By Izzy Villalobos, General Manager, Alert 360 Austin, TX

Crime often happens when we are least aware of it. We may be sleeping, on vacation, away on a business trip, or for many businesses, simply closed for the day with the lights off and doors locked.

For most small and commercial businesses, break-ins happen after hours, once employees have gone home and the property is left unattended. According to Security World Market, only 14% to 15% of small businesses had a professional alarm system in 2024. That means many business owners may be leaving their property more vulnerable than they realize.

Today’s criminals are more informed and more creative than ever. With so much information available online, traditional security solutions can fall short if they are not designed and installed properly. Over the years, I’ve seen burglars enter through neighboring vacant suites, break through restroom walls, and even come down through ceilings. More commonly, I’ve seen smash-and-grab attempts using trash cans, rocks, or outdoor décor thrown through front glass doors.

Simple Ways to Help Deter Break-Ins

• Maintain proper exterior lighting
• Secure or tie down loose trash cans, decorations, or planters
• Remove debris such as rocks or stones near entry points
• Inspect restroom stalls and walls for suspicious marks or holes
• Post signage indicating the property is protected by security

While these steps can help, they may not always be enough. That’s why many businesses benefit from a more advanced security solution—something that offers faster response, real-time notifications, and stronger protection after hours.

Pro Tip from Izzy

Get a monitored alarm system from a professional who understands how criminals think.

And don’t stop at just a basic alarm system. Consider a full business management and security solution that helps protect against theft while also supporting day-to-day operations. A professionally designed system can help you monitor activity, reduce risk, and manage certain operational expenses more efficiently.

Investing in a camera system also gives you greater visibility into your property—helping you see what happened, what is happening, and what could happen when you’re not there to see it yourself.

Watch More

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDvyqE9qfX4