FBI Crime Stats + Safety Tips

In honor of National Crime Prevention Month, Cothron’s Security Professionals is sharing advice on how to prevent crimes.

This month – National Crime Prevention Month – the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its 2022 Crime in the Nation Statistics. Thankfully, major crimes such as murder, rape, and aggravated assault saw a decrease, but robbery showed a national increase of 1.3%.

In Texas, specifically, there were over 100,000 reported accounts of burglary, 21,000 robberies, and almost 100,000 motor vehicle theft incidents last year. 

Due to these crime statistics and the fact that October is all about the promotion of preventing crime, Cothron’s – Austin’s oldest and most trusted locksmith and security company – wanted to share some safety tips.

Preventing Crime In Homes, Businesses & Schools

• Make sure there are well-lit entryways: Having lights at front doors, back doors, and other exterior doors helps you safely see your way into and out of places. Furthermore, they can help prevent burglars from trespassing.  
• Consider motion lights, alarm systems, and/or surveillance cameras: This can be taken a step further with lighting that detects motion, as well as security alarms and video surveillance systems, which alert you if there are intruders. 
• Use shrubbery to help cover windows and deter breakins: Shrubs can act like fencing, as it blocks people from looking or breaking into your house, place of business, or educational institution. 
• Upgrade door hardware to include smart locks, deadbolts, peepholes, and other safety features: You can also increase security by having upgraded locks installed. 
• Store valuables in a safe: When it comes to valuable belongings that are inside, make sure to lock them in a safe (preferably one with a hard-to-guess combination).

Preventing Crime While Driving, Traveling & Biking

• Don't keep valuables in your car: If someone sees something valuable in your vehicle, that will make them more likely to break in and steal it. Try to leave those at home!
• Hide personal belongings after you park: When you do have personal items with you, make sure to hide them if the car is going to be left unattended.
• Always lock doors/windows: Of course, actually locking doors and windows is always a smart move (though you’d be surprised how many people leave them unlocked).
• Use a high-quality lock when securing your bike, locking your luggage, etc.: And when it comes to locks, make sure to opt for strong and sturdy ones (like what we sell in our shops:).

These are just a few crime prevention tips to keep in mind during this month and beyond. As always, if you need help purchasing/installing any of these security features, you can contact us here. Stay safe out there, Texas!