Tips to Improve the Physical Security of Credit Unions

closeup on security CCTV camera or surveillance system in local cash dispenser

Cyberattacks against credit unions are on the rise. As such, protecting their networks is top of mind for security managers.

It’s just as critical for credit union facility managers and/or security managers to pay attention to the physical security of their buildings.

Here are some tips to help you protect your employees, your members and your assets:

    • Install a burglar alarm system that includes perimeter alarms to detect an attempted intrusion into your facility, vault, safe, night depository and ATM.
    • Install IP video surveillance as it is one of main tools a credit union can employ to help detect internal fraud as well as help police investigate a robbery. Internet Protocol (IP) cameras offer resolutions many times higher than analog cameras, enabling you to get clearer images from wider angles. IP cameras also cover more ground in one shot, which means you can save money because you can install fewer cameras to monitor your facility. Install the cameras in strategic locations, including lobbies to monitor people entering and exiting your building as well as moving around inside; behind the teller area to better capture people’s faces; and outside the building. You should also install a purpose-built ATM surveillance camera.

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6 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe When You’re Not Home

Baby and Pet Dog Waiting at Door Looking out WindowYour pets are an important part of your family and as a pet owner your responsibility is to keep them safe.

It’s easy to take care of Rover and Fluffy when you’re home, but what happens when you’re at work, or away from the house?

Here are some tips to help you keep your furry friends safe, secure and happy when you can’t be home with them.

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Caught in The Act: Video Verified Alarm Systems Improve Police Response Time to Business Burglaries

blog-post-image-video-verification-headline-image copyTry typing “how to break into a store with an alarm” into Google search, and you’ll be startled to see almost 15 million results.

Businesses without alarms are 4.5 times more likely to be burglarized than those that do have them. But even a great alarm system won’t always stop the most tenacious burglars from trying.

The good news is, business security systems that protect retail, dealerships, schools, warehouses, construction sites, mom and pop shops, residences, and more, are evolving. And modern technology is leading to higher apprehension rates, fewer false alarms, and more comprehensive protection.

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Tips to Keep Your Restaurant Safe and Secure

iStock-155445744As a restaurant owner, you know that your business is vulnerable to any number of security issues, including armed robbery, burglary and employee theft.

That’s why it’s important to have adequate restaurant security in place to protect your employees, your customers and yourself.

Protecting your assets and inventory is no easy task, so we’ve compiled some tips to help you do just that:

  • Install a business security system to electronically protect your assets and your employees. Today’s technology even lets you monitor and control what’s going on in your restaurant when you’re not there. You can remotely manage the alarm systems and security cameras as well as door and window sensors via any computer, smartphone, or other mobile device with Internet access.

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Preventing Retail Chaos and Organized Crime on Black Friday

In episode 2 of our Loss Prevention Podcast Series, National Retail Federation’s Vice President of Loss Prevention, Bob Moraca, speaks about his take on organized retail crime, loss prevention strategies and how retailers can prepare themselves for the chaos and potential hazards of the upcoming Black Friday shopping mania.

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Peterborough

Home Security: Make Your Yard Safe for Summer

iStock_73884753_LARGEWarm weather has finally made its way back to New England. We have a long summer ahead of us to enjoy cookouts, bonfires, or even relaxing in a lounge chair with a good book. But before you enjoy all the benefits of being outside, make sure your yard is a safe place for your family. Read more

How To Appropriately Handle Employee Theft

employee theftEmployee theft can take different forms. Workers can steal merchandise, money, supplies and equipment and even pad their expense accounts. Regardless of the manner of employee theft, it still hurts your business and puts you in a tough management situation.

As a business owner, you do everything you can to hire employees who are trustworthy. If you suspect that a worker is stealing from you, it’s critical that you handle the case carefully.

Here are some tips to help you deal with employee theft:
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Shoplifting Rises During April School Vacation

iStock_000084928009_SmallAs that old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. April also brings kids a week off from reading, writing and arithmetic.

In New England (with the exception of Connecticut and New Hampshire) spring vacation week is typically the third week in April. Without the structure of school, teens will be looking for fun things to do to occupy their time.

Unfortunately, some kids may turn to other types of not-so-fun activities. In the United States, shoplifting and arrest rates increase when students are off from school including during April school vacation.

When they don’t have regular routines, teens typically hang out at the local mall. No merchant is immune as shoplifting juveniles will steal from all kinds of stores, including big box stores, department stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and even convenience stores.

Teenagers may steal items from merchants for the thrill of it, or to impress their friends. Some of the most common items teens will steal include clothing, books, music, jewelry and anything they can fit into their pockets or purses. Read more

School Vacation Safety Tips This Spring

Spring vacation is just around the corner. Time for relaxation and fun. It’s a time of year many families take a break from their every day lives and travel to somewhere really warm and fun.

For other families, though, spring break means kids having to stay home alone or with a caretaker while mom and dad are at their jobs.

Whether you’re jetting off to Walt Disney World with your children or sitting in your office cubicle while they’re amusing themselves at home, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure their safety.

Here are some tips to help your kids have fun and stay safe during school vacation no matter where they are. Read more

American Alarm Video System Helps Police Crack Down on Texting While Driving

It was a clear July morning and two Rutland, Massachusetts police officers were walking across Main Street in a marked crosswalk. The approaching Ford Explorer had plenty of time to stop for the pedestrians. Instead, it was almost a tragedy.

The alert police officers jumped away from the oncoming vehicle just in time, or else they would have been run down. The distracted driver was texting.


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