Hydrolife Magazine October/November 2016 (USA Edition)

PERSONAL SECURITY CAMERAS
AND AUDIBLE ALARMS
There are countless personal security
products available for home or commercial
use. Many cannabis growers
choose this level of security because
it is simple, effective and discreet.
Multiple-camera security systems are
affordable and can easily be linked to
an online server so they can be monitored
from anywhere. A camera system
is great at identifying a thief and can
even be used as evidence if the police
get involved. The downside is that
camera systems alone don’t necessarily
stop the damage before it is done. If the
plants are destroyed, they cannot be instantly
replaced, regardless of the perpetrator
being apprehended or not. This
is where an audible alert system can
come in handy. Audible alarm systems
can be used as stand-alone systems or
in conjunction with a security camera
system. When there is a breech, an earsplitting
alarm is sounded. A would-be
thief is often deterred when there is a
siren screaming from the premise.
PROFESSIONAL
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Although not as commonly used as
personal systems, a professional security
system can be an effective way to deter
thieves. Professional security systems
can include cameras, alarms, motion
sensors or a combination of these
security measures. Professional security
systems are monitored by a security
company. Each company is a little
different, but these systems are great for
growers who are not in the same vicinity
as their grow sites. If there is a problem,
the security company will intervene or
contact law enforcement to intervene.
Most professional security systems are
affordable and are set up so the grower
pays a low monthly fee.
ANIMAL PROTECTION
Man’s best friend is surely worth
mentioning when it comes to garden
security. Most robbers will think twice
before messing with Cujo. Guard
dogs, especially ones trained for that
purpose, can go a long way in garden
security. Many professional cannabis
growers have dog runs set up around
the perimeter of the garden so that a
thief would have to attempt to cross a
moat of highly trained mutts. In most
cases, just the sight of a big, snarly
beast will send a burglar running with
his tail between his legs.
LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS
The old phrase, “loose lips sink ships” that
originated during World War II couldn’t be
more true for cannabis growers. In other
words, don’t show anyone or talk to anyone
about your garden. I have seen novice
growers make this mistake time and time
again. Many new growers are excited.
They want to show all their friends and tell
anyone who will listen. Stop it! The most
effective and important security measure
any cannabis grower can implement is
to not talk about the garden. Remember
the first rule of Fight Club: You do not talk
about the fight club. If cannabis growers
took this rule seriously, they would greatly
reduce their chances of being burglarized.
In most cases, a cannabis heist is done by
a “friend” or colleague. It is as simple as
this: you can’t steal what you don’t know is
there. The best way to keep your cannabis
plants safe is to refrain from showing
anyone or telling anyone about them.
“THIEVES AND SCOUNDRELS WHO ARE
CONSTANTLY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
OPPORTUNITIES AND VULNERABILITIES
WILL GLADLY SNATCH UP A VALUABLE
CANNABIS CROP IF GIVEN THE CHANCE.”
LIGHTS AND ODORS
This should be more common sense than
an actual security measure, but it is
important to make sure the garden appears
normal to the public eye. If a glowing light
or strong odor is emitting from a building,
chances are good that someone will notice.
Always be sure your lights are contained
and you treat odors with a carbon filter or
other odor-neutralizing devices.
For new growers, it can be difficult to
perceive the gravity of good security
measures. After spending a lot of money on
growroom equipment, not to mention the
time it takes to grow plants to maturity, the
last thing you want is a crook to come in
and snatch up your hard work. Cameras,
audible alarms, canines and secrecy
are all security measures that can aid in
the protection of your cherished plants.
Whether you are a commercial cannabis
grower or a hobbyist medical marijuana
enthusiast, implementing adequate garden
security can mean the difference between
profitable yields and utter devastation.
Lee G. Lyzit has been involved
in the medical cannabis industry
for nearly 15 years. His passion
for natural healing drives him to
learn as much as he can about
the cannabis plant. Lee breeds
his own strains of cannabis to
create concentrated glycerine
and coconut oil extracts. Aside
from cannabis education and
consumption, Lee enjoys playing
music, gardening, hiking and
cross-country skiing.alternative
growing methods.
myhydrolife.com grow. heal. live. enjoy. 79