Packages left on front porch, a reminder of holiday shopping security topics

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday Shopping Security Tips

Packages left on front porch, a reminder of holiday security topicsBlack Friday and Cyber Monday both bring opportunities for great deals—and the potential for theft. As more shoppers switch from in-person to online shopping, the opportunities for package theft and fraud increase. In addition, more shopping activity means more possibility of credit card fraud or identity theft. To stay protected from theft of all kinds, follow these tips for holiday shopping security.

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Two people discussing a business security CCTV project. Video security equipment and blueprint on a table.

The Importance of a Commercial Security Needs Analysis

Two people discussing a business security CCTV project. Video security equipment and blueprint on a table.There are an average of over 400,000 commercial burglaries each year. For some business owners, this information is enough to convince them it’s time to install a commercial surveillance system on their property to boost their business security.

However, according to David Oles, Integrated Systems Consultant for American Alarm, a surveillance system all on its own won’t bring business owners the security they’re after. “[Business owners] think they need to install cameras for security to catch people when they break in, but that’s not [always] the right solution.

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A front door to a house with Halloween decorations, a reminder of Halloween home security

Three Halloween Home Security Risks for 2021

A front door to a house with Halloween decorations, a reminder of Halloween home securityHalloween, the holiday of candy, costumes, and…crime? Halloween home security should be an autumn priority.

Unfortunately Halloween sits well above the national daily average in terms of residential insurance claims for both property damage (17% higher) and theft (60% higher). Add to that an increase in violent crime of 50% on Halloween night, and it’s safe to say that this holiday truly earns its spooky reputation. 

While there may be risks associated with this fun-but-frightening holiday, there are also ways to stay safe. You just have to know what to prepare for. Keep the following Halloween home security risks in mind to ensure that the only thing you need to be scared of this October 31st is the latest creature feature on TV.

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Flammable materials, workplace fire safety

Workplace Fire Safety: 6 Common Hazards and How to Avoid Them

An average of 52 fires occur every day in the workplace. 2019 alone produced nearly 19,000 workplace fires, resulting in $744 million in property damage. While it may not be possible to eliminate every potential fire hazard, there are still plenty of workplace fire safety practices you can implement to protect your workers, your office, and the financial health of your company.

Let’s tackle some of the most common workplace fire culprits and how to avoid them in your business.

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Professional technician installing home security camera, related to the topic of professional vs DIY security camera installation

Professional vs DIY Security Cameras

Professional technician installing home security camera, related to the topic of professional vs DIY security camera installationIt’s been shown that the presence of a security camera or alarm system on your property will deter up to 60% of burglars. If you want to install a security system, you have the option of going the DIY home security route or hiring a professional security company to install your system for you. 

There are upsides and downsides to each strategy—the important thing is to choose the option that best aligns with your safety goals. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

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School entrance sign, school security

School Administrators: Can You Answer These 3 Important School Security Questions?

School entrance sign, school security

School security and safety is a top priority for parents. They want to know that their children are secure no matter where they are on campus. In order to ensure that this is the case, parents may approach you and other school administrators to question the school’s security protocols and practices. When they do, are you ready to answer them?

The following three questions are likely to be common points of inquiry from parents. If you are a school administrator, it’s imperative that you are able to respond to these questions when and if they arise.

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Image of someone using a car remote / keyless entry to unlock a car

How Your Car’s Keyless Entry System Makes Auto Theft Easier Than Ever

Image of someone using a car remote / keyless entry to unlock a car2020 brought 873,080 car thefts—the highest number in a decade. The previous few years leading up to 2020 actually saw a decrease in car thefts before this 9.2% upward jump. The reason? Keyless entry systems and push-button ignitions.

These technological advancements have at once made our lives more convenient and our cars more at risk for theft. This is due to a combination of readily-available technology found on popular online shopping mega-sites and our very own key fobs, which provide for easy access and quick getaways.

Problems with Spare Key Fobs

Gone are the days of slow, manual hotwiring practices. Now, all a car thief has to do is spot a spare key fob in your cup holder to gain instant access to your car. This is because most keyless entry systems won’t completely lock if your key fob is still in your vehicle. That means anyone can walk up, open the door, and drive away.

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Image of front door open, signifying home burglary, home security risk

Home Security Myths: Debunked

Image of front door open, signifying home burglary, home security riskWhen it comes to home security, it’s important to take action based on facts. While the movies may have taught us all about how burglars operate, the truth is quite different. Let’s debunk some popular home security myths to ensure that you are prepared for the real security risks that exist in the world today. 

MYTH #1: Most burglaries occur at night

FACT: The majority of residential robberies occur during the day

The middle of the night might seem like the most opportune time for a home invasion. However, the truth is that 51% of robbers break into homes between 10am and 3pm. This is because burglars want to enter homes they’re sure will be empty. In order to avoid a daytime break in, install a quality home security system with accompanying video surveillance and backup communications.

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Watch Out for These Common Scams Against the Elderly

Fraud continues to impact people of every age, yet those over the age of 60 report more financial loss than any other portion of the population. Elders between the ages of 60-65 report an average loss of $500 per successful fraud attempt. That number increases right along with age. Those 80 and older lose an average of $1500 per fraudulent attack.

If you are a member of our elderly population—or if you have a loved one who is—be aware of the following common scams. Each one affects seniors 60+ at a higher rate than any other age group. Once you know how the scam works, you’ll be far less likely to fall victim to it.

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Broken door window, Business Security Tips

Business Security Tips

While you might have been covered in the past, you might want to upgrade, update, and implement new or better business security measures to ensure that you are protected in the future. Otherwise, you risk endangering your business. Read on for our business security tips.

Cover Your Entire Brick and Mortar with Video Surveillance

Partial video surveillance isn’t enough anymore. You may have portions of your location monitored by surveillance, but if you want to give yourself the best chance of deterring theft and break-ins, a full-scale surveillance strategy is imperative. Ensure that your front and back entrances, as well as your public floors and back rooms are completely covered by a high-quality video surveillance system.

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