SpotCrime is a free crime mapping service that pulls police report data from thousands of agencies and plots it on an interactive map. Check what crimes are happening near your address, research neighborhoods before moving, and set up free email alerts for new incidents. Covers theft, assault, burglary, vandalism, and arrests. Data freshness varies by city — some update daily, others lag weeks. Best used alongside NeighborhoodScout and local PD sites for a complete picture.
Home Security Reviews
Protect America vs ADT 2026: Protect America Is Gone — What Happened & Best Alternatives (Full Cost Comparison)
Important: Protect America has permanently shut down. The company filed for bankruptcy in October 2021, stopped accepting new customers, and eventually ceased all monitoring services. If you’re a former Protect America customer — or you’re searching “Protect America vs ADT” because you’re trying to decide between the two — this guide covers what happened, what […]
Best Window Alarm Sensors 2026: Contact Sensors, Glass Break, Installation, and Cost
Window sensors cost $10-40 each and cover the entry point burglars use 23% of the time (FBI UCR data). Magnetic contact sensors ($10-20) detect when a window opens. Glass-break sensors ($25-40) detect shattered glass from 15-25 feet. Vibration sensors ($20-30) catch both. We ranked 5 sensors by detection range, false alarm rate, and battery life. Abode’s mini door/window sensor ($15) is the best value — works with Z-Wave, HomeKit, and CUE automations. SimpliSafe and Ring sensors cost $15-25 but lack Z-Wave and HomeKit. Installation takes 5 minutes with adhesive backing.
LiveWatch vs SimpliSafe 2026: Retired Platform vs Active DIY Security
LiveWatch Security no longer exists. The company was acquired by Brinks Home (formerly Monitronics) in 2017 and fully absorbed by 2019. If you’re comparing LiveWatch vs SimpliSafe in 2026, the comparison is over — but this page will help you understand what happened to LiveWatch, where SimpliSafe stands today, and which modern systems actually deserve […]
Dropcam Pro vs Foscam R2: Both Dead — The Full Story & Best 2026 Update: Cameras, Sensors, Privacy, Monitoring, and 3-Year Cost
The Dropcam Pro and Foscam R2 are both dead — discontinued with unpatched firmware and real security risks. If you still have one, replace it now. This guide covers what happened to both brands, the FBI security warning for Foscam, and the 5 best 2026 replacements from $30 to $250 (Blink Mini, Ring, Eufy, Nest, Arlo).
