Security goes beyond your doors and windows...

Security has been a hot topic over the past few years with the downturn in the economy (I really hate to use the "R" word). With millions of people losing their jobs and companies going out of business left and right, both individual and company security has become an even larger issue.

But one thing that comes to mind and I wanted to share some thoughts on with you today is that security is not just "keeping intruders out", it is about not sharing information with people that could use it against you. So many times I hear of someone putting in a new security system with all the new "bells and whistles" only to come to realize that they have given the information and/or keys to people that shouldn't have them.

Just because we put up some great systems doesn't mean they can't be broken into or should I say "let into" because of the carelessness of the staff or management. My recommendation is to still solidify your security for physical intrusion, but don't forget about developing the plan and approach to who should have access, why and how are you going to manage and maintain who has access to "the keys" that are out there. Think through the whole situation and you will find there are loopholes that need to be plugged.

Protect yourself - are they a "licensed" contractor?

I was reminded the other day (again) about how something as simple and straightforward (at least to me) is often overlooked by many people and the results are usually never good. Hiring a LICENSED contractor - seems simple yet often overlooked.

I hear so many horror stories that could have been prevented if people just knew some basics about what they should look for when hiring a contractor. I has become such an issue, especially in these tough times where everyone is trying to get the most out of every dollar they spend. First, do yourself a huge favor and CHECK OUT any contractor you are considering hiring.

Spend the 5 minutes online at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and you can find out in advance if someone in licensed to do the work they are saying they know how to do. It's just a simple and easy way to protect yourself from spending a lot of money and not getting the quality of work you expected for your dollar.

Last, but certainly not least, you should insist that the contractor obtains a permit for your project and it gets inspected by the local authority that has jurisdiction in your area. Without this final step, you may have to have the work completely redone, at your expense, because it can't get approved by the local government authority - not a great place to end up when we are all trying to get the most from the least.

Are you the victim of a PHONY LOCKSMITH?

OK, this is an issue that most people are very unaware about and yet one I feel compelled to share with you as I see more and more of this happening today. When times get bad, security is one of those “top of mind” issues people have. We have seen an increase in demand of people wanting to me more secure and protect themselves just a little more than normal. Because of that and the economy, there are all kinds of strange people showing up and claiming they are in the “security business” – only to find out they are there to rip you off. Let me give you some ideas on how you can protect yourself from these predators.

Over the past year or so, there has been an alarming increase of people being ripped off by phony locksmiths companies – and they are currently operating in our area. They have very clever and deceptive ads that make it easy for someone to get lured into using their service.

For example, we did a Google search of our own name and found a fraudulent listing. The listing showed our correct name and address but had the phony locksmiths phone number attached to it. We called the phone number and told them we wanted to come to their location to have some keys made. They told us that they would have one of their locksmiths come to our location. We told him that we were going to be in their area today and would just like to stop by and pick up the keys. We asked if we had reached Watson Security’s/Nyberg lock and if the address listed is correct. We were told that yes, they are affiliated with Watson security and Nyberg lock and they would have the locksmiths stop at our location. I was shocked! Our companies have been in business since 1921 and I have never heard of anything like this before. This is corporate identity theft! And they are ready, willing and able to come by and rip off customers under our very reputable name.

I started researching other legitimate locksmith companies and found the exact same thing. The correct name, the correct address, and the phony locksmith’s phone number. I contacted the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) regarding this matter. They said they had been getting complaints from across the country about phony locksmiths. To get more information about phony locksmiths from ALOA, please visit and click on the phony locksmiths tab. The Federal Trade Commission has written an ARTICLE on the keys to hiring a reputable locksmith and information on how to file a complaint with them. I will continue to share ideas for you on how you can protect yourself from both the phony locksmiths AND with security overall.

Be aware and be secure...