Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show: Security systems could steal the show

Possibly the most viral of viral videos making the rounds these days on neighborhood social media platforms feature figures snatching packages off front porches, often in broad daylight.

Modern technology not only allows homeowners to capture thieves in the act, but also gives them the ability to interact with people who ring their doorbell even if they're not actually home at the time.

Doorbell cameras are a popular option among homeowners looking to up their security game, said Troy Qualls, operations manager for Alert 360 of Oklahoma City.

“We saw an increase in interest when Amazon started doing their own deliveries,” he said. “There were the reports, you know, of people following the delivery vans and things like that.”

Alert 360 is among the home security companies scheduled to exhibit at the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show next weekend in the Centennial Building, Pavilion and Bennett Event Center at State Fair Park.

ADT Security, CTZ Enterprises LLC-Vivint Home Security, and Security Options also will have booths at the show.

Show hours will be noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 19 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 20. Adult admission is $12 at the box office or $10 if bought at www.oklahomacityhomesthow.com.

Discounted tickets also are available at the customer service desks at Buy For Less, Smart Saver and Uptown Grocery locations. Active and retired military, police and firefighters can get in free on Hero Sunday with a valid service ID.

Smartphone apps allow homeowners to remotely monitor and set their alarm systems. Doorbell cameras also can give them the ability to see and speak to people at their door.

“So, for example, you can tell the UPS driver where to put the package,” Qualls said. “And they're motion-activated, so they can notify the homeowner when a delivery is made.”

More than 450 exhibitors and experts will be on hand during the show, including Derek and Dustin Diedricksen, of HGTV's “Tiny House Builders,” as well as hosts from “America's Test Kitchen” on PBS.

Part of the Bennett Event Center also will be transformed into a Tiny Street, where visitors can see a variety of tiny homes for themselves.

Another 3,000 square feet will be turned into Landscaper's Lane, where five metro-area landscapers will create a lush setting for strolls or a rest break.

Alert 360 has been a show regular over the years under its previous name, Guardian Security — the company changed over last summer — and this year visitors can register for drawing for a security package valued at $1,157.

Qualls said the show offers them a chance to connect with current customers, as well as meet new ones.

“We have a lot of customers come by to let us know how things are working,” he said. “And they like to see what specials we have running, as well.”