Free advice is usually worth what you pay for it. However, there are exceptions to the rule. 

Part of our Free Security Survey that we perform in businesses and homes around the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex is to offer recommendations on how to increase  security by making simple adjustments in daily activities. Many times there is not any cost beyond time and attention to these money saving and safety increasing tips. If I could rank the most essential recommendations I provide, my number one piece of security advice is simply: Lock your doors and windows. This is an ongoing effort that requires regular attention.

Daily homes and business are entered illegally from a door or window left open or unlocked. Being secure is a process, not a destination. It involves activity and participation.  

Here are a few quick reminders to help get you back on track.

• Everyone: Double check all doors and windows after a contractor or stranger has been through your home or facility. This is essential. Many service men and women are attentive, hard working and well-meaning individuals. But it is impossible to know for sure. It may have been an accident that a back door or window was left open - the consequences are the same either way. 
• Businesses: At a minimum, assign a shift manager at the shift change to check all doors and windows (as applicable) to ensure that everything that should be closed and locked is closed and locked. This simple strategy will save you untold fortunes that are currently walking out the back of your facility un-checked. Many times as I perform a security survey with a place of business we will discover a door that has been propped open or left unlocked, likely for the convenience of one worker, but in turn placed the entire facility at risk for theft or worse yet, violence. Train employees at all levels to be aware of the dangers of an unsecured building - ensure that all vulnerabilities are corrected and / or reported immediately without fail.
• Homes: When should you lock your doors? The answer will vary slightly, but ultimately whenever you are not using that door, keep it closed and locked. If you vent your windows to enjoy the weather, then secure the window with a thumb screw or brace to ensure that someone will not be able to free the window by reaching through the opening.
• Finally, there are only two times that I recommend you lock your car doors: When you are in it and when you are away from it. Simple... yes. Effective... most certainly.

At NTX Security we offer free security related information and suggestions to our community and our potential clients through our website, blog, news articles and our free onsite security evaluations. Please feel free to send this article to someone you care about or whom you feel could benefit this information.

We welcome your comments below. 

Denton Businesss security company warns companies to watch for security threats inside and out.

In today's economy the businesseses that watch for security risks inside an out will fare exceedingly better that those who ignore the warnings.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123501158460619143.html?mod=article-outset-box

When designing a security solution focus on security vulerablilities from employees as well as outside influences

1. In retail ensure that a high resolution camera is foucused on the transaction area by the cash register
2. If you have an office where monitary transactions take place (i.e. managers) office in a resturant or retail ensure that a camera documents the activities.
3. Ensure that shipping and recieving areas are covered adquatly and ensure that all shipments are reviced in plain view of a camera.
4. Most importantly - Check the recorded footage. The best documentation is worthless if you never review the video. Mention somthing positive to your employee(s) based on your oberservation if nothing criminal takes place. This can be a motivating force to your employee, but it also make him or her aware that they are being watched for perfomance.
5. Warning - Do not place cameras in any area where where privacy is assumed. This includes restrooms, changing areas, etc. Posting that the area is under surveillance does not excuse poor camera placement. Be especially cognizant of recording audio  - but that's a post for another day.

At NTX Security we offer free security related information and suggestions to our community and our potential clients through our website, blog, news articles and our free onsite security evaluations. Please feel free to send this article to someone you care about or whom you feel could benefit this information.

What can be done to combat vandalism? Certainly increased patrols, better lighting, and possibly even stiffer sentences for the offenders. But how do you catch a seemingly invisible vandal? 

NTX Security offers three additional solutions:

1. In restricted traffic areas we recommend our wireless video security system. This event based video security system sends a 10 second video to the monitoring center operator, who may then dispatch the police and even email the video clip to the responding officer.
2. Video Surveillance (CCTV) is always an option if deployed properly. CCTV not only documents an event but can be enhanced to send the live video feed to a monitoring center based on unauthorized activity. The key is to use the right camera for the application. For all difficult lighting conditions, we recommend our light intensifier cameras (see demo here). IR cameras are a cost effective option but cannot provide an accurate image of the event, thus making it difficult to prosecute.
3. Enhance your video surveillance to include a motion activated Voice Alert. This alert announces a prerecorded message to the trespassers to advise them they are being watched and should leave the area immediately. The only attention a vandal likes is after they are a safe distance away. 

Please leave your comments below.  

From NBCDFW.com - Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief is asking police to find new ways to crack down on graffiti, which he calls a growing eyesore that threatens the city’s image. 

From the Cherry Family (Allen, TX)

(This information was provided by the North Texas Crime Prevention Association.)

Dear Friends & Family,

Our daughter Megan Cherry is missing. Meg was last seen at Allen High School on Friday Morning February 6th. At some point after dropping her off at school she came back home and took a family car that was parked in front of our home. The car is a 2001 Silver Ford Taurus, License plate JNM-715. It has a dent along the passenger door.  

Time is ticking and circumstances surrounding her disappearance are alarming. We are afraid for Meg's safety. We love and miss our daughter.  In an effort to get her home safely, please pass along the attached missing children poster that is being distributed to help  find our Megan. If you are unable to see the poster below. Please access it using this link:

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=1115831&orgPrefix=NCMC&searchLang=en_US

Please pass this email along to anyone you know. Please also continue to please forward me ANY information you or your child may have regarding Meg. ANYTHING. We need to know. We can’t stress it enough, even if you feel it may be a rumor. It’s all we have right now and we are willing to follow any lead or clue.
Thank you for all help support and prayers.

The Cherry Family

DOB:  Jul 10, 1992
Missing:  Feb 6, 2009
Age Now: 16
Sex:  Female
Race:  White
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Brown
Height:  5'10" (178 cm)
Weight:  165 lbs (75 kg)
Missing From: ALLEN, TX United States

Both photos shown are of Megan. She may be traveling in a silver 2001 Ford Taurus with Texas license plates JNM715. Her ears are pierced. Megan has a reddish-golden streak in her bangs. She has a scar on her right ankle. Megan's nickname is Meg.

Dallas / Fort Worth Security Company updates website.

On behalf of NTX Security; I am sorry for the delay between posts but we have busy updating our site to hopefully provide a better experience for our readers. Please note the ease in which you can reach an NTX Customer Service Representative especially our new "Click to Call" feature where the next available NTX Security operator will call you - no waiting on hold! 

If you have any suggestions we are always looking for ways to improve.

Please leave your comments below.