at the same time, the Alarm.com smartphone and tablet applications give you a complete solution to smart home control whether you’re at home, or away at work.

    Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV 

    If you’re watching TV when the door bell rings you can use your remote for either device to navigate quickly to the native Alarm.com application and see who’s at the door and check your other cameras around the house as well.
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    Both of these applications have been designed by Alarm.com to make viewing all your live feeds from your house painless. That way you have a larger screen to view more detail from the cameras rather than using a smaller smart phone screen to see everything. The tv applications allow up to four live feeds simultaneously to stream to your tv.
    Smartwatch Apps

    With the Alarm.com application for the Apple Watch, it allows awareness, control and visibility all at a quick glance of your wrist, which makes it an amazing part to integrate into your smart home system. With the taptic feedback responses programmed into the watch, it can let you know when something is happening with your smart home automation system.

    Amazon Echo

    The future is officially here, with the Amazon Echo, your smart home automation system is controlled by voice control! Starting later this year you’ll be able to control everything with simple commands like “Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights.” and your kitchen lighting will turn off without you having to move a muscle. So sit back and enjoy your movie night when you forget lights on.
    Want to learn more about how to control your home with amazing applications on devices like the ones mentioned above? Contact Titan Alarm today 602-680-4567 or text us 623-523-4849.

    Learn More About Smart Home Technology

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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