Security Base Blog

Burglary Statistics: By The Numbers

We’ve posted some very haunting stories and articles about burglaries that happen around the United States. We try to keep everyone informed of the dangers and thefts that occur. We know that everyday there is some type of theft or burglary happening to someone whether it is in broad daylight or late at night. We make sure everyone is aware of their surroundings and that you can never be too safe. Burglaries take place when you least expect it, which is why being prepared beforehand can save you the hassle and stress. Sometimes stories or articles aren’t enough to persuade people into investing in a high security surveillance system or high quality safes. Most of the time people will take that risk in being unprepared, but once they become a victim to theft or robbery, they’ll regret it and start investing.

Why learn the hard way and take that risk in becoming a victim to theft? Why not save yourself the money, stress and trouble of losing all your valuable items? Sometimes it isn’t even the money or jewelry that are the most valuable. Some valuables are irreplaceable like collectibles, family photos or other rare items. You also don’t want to lose sensitive information such as passports; social security, insurance or deeds that can be extremely difficult to replace and even worse, have your identity stolen. We never really discussed statistics or numbers when it came to how many burglaries actually happen within the United States every year. Instead of trying to research and look up the statistics, our good friends at Authority Safes have created an awesome graphic/chart that proves and clarifies some interesting burglary statistics in the United States.

The illustration and statistics chart shows that from reports by the FBI, there are approximately 2,222,196 burglaries that occur annually in the United States! That means if you spread the amount of burglaries evenly over 365 days, about over 6,000 burglaries occur every day.  That statistic alone is astonishing and you usually never realize its significance until you see the facts. Not only does this awesome graphic explain and break down the significance of burglaries that happen everyday, but it provides interesting comparisons too. One of the tidbits on the graphic says that “the average person reads at approximately 300 words per minute; as you’ve been reading, another home was just burglarized.” Just reading that statement can give you the goose bumps. It’s pretty ridiculous how many burglaries do occur annually and it gives you a better understanding of the bigger picture. According to the chart the most common items that have been stolen are cash, jewelry, firearms, electronics and silver. These are usually what most residential homes hide and store in their bedrooms. By that fact alone, you can see how important it is to keep your valuables safe. Thieves have only one thing on their mind, and it’s usually either cash or valuables that they can sell for more money. The time is now to start protecting your belongings and be prepared when the unexpected happens.

Residential & Commercial Security Systems Can Be A Huge Benefit

Last year an estimated worth of $37.1 billion was accumulated in employee and shopper theft, supplier fraud and inventory mismanagement. The data was gathered by the nonprofit organization of the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. According to the Organization’s Director of Communications, Barbara Staib, she says, “Celebrities shoplift, organized gangs do it and ordinary folks do it.”

With that being said, more awareness and extra measures are being taken in order to reduce the amount of theft and burglary, as well as increasing child safety. In order to do so, more businesses and homeowners are investing in video surveillance systems that are not only necessary to catch the suspect on video, but also keep them away. Having a security surveillance can help deter criminals from your business and home. It’s similar to having your own dog in your backyard to keep trespassers away, they’ll be less likely to invade your home or business if you have some type of protection or security.  You can purchase surveillance cameras for a few hundreds dollars that are able to record and capture images for weeks on end.

Depending on your budget and the type of security surveillance you will need, there are couple things you should know before you purchase. Here are some tips and a few things you may need to know.

• Each surveillance system stores different amounts of data depending on the frames per second, motion and resolution. It also depends on the capacity of the system and the amount of activity being recorded.

• Most security systems come standard when wanting to recall a specific time and date of an event. It’s very easy to go back and see what went on during that time of day because the recorder usually has it stored in memory. Most systems allow your data to be stored into your existing computer or laptop to log in the activity and events. Nowadays even some systems allow for remote viewing, providing you the convenient ability to check the activity wherever you are through your smartphone.

• The owner can typically install smaller surveillance systems. However, when purchasing larger surveillance systems with multiple cameras and additional high-tech accessories, it’s recommended that you have a licensed and professional electrician to install it for you.

• The placement of cameras is very significant so that the person is being able to see the cameras. If you are a storeowner, you have to keep in mind the customer’s privacy. Cameras are not allowed in areas where privacy is required such as fitting rooms and restrooms. In order to keep people informed that there are cameras, typically stores will post a sign in front of their store, for example, “premises are being watched by the surveillance cameras.”

• You’ve probably seen homes with a sign that says “Beware of Dog” on their fence to deter intruders and trespassers. You want that same authoritative statement and effect with your surveillance cameras. According to the Operations Manager of Advanced Technical Security Solutions, John Kass says, “Surveillance cameras that can bee seen provide a few minute of thought for anyone considering foul play in a home or place of business.”

• Not only is having a security system in your home beneficial in keeping burglars away, but also for those who work in your home. Babysitters can have a peace of mind and become more relaxed knowing your home has surveillance cameras.  It can also make your workers become more responsible and dependable knowing that they are being monitored.

• Other notable questions to ask yourself and to remember before purchasing your own system for a business or home is:
  • What will I be monitoring?
  • Will it be used for the home or for a business? Usually home security systems use between two to eight cameras around the perimeter of their property. For businesses, it might take up to 16 or more cameras.
  • How will I be monitoring my home or business? Some surveillance systems allow you to use your existing computer to store all the data either using a PC or MAC. Other systems even allow you to monitor your home from your own smartphone.
  • Which areas do I want to monitor the most? Make sure you utilize each camera to the fullest. (E.g. one for the backyard, front yard, side of the house, garage)
  • What are the camera capabilities? Some cameras are limited to how much depth they can monitor. Most feature pan and tilt capabilities to be used.
  • Do I need night vision cameras?

Source: http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201109?pg=24#pg24

Prison Inmate Shares Own Advice and Experience to Protect Against Burglary

We encountered a very informative article that would benefit everyone, especially home and business owners.  What better way to learn how to protect your home than from the source? In Sullivan County, Tennessee, a person behind bars shares his own tricks of the trade against theft. This man knows and has experience breaking into homes and what burglars are looking for. He drops some knowledge on how to keep you and your family safe.

In Sullivan County, there have been an increased number of robberies and home burglaries. Especially in the state of the economy, it shouldn’t be a surprise if there is an increase of burglaries nationwide. The person sharing his own experience and tips is Bobby Akers. He is currently serving his time in the Sullivan County Jail after being arrested for burglary. Akers says, “I was just looking for anything I could use to sell.” His release is set in September and he plans on changing for the better this time around.

I know many people are always looking for ways to prevent theft and anything that will help them to protect their valuables. For once, we can step into the mind of a burglary. For Akers, his eyes are targeted towards the bedroom. “That’s where they would keep jewelry boxes, safes, money stuff like that,” he said. For him, grabbing anything he can get his hands on was the objective. He advises that homeowners shouldn’t keep their valuables in the most obvious spots like the bedroom. He recommends homeowners to hide their jewelry somewhere else than the bedroom and expensive medication other than in the bathroom cabinets.

More importantly, it’s always a good idea to invest in a security system to monitor your home. An even greater suggestion is to reveal and make it obvious that you do have a security system. Let people know that your home is protected by a security system just like how some homes have signs of “Beware of Dog.” Akers describes his experience saying, “I broke into this place one time and as I was going up to it. It said ‘security device alarmed’ and I did not mess with it. I left and walked away.”

A resident of Sullivan County, Don Lofgren, also shares some advice for protecting your home. As a retired police veteran, he’s definitely had experience with burglaries. He recommends keeping your home lit. “I have motion lights around the house,” Lofgren said. “If you walk around the lights on the landscape lights are on timers so they’re popping on and off at different times.”

In addition, Akers says it’s a good idea to invest in quality locks. There are a variety of locks out in the market and breaking open a lock isn’t hard to do. He says to make sure you get the best out there for better protection. Not only should you protect your home, but also lock up your sheds to keep all your equipment and tools secured.

If you plan on going on vacation or heading out of town, try to make it look like someone is home. Some tips are to cut off mail and newspaper deliveries. Keep your lights on timers so they go off at certain times during the day and night. Lofgren says, “I alert my neighbors to the fact that I’ll be away and neighbors watching neighbors is one of the best security systems you can have.”

Both Akers and Lofgren also mention that even having a dog is a great “bodyguard” for your home to deter thieves away while keeping your home protected. Akers says that if he ever hears a dog in the house, “I aint going to go around it.” You also see signs of neighborhood watch, which are also a great way to decrease the amount of burglaries.

These are great tips from both individuals who have experienced burglaries in different ways. One who is a burglar and one who prevents burglaries. These may seem like common sense ideas, but you’ll be surprised to how many people forget or don’t bother to protect their home.  These are valuable tips to protecting your home, as well as your business.

Source: http://www.wcyb.com/news/28479788/detail.html

Don’t Let Thieves Steal Your Identity During Your Summer Vacation

We’ve talked about securing your personal valuables at home while you’re out having fun during your summer vacation. We also posted some great information about the specifications and features of the different types of safes. We wanted to point out before you have fun and enjoy the sun and remind you to keep safe and protected while you are out enjoying your time with your family and friends. You have to protect yourself from identity theft and to make sure you properly secure all your important records and documents, especially if you’re traveling this summer.

The most targeted victims to identity theft are travellers. You’re enjoying your time spent elsewhere, laid back and relaxed, that’s when you’re at your most vulnerable state. You don’t want to get pick pocketed and have your wallet stolen only to ruin your vacation. Save yourself the hassle and be fully prepared when you’re in an unfamiliar area. Here are some great tips to stay safe and to keep you from any troubles.

1. Minimize Belongings – You want to minimize the amount of things you bring with you. The more you bring, the more there is to worry about it and for thieves to steal. Only bring the identification and cards that you need with you. Keep your cards to a minimum. You most likely won’t need your passport if you’re just traveling within Canada. If you’re traveling across the world, you don’t need to carry all of your credit cards. The more credit cards you have, the more hassles you’ll carry with you. If a thief steals your wallet, then they’ll have a lot of options.

1. Create Copies of Your Identification – You should always store and create copies of your identification that you’ll be taking with you. Take it to your local print shop or use your own printer to scan and photocopy your identification. Also write down and keep record of your passports, credit cards and numbers. Store these copies in a safe place at home and if you need anyone to access them while you’re gone, make sure you trust that person just in case you’ll need them.

1. Don’t Keep Everything In One Place – Just like losing your wallet, you’ll lose everything inside it. Never keep all your identification information in one place. If you happen to lose your passport or driver’s license in the same wallet or purse, then you’ll have a hard time proving who you are. It’ll be a major inconvenience for yourself and difficult for you to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

1. Use Security Safes As Much As Possible – If you’re staying at a hotel, you may want to utilize the hotel safes and lockers they have in the rooms to place your important belongings such as jewelry, wallets, cell phones and other valuables. Maybe you decide you want to travel the city and are gone the whole day. There’s no real reason why you should carry more than one identification with you, so you may want to leave your passport or health card in the safe. This will prevent it from getting lost or stolen.

1. Have Contact Information From Neighbors, Friends and Family – You want to keep in touch with anyone you are close with. There are plenty of ways to communicate long distance such as email, chat, phone, or private messages through social media like Facebook. You don’t want to publicly reveal that you are on vacation because people will find out and know that you aren’t home. It’s always good to contact someone so they know you are okay and they know you.

These are easy and simple tips to protect you this summer, yet we often forget how easily someone can steal our identities and gather confidential information. These are just some precautionary measures so that your safety and summer fun isn’t ruined. By following these tips, you’ll be able to relax and kick back. Have tons of fun this summer, but also be safe. Save yourself the hassles now, and enjoy the rest of your summer.

“Security is our Business, Safety is our Concern” – Security Base

Different Types of File Cabinets

In the market today, you’ll find that there are a multitude of filing cabinets available to you.  If you have an abundance of important records, private documents and confidential files, then purchasing a quality file cabinet is what you need.  File cabinets are perfect for storing and keeping your files organized. If you work with a large number of clients, cases and need storage for your over-stacked piles of paper in the corner of your office, then it’s time to invest in one.  Whatever the case maybe, you will have to know the different types and features of file cabinets.

Depending on the amount of paperwork you need for storage, file cabinets can hold as much as two to four drawers or more.  Filing cabinets also come in a vertical or horizontal shape that accommodate to your workspace. Those vertical or horizontal shape cabinets can also vary in width sizes. The horizontal cabinets can come in different sizes such as 31’’, 38’’ or 44’’, which is great for those who prefer to keep their filing cabinet at a low height and takes up more space horizontally. Vertical cabinets are usually for those who prefer to maximize their ceiling space and do not mind having the elevated filing system. The paper size is also important to remember because you want to have a drawer that can fit the correct size of your documents.  The two most common sizes of paper are legal or letter.  Make sure when you are purchasing a file cabinet; you have the correct file cabinet size that will fit all your documents and records.

Not only will you need to choose the right type and size of filing cabinet for your office or workspace, but you should also purchase a file cabinet that offers fire protection.  Most filing cabinets today offer fire resistant filing cabinets to protect all your vital records in case of a fire emergency.  Some file cabinets have been tested to withstand extreme temperatures and are certified as a 2-hour fire and impact rating by Underwriter’s Laboratories. More »