According to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice, “rates of… household crimes tended to be higher in the summer than during other seasons of the year (when the study took place)” and “aggravated assault rates were higher during the summer than during (other seasons.)”

Let’s discuss why this happens, and what you can do about it.

Warm Weather = More Crime?

Motor vehicle thefts also are higher in the summer than other seasons (like spring), so theft in general is a summer problem. But why? Let’s take a look at a few contributing factors to the increase in thefts during the summer:

• Many families take vacations during the summer and are away from their homes
• Beach-goers often forget to lock their vehicles, or they leave the keys in the car
• Criminals in popular destinations target tourists, and people from out of town
• Increased temperatures can lead to increased aggression from thieves
• People tend to let their guard down and relax during the summer

These are just a few reasons, of which there are many, and they can be complicated. But the good news is that you can be proactive regardless of the reason for increased thefts.

How To Be Proactive

It’s a good idea to think about security all year long, but there are certain steps you can take to ensure your home is especially protected during these vulnerable few months. Here are some tips for improving the security of your home during the summer:

• Key duplication: Leave a spare key only with a trusted friend or family member.
• Security system: Install a surveillance system or video doorbell so you can check in at any time.
• Maintenance, and landscaping: Make sure your home landscaping is maintained so thieves can’t tell you’ve been away.
• Locks, and windows: Ensure all locks, and windows in your home are repaired, and in good working order
• Social media: Avoid posting online that you’re on vacation!

If you’re interested in additional security advice or products for the summer, contact us today or stop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations.

Obviously, there is a need for enhanced security at retail locations. Whether you’ve experienced challenges related to crime or are interested in enhanced measures to prevent crime from happening to you in the future, here are a few security tips for retail stores that you should consider.

Embrace Access Control Technology

Traditional locks are great and all, but they’re not exactly state-of-the-art. They’re prone to picking and bumping. Retailers can beef up security by implementing digital locks with access control technology, however. These systems range from electronic deadbolts with keys that are programmed to open the lock at specific time ranges to full proxy card, and access logging systems. Either way, technology will help you have more control over your locks.

Install Video Surveillance

If you don’t have video surveillance already, now is the time to do it. Even if you do have video surveillance, do you have it everywhere it’s needed? Consider expanding your system to include cameras that monitor the cash registers, the parking lot, inventory/storage areas, and all entries or exits. The more angles, the better.

Limit Entrances, and Exits

Speaking of entry points, it’s best to keep them at a minimum. The more entrances, and exits, the more opportunities for crime to happen (whether from internal or external sources). Consider permanently locking up access points that aren’t needed outside of emergencies, and keep track of everyone who enters, either through a keycard or keycode system.

Make Sure All Alarms Are Monitored

While noisy alarms can deter, some criminals, they don’t do much in the way of catching them or notifying the appropriate authorities. With a monitored security system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all your cameras, and alarms are monitored by a professional security company. For example, our sister company A-1 Security Group currently provides sales, system design, cabling, networking, monitoring and servicing of intrusion alarm products.

If you’re interested in security solutions for your retail stores, contact the A-1 Locksmith team today for a consultation.