A Few Holiday Crimes That Will Make You Want Better Alarm Systems in Your Store
There is a significant increase in break-ins and burglaries during the last two weeks of the year, coinciding with holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. If stealing during a season known for gift giving seems heartless, it gets worse. Unfortunately, some of these would-be Grinches and holiday humbugs literally steal from children.
If you’re not convinced you need professional security solutions, here are a few holiday break-in stories from recent years that will definitely make you want to upgrade your business alarm systems.
The Jolly Ham Thief
A few years ago in Sydney, Australia, some thieves broke into a warehouse and stole approximately 16 tons of ham and bacon. Their breakfast haul was worth around $90,000 and inflicted a huge loss on the company they stole from. However, in an effort to soften the blow, the thieves left a cheerful note behind that read, “Thanks, Merry Christmas!”
At least they had the decency to recognize the holiday, right?
The Heartless Gift Thief
Over a holiday weekend in New York, a group of burglars broke into a homeless shelter and stole over 1,000 gifts that were intended for homeless children. The thieves’ motives were unclear, but stealing from the homeless seems like the opposite of a Robin Hood story. The stolen gifts were collected by the U.S. Marine Reserve and included electronics and other relatively expensive gifts.
The Drive Through Dunkin Thief
Here’s another heartless holiday break in: this thief broke into a Dunkin Donut store through the drive through window and stole a donation box from the counter. Unbeknownst to him, that particular store was the scene of a police officer’s death and a terrible burglary not long before. Fortunately, the store had already replaced their commercial security system and CCTV cameras, and police caught the thief shortly thereafter.
Lessons Learned?
If these crazy, often heartless burglaries can teach you anything as a business owner, it’s that there’s no price tag on high quality alarm systems. Once a burglar notices the presence of surveillance video or commercial security services, they’re much more likely to stop their act before it starts. In fact, according to interviews performed by the Electronic Security Association, 50% of convicted burglars said they would leave a location after spotting cameras or business alarm systems.
If there’s one gift you should give yourself before the holiday season, it’s a great business security system.