Neighbors Watching Out

It cannot be over stated that a tight knit community that watches over each other is absolutely invaluable to preventing crime. Commonly promoted as neighborhood watch, having neighbors watching out for each other is nothing but positive.

Police generally are too few in number and cover too large an area to be there when suspicious people or events occur. Police most often "respond to" situations that are called in by citizens calling in a complaint.

The more neighbors know each other the better.

As I write this blog post, I am reminded of an incident that happened to me in my community.

My wife has a passion for caring for animals. In our suburban neighborhood it unfortunately is common for owners not to get their cats spade or neutered, or to abandon them when they move. We have become the caretakers of both community cats and other “rescues” that have adopted us as a fur-ever home.

One of these inside cat adoptees decided to exit the house compliments of a careless vendor one day. Before and after work I drove through all the subdivisions in our non- gated community looking for our "Purvis".  While going through one of the subdivisions (which was non gated) and located on a dead end (one road in/out), I was doing my usual slow driving look out.

An older gentleman started eye balling me and eventually approached me about "my business " in the community. I explained the situation to him and complimented him on his vigilance. He was a watchful neighbor, looking out for his community.

Would-be thieves do take note of these behaviors. Most thieves look for soft targets where they can blend in or move freely without notice. Promote vigilance. Promote an atmosphere where thieves consider the risks to be too high in your area.

FYI--I am not recommending you approach all suspicious people you see. Use caution. Sometimes it is better to get on the phone and call the police department.

Moral of the story--neighbors being vigilant is a good thing.

FYI--Purvis returned 19 days later. He has shown no further interest in being adventuresome. Thank God.

To be continued…

~ Curt Price, founder of C.E. Safes

Beginning Your Property Security Plan

Believe it or not, the information contained in the next 2 blogs may work better than most security products or components. Why? Because it may stop would be thieves from even attempting to enter your neighborhood.

Most police agencies have a crime prevention unit. These officers have been transferred to a specialized unit. They are sent to specific schools that offer training in preventing crime. The information is often broad but significant. These officers will go to your place of living and conduct a security survey.

This survey will include simple no cost behaviors - such as:

• keeping your property well groomed

• always picking up any newspapers thrown on lawns

• keeping your landscape open that prevents would be thieves a place of concealment

• arranging for mail to be picked up while you vacation

The officer will then talk about "target hardening" products designed to make

your property more resistant from being entered. These officers will not necessarily offer specifics of each security product or service. That would later be done by businesses involved in the specific security field, like my company, in safes.

When you speak to the crime prevention officer, ask the officer if the agency 

provides a social media site for current crime trends by area. 

This is usually a no cost service for you--what I call a start to putting your security plan in place.

To be continued…

~ Curt Price, founder of C.E. Safes

Are You Prepared?

If you have read the previous posts, you may be wondering why I am not talking more about safes. I will, but some preparation is needed.

In the same way my law enforcement background is related to my safe business, the suggestion that consumers develop a security plan for property protection relates to purchasing a safe.

I have a saying that a safe is like parachute--the first time it does not work you have had a pretty bad day. This saying applies to your preparation to protect your personal property. I came to learn that cursing and crying does not undo bad things happening to good people.

Has your preparation for protecting your property possibly been flawed or

incomplete? Is your current property security situation worth a second look on your part?

To be continued…

~ Curt Price, founder of C.E. Safes