The effectiveness of security is measured when an offense takes place. Either the offense is stopped by the security measures, or it succeeds because of security vulnerabilities. That may seem like a stark truth but it is one we must understand as we evaluate our own security plan and its importance. Whether it is residential or commercial security, physical security is one thing we can’t afford to get wrong.
When Crime Happens to You, it is 100%
According to the San Diego Association of Governments Criminal Justice Research Division, the mid-year number of violent crimes in the county was 5,507, up from 5,428 last year, 5,361 in 2016 and 5,330 in 2015. The four-year increase amounts to a 3.3 percent bump in violent crime. Reports of property crime fell from 30,447 in 2015 to 27,727 in 2018, a decrease of nearly 9 percent, according to the report. The overall national crime rate is actually down (due in a large part to better security technologies). However, if a crime happens to you, your family, or your business, the crime rate is 100%. We can never afford to assume that we, our family, home, or business will never become a target of a crime.
Crime Has Changed
In 2019, one of the biggest trends is the realization that criminals have many reasons for and methods of making your home or business a target. Until very recently, most homes and businesses could assume that they were relatively safe from any type of crime. Today, that has changed as the likelihood of payoff in the forms of goods and stolen information has increased and the opportunity broadened. So, while the national averages for crime may be down, the attractiveness of the small business to a criminal actually increases, for example.
Physical Security has Many Surprising Components
Another important security trend is the blending of many systems and tools to provide overall security. Gone are the days of relying purely on the power of video surveillance for security. While you may still see the occasional “This property is under video surveillance” sign posted, it is generally assumed that every business and home is covered by video surveillance, and likely a whole lot more. From the presence of security guards to the use of access control, as well as home and business automation used as security elements, criminals today are forced to navigate layers of deterrence, detection, and ruse.
Physical Security Needs Evolve
Another important trend for 2019 is the understanding that physical security needs evolve. Today, people are less likely to assume that a security system that is even 5 years old is still adequate to serve their security needs. Many things change over the course of a few years, such as changes to the structure, the number of people in the home or business, the contents of the structure, area risks, and more. Those needs need to be met with the right security elements.
Security Technologies Evolve
Think of how many cell phones you’ve had in the last 5 years. Chances are more than one. Why? Because technology has evolved and offers new capabilities to serve our needs. The same is true for security system technologies. System capabilities are constantly evolving and expanding as is the capacity to meet additional needs, even beyond pure security. For 2019, more people are taking a closer look at how their systems can serve them and how they can be improved for better security and operational efficiencies.
Make security a priority in 2019. Call RSF security today! 1-800-303-8877