If you are experiencing longer than expected wait times getting your City of Dallas Alarm Permit, Katie Fairbank from the Dallas Morning News may have an update. Story here

Here is the link to the City of Dallas Alarm Permit - Web Site.

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 home security information.

Dallas Texas Security Company notes Police Officer deaths down sharply

FBI: Police officer deaths fell sharply in 2008

By DEVLIN BARRETT (AP)

WASHINGTON — The number of police officers slain in the line of duty fell sharply last year, according to FBI data released Monday. Link to story here

This raises an interesting question; "What can you and your security company do to reduce police officer fatalities?"

Here are three tips to reduce false alarms:

1. Use only factory trained, licensed security professionals.
   NTX Security’s technicians (install and service) are licensed by the State of Texas. Our installation and service technicians are factory trained by the manufactures that we service. 
2. Request a service call. Have a technician review that the system is working as it should. While he or she is there, make sure that you are using the system properly. A refresher never hurts and you may find a more efficient way to protect your assets. Ask if the technology has changed and you may be able to upgrade your system and protection for very little upfront cost. DSC Equipment user manuals here  
3. Audio and Video Integration – See and hear what you have been missing. Consider upgrading your existing system with a system that uses audio and video to help determine if the alarm is a crime in progress, or simply a user who forgot his/her code.
   Any other thoughts are welcome 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 this information.

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. 

Frisco Business Security: Watch for Burglars Targeting Business with Flat Screen TVs

Frisco Business Security Company offers 5 tips to protect your business from these flat screen bandits.

1. Take extra effort to secure TV's to the wall. Anything you can do to delay its removal will deter thieves from taking the time to steal it.
2. Have a 24/7 fast response monitored security system with a GSM Cellular backup communicator in case your phone lines are disabled.
3. Use glass breakage and motion detectors. Glass breakage detectors are essential if used properly as they will detect the intruder while he or she is still on the outside of your facility. Motion detectors are used to pick up any interior movement once the intruders are inside the building.
4. Use exterior sirens and strobes where applicable. Strobes should reduce police response time by helping them find the location faster.
5. Invest in a professionally installed video surveillance system that includes cameras with Wide Dynamic Range capabilities. This allows the user to have a face-on shot of exterior glass without the back lighting nightmare caused by many inferior solutions. (See Example Right)

**Bonus - Call today 888-696-8926 to schedule your Free, No Obligation Security Evaluation  **

NTX Security is a Frisco Business Security Company. For more information about NTX Security visit our website or call 888-696-8926.

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.