Category: Security

10/25/2023

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!

6/23/2022

The Importance Of Up-To-Date Locks, Alarms, & Security Features

Upgrading doors, locks, alarm systems, and other security equipment can improve aesthetics, functionality, safety, and more.

Within the realm of security – which includes locks, alarms, safes, access control systems, and beyond – there are always new technologies and advancements, which make for new ways to keep people safe.

Therefore, it is important to inspect doors, windows, and security equipment regularly and to replace/repair, as needed, since up-to-date solutions…

LOOK NICE - One reason for these types of updates is aesthetics. A person may want to include a new door installation in their remodeling project, upgrade to a sleek video surveillance system, or replace old/broken hardware. All of these decisions offer an array of benefits and also make for a good first impression.

ARE MORE FUNCTIONAL - Oftentimes, replacements of locks, alarms, and security features come about due to functionality. It may seem like all doors and keys work in, more or less, the same way, but there are modern-day options that make things easier and safer for users. For example, smart home and electronic security solutions come with 24-hour monitoring, keyless entry, and remote access.

OFFER MORE BENEFITS - On a similar note, different products offer up different benefits. Want to reduce the spread of germs? Go with no-touch door hardware that can be opened by foot or with motion. Need a safe for a particular reason? There are fireproof ones, those made specifically for guns or jewelry, types that can fit into the wall or ground, and then some. Wishing all the doors in the office worked with the same key? A locksmith can handle that.

INCREASE SAFETY - Of course, safety is the top reason for updating doors, keys, locks, and alarm systems. From homes and places of work to schools and medical centers, security should be prioritized, and going with more modern selections from Cothron’s Safe & Lock is one way to do this.

You don’t have to wait until you move or go through a remodel; you can make upgrades now…upgrades that give you more control and peace of mind. If you are looking for a stylish, functional, beneficial, and/or safe solution, contact Cothron’s today!

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FBI Crime Stats + Safety Tips

The Importance Of Up-To-Date Locks, Alarms, & Security Features

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