Do you know who you’re letting in your home/business?

Posted on: June 21st, 2017 by admin

Do you know who you’re letting in your home/business?

As consumers, we “expect” companies that we do business with to provide some level of personal protection during the course of contact.  Unfortunately, most companies do not do criminal checks.  Those who conduct criminal checks will have no problem telling you that they do – so the message is to “ask”.  If they say no, ask why not.

Many companies still consider background checks as reading resumes and calling prior employees at best.  From utility companies to lawn maintenance, carpet cleaning to repair companies – their employees has access to us, our children, spouses, parents and personal belongings.  Once at our residence, they learn very much about us.  Their employees can see if we have a security system, good locks, a dog, how to get in and out.   They learn if we live alone, have children, if we are married and our schedules.  They know when we may be alone or when the home will be empty and can readily see our valuables, usually through general conversation and just looking around.  They learn a great deal about us very quickly!  What do we know about them?  Usually NOTHING!  While we may know the owner/manager, they are not usually who we deal with.

To be realistic, we need to be aware and pay attention to anyone who has reason to be at our home.  Always ask for the name(s) of who is coming and if they have Identification Cards, uniforms and marked vehicles.  Make it known that you are concerned and would rather do business with a safe company than not.

As you read this, more crimes are being committed:

  • a murder occurs every 35 minutes
  • a violent crime occurs every 6.5 seconds
  • a burglary occurs every 12 seconds
  • a sexual assault occurs every 2 – 3 minutes

There are over 450,000 registered sex offenders in the United States – more than half are not in jail.  They are living in our neighborhoods right now!

Besides being vocal with your service companies, use the following tips to increase your personal safety:

  • Try never to be alone when you are expecting a repair/maintenance or delivery
  • Make it look like you are not alone – 2 coffee cups on table, have a man’s coat visible
  • Have family or a friend over or stop by
  • Don’t let them know you live alone or spouse is away
  • Have someone call you or have a fake conversation within earshot – “Okay, so you’ll be here soon”
  • Don’t display valuables – cash, jewelry, pocketbook, etc.
  • Close a bedroom door and tell service person husband/son is sleeping – not to wake them up
  • Do not provide personal information
  • Make it known that you have an appointment or are expected somewhere shortly
    • You pick the time of day when you are able to Minimize Opportunity
    • Present safety picture

 

Presented by Adam Safeguard/Litigation Discovery

www.adamsafeguard.com

www.litigationdiscovery.com

 

 

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