Burglary represents almost 50% of all crime in the United States. Every retailer is vulnerable to some form of burglary.
Among break-ins, are the most common.
reported burglaries, stay-behinds, smash-and-grabs, and According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, 73% of the reported burglaries involve forcible entry or "break-ins," in which a pry bar, screwdriver or some other type of instrument was used.
In the case of forced entry, doors, windows, roof hatches or vents are the entry points most favored by the burglar.
In smash and grab burglaries, the burglar will smash display windows with an object such as a brick or drive their vehicles directly through the front glass window or door. The thieves then grab all the merchandise they can and leave before the police have time to respond. This type of burglary can be prevented by coating the glass with a very strong glass film or glazing material.
In the same FBI report, 19% of the illegal entries were obtained without the use of force by picking the lock or using a master key. To prevent burglars from gaining entrance by using a company key, all keys should be kept under strict control. When an employee, who has had access to the keys leaves the company, the company should change all the locks.
A small number of retail burglaries involve "stay-behinds," in which a person will hide out in the store until everyone has left for the day. He will then break out of the store with the stolen merchandise. To prevent this type of burglary, retailers should take the time to check offices, store rooms, rest rooms, closets, dressing rooms, and display fixtures, before locking up for the day •
The following list of security precautions will help eliminate the chance of burglary in your business establishment:

• The front doors and windows should be made of break-resistant glass or coated with a strong polymer window glazing film.
• Remove merchandise from display windows when the store is closed.
• Connect the doors, windows, and roof hatches to the burgled alarm system. The interior alarm system should include motion detectors. The safe should be equipped with a proximity sensor. Ensure that the alarm system is monitor at all times.
• Use high-quality cores. are "pick-resistant" and have inter-changeable cores. Use double cylinder locks that require keys to open the lock from both sides.
• Place the pin hinges on the inside of the door and anchor them so the doors cannot be forced in or lifted out. Place bars across all vents and skylights to prevent illegal entry.
• Ensure that the interior of the store is visible from the parking lot, so that a passerby can see any unauthorized individuals moving about the store.
• Some lights should remain on after closing to highlight movement inside the store.
• Remove all cash from registers at night and leave the drawers open to prevent the burglar from damaging the register.
• Place your safe near the front of the store and out in the open where, if possible, it can be seen from the street.
• Keep the safe illuminated at all times.
• Perimeter landscaping should be designed to avoid casting shadows or creating a place for the burglar to hide.
• Adequate exterior lighting is a deterrent as well as a safety feature for potential customers.
• All office equipment should be marked with identification numbers.
• Make back-up copies of sensitive files and computer data and store them off-site.

There is no single solution to the problem of burglary. Every system and each element of that system must be tailored to the individual retail property. The retailer should deal with the problem of burglary as forcefully, economically, and energetically as possible. 

​OK so you are looking to set up your own security firm. You have not really thought about the types of security guards you need for your business but you have seen the media representation of security guards and security officers. You start to obtain CVs and you get height, weight and body fat stats thrown in and on the surface, these potential candidates look impressive. They match the stereotypical big and tall, fearsome looking man with rippling muscles that put Rambo to shame! But stop and think a minute. Is all that brawn really necessary to make your business a thriving success? Perhaps you need to think again.

There are several things to consider when selecting security guards to work for your business

1. Who are your clients?
If you are concentrating on supplying manned guards to pubs, bars and night clubs, then you might consider size as an important factor when selecting a guard for your client. However, with the unfortunate rise in violent and fraudulent crimes and of course the horrendous terrorist attacks innocent people have had to endure; it would seem that everyone is feeling the need to be more protected and secure. Therefore, the wealth of opportunity for the new security business owner is no longer restricted to the entertainment industry.

These days security guards are required in all business arenas. Hotels, have security guards, Hospitals have security guards. lots of posh new developments have 'concierges' (security officers in disguise in my opinion) and of course many major office blocks in any major UK city will have at least one security guard. None of the security guards in the fields mentioned above need to have any major muscle 'bulk' to carry out their jobs effectively. This leads on to the next point, what skills are needed to fit your clients requirements

2. Skill sets
There are 2 types of skill. Physical skill and mental skill. Depending on your client, your security guard may need to have physical skills such as, being able to run and apprehend criminals, be physically fit enough to control a crowd perhaps. Or in some instances guards may have to be skillful at defending and protecting themselves against violence inflicted upon them or others. In this latter instance, there a plethora of martial arts strategies that can be learned by guards to use when they absolutely need to use them. To be an effective martial artist does not require anyone to be big and muscular. Think of all the martial artists you know at the top of their game. How many of them are massive and fearsome looking?

Arguably, more important than physical skill is mental skill. The security guard that can control their own temper, appease an irate visitor, or diffuse a potentially violent situation with the power of language is worth his or her weight in gold and is an asset to any organization.

3. Professionalism
Ultimately the security guard you place in your clients organization is representing your business. Any behavior they display whether good or bad is a reflection of you. So regardless of the size of the person, if that guard is not professional, pleasant, approachable, vigilant, etc, you can forget about obtaining repeat business from that particular client. Moreover, bad news travels quicker than good news so if you have a particularly bad guard representing you, news will spread so fast that you could end up losing a lot more contracts.

4. Training
It is always good to look at what your security guard has done in terms of training. By law, all security personal are required to have a SIA license sometimes called a SIA badge. This allows individuals to legally work as door supervisors, CCTV operators, close protection officers, event security, cash transit, and everything else within the security field. There are no size requirements to complete the SIA license. There is however a minimum age requirement (individuals need to be 18 years old and over) and individuals do need proof of identity.

5. Communication
At the end of the day, a security guard needs to be able to communicate effectively with a number of people.
o The client
o The public and
o YOU

'The client' is not just the person you have negotiated the contract with, but the whole business. So if your guard is working in an office block servicing 1000 people, all of those people are the client. Your security guard needs to be able to communicate in a professional manner at all times - no slip ups allowed!

Using the same analogy of the office block, 'the public' are the people who do not necessarily work in that building but they come to visit, or use the facilities in some way. Again, your security guard needs to be able to command respect, whilst respecting others and communicate, both verbally and non verbally the protocol of your client.

Just as important, your guard needs to be able to communicate with you especially if they are on a temporary contract. If they fall sick, or are unable to get to work for example, you need to be able to know in good time so as to seek alternative cover. Reliable security guards are one of the keys to your business being a success.

In summary, in the argument over brawn vs brain, the brain will win every time. By using your brain when starting out your business you can ensure you think about;

o Who your customers are
o What their needs are
o What type of security guard is going to fulfil those needs and select the most appropriate trained and licensed guard - irrespective of size.

Lucinda Gray is one of the directors of 4mySecurity, a company whose business is to provide secure solutions to businesses looking to protect their brand. 4mySecurity specializes in manned guarding and IT security for both individuals and corporate clients. Your security, Our business.

[http://www.4mysecurity.co.uk]
Article Source: https://ezinearticles.com/expert/Lucinda_Gray/421522
Article Source: https://ezinearticles.com/?Security-Guards---Does-Size-Really-Matter?&id=2922657

​What To Do When A Loved One Goes Missing

1. ​First, you need to determine whether the person is actually missing. Oftentimes, people leave and don’t want to be found. Of course, this does not apply to those with mental health issues, dependency problems, juveniles or those who may not be dressed for the weather. The way and manner in which the missing person left also plays a role in deciding whether they’re considered missing. 

2. Then you call the local police to make a report. There is a fallacy that one must wait twenty four hours before the police will take a report. This is false. I believe this rumor started from old episodes of the television show Dragnet, but I don’t know. The local police (or Sheriff's office) will open a case. What does that do you may ask? Well, the most important thing it’ll do is the missing person will be entered into the statewide (and sometimes national) database for other law enforcement agencies to notify the person if they’re ever found. Of course, this is only effective if the person wants to be found. Some members of the public believe when a missing person is found they’re secured by the police and returned home. The answer is no. Depending on the agency's policy, most will just advise the person they were entered into the missing person database. As long as there's no outstanding issues with the person, mental health issues, drug dependence etc. the person is free to go. Most times the person who made the report is never notified the police made contact with the person. 

3. Next, log on to namus.gov and enter the person into the public database. NamUs is a national information clearinghouse and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases across the United States. This government organization is a resource for law enforcement to connect victims and technology in order to locate, identify and reunite missing people. 

4. Use social media to spread the word about your missing person. Oftentimes, our paths cross with people who very well may be reported as missing. We’re none the wiser so we say hello and go about our day. Seeing a well written post about the person with dates, times and descriptions may help find the person quicker. 

5. Contact a professional private investigator to find your loved one. Organizations like Private Manhunt has members all across the United States trained and experienced professionals. Oftentimes, your local police department will not make finding your missing person a high priority. This is due to several reasons including under funding, staffing crisis’ or limited resources. Depending on the seriousness of the circumstances, it's most likely they do not produce flyers and pound the pavement in an attempt to find them. The good news is this is exactly what a professional private investigator will do! A good PI knows time is of the essence and depends on their customers for a paycheck. The PI will begin work on your case immediately and won’t rest until you have the closure you need. 
Call 617-957-2248 to Speak With a Missing Person Specialist

There's a whole host of reasons a business may need a uniform security guard. The unarmed security industry focuses on long term, dedicated officers assigned to the property. The guard is tasked with regular Detex tours to check the property and discourage trespassers. 

However, Suburban knows your business doesn't need the omnipresence of the typical security service. Here are three reasons why your company may need a security guard on a short term basis:

​1. A dissatisfied customer, or disgruntled former employee voiced vengeance on you! I realize this is a tad overdramatic, but it's never comfortable to have another person put a hex on your soul. Thus, you’d feel much better if an uniformed security guard was nearby to watch out for the crazies!

2. Thieves storming the castle! The castle, of course being your business. If retail is your game, you may want to leave some bulk merchandise outside to tickle the customer buying bone. But this marketing technique may also tickle the common thief "stealing bone!" A uniformed guard would offer you peace of mind as you put your feet up and become swallowed by your couch. 

3. Tenants and guests seem to get restless when the cat's away. If you’re in the hospitality business, you know when the sun goes down, the alcohol comes out and your staff is no match for a substance fueled disobedience! Give your staff the comfort of having a uniformed professional investigate the bumps in the night (or the after hours swimmers in the pool). 

If you’re in the Neponset River, Massachusetts area and need a short-term security solution, Suburban has you covered!  If you only need a uniformed security guard for an overnight assignment or a weekend watch click the button below for a free quote. What’s more, there’s no long-term commitment! 

Save time and headaches with one click to Suburban!

​According to crime statistics, Norwood is a safe town. With a population just over 30,000 Norwood's property crime rate is below the Massachusetts average at 7.33 per 1000 residents (Mass average is 11.8). In addition, Norwood's violent crime is less than the Massachusetts average at 1.58 per 1000 residents (Mass average 3.28). This is according to Neighborhoodscout.com which ranks Norwood safer than 65% of cities in the United States. 

It's important to note crime rate statistics are computed by averaging all reported crimes (or police related incidents), as their related to the total number of residents. Does this really give us an accurate picture of crime in Norwood? I’m not convinced. In order to get an accurate picture of our crime status, I studied which crimes were increasing (in whole numbers). Maybe this will give us a better picture of crime in “South Dedham” (didn’t know that’s what Norwood was originally called? Well, you just learned something!)

Unfortunately, I was unable to get a copy of Norwood’s 2020 annual report which would include Norwood police related service calls, so I worked off 2019 and compared those numbers with 2018. 

For the last several years drug use has been a major concern for Norwoodites. In fact, the drug problem has become such an issue in recent years, some have referred to Norwood as “Needle-wood” (clever...insert sarcastic eye roll here). But according to Norwood's self reported crime totals in their annual report, “Found Syringes” had increased 50 percent from 2018 to 2019 (19 to 31 respectively). However, drug use and drug overdose reports declined by almost the same amount. 

Malicious damage, (which is damage caused by a person with malicious intent) increased about 33 percent as did “Mischief (kids)” service calls by close to 50 percent (47 to 69). Violent crimes have also increased. Sex Offenses for example doubled from 18 in 2018 reported cases to 38 in 2019. Assaults and Child Abuse/Neglect cases can also be added to the plus category. 

So what does this tell me? In its most generic form it urges me to review Norwood Police Department’s 2020 annual report and decipher for myself whether crime is actually on the rise. In reality there is no way to completely eradicate crime in any given community. However, with a staff of less than 100, the Norwood Police Officers answered over 17,750 calls for service in 2019 conducted over 3,139 motor vehicle stops and engaged in 5,000 foot patrols or “walk and talks” which surely helps prevent or deter certain types of crime. 

For those who need an extra layer of protection, Norwood residents and businesses can have ​Suburban Security Officers conduct a comprehensive check of property to observe and create a visible deterrence proven to deter and detect crime. -RJD

In yet another misguided decision by the social justice warriors, the City of New York has voted to eliminate qualified immunity for the city's police officers. In a moment when politicians should be making the job of law enforcement easier, society's do-gooders are going out of their way to make it more difficult. 

So what is qualified immunity? In a 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Pierson v. Ray), qualified immunity established a legal principle whereby as long as a police officer made a good faith effort to do their job, he’d be protected from civil liability. I’m a visual learner, so allow me to illustrate with an example: 

A criminal robs a Dunkin' Donuts and runs out the front door just as a cop is walking in for his afternoon joe. Jimmy Dirtbag pushes the cop with the door as the employee is shouting to the cop she was just robbed at gunpoint. Doing his duty, the cop springs into action and takes the criminal to the ground, handcuffs him and takes him into police custody. Sounds good right? Well, during the struggle, Jimmy Dirtbag suffers an injury to his jaw that requires surgery. Cost of doing business for Jimmy Dirtbag? I would say so, however with qualified immunity gone, the civil court may disagree with me. You see, qualified immunity protects that cop as long as he made a good faith effort to subdue a fleeing felon using approved tactics that he was trained to use. He did not violate policy, violate the law or any other regulation to stop the criminal from getting away. Nevertheless, if the criminal FEELS his rights were violated, or suffered injuries that weren't absolutely necessary to stop his escape, he can sue the officer personally. So, that home he worked his entire life for? Gone. His new truck, cabin in the woods? Gone. All awarded to a criminal who never contributed anything to society, committed a violent crime and fought with a cop. 

With that being said, if the cop oversteps his bounds, violates his oath or violates someone's civil rights, there’s nothing qualified immunity can do to protect him. These violations include clear disregard for department policy or state/local law. Thus, opening that officer up to civil damage whether or not qualified immunity exists. The only reason I see for passing such an anti-cop, pro-criminal legislation is to discourage cops from taking action when necessary and allowing Jimmy Dirtbag to commit more crimes. 

But why stop at cops? Judges, members of congress and other government officials enjoy the protections of Absolute Immunity, which is a level higher than qualified immunity. Absolute immunity means even if they violate the law, violate policy etc. they can’t be sued civilly if they're in the performance of their duties. How many judges have released violent offenders who went and killed their victims? Shouldn't they be held to the same standard as cops? No, we shouldn’t ask those questions. 

So who does qualified immunity protect? Qualified immunity protects the good guys; the good cops who do everything they can to protect the public by catching bad guys. Otherwise, why would they do it?  

​Stoughton Massachusetts is a town 17 miles south of Boston. With a population just over 26,000 Stoughton's property crime rate is less than Massachusetts average at 9.99 per 1000 residents (Massachusetts property crime rate is 11.8). Stoughton's violent crime is less than the Massachusetts average at 2.01 per 1000 residents (Massachusetts is 3.28). That means the likelihood of you becoming a victim of violent crime in Stoughton is 1 in 499. 

While all these numbers appear to be on the right side of the median, Stoughton residents should be more concerned about where it's headed. Are those numbers going down as compared to previous years, or are they going up? The answers to these important questions fall within the town’s annual report. 

When we compare the last couple of years of self reported criminal activity, it’s easy to deduce crime in Stoughton is on the rise. According to the town’s 2019 annual report (pages 55-57), the police department responded to a total of 25,144 calls for service. Many of those calls are routine and consume only a small percentage of the officers time. However, there are serious incidents which require a report to be generated including burglary's and violent assaults. The total number of offense reports investigated was 1,224 which was 357 more than 2018 (a 30% increase). As a result of officers investigations, Stoughton Officers either arrested or summoned the offender for criminal charge in 1,132 cases. This is an increase of about 13% as compared to 2018 (155 more arrests/summons). 

Add to that, the opioid epidemic continues to have a significant impact on the town. Stoughton accounted for 10% of Norfolk County’s total fatal overdoses. This is a staggering number considering there are 28 towns in Norfolk County. However, the number of actual overdoses has held steady and fatal overdoses have steadily decreased thanks to Stoughton Police Department's deployment of the drug NARCAN.

​“The total overdoses by year during the past four years consist of 65 for 2019 (3 were fatal), 64 (10 were fatal) in 2018, 50 (seven were fatal) in 2017 and 67 (12 were fatal) in 2016” (2019 annual report). 

So what, if anything does this mean for the Town of Stoughton? Simple answer: it depends. The Town of Stoughton has yet to publish their annual report for 2020 on their website. Only then when we’ll be able to determine whether Stoughton’s crime rate is on an upward swing or merely a blimp on the radar. 

Have you ever wondered if you have registered sex offenders living in your neighborhood? I think most people don’t really pay much mind unless "Creepy Jim" asks their kid if they want candy. Never a good thing. But there is an easy solution to information ignorance. Although the Jacob Watterling Act of 1994 established registry boards nationwide, it wasn’t until 1996 when it was amended by Megan's Law which required states to create searchable websites to alert the public when a registered sex offender lives or works in a particular area. Subsequently, The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Child Safety Act of 2006 established uniform requirements for sex offender registration throughout the country.

In Massachusetts, we have the Sex Offender Registry Board who does a good job keeping track of these offenders. So, how do I find out who these people are? was your next question (I knew it). Click the button below to visit their website and find the level 2's and 3's in your area. 

Remember, Sex offender registration information can not be used to harass, discriminate or commit a crime against an offender. And there are stiff penalties for those who do this. For example, any person who misuses sex offender registration information obtained from the SORB website can be punished by two years in jail (M.G.L. c. 6, § 178N). So, I'd recommend not doing that. 

Although all offenders are required to register, only level 2 and level 3 offenders are publicly posted and available for view. There are thousands more level one sex offenders in Massachusetts who are protected from public knowledge because their offense was "minor". Remember, these so-called low level offenders have been charged AND convicted of their sex related crimes in a court of law. But all hope is not lost. If you believe you should have access to additional information (level 1 offenders) you can make a public records request to the Sex Offender Registry Board (click the button below). 

I hope this information is helpful. We strive to offer valuable information that helps protect and secure your lives. If Suburban can assist you in finding information or providing security services please click out CONTACT page and let us know!

There are many options to obtain motor vehicle information but this is how I do it! People ask me all the time "how do I run license plates?" or "How do I get DOT information?" Most civilians can not obtain that information without a lengthy legal process. But, private investigators have access to information others don't. In this video, I'll show you my preferred provider. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility...follow the rules or trouble will find you.

I am merely a customer of the service shown in this video, I receive no compensation for referrals or purchases as a result of this video. 

​Just a quick message to my security colleagues to keep your defenses up while patrolling during the holidays. Oftentimes, we drop our guard when we assume nobody's around. But those who are not celebrating are looking to take advantage of those who are. Stay Safe!