Protecting Seasonal Homes and Businesses

Columbus Day came and went, and winter is coming soon. Seasonal businesses are closing, and part-time residents will be returning to their winter homes. Everyone hopes to return next May to find their work or living quarters in the same conditions as they left them. Read more

How to Protect Your Home Security System from Door Knockers

beware of home security system scam artistsThis past winter we warned you about holiday packages stolen from doorsteps. Today we’re posting another doorstep crime that happens when those cold temperatures begin to rise. During the spring and summer months, dishonest scam artists, known as “Door Knockers”, go door-to-door selling fake home security systems. How do they do it? They’ll sound credible, mislead you and then pressure you into signing their binding contract. The pitch sounds something like this: 

“Hello, I’m from Acme Alarm Systems. Did you know American Alarm is bankrupt? As a courtesy to you, they asked me to void your old contract and present a new one. But you must sign now to maintain your services.” Read more

How to Setup Your Security System in Your New Home

Earlier this month we shared three reasons to update your home’s security system prior to selling. Now we’ll discuss moving into the home of your dreams. You’ve got the white picket fence, beautifully landscaped flower beds, and the big grassy backyard perfect for kids and a dog. Everything is in place for you to begin the rest of your life. Or is it?  Read more

Top 3 Reasons to Update Your Home Security System Prior to Selling

Update Home Security System Before SellingIf your home’s on the market, you’re likely exhausted from rushing around re-painting the spare bedroom, upgrading the kitchen counter or retiling the bathroom shower. The good news is, there’s no better time than Spring to sell your home and the best two-week window is the first half of May. In fact, U.S. homes listed in the May 1-15 period generally sell almost two weeks faster than the average listing in the year. If that’s not incentive enough, the negotiated price is $2,400 more, on average.  Read more

How to Prevent Vandalism and Theft During Commercial Construction

The construction industry is booming and shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects it will be one of the fastest growing industries by 2020. All that construction is great for the economy. It will create new residential and commercial properties and provide more construction jobs to the labor force. One disadvantage will be the increase in vandalism and theft on sites. Read more

Being Safe at College

Campus Security Help BoxBeing a parent of a graduating High School student is stressful enough. Parents and students alike have a lot on their minds with applying to colleges and end of school year activities. One thing to keep in mind when evaluating schools is once there how you can make sure your child will be safe on campus. Being fully aware of the security and safety programs their chosen school offers is crucial. Awareness is the key to preventing most campus related crime. As students enter a new environment for the next chapter in their education it is important that they become familiar with how their college manages security on campus. Read more

Enhanced Access Control for Your Building Means Fewer Break-Ins

Commercial Real Estate SecurityWhether it’s an office, school or apartment building, secure access control is a concern for everyone. For property owners, the responsibility of keeping residents and property safe from criminals is a top priority. Surprisingly, most burglars choose the most obvious and simple ways to break in. The most common time for a break in to happen is between 10 am and 3 pm and they usually go right through the front door. If they are bold enough to do that in broad daylight, they probably have no reservations about sneaking through the gate of a complex. Read more

How to Protect Your Business from Social Engineering

What is social engineering? Social engineering is the act of psychological manipulation of people into performing specific acts (breaking normal security procedures). It is used in over sixty-six percent of all attacks by hackers whether it’s warranty exploitation or attempting to breach company data. According to the FBI, social engineering scams have cost U.S. businesses 1.6 billion since 2013. A couple types of social engineering attacks are called phishing and pretexting. Read more

How to Protect Your Home or Condo Complex from Holiday Package Thieves

This year in the 25 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, UPS says it will deliver over 750 million packages to its customers. In fact, UPS says this record-breaking seasonal global delivery volume is approximately 5 percent above last year’s holiday peak shipping season volume.

FedEx, which also anticipates another record peak holiday shipping season, estimates it will deliver between 380-400 million packages. In the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the U.S. Postal Service also expects to deliver 850 million packages, which is more than a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Read more

How Stores Can Mitigate Organized Retail Crime this Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend

Thanksgiving shopping weekend can be a hectic experience for everyone involved but for your business, it’s one of the most profitable. All told, 20 to 30 percent of your 2017 retail sales will likely happen this holiday season with a large portion will occur this weekend.

Of those considering shopping the long holiday weekend, the survey found that 20 percent plan to shop on Thanksgiving Day (32 million). Black Friday will remain the busiest day, with 70 percent planning to shop (115 million).

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