Criminals are will to go to extreme measures to get your property. How far are you willing to go to protect it? 

Please take advantage of our Free Security Review to find out how to better prepare your business and home.  

See the story here:

At NTX Security we offer free security related information and suggestions to our community and our potential clients through our website, security blog, news articles and our free on-site security evaluations. Please feel free to send this article to someone you care about or whom you feel could benefit from this information. Click here for Business Security or here for Home Security.

Just in case you haven't heard, NTX Security has a newly updated Facebook Fan page where we will offer special advance notice of events, promotions and other related goodies.

To kick off our Fan Page we are having a drawing for a Vado VF0570's Palm Cam when we reach certain fan levels. (See fan page for more details.)

Dallas Security Company shares how to change your user codes (If you have a DSC PowerSeries Security System (PC-1616,PC-1832, PC-1864 etc.))

DSC Access Code Programming:

In addition to the Master Access Code, you can program up to 32 additional User Access codes. 

Press [*][5], plus your Master Access Code.  The Program or System indicator will begin to flash, and the Armed (padlock symbol) indicator will turn on. 

Enter the 2-digit number to be programmed (i.e. 06 for user access code 6; enter 40 for the Master Access Code). 

When using the PK5500/LCD5500, use the [<][>] keys to find the specific code and press [*] to select.  Enter the new 4-digit access code, or press [*] to erase it.  When programming is complete, enter another 2-digit code to program or press [#] to exit.

For systems using multiple partitions/areas, access codes can be assigned to specific or multiple partitions/areas.  Please contact NTX Security or your alarm company for details.

Access Codes

[*][5][Master Code] (when disarmed)

The [*][5] User’s Programming command is used to program additional access codes.

User Codes (Access Codes 1-32)

Master Code (Access Code 40) – The Master Code can only be changed by the Installer, if programmed.

Supervisor Codes (Access Codes 41 & 42) – These codes are always valid when entering the [*][5] User Codes Programming section.  However, these codes can only program additional codes which have equal or lesser attributes.  Once programmed, the Supervisor Codes receive the Master Code’s attributes.  These attributes are changeable. 

Duress Codes (Access Codes 33 & 34) – Duress codes 33 and 34 are standard User Codes that will transmit the Duress Reporting Code whenever the code is entered to perform any function on the system.

NOTE: Duress codes are not valid when entering [*][5], [*][6] or [*][8] sections.

NOTE: No codes can be programmed as a duplicate of another code.

NOTE: Duress codes cannot be programmed as a duplicate or as a “Code + 1”.

At NTX Security we offer free security related information and suggestions to our community and our potential clients through our website, security blog, news articles and our free on-site security evaluations. Please feel free to send this article to someone you care about or whom you feel could benefit from this information. Click here for Business Security or here for Home Security.

Do you support using Video Surveillance In Public Places To Fight Terrorism?

Article compliments of Security Products Online

Poll: 96 Percent Of Americans Support Using Video Surveillance In Public Places To Fight Terrorism

A recent Harris Poll survey indicates that 96 percent of U.S citizens feel the federal government and law enforcement agencies should be able to use video surveillance in an effort to counteract terrorism and help protect U.S. citizens in specific public places.

Four out of five adults feel that in extreme cases, such as a terrorist attack, the government should be able to use any available means to protect citizens, and more than half (54 percent) of U.S. adults are even willing to put a portion of the government’s stimulus funds toward setting up video surveillance to help reduce crime.

The results are at odds with current perceptions about the use of video surveillance, by revealing that only a small minority of Americans is concerned about the federal government or law enforcement agencies using surveillance cameras to monitor public places. That Americans don't mind being watched is especially relevant in light of the recently exposed domestic terror plot in Boston, and subsequent FBI intelligence indicating that Al Qaida recruits are reportedly being encouraged to perform acts of terrorism inside the U.S.

However, citizen support of video surveillance rests on the assumption that more cameras will result in more secure environments, but that isn’t the case. Recently, the security staff at the George Washington Bridge in New York City -- responsible for monitoring bridge cameras and security kiosks -- was photographed sleeping on the job. Thus, camera proliferation alone (The New York Times estimates that London has more than 4.2 million closed-circuit TV cameras) will not solve the problem. Many of these cameras go completely unmonitored because there are simply not enough human eyes available to watch all of the video feeds.

“The widespread adoption of video-camera technology has not made the job of the security officer any easier, nor has it helped obtain actionable intelligence before an intrusion” said John Frazzini, president of Houston-based Behavioral Recognition Systems Inc. (BRS Labs), and a former Secret Service agent.

“We have been working with high-level security customers in the U.S. and around the world to put a new approach to work -- behavioral analytics. Ten days after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last Thanksgiving, a major international hotel installed BRS Labs’ software, AISight, which was designed to autonomously monitor hundreds of cameras simultaneously, and to provide real-time actionable intelligence. In just a few days the hotel’s security staff was able to improve the safety of the hotel’s perimeter. We are also deployed in several high-security U.S. locations including seaports, power plants, nuclear plants and global financial institutions.”

The Harris organization`s online survey, commissioned by BRS Labs, was conducted from May 28 through June 1, with 2,416 adults (ages 18 and over) in the United States intervewed

What do you think? Please comment below.

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 from this security information.

Lewisville Business security company asks, is your break room secure?

Is break room security a concern? Just ask these Harvard Researchers.

Recently in the news we hear of Harvard researchers poisoned by pranksters Story here:

Although this may be an extreme case of break room abuse, if someone was tampering with food or supplies, wouldn't you want to be able to identify the vandal? 

A break room camera can increase your awareness of:

1. Break room abuse - too much time on break
2. Food tampering
3. Theft - if they are stealing lunches, what else are they stealing?
4. Vandalism

Quick Tip: Make sure that you do not add a camera anywhere privacy is to be expected, and clearly post your intentions of video surveillance, and add a break room camera to monitor the activity (or lack there of) in your break room.

See privacy rules here:

Audio Statutes - Texas

Video Statutes - Texas

Audio Interception Federal Statutes

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

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.

5 Low Tech / Low Cost ways of protecting your office or suite from Office Creepers.

1. Require everyone to sign in and out when they leave the building. Yes, your employees will hate it, but it has to be 100% in order for it to be effective. This is also helpful in the event of an emergency.
2. Require every employee to present a customized PVC Photo ID badge when signing in daily. This ID badge should be worn prominently throughout the day while at the office (not in a purse or wallet). Stop anyone you see in your office without a badge. Owners and managers - this starts with you. I have seen many security measures blown off by management only to become the "Program of the day" by employees.
3. Issue a customized ID badge to be worn prominently to every visitor. You could take this to the next level by having badges color coded by different days of the week to assist in identifying an impostor. (Blue = Monday, Green = Fridays etc).
4. Provide employees a place to lock personal belongings (i.e. a desk drawer or locker).
5. Incorporate security and safety awareness in weekly staff meetings. Office Creepers not only impact your employees, but your customers, and ultimately, your company as well. No one wants to make a call to a customer to inform him or her that a laptop with their private data has been stolen.

• Ensure that you have a face shot of all visitors of your building or suite.
• Every entry and exit should have a  camera with an effective angle and clear shot.
• Place cameras in all common areas and main hallways .
• At all entry / exits and periodically throughout the facility, post that Video Surveillance is in use.

Please call 888-696-8926 or here to request our free security risk assessment.

Plano Business Security Company warns businesses to be extra careful during the holiday season.

We are seeing news reports daily of crimes involving businesses from petty theft to violent crime. 

The Washington Post and others are blaming the economy for the recent spike in shoplifting.  (See article excerpt below)

NTX Security is a Plano business Security company that encourages all retail business owners and managers to take 5 simple steps to help protect their business during and after the holiday season.

1. Post a greeter at all entry / exits. This provides an extra element of customer service and reduces risk for shoplifting, especially if they check receipts vs. purchases.
2. Have a clear face shot of all persons entering the building. This is accomplished by using a quality high resolution zoom varifocal camera.
3. Direct traffic in and out of the store to reduce opportunity for grab and go crimes.
4. Coach employees on what to look for, and more importantly, how to respond to a potential theft.
5. Schedule your FREE Risk Evaluation with NTX Security today.

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By Ylan Q. Mui

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 24, 2008; Page D01

Retailers have blamed the global financial crisis for a litany of ills over the past year: slumping sales, mass layoffs and bankruptcy filings. Now, they are looking to the economy to explain recent spikes in shoplifting from their stores.

Though individual retailers do not publicly report crime data, a survey of 52 national chain stores released this month by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a trade group, showed that 84 percent reported an increase in shoplifting since the recession began. About 80 percent said organized retail crime had also jumped, and more than half said robberies and burglaries have risen, as well.

Read Full Story Here

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Business Security:

Businesses Say Theft by Their Workers is Up

Companies find that trusted employees often commit the crimes, and they believe the recession is to blame.

By SARAH E. NEEDLEMAN / WSJ

In October, an accountant at 321 Takeoff Inc. in New York became suspicious after an employee who normally filed weekly expense reports for around $80 began requesting $120.

When Alona Fromberg-Elkayam, the branding agency's president, approached the employee, she says she was met with flimsy excuses. She fired the employee, a midlevel designer.

Read More Here

In 2006, the American workforce accounted for 47% of all inventory shrinkage. Although this number itself is staggering alone, 16 out of the 24 types of retail businesses reported employee thefts well above this average.

The Top Five Retail Markets for employee theft:

1. Convenience Stores - 82.5%
2. Optical - 61.5%
3. Electronics/computers/appliances - 60.4%
4. Furniture - 53%
5. Discount Stores - 52.4% 

Take steps today to reduce your exposure to employee theft by scheduling your FREE Security Risk Assessment here or call 888-696-8926. 

Stats provided by 2006 National Rertail Security Survey - University of Florida

Dallas Business Security

Crime affects businesses and charities alike. It hits especially hard during the holidays.

Let NTX Security help your business or organization stay secure 24/7 with a custom designed 3-D Security Package.

3-D Security is a multifaceted approach to protecting you property.

1. Deterrent - Use signs and window decals notifying everyone that your premise is protected by a professional security company. Many businesses are starting to use digital deterrents that use a recorded voice when motion is detected after hours notifying the individuals their activity is being monitored.
2. Detection - This is your custom designed business security system. At NTX Security, we like to start with perimeter detection that announces when someone is attempting to break in. Perimeter detection notifies all parties before the the intruder has actually entered the property, likely chasing the criminal off. We also recommend interior traps and panic buttons, along with exterior strobe lights and sirens where applicable.
3. Documentation - No security solution would be complete without video surveillance. Although not at the foundation of a security "pyramid", there is no more versatile security component than a professionally designed video surveillance system. Your video surveillance or CCTV system should help you not only protect your business by documenting illegal behavior, but additionally, it will help you manage your business remotely and potentially save you thousands in insurance expenses and claims. Moreover, by combining the security system and the CCTV system, we can virtually eliminate false dispatches and provide the authorities a verified alarm (Crime In Progress) that reduces response times. Quicker police response means catching more criminals -in the act!

Call today at 888-696-8926 or go here to schedule your free no obligation security risk assessment.