Nobody likes to feel unsafe in their own community. For this reason, some might choose to avoid reading up on crime statistics. After all, who wants that negativity weighing on their mind at all times? However, the more you know about what is going on around you, the better you can equip yourself against those with malicious intent. This in turn will leave you feeling a whole lot safer.
Birdseye Surveillance compiled the following statistics about commercial theft in Montgomery and Harris Counties, Texas not to scare you, but to
Nearly 9 Percent of Small Businesses Suffered Burglary or Theft in 2017
It’s better to be proactive than reactive. Nearly 9% of small business suffered from theft last year. Even if just a small amount of property was taken, these businesses suffered. The average victim had to pay $8,000 out of pocket because of the theft.
The South Sees the Largest Amount of Crime
There are thefts everywhere in the country, but when you come to the south, you find almost double the offenses. The south experienced 42% of the nation’s theft last year, compared to our neighbors in the northeast, who experienced just 12%.
There is a Growing Trend of Weapon Use
A growing number of thefts are turning into robbery cases. In 2015, over 42% of robberies involved the use of strongarm tactics. Another 41% involved firearms. Some business owners are so fearful, they will not report it to police. Only 60% of robberies were reported in 2015.
Violent Crime has Fallen
Although you are more likely to hear about violent crime on the news, violent crime rates have fallen. According to the FBI, violent crime has dropped 43% since 1993. Property crime has also dropped by about 50% in the same timeframe.
Employees Steal Millions
Employees don’t always have the company’s best interest at heart. It is estimated employees steal over $50 billion from employers every year.
Look Out for Shoplifters
Shoplifters cause commercial businesses to lose thousands of dollars every day. It is estimated that over $30,000 is stolen by shoplifters every minute. However, shoplifters are easily deterred with commercial security and mobile surveillance systems.
Theft Can Lead to Vandalism
If a thief comes to your commercial business, they likely won’t simply steal items and go. Instead, they will likely cause property damage while looking for specific items. This can be particularly devastating to auto dealerships, construction sites, or apartment communities. If you fall victim to theft, you may also be able to get insurance settlements for vandalism.
Guards Don’t Always Deter Crime
Although guards can be a human deterrent to crime, they aren’t 100% effective. A burglar may feel more comfortable burglarizing a commercial property if they see a guard, rather than a security system. After all, security systems can capture faces, while humans don’t have perfect memories.
Crime is the Second Largest Issue in the Region
Behind traffic, people living in Montgomery and Harris Counties believe crime is the second largest problem. One way to deter criminals is through a video surveillance system. Security systems can also help police catch criminals after the act.
Police Love Security Cameras
Sophisticated security camera systems have helped police solve more commercial theft cases in recent years. Having systems that clearly catch the perp’s face on video can lead to a quickly closed case.
Looking for a surveillance solution for your Texas or Southern Louisiana business? Contact Birdseye Surveillance for more information about their mobile surveillance services and to get a free quote.
Comments are closed.