Minnesota Water Control Business Reduces Theft With MobileCamViewer

The benefits of mobile surveillance have come into focus for the business community: reduce theft, keep staff on task, and evaluate potential security situations for appropriate response from afar.  It’s now getting to the point where those who first discovered the technology for business are adapting it for residential spaces.

An executive at Standard Water Control, a basement waterproofing and repair service based in Crystal, Minnesota, is one such case.  The company first began using the MobileCamViewer mobile surveillance application from mobiDEOS to monitor general activity at its central shop.  Michael W. Hogenson, president of Standard Water Control, integrated the app into his fixed security system — including multiple camera brands and Dedicated Micros DVRs — following several security-related incidents.

“I find it very convenient to check on the crews in the morning from wherever I am to see that they are checking their trucks over and checking their oil,” said Hogenson.  “I am also able to see when the crews get back in the evening.  We have had problems in the past on long weekends, including theft and damage to our trucks.  I am now able to monitor the lot 24/7 from anywhere, and since adding MobileCamViewer we’ve had no problems with vandals or theft of any kind.”

That feeling of security and safety soon carried over into his residential life.  Hogenson has found MobileCamViewer a simple and cost-efficient way to remotely monitor his properties.  He has integrated the app into security systems at this home — including a horse barn — and a vacation cabin in northern Minnesota.  Unfortunately, a series of upsetting incidents were the impetus for downloading MobileCamViewer — but the peace of mind achieved since has paid dividends.

“We’ve had vandalism and theft at the shop, but we have had a break-in at our cabin, vandalism at our barn and worst of all, someone cut the tails off of our horses,” said Hogenson.  “Two years ago, three cabins nearby ours were destroyed by arson.  So it gives us great comfort to keep an eye on the place when we are not there.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom for Hogenson with MobileCamViewer.

“We like the fact that we can control the cameras with MobileCamViewer and watch the wildlife at our cabin 200 miles away,” he said.  “But the most important benefit is feeling comfortable and safe.”

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